Craig Conover Just Made a Bold Claim About His Carriage House Restaurant in NYC

Back in March, Austen Kroll just shared a major update on his exciting new venture with his Southern Charm castmate Craig Conover: their "long-anticipated" restaurant opening was finally happening.

“[Carriage House NYC] is opening its doors next week, 3/29! See you there!” Austen proudly proclaimed about the establishment in New York City's West Village, which the pair originally announced in August 2022. The restaurant is spearheaded by chef/owner Chris Maier, owner/operator Philip Testa, and restaurateur/TV personality Jordan Andino.

Since the restaurant's opening, Craig had some exciting news to share about the menu.

Craig Conover makes a bold claim about his NYC restaurant, Carriage House

On September 21, Craig appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen with his Southern Charm castmate Madison LeCroy. Andino was also in attendance at the bar, putting several of the delicious-looking food items from the locale on display.

"I gotta come check out Carriage House," host Andy Cohen declared to an excited Craig who replied, "We'll do dinner!"

After Andy showed his appreciation for the new spot in his neighborhood, Craig then made a proud proclamation about the establishment.

"Best burger in the city! Or...in the state, maybe," Craig exclaimed, causing Andino to proudly clap for the endorsement.

Craig visits Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on September 21, 2023 in New York City. Photo: Bravo

Andy, however, was a bit apprehensive. "I'm gonna be the judge of that. I mean...better than Corner Bistro?" he asked of another West Village hotspot.

"Ten times [better]," Andino claimed, causing Andy to temper the waters just a bit. "Let's calm down here!" Andy exclaimed.

What patrons can expect at Carriage House in NYC

After Craig and Andino spoke highly of the Carriage House menu, Andy had another question: do they serve Austen's beer, Trop Hop, on tap?

"We're trying to get it into New York state...he can't serve in New York right now," Craig shared.

"But we will once it's available!" Andino proclaimed.

Craig continued with an explanation: "The beer business is annoying because there's a bunch of people telling you rules."

Austen Kroll & Craig Conover Are “Super Excited” About a “New Venture” in NYC

On the heels of their announcement last year, Craig and Austen spoke with People magazine about the details. While Austen expressed his excitement for the opening, he admitted he was initially hesitant about taking on the project.

“I was like, ‘I think the bright lights of the West Village are blinding you,’” he recalled telling Craig. “Now we both talk about it all the time. I could not be more excited. I can’t wait for my first meal there — my second, my fifth, my tenth.”

When asked about the decision to open a restaurant in the Big Apple vs. Charleston, the two told the outlet they thought it was a good way to expand their roots,

“Having something in New York City — which Craig and I both love so, so much and we both have aspired to live there — what a cool kind of opportunity to have,” Austen said.