HAGS Restaurant to Close East Village Doors in October
The acclaimed eatery will serve a final brunch on October 18, 2026, before relocating to a larger space in Noho.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Do you prefer that local restaurants stay in their original neighborhood or expand into larger spaces?
The restaurant HAGS will conclude operations at its East Village location at 163 First Avenue on October 18, 2026. The establishment plans to reopen in early 2027 at a new site in Noho.
Why it matters
The move is driven by a need for a larger footprint, with the new location at 334 Bowery expected to accommodate 60 to 70 seats. The owners utilized a good guy clause to terminate their current lease early to facilitate the transition.
The original restaurant location at 163 First Avenue features 20 seats. The transition to the new 334 Bowery site, where construction began in September 2026, allows for a significantly higher capacity of 60 to 70 seats.
The players
HAGS
This is a restaurant known for its acclaimed culinary profile and its upcoming expansion to a larger venue.
Telly Justice
A chef recognized for their culinary excellence who won a James Beard Foundation award in 2023.
The details
Following its final service on October 18, 2026, which includes a pay-what-you-can brunch, HAGS will transition to its new home. The Noho location will shift the dining experience by offering an a la carte menu and a full liquor license, replacing the previous tasting menu format.
Timeline
HAGS opened in the East Village in 2022.
Telly Justice won the James Beard Foundation award in 2023.
The owners signed the lease for the 334 Bowery location in June 2026.
Construction work began on the new Noho space in September 2026.
The final day of operation for the original location is October 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move highlights the ongoing evolution of the New York City dining scene as concepts transition from intimate storefronts to larger, modernized venues. HAGS is following the trend of established local dining institutions seeking expansion along the competitive Bowery corridor.
Diners can visit the original East Village location for a final time during the pay-what-you-can brunch event on October 18, 2026. Once the restaurant moves to Noho, guests should anticipate a shift to an a la carte menu and the availability of a full bar.
The takeaway
The transition of HAGS marks a significant shift from an intimate tasting-menu experience to a larger, more accessible restaurant model. Local patrons should stay tuned for updates regarding the 2027 reopening to experience the new menu format.
What happens next
HAGS 2.0 is currently projected to open at 334 Bowery in January or February 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on the city's food scene in New York City Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eater NY.
Live Poll
Do you prefer that local restaurants stay in their original neighborhood or expand into larger spaces?
