Frankie's 17 Spuntino
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 253-2303
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Stanton Street
- Directions:
- F at Delancey St; J, M, Z at Essex St
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Editorial Review for Frankie's 17 Spuntino – by Erin Behan
The Scene
What owners Frank Castronovo and Falcinelli started in a Carroll Gardens storefront, they've copied in this tiny Lower East Side space. The interior's simplicity--old-time tile floors and exposed brick walls--are part of a charm in which wine, food and atmosphere coalesce into a pleasantly intoxicating dining experience. Who's caught the vibe? Nibblers sharing knee space with older gourmands and downtown neighborhood hoppers looking to escape the scenier parts of the 'hood.
The Food
Move beyond the simplistic sandwiches and too-crusty crostini to the restaurant's signature slow-cooked homestyle dishes. Meatballs in a sweet, fresh tomato sauce; pork bracciola, naked so as to enhance its essence; and homemade gnocchi--none of it amazes, but combined with a well-priced bottle of wine, it pleases in a way that the bigger, flashier restaurants can't. Pair a side of roasted veggies or salad greens in a light vinaigrette, and then finish with a liqueur-soaked tiramasu for maximum satisfaction.
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Insider Tips
When to GoThe restaurant is tiny, so larger parties are not recommended. Peak dinner hours may require a wait.
The ExtrasIf you want to check out the original, head to Brooklyn. That location has more space than its Manhattan cousin, and boasts an outdoor patio.
What to DrinkHouse wine is available by the half-carafe for $12. If you're looking for a bargain, try the full-bodied 2001 Pino Nero from Odero for $34.
User Reviews for Frankie's 17 Spuntino
08/18/2008 Posted by jsscdb
Sorry about all of the exclamation marks, but as you know, as New Yorkers we eat out a lot, and I have yet to find a place I've fallen in love with as much as I have Frankies 17. The prices are great, the wine is terrific, the service is wonderful, the scene is just perfect, and the music, oh the music. I love to listen to the Beatles while I'm eating amazing food at my favorite restaurant on the planet. The cured meats are absolutely amazing. The olives are wonderful, as are the string beans, mushrooms, cheeses, breads, olive oil, gnocchi, the lamb on the winter menu. Really, I could go on and on. I sort of drift off into a trance every time I'm there. The chatter is always loud due to the size, so as you sip you wine, eat your food, chat with your friends, and listen to the music, you sort of drift off in to this happy calm. There really isn't an experience that even come close to this in my opinion.
Pros: Food, wine, staff, food, food, wine