La Lanterna di Vittorio
La Lanterna di Vittorio has been a MacDougal Street institution since 1977, tucked into a landmarked 1820s townhouse a block from Washington Square. It is the rare Village spot that feels genuinely old New York, with four working fireplaces, exposed brick, and a glass-enclosed garden out back that stays cozy year-round.
By day it is a caffe for espresso, thin-crust pizza, and Italian pastries; by night it slides into wine, dessert, and the intimate downstairs jazz club known as the Bar Next Door. It is open late every night, which makes it a favorite for a lingering after-dinner glass.
What to Expect
There is no published happy hour at La Lanterna. Instead, plan around the garden, the fireplaces, and the live jazz downstairs, where the music runs several nights a week.
The Room
A rustic, candlelit caffe across a landmarked Federal-style townhouse, with four fireplaces, exposed brick, and a large glass-enclosed year-round garden. Downstairs, the Bar Next Door is a snug basement jazz club.
Who La Lanterna di Vittorio Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Date night | Fireplaces, dim light, and a garden make it one of the Village’s most romantic caffes. |
| Live jazz | The downstairs Bar Next Door is an intimate, exposed-brick room for first-rate jazz several nights a week. |
| Late-night wine and dessert | Open past midnight nightly, it is built for a lingering glass and tiramisu after dinner. |
| Garden hangout | The glass-enclosed backyard stays comfortable year-round, a rarity for the neighborhood. |
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La Lanterna di Vittorio FAQ
Does La Lanterna di Vittorio have a happy hour?
No happy hour is advertised. The appeal is the garden, the fireplaces, and the downstairs jazz rather than a scheduled deal.
Is there live music at La Lanterna?
Yes. The downstairs Bar Next Door is an intimate jazz club with live sets several nights a week.
What is La Lanterna known for?
Its year-round garden, working fireplaces, Italian desserts and pizza, and its basement jazz room.
How late is La Lanterna open?
It runs late every night, until 1am most nights and 2am on Friday and Saturday.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with La Lanterna di Vittorio before visiting for a specific deal.