This fall, New York restaurateur John McDonald (Lure Fishbar, Bowery Meat Company) debuts Seahorse, a modern seafood restaurant and raw bar driven by global influences and Greenmarket produce.
Helmed by executive chef John Villa, Seahorse brings a fresh, elevated take on coastal dining—anchored by pristine seafood, vibrant crudo, and seasonal ingredients sourced just steps away.
Designed by Rockwell Group, Seahorse opens this September at the corner of Park Avenue South and 17th Street, inside the landmark Guardian Life building at W New York – Union Square.
Mercer Street Hospitality
Founded in 1993 by entrepreneur John McDonald, Mercer Street Hospitality (MSH) is a New York City-based boutique hospitality group with deep roots in the heart of SoHo. What began with the opening of the neighborhood's iconic MercBar has grown into a curated collection of some of downtown Manhattan's most celebrated restaurants and bars — each with its own distinct identity, united by a shared commitment to exceptional food, drink, and genuine hospitality.
Today, MSH owns and operates a diverse portfolio of venues including Lure Fishbar (New York & Chicago), Bowery Meat Company, Bar Mercer, Cha Cha Tang, Smyth Tavern, Galerie Bar, and the recently opened Seahorse at the W New York – Union Square — the group's latest addition. Together, these brands span the full dining spectrum — from coastal seafood and upscale steakhouse dining to neighborhood taverns, wine bars, and inventive cocktail lounges.
For over 30 years, Mercer Street Hospitality has remained grounded in its original ethos: create places people want to return to, again and again.