Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Price Range $$$
It’s become an annual tradition of mine to visit my friends in New York City on Thanksgiving. As part of this visit, we always find our way to the Gramercy Tavern. Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted by the wonderful smell of a wood fire – something unexpected in Manhattan. The restaurant is washed in a blaze of fall colors from the painted tapestry design bordering the upper walls in the tavern to the rich dark wood of the bar, stools and tables. Wonderful smells and sounds flow from the open kitchen. Depending on where you’re seated you can either enjoy views of the street or see into the kitchen and the open hearth ablaze with foods being prepared near the fire. The hostess greets you with a warm smile while offering to take your coat.
The service this year unfortunately was not as “exceptional” as we experienced in years past. We plan to arrive at the restaurant as it opens, noon sharp. No reservations are taken in the tavern but the tavern is where you must be. Although we were the second party seated, the tavern quickly filled to capacity over a period of twenty minutes. Drink order were delivered promptly. Our menu orders were also taken. After patiently waiting more than 45 minutes we questioned our waitress. She was pleasant but excused the delay due to the kitchen being overwhelmed with the capacity crowd. After an hour of waiting our waitress returned again apologizing. Shortly after which the restaurant manager appeared apologizing and saying our courses would be complimentary due to the wait. Our appetizers came and were exceptional as usual – shortly followed by our equally exceptional main courses.
As an additional offering from the restaurant manager, she returned to ensure our meals were satisfactory along with a bag full of Gramercy cookies – there were mini cookies of exceptional quality – should be bagged and sold at the hostess station! As far as we are concerned, despite the delay in receiving our meals the staff did their best to rectify the problem.
If you find yourself in Manhattan, make it a point to visit the Gramercy Tavern. Parking is available on the street. Enjoy one of the unique cocktails created by the bar.
Filed under: Recommendations, Review , Gramercy, Gramercy Tavern, Manhattan, New York, New York City, Restaurant, Tavern
