Velvet Cowboy, a new cocktail bar inspired by the untamed spirit of the American Southwest and the optimism of the 1970s, opens on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in Fall 2026. The latest from Jacob Hadjigeorgis’ Pickle Hospitality (Jacob’s Pickles, Maison Pickle and Tiki Chick), the bar pays homage to desert landscapes, roadside bars, old motels and vintage Americana. The cocktail program is led by Michael Walters, who brings 15 years of bartending expertise and a mastery of advanced mixological techniques.
Velvet Cowboy is located at 509 Amsterdam Ave. in the original location of Jacob’s Pickles’ flagship restaurant, which is now at 680 Columbus Ave. with double the space. It is the second standalone bar by Pickle Hospitality after Tiki Chick, a beloved tropical-inspired destination on the same block of the Upper West Side.
Velvet Cowboy, a Name Combining Two Different Vibes
“Velvet” suggests a softer element, more sensual and a little psychedelic. It brings the romance, music, and free-love spirit of the 1970s, whereas the “cowboy” represents freedom, independence, and a bit of rebellion.
An Electrifying Mindset of Freedom and Adventure
“Velvet Cowboy is an electrifying mindset,” says Hadjigeorgis, Owner & Founder, Pickle Hospitality. “It’s inspired by the freedom and adventure of the American Southwest—staying out late, meeting new people, listening to great music, and seeing where the night takes you. At its heart, it’s about self-expression, human connection, and enjoying the moment.”
A Playful, Confident, and a Bit Unexpected Cocktail Program
Velvet Cowboy’s cocktail program pairs approachable neighborhood-bar classics with inventive originals and advanced techniques. The menu incorporates ingredients including kola nut, cedar, sweetgrass, honeysuckle, sarsaparilla, and crème fraîche, with highlights such as the Porch Sipper, Watermelon Mojito, Range Rickey, Velvet Vieux, Coffee Boulevardier, and Heartland Margarita.
Fun, Craveable Bar Food with a Bit of Swagger
Created by Culinary Director Chef Steven Yen, Velvet Cowboy’s food menu leans into the bold, nostalgic flavors of American bar culture and the Southwest. Designed to pair with the cocktails and high-energy atmosphere, the $5 menu includes smash burgers, Frito Pie, Texas Chili, Cowboy Fries, Onion Rings, and other playful takes on bar favorites, along with sweets like Lasso Cake and Fried Twinkie.
Transporting Interior Design
The interior design of Velvet Cowboy was a collaboration between Hadjigeorgis and Handwerk Art & Design. The vision was to create something layered and textured, with rugged warm woods, aged leather and weathered iron contrasting with deep velvets, vintage lighting and polished metal.
While the main bar area, seating 40, is awash in sunset oranges, muscle car reds, gold, silver and turquoise, the more intimate back lounge, seating 32, is warmer and red, with velvet, lace and a rose-colored mirror. The bar top was repurposed from the original Jacob’s Pickles, having absorbed years of history, conversations, celebrations and stories.
An Eclectic Playlist Befits a Complex Namesake
The playlist, curated by Hadjigeorgis, is an eclectic mix of Country, Classic Rock, Psychedelic Rock and Disco that evolves over the course of the evening.
Image courtesy of Velvet Cowboy
