Check Out Spacious New Abby Lane from Santos and Co.

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Ah, the old problem of where to dine before an evening at the theatre. One new solution is about to open up in the neighborhood, directly across from the Wang: a two-level, 200-seat restaurant from a team that includes Jason Santos, perpetually blue-haired Hell's Kitchen alum and owner of Blue Inc., which just turned a year old in July. Around then, Santos sat down with Eater to talk about the past year and what's up next, and he alluded to the upcoming restaurant, then tentatively named XYZ. (Now the official name is Abby Lane.) He described the new place, which is set to open this month, as "super fun, American, really crazy, but very approachable and simple."

A peek at a draft of the menu last week confirmed Santos' assertion that it would be approachable and simple, although the "really crazy" part isn't evident yet. Maybe the crazy comes out late at night. For now, though, the menu will easily appeal to diners of all ages - certainly an asset for a theatre district restaurant that is likely to draw families. The dishes are mainly American, leaning in the comfort food direction: cast iron mac and cheese with truffle cream, Maine lobster roll, and individual pizzas all make an appearance.

The space spans two floors, and the current pre-opening set-up emphasizes dining on the ground floor and lounging up above. An employee noted that the upper floor would likely be getting more tables soon, though; they're anticipating a crowd that would necessitate opening up full dining on both floors. In a departure from Santos' blue theme at his first restaurant, the decor at Abby Lane is a cozier beige scheme with lots of cushy couches and armchairs on the second floor, along with a VIP lounge-ish room that will provide seating for larger parties. Both floors feature long bars and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto Tremont Street.

Update: Abby Lane will open this week, according to a Facebook post from Santos.

· Jason Santos's Gorgeous New Restaurant [UrbanDaddy]
· All coverage of Abby Lane on Eater [~EBOS~]