26 Seats
(212) 677-4787
168 Ave B
New York,
NY
10009
40.7273
-73.9798
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown, Alphabet City
What People Are Saying About 26 Seats
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
This pantry-sized restaurant crams in an unbelievable amount of chairs--26 of them, to be exact, and not one of them the same. A homey handpicked feel prevails throughout, as if the antique-framed photos and teapots filling the space were scavenged from a flea market. Service is a little spacey, with a touch of Gallic indifference, but the perpetual crowds of boisterous neighborhood vets don't seem to mind.
The Food
If the decor has a flea-market vibe, the cooking resembles a French country cafe you'd stop at on the drive home. Crunchy apples contrast against creamy gorgonzola in the mesclun salad, and a delicate puff-pastry keeps a caramelized onion tart unexpectedly light. Entrees, on the other hand, are heavy in the best way, including a thick garlicky rib eye and luscious duck with sweet potatoes. Although it would be hard to go wrong with any of the desserts, the almond cake is a moist, not-too-sweet extravaganza.
User Reviews
lady177812
February 14, 2009
26 Seats has been one of our favorite restaurants since moving here 5 years ago and we go often. Last night's experience will make us think twice about going back. We had an 8 pm reservation and were seated a bit later at 8:25pm - which was completely fine with us, except that there was a 9pm reservation on our table. We had ordered 2 apps, 2 entrees and a bottle of wine and had planned on dessert - enough to buy us a fair 1-1.5 hour meal...The 9pm party was of course impatient which I understand after waiting 30 minutes and they all came in and stood by our table - we agreed (before finishing our last bite of our dinner) to move to another table to finish our bottle of wine. Our waitress did not apologize for making us move, did not offer us dessert or coffee and brought our check while we were still finishing our last glass - the rudest service we've received in a long time. The apps were great (garlic sausages & escargot), but our Duck Confit was undercooked - in an attempt to rush us further. I've worked in a restaurant and I know how important it is to turn tables and I never linger longer than I need if people are waiting, but having reservations on tables 1 hour apart is poor management. Although the food is usually great, we might never go back because the service was so bad. If you want to try the food, my advice - go on a weekday!
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AMandK
February 09, 2009
We eat here often (early) and love the food. We are always surprised every time we come here that we feel like we are in Paris again. On a cold recent evening we were seated right away and served our wine. A big cowboy and his wife came in and had a tough time, I think, acclimating to the fact that there were only 26 seats. I think they moved to 22 of the seats trying to find the right one. The staff really worked with them. I was in awe. We had a lovely meal, too.
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merilerock
March 02, 2008
They fail to tell you, just expect you to know, there is a strict time limit on tables. We were virtually ignored. Customers seated after us were served entrees by the time we had our orders taken. I asked for bread 3 times before it was brought (and it was icy cold inside and hot on the outside). I was still drinking my coffee when we were told to leave because they needed the table. We didn't sign fast enough so the hostess yelled at us. When my friend told her what we thought she started an argument! In order to get up from the table they table has to be wiggled out into the isle. I asked her to finish pulling the table out so I could leave and she refused! The couple at the next table had been contemplating desert but decided to go elsewhere. i suggest you do too.
read full reviewThe Details on 26 Seats
What to Drink:
The mostly French wine list features a good selection of bottles under $30. Try the velvety Les Salices Pinot Noir ($26), which pairs well with the hearty fare.
When to Go:
All 26 seats fill up most nights, so make reservations, or show up right at the opening time.
The Extras:
The entire restaurant is available for private party rentals.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Hidden Find
