Yerba Buena Perry Street

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Josh Ozersky

Joined 5 years ago

Chic but casual downtown Latino eatery.. At his origincal Yerba Buena in the East Village, Julian Medina's combination of cocktails and full-bodied Latino cookery was a big hit, leading him to open a second outpost in the West Village. The latter is larger, sleeker and better looking, with an even stronger focus on the large bright bar that dominates the room. Given the colorful cocktails that come out of it, this makes sense, but the generic beige and cream decor seems dull by comparison. On the other hand, Medina's spicy cooking style and his addition of an Argentine steak menu and a number of creative ceviches help to ensure that the food won't be thrown too much in the shadow.