New York

Restaurants for Lease in New York

Review restaurant spaces for lease, second-generation build-outs, assignments, and subleases in New York.

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Restaurants for Lease in New York

Restaurant spaces, subleases, and second-generation lease opportunities nearby.

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Turnkey Restaurant / Bar In The Heart Of Midtown
New
Full Restaurant
4 photos
For Lease
Contact for price
7 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA1,500 sq ft
  • Bar Area
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
  • Full Liquor Permit
Multi-Use Full Restaurant for Lease in Mid Island, Staten Island, NY – 6,500 SF
New
Full Restaurant
10 photos
For Lease
$10,833/mo
NNN Lease
2 Minthorne St, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA6,500 sq ft
  • Bar Area
  • Turnkey
  • Immediate Move-In
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Full Restaurant for Lease in Massapequa, NY – 2,504 SF
New
Full Restaurant
7 photos
For Lease
$3.92/sq ft
NNN Lease
555 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758, USA2,504 sq ft
  • Parking
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Restaurant for Lease
New
Full Restaurant
11 photos
For Lease
$3.96/sq ft
2807 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA2,400 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Full Restaurant for Lease in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY – 1,500 SF
New
Full Restaurant
9 photos
For Lease
$7,250/mo
Gross Lease
340 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA1,500 sq ft
  • Outdoor
  • Bar Area
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
Freestanding Drive-Thru Restaurant Opportunity
New
Drive Thru
For Lease
$15,000/mo
NNN Lease
1115 Middle Country Rd, Selden, NY 11784, USA1,000 sq ft
  • Drive-Thru
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Fast Casual for Lease in Manhattan, New York, NY – 3,800 SF
New
Fast Casual
2 photos
For Lease
$37,500/mo
101 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA3,800 sq ft
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Restaurant for Lease
New
Full Restaurant
2 photos
For Lease
$35,000/mo
97 Washington St, New York, NY 10006, USA8,600 sq ft
  • Bar Area
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Restaurant for Lease
New
Full Restaurant
2 photos
For Lease
$33,000/mo
Long Term
9 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA2,000 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Immediate Move-In
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Non Hooded for Lease in Manhattan, New York, NY – 1,000 SF
New
Non Hooded
2 photos
For Lease
Contact for price
250 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA1,000 sq ft
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • 3-Comp Sink
Restaurant for Lease
New
Full Restaurant
2 photos
For Lease
$25,000/mo
1410 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA2,000 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
279
CHURCH STREET
New
Full Restaurant
2 photos
For Lease
$23,000/mo
279 Church St, New York, NY 10013, USA1,875 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • 3-Comp Sink
Restaurant/Bar For Lease
New
Full Restaurant
7 photos
For Lease
Contact for price
151 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022, USA3,000 sq ft
  • Bar Area
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
Restaurant for Lease at 149 East 57th Street
New
Full Restaurant
6 photos
For Lease
Contact for price
149 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022, USA7,500 sq ft
  • Bar Area
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
Prime Corner Turnkey Restaurant | Upper East Side
Full Restaurant
6 photos
For Lease
$25,000 - $40,000/mo
NNN LeaseLong Term
1559 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA1,100-2,900 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Immediate Move-In
  • Full Liquor License
Prime Corner Space in Long Island City
Full Restaurant
4 photos
For Lease
$12,000 - $20,000/mo
NNN LeaseLong Term
New York, NY1,317 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Immediate Move-In
Prime Corner Restaurant for Sale
Full Restaurant
6 photos
For Lease
$20,000 - $32,000/mo
Modified GrossLong Term
1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA2,800 sq ft
  • Outdoor
  • Bar Area
  • Walk-In Cooler
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Turnkey
  • Equipment Included
Prime Upper East Side Restaurant
Fast Casual
4 photos
For Lease
$8,000 - $15,000/mo
Modified GrossLong Term
1631 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA1,000 sq ft
  • Walk-In Freezer
  • Equipment Included
  • Warm Shell
21 W 35 | Newly Renovated Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
Bar Lounge
4 photos
For Lease
$20,000 - $45,000/mo
NNN LeaseLong Term
21 W 35th St, New York, NY 10018, USA2,000 sq ft
  • Turnkey
  • Immediate Move-In
  • Fully Furnished
  • Full Liquor License
Multi-Use Bar Lounge for Lease in Smithtown, NY – 4,100 SF
Bar Lounge
4 photos
For Lease
$2.92/sq ft$1,189/mo
NNN LeaseLong Term
43 E Main St, Smithtown, NY 11787, USA4,100 sq ft
  • 3-Comp Sink
Full Restaurant for Lease in Mount Vernon NY
Full Restaurant
9 photos
For Lease
$2.86/sq ft
NNN LeaseLong Term
6 Gramatan Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA3,500 sq ft
  • Outdoor
  • Turnkey
  • Grease Trap
  • 3-Comp Sink
  • Hood: Type 1
Full Restaurant for Lease in Manhattan, New York, NY – 1,500 SF
Full Restaurant
For Lease
$10/sq ft
NNN LeaseLong Term
930 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA1,500 sq ft
  • Hood: Type 1

