Counter (CLOSED)

(212) 982-5870

105 1st Ave, New York, NY | Directions   10003

40.726678 -73.986177 View Website
Recommend this business?
?
83% 100 69
60 Votes

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photos
Neighborhoods:
Downtown, East Village

Cuisine:
Vegetarian

Price:
$$

Categories:
Wine Bars, Restaurants

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Catering Services:
Restaurant Management
Restaurant Special Features:
Brunch, Dine At The Bar, Family-Friendly Dining, Notable Beer List, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

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At a Glance ?
96% ambiance
“The only nice things about the restaurant were the ambiance, the friendly restaurant host and the organic wines.”
85% dessert
“Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i”
84% drinks
“Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i”
86% food quality
“The French Lentil and Wild Rice Terrine (this is what one of my friends got) was also delicious!”
100% menu variety
“There are numerous other vegeatrain resaurants but a third of the price that are far tastier and have way more delicious options.”
100% overall
“I'm vegetarian, my fiance is not, and Counter is by far our favorite restaurant.”
100% return potential
“But because our entrees were so good, I'd definitely return!”
83% service
“We were not only tended to by an excellent waiter, who though very busy, gave us wonderful service, but also the GM who made sure my birthday dinner was perfect.”
77% value
“and with such a huge wine list I have my work cut out for me.”
35% wait time
“The food was taking a VERY long time so we kept ordering drinks which you would think the restaurant would want but the waitress was quite rude about it.”

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From The Owner of Counter

Eat up: Counter has announced it will close in February of 2011. Counter, the clever little vegetarian bistro, is also an organic wine and…


Follow COUNTERnyc COUNTERnyc COUNTERnyc @COUNTERnyc
Thanks scott! Reply Retweet Favorite Jul 17, 2011
 

Tips for Counter

4.0
April 05, 2011

Good Vegan. I'm a vegan and pretty picky when it comes to my food but this place did it right. Prices are reasonable depending on what your getting but not too bad. Thanks to the new chef I have to say that this place is an excellent vegan spot that I will returning to shortly.

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5.0
May 29, 2010

Wonderful Evening. Had a terrific meal at Counter tonight. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend the beet and arugula salads. Pomme frites were top notch paired with a harissa mayo and homemade ketchup; especially loved the raw cheesecake dessert. Prices are reasonable and am very fussy about coffee and theirs is the best! Service was attentive yet not intrusive and our server, Kirstin was knowledgeable and helpful - going back next week.

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5.0
March 23, 2010

Lots of counter space. I had first visited Counter as a vegan while in college, many years ago (vague, as I am not trying not to date myself), and I must admit, because of this previously underwhelming experience, I was hesitant to return. However, upon hearing that they had a new chef and revamped menu, I decided to try it again, now as a vegetarian. Honestly, I felt stupid for not trying Counter sooner, after sampling several amazing "small plates" including intelligent pairings of quinoa, brussel sprouts with goat cheese, as well as a main course of seitan that changed my life. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, service was impeccable, and not once did we feel rushed. The vegan dessert selection trumps any other vegan dessert in the city and includes home made vegan ice creams and small cakes. Overall, Counter has been one of the best vegetarian experiences I have had in the city, and I now pledge to make it one of my regulars.

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1.0
March 08, 2010

Sustainable In Name Only. What self-respecting vegetarian who cares about animal rights, "organics" and "sustainability" would eat in a restaurant that covers all its furniture in dead animal skin? Uch! I mentioned the seemingly perverse "oversight?" of universally leather-upholstered furnishings to the host and he simply giggled, shrugged and muttered something like, "Well, maybe its fake leather." Wink wink. Is this place a sociological case study in the stupidity of well-intentioned New Yorkers???

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1.0
January 29, 2010

Bland and Overpriced. I came here with a friend who thought I might enjoy the food because of the menu (I'm vegan). But I found the food boring and way too "earthy" for me. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.

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5.0
January 21, 2010

Great Place for Groups. What a great place to unwind the knots that were so tightly bound throughout the week...I was in need of a big glass of anything alcoholic and some food to fill the longing belly after a few stressfilled day. Although my arm was just about to give up after 2.5 hours of straight writing, I pulled it together to come here with ~11 awesome individuals.

Counter was not expecting such a large group of people on a Thursday night but they worked their magic and quickly assembled a table to accommodate our party :)

I've been wanting to come here since I pass by everyday and I was not disappointed! How serendipitous that I would come during Rioja restaurant week where I only had to order a delicious cauliflower salad small plate to get a glass of organic Rioja together for 12$...I was sold! And I loved sharing every bite and every sip of that Rioja was priceless

The waiter we had was a little slow but maybe he was new and couldn't handle such a big group of demanding people :) I guess he deserved the 20% included tip @ the end.

I also tried their grilled eggplant with pomogranate seeds, and their mushroom leek flat bread.. like Pure Food and Wine, but I commend their creativity and their use of organic produce was delightful :)

It has been over 2 years since the day I transplanted to NYC from PA:)....and I would never thought I would survive the 1st year.

I am so grateful to have met more of these wonderful people and looking forward for a life in NYC if it'll continue to have me!

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5.0
January 21, 2010

Best Vegetarian in Manhattan. Awesome quality vegetarian cuisine. Great organic / sustainable wine list. Attentive service. Interior of the restaurant is beautiful. A truly amazing experience!

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5.0
September 02, 2009

Great Food!. I love the food here. Everything is fresh and healthy and prepared in interesting and creative ways. The flavors are spot-on. Their desserts and especially their cocktails merit mention as well. I have heard people complain that the portions are on the small side and the place is a bit pricey. All true,. However, That's when you remind yourself that there is a cost to cooking totally FRESH food from LOCAL ORGANIC producers. I commend them and I loooooove their food.

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1.0
August 27, 2009

horrible as ever!!. Tried Counter for the last time the other night. It was my birthday night and I was eaten alive by bites on our legs in the seats.... yeah- and after my friend told me they were leather!!!!!!!!!!! leather seats in a vegetarian restaurant??? By the rash on my legs and my experience with bed b_gs before... I think the restaurant has an infestation.

The food was fine (although whom I found out later was the owner) but the person seating us with her mouth full of food was strange at best. After she sat us she yelled at one of her servers for not seating us fast enough. She then returned to the bar to eat her food and drink wine... then returned back to the floor to try to help someone. Someone should help her? A busboy whom didn't smile and took our plates away before we were done... was very disruptive. Our server whom was nice (thin female- sorry no name) had to apologize three times for her work mates actions.

Again the food was fine- with all the other mistakes... it seams domed to fail VERY soon. Good luck.

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5.0
July 31, 2009

Cudos to Counter. I don't know how I happened upon Counter? I live in upstate NY and rarely venture to New York City. My friends live in the East Village and on a hot sweaty night we popped into Counter and had a wonderfully surprising evening. Most vegetarian restaurants have very little alcohol, which I love, and unimaginative food, but Counter had both in abundance. I dream about their heirloom tomato and watermelon salad. Check it out. It was an awesome surprise.

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