New York's Hunkiest DJ-Turned-Pitmaster Has Just Opened A "Meat Speakeasy"

"Hot off the grill" is certainly an understatement when it comes to New York's favorite DJ-slash-BBQ guru, Franco V. Known for heating things up at the acclaimed Fort Gansevoort, Franco has teamed up with industry vets Nathan Lithgow (Café Altro Paradiso, Sauvage) and restaurateur Matt Abramcyk (Smith & Mills, Yves, Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs) to take carnivores to church. Almost literally.

Holy Ground is a new Tribeca eatery and self-proclaimed "meat speakeasy" named for the neighborhood's surprising history. In the 1700s, the gritty area was once entirely owned by Trinity Church and, as such, was deemed "the holy ground." Now, it's a heaven for meat-lovers.

Situated below Abramcyk's other new hot spot, A Summer Day Café, Holy Ground serves as a subterranean take on the classic steakhouse - dim (ahem, sexy) lighting, vintage wallpaper, and luxe red leather booths. Sanctioned off into distinct dining areas, including the Chapel Room, Bunny’s Hideaway, and Foxy’s Lair, it has all the makings of a cool kid haunt, with some pre-prohibition inspired cocktails thrown in.

Franco and Executive Chef Tadd Johnson have created quite the juicy menu, which features dishes scorched and displayed tableside, such as Beef Ribs, Kurobuta Pork Shoulder and Brisket, pulled and sliced to share. There's also "The Thousand Dollar Steak," a 30 day dry aged bone-in ribeye that will actually only run you about $130.

Click through for a look inside - and start praying for a table.

Holy Ground, 112 Reade St.

[Franco V. by Max Lakner/BFA][Photo by Henry Hargreaves courtesy Holy Ground]