Market Context

Understanding the NY Market

New York is the second largest restaurant market in the United States by sales and the most concentrated by far. The five boroughs of New York City alone generate over $50 billion in annual restaurant sales across roughly 25,000 establishments. Add the Hudson Valley, Long Island, Westchester, the Capital Region, and Western New York and the state has more independent restaurants per capita than any other in the country.

Lease rates and acquisition prices vary more dramatically across New York than any other US state. Prime Manhattan corridors like Madison Avenue, Soho, and the Meatpacking District command $150 to $250 per square foot annually. Brooklyn submarkets like Williamsburg and Park Slope run $80 to $140. Queens, the Bronx, and most of Upstate New York sit between $25 and $70 per square foot. Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse offer lease rates from $18 to $42, among the most accessible in the Northeast.

Every New York restaurant transaction involving alcohol requires SLA (State Liquor Authority) license review. New York's licensing regime is among the most complex in the country, with separate license types for on-premises, off-premises, beer and wine only, and special restaurant or hotel licenses. Liquor license transfers can take 90 to 180 days, materially longer than most states, and quota restrictions in dense submarkets make existing licenses valuable assets in transactions.

Local Links

Nearby Markets

New York restaurant opportunities span four distinct regional markets, each with different entry costs, demographics, and buyer demand.

  • New York City (Manhattan): Manhattan is the most expensive restaurant real estate market in the United States. Prime corridors command $150 to $250 per square foot and the highest revenue per square foot of any market in the world. Concepts here either capture the Manhattan customer base profitably or get crushed by occupancy cost. There is no middle ground.
  • Brooklyn and Queens: Brooklyn and Queens together house more independent restaurants than any other US borough or county. Williamsburg, Park Slope, Astoria, Long Island City, and Flushing produce some of the most influential food cultures in the country. Lease rates run $50 to $140, well below Manhattan, with stronger neighborhood loyalty.
  • Buffalo and Rochester: Buffalo and Rochester are the most accessible major restaurant markets in New York State. Lease rates start from $18 per square foot. Both cities have growing independent food scenes and lower entry costs than any other Northeast metro of comparable size, with food and beverage cultures rooted in distinct local traditions.
  • Albany and Syracuse: Albany serves the state government, two universities, and a year round professional class. Syracuse anchors Central New York around Syracuse University and is a logistics and healthcare hub. Both markets offer accessible lease rates from $20 to $44 per square foot and steady year round local demand without the seasonality of resort markets.

Tenant Guide

How to Lease Restaurant Space in New York

Confirm the space fit

Compare hood, grease trap, walk-in, seating, patio, parking, utilities, and build-out condition before touring.

Review the lease path

Ask whether the opportunity is a direct lease, assignment, sublease, or turnkey build-out with existing restaurant infrastructure.

Check approvals

Confirm landlord consent, use approvals, health permits, alcohol licensing, signage, and local inspections for the address.

Model opening costs

Compare base rent, NNN, tenant improvements, equipment needs, deposits, and permit costs before submitting an offer.

For Owners & Brokers

Why Use Pepperlot to Find Restaurants for Lease in New York

Built exclusively for restaurant real estate.

Restaurant Only Listings

Every listing on Pepperlot is a restaurant or F&B space. No warehouses, offices, or unrelated commercial properties diluting your New York search.

Restaurant Specific Listing Fields

Hood systems, grease traps, walk-in coolers, SLA permits, alcohol licenses, seating capacity, patio availability. The details that drive restaurant decisions are in every listing.

New York Market Intelligence

Cuisine gap analysis, demographic data, and competitive landscape information for New York. Make a more informed decision before committing capital or signing a lease.

Confidential Listings

Some of the best New York restaurant opportunities are listed confidentially. Pepperlot gives you access to off market opportunities not available on general platforms.

Interior of a RestaurantContract Document with Pen

Platform

How to Lease a Restaurant Space in New York

A step-by-step approach to acquiring your next location.

Browse Active Spaces

Filter New York restaurant spaces by submarket, size, lease rate, and specific features like hood systems, grease traps, outdoor seating, and existing SLA license eligibility. Every listing includes the operational details that matter for restaurant tenants.

Identify Second Generation Opportunities

Second generation restaurant spaces save $150,000 to $500,000 in build out costs. Confirm the existing hood type, grease trap capacity, plumbing condition, and electrical capacity match your concept's requirements before committing.

Contact the Landlord or Broker

Each listing displays the contact details for the landlord or listing broker. Reach out directly. Ask for the lease term, base rent, CAM charges, NNN structure, tenant improvement allowance, and any operational restrictions. New York landlords vary significantly in flexibility.

Negotiate Lease Terms

New York restaurant lease rates range from $18 to $250 per square foot annually. Negotiate beyond just the base rent. Personal guarantee structure, free rent periods, tenant improvement allowance, and renewal options often have more economic impact than base rent reductions.

About PepperLot

Built for Restaurant Space Search in New York

PepperLot organizes restaurant space searches around the details tenants need in New York: build-out condition, hood, grease trap, seating, rent structure, and permit context.

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Interior of a Restaurant
man holding 'sold' sign

Our Team

Restaurant Leasing Focus

Our team focuses on restaurant real estate so tenants, landlords, and brokers can compare restaurant space opportunities without general commercial listing noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are restaurant lease rates in New York?

New York restaurant lease rates span the widest range in the country. Prime Manhattan corridors run $150 to $250 per square foot annually. Brooklyn and Queens prime neighborhoods run $80 to $140. Other NYC, Westchester, and Long Island markets typically range from $45 to $90. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany sit between $18 and $50 per square foot.

What is a good guy guarantee?

A good guy guarantee is a personal guarantee structure standard in New York City commercial leases. The tenant remains personally liable for rent until they vacate and surrender the space in good condition with notice. It is typically less burdensome than a full personal guarantee but still meaningful, and is essentially universal in NYC restaurant leases.

What is a second generation restaurant space in New York?

A second generation restaurant space is one that previously operated as a restaurant and retains the hood system, grease trap, plumbing, and venting in place. In New York City, second generation spaces also typically have a Place of Assembly certificate and existing Department of Buildings approvals, which can save 6 to 12 months of permitting versus a new buildout.

How long do New York restaurant lease negotiations take?

Manhattan and Brooklyn leases routinely take 60 to 120 days from LOI to signed lease, longer than most US markets. The combination of complex deal terms, building approvals, board reviews in some cases, and personal guarantee negotiation all add time. Upstate New York leases more often close in 30 to 60 days.

Do I need an SLA license to lease a restaurant space in New York?

If your concept will serve alcohol, yes. The SLA issues on-premises, beer and wine, and special restaurant licenses. Some New York leases include the existing license in the assignment. Others require the tenant to apply separately, which can take 90 to 180 days. Confirm license status with both the landlord and SLA before signing.

Can I list a restaurant for lease anywhere in New York on Pepperlot?

Yes. Pepperlot covers every major New York market. Listing is free, and confidential options are available for landlords replacing struggling tenants without alerting current staff or the broader market.