Bar Sylvestro opened quietly at the end of October, located directly beside Urbano Cafe’s dining room (bonus points if you can name what this was some years ago), and it already feels like it has been there for years—in the best way. Created by the Heidari brothers, the group behind Las Palmas, Bowen House, St. Martin’s Wine Bistro, and Mike’s Gemini Twin, the bar reflects the same strengths that define their other projects: comfort, polish, and an instinct for how people actually want to spend an evening.
The room is intentionally restrained. Lighting stays low, music stays soft, and the space is filled with small tables rather than a crowded bar. There are no bar stools, a subtle choice that shifts the focus away from quick drinks and toward lingering conversation. It’s a setting designed for couples, small groups, and long nights that unfold slowly rather than loudly.
For now, Bar Sylvestro serves Urbano Cafe’s full Italian menu, giving guests access to familiar, well-executed dishes that feel right at home in the space. Pastas and antipasti anchor the experience, offering comforting flavors that pair easily with wine and cocktails. Over time, the bar plans to introduce its own pared-down food menu, which should further define Sylvestro’s identity while keeping the kitchen’s strengths intact.
The drinks program is where Sylvestro quietly shines. Cocktails are inventive but controlled, built around balance instead of novelty. Wine lovers will find a thoughtfully curated list with unexpected inclusions, including a red from a Sicilian vineyard that survived phylloxera—an unusual and conversation-starting pour. Even more notable is the pricing: bottle and glass markups are refreshingly modest, encouraging guests to explore rather than hesitate.
A first visit is best approached simply. Start with a cocktail to set the tone, then move into wine with dinner. The Sicilian red is worth seeking out, especially alongside richer pasta dishes. Sharing a few antipasti, ordering a bowl of pasta each, and opening a bottle feels like the ideal rhythm here.
Located at 1410 North Fitzhugh Avenue, Bar Sylvestro, its appeal lies in how naturally it fits into its neighborhood and how confidently it delivers a calm, well-considered experience. For anyone looking for a place to talk, drink well, and stay a little longer than planned, Sylvestro already feels like a sure thing.
