The DL, located on the corner of Delancey and Ludlow, opened its doors last month in the former space of The Ludlow Manor. The goal of this new restaurant venture is to bring “high quality food and a new experience to the Lower East Side.” The 3-level intimate eatery has an upscale lounge appeal with vaulted ceilings with intricate metalwork, hanging crystal chandeliers, and high-backed leather booths lining the wall opposite their spacious bar. The DL is an ideal restaurant for those looking to grab a casual drink, the perfect spot for a dinner date, or for a post-club, late night snack. Executive Chef Wesley Wobles has created an internationally-influenced tapas menu that will be offered to diners every night of the week until 3 a.m. Wesley’s small plate dishes encompass every corner of the globe and represents nearly every ethnicity while he simultaneously “reimagine[s] comfort food with a modern twist.” No matter your palate, finicky or adventurous, The DL offers something for everyone.

Last night, Joonbug stopped in to sample an array of the eatery’s best dishes and enjoy some cocktails. Currently, the official cocktail menu is under construction but we had the opportunity to knock back a few of The DL’s champagne cocktail made with passion fruit puree and a dash of cayenne pepper. Served in a martini glass, this cocktail is subtle and refreshing with an added kick given by the cayenne pepper. Besides drinks, Executive Chef Wesley kept the dishes flowing out from the kitchen and we got to enjoy a large portion of the menu.

Tapas dishes are perfect for sharing so whether you’re out with a group of friends or a new love interest go to The DL and enjoy these must-try dishes:

Truffle Pops ($12): risotto ball pops made with white truffle oil and black truffle shavings served in a white wine tomato broth.

Grilled Cheese ($12): humboldt Fog, a goat’s milk cheese from Humboldt County, California, is served on twelve-grain bread and paired with a small cup of heirloom tomato soup.

Lobster Crack ($16): succulent lobster claws and lobsters that have been steamed in Vermouth.

PB & J ($13): is not your average slider and it’s easy to see why this is one of The DL’s most popular dishes. The “PB” stands for pork belly and the “J” for guava jam. The slider is topped with red cabbage coleslaw and a side of homemade fries and banana ketchup, a Caribbean staple.

Rice Crispy Crusted Monkfish ($15): is a newly added addition to the menu. The monkfish cooked in lobster broth is served with sautéed vegetables, pureed coconut, and a green curry sauce.

Don’t skip out on desserts. All of The DL desserts are made with a limited amount of sugar so they’re on the healthier side. All of the ice cream and sorbets served on their dessert menu are made in house using a blender with a 10 horse power motor. Make sure to ask what the ice cream and sorbet flavors of the day are. Monday’s flavors were a dairy- and sugar-free chocolate ice cream rolled in chopped hazelnuts as well as a black currant sorbet garnished with Poprocks. As Executive Chef Wesley explained, the Poprocks add a sensation that feel as though you just ate a 9-volt battery. That extra jolt pairs very well with the sweet and tart black currant flavor. All desserts are priced at 10 dollars.