Light Horse Tavern

05/02/09

Great Atmosphere, Good Food

by c_f_d at Citysearch

I am really surprised to read all of the negative reviews about Light Horse, as I have never had anything less than a pleasant experience when dining here.

I have found the waitstaff to be very helpful and friendly (my husband and I are vegan and they are always willing to cater to us), the food excellent (my entire non-vegan family agrees!), and the atmosphere to be warm and inviting. Both times that I have eaten here it has been with a large group at dinner time. Everyone loved their meal, and the waiters handled my large family well (a baby included). The atmosphere is so cozy that I think we always stick around a little longer than necessary!

• Pros: Vegetarian Friendly, Ambiance, Friendly Service
• Cons: A little pricey

01/01/09

TOO BAD!

by NathanJCohen at Citysearch

I used to love the Lighthorse, but I have to agree with the other reviewers that the food has drastically decreased in quality. Concomitant to this problem, the prices remain the same. Thus the overall experience is sour. I went in October of 2008 and was served a steak so coated in thick cheese that the meat was completely lost. Today, I attempted to try the menu again but it took nearly 1:30 for the food to be served. When it arrived, everything was cold (who wants cold egg dishes). There was no explanation other than being under staffed. I have an immense problem with that logic though, because when a top notch restaurant is understaffed, they normally reduced the seating. This may mean turning people away or having a long wait, but it does enhance the quality of those that do eat. Instead, they packed it full. All of the features that used to define the lighthorse (innovating cuisine, friendly service, etc..) have disappeared. This restaurant has sadly run its course. It subsists now on locals who cannot get over how far its fallen, and those who remember a good experience from a couple years back. So sad.

• Pros: Decor, bar area, historical artefacts
• Cons: Food, prices, service

06/28/08

High prices, bad food, avoid ...

by PaulusHook at Citysearch

The good:

Excellent bar and bar staff - especially Lou and James - the other various girls, not so much. The drinks are big and well made as long as Lou and James are involved. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. Classic menu items like the Tavern Burger and the fish n chips are tasty and good values. The interior is gorgeous and well thought out - the outside dining is a great option in the spring and fall. The owners Ron and Bill are genuinely interested and involved in the customer experience, often moving from table to table asking for feedback and making acquaintance ...

The bad:

Hate to say it, but the food stinks. This place has changed chefs several times and the current regime isn't qualified to run the fryers at York Street (crappy dive bar 2 blocks over). It pains me even more to say this because the food used to be the high point - the tuna tartare, the BBQ flank steak, the monkfish, the mussels and others ... I have spent thousands of dollars on food and drinks here, but the last 4 dinners have been sent back - there are too many other options locally to give these guys another chance.

The Ugly:

Too crowded with bankers and traders from Goldman et al., Light Horse has traded its neighborhood feel for a manhattanesque swagger. Lump in the low quality of the execution of the menu with the sky-high prices, and its a very poor value for the money.

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• Pros: Bar, drinks, outside seating, live music on Mondays
• Cons: terrible food, inconsistent service, value for $$$