Commerce Inn Tavern Opens In Iconic West Village Location

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — In the past month, acclaimed chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi quietly opened their latest venture in the Village — Commerce Inn located at 50 Commerce Street, between Barrow and Bedford Streets.

Sodi and Williams also operate Via Carota in the West Village together. Additionally, Sodi runs I Sodi at 105 Christopher Street, and Williams is the chef and owner of the equally successful Buvette at 42 Grove Street.

The two chef's new eatery on Commerce Street is a departure from their usual Italian cuisine.

Instead, The Commerce Inn is a "Shaker-inspired early American tavern and cookery" that looks to honor the "history and architecture of the 1900's West Village."

Shakers are a religious sect that had guiding principles of simplicity, utility, and honesty, and reflected their beliefs in things like their furniture and cuisine.

"With a focus on fresh and straightforward fare inspired by heritage recipes: piquant pickled oysters in bread and butter brine, comforting rarebit, fortifying pot pies and uncomplicated vegetables, our menu is always prepared simply and served casually with a spirit of care and warmth," reads a section on the Commerce Inn's website.

The tavern also has a bar with a small cocktail list.

The 50 Commerce Street location has a long history in the Village, operating as a speakeasy out of a carriage house during Prohibition before serving as the home to multiple restaurants in the decades since, according to Eater NY.

For the majority of that period, it was Blue Mill Tavern.

The Commerce Inn Instagram page posted on Nov. 24 that the restaurant was now open.

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You can find out more about the new West Village restaurant on its website.