Craftbar
New York, NY 10003-1210
Phone: (212) 461-4300
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 19th Street and 20th Street
- Directions:
- R, W at 23rd St
- Hours:
- Su 10a-10p, M-W 12p-10p, Th-F 12p-11p, Sa 10a-11p
Editorial Review for Craftbar – by Erin Behan
The Scene
A boisterous bar--filled with a convivial after-work crowd enjoying impeccably poured cocktails--gives way to a spacious room filled with wooden tables and banquettes. The diners, many fresh from the board room, mimic the upscale casual bar crowd. Service is overly attentive one minute and absent the next.
The Food
To miss the cheese "fondue," melted pecorino that's gently sweetened with honey and hazelnuts, would be a shame. Appetizers follow this rich path. The pan-roasted foie gras benefits from a side of licorice root and figs; the grilled octopus, however, is nearly overwhelmed by its accompaniment of spicy chorizo. In-season vegetables make entrees sing: the crisp new peas, earthy summer truffles and rhubarb enliven the baked king salmon, and stinging nettles add bite to the tender Chatham cod. The nicely cooked rabbit gets extra points for its tender side of gnocchi. For dessert, bread pudding fans shouldn't miss an opportunity for the real deal.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list is lengthy and comprehensive, but don't miss the often-changed specialty cocktails, which are always delicious.
User Reviews for Craftbar
05/19/2008 Posted by theeasykill30
Honestly, I expected more from Craftbar. The food was not bad but not great. I expected to be enthralled by Craftbar but instead I was highly underwhelmed. The food is decent but it's not worth what you pay. I think what Mr. Colicchio was going for - elegant yet casual dining - just doesn't work.
Cons: over-priced, small portion sizes
04/10/2008 Posted by maddylocks
Had one of the friendliest bartenders take care of me one early Monday evening. Perhaps that was because he was about to get off work soon, but he still managed to help us decide on a great beer and appetizer before leaving, kept our waters refilled until his shift was over, and told us to pass our tip onto the next bartender instead of trying to close our bill. I even offered to leave him a tip but he wouldn't take it! Now onto the food... had the salt-cod brandade and polenta fries. Salt cod was okay, but the toast that came with it was over-toasted and too big to eat with any shred of dignity -- there were breadcrumbs all over the bar and myself. Polenta fries were good right when we got them but quickly got cold and dry. Didn't really bother to eat a full meal... there are better ways to spend my money.
Pros: friendly service, decent wine/beer selection
Cons: mediocre food
