The Lower East Side’s Favorite Neighborhood restaurant

Cactus Wren is designed to be a welcoming and fun space for all types of occasions, from casual meals to special gatherings. The interior is light and airy, with neutral tones and large windows that offer views of the vibrant Lower East Side. The food at this à la carte wine bar is indulgent yet unpretentious, with creative takes on classic dishes, and the wine list is forward-thinking, featuring young, sustainable producers from lesser-known regions. The atmosphere is laid-back and community-driven, making it the perfect spot for a good meal and great company.

Chefs and longtime friends Samuel Clonts and Raymond Trinh first met as young cooks in Arizona, working at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, before Clonts moved to New York in 2011 to train at Chef’s Table Brooklyn Fare. When an opportunity arose, he urged Trinh to join him, prompting Trinh to sell his belongings and move to Brooklyn, where they continued their culinary journey together at the acclaimed kaiseki restaurant Uchu, where Clonts earned his first Michelin star at age 26.

After years of honing their craft in both the kitchen and front of house, the duo opened Sixty Three Clinton in 2021, known for its refined yet playful tasting menu.

With Cactus Wren, they’re taking a new approach—moving away from structured tasting menus to create a more flexible, community-driven experience with an inventive à la carte menu. It’s a natural fit for the Lower East Side—unpretentious, high-energy, and built for people who just love to eat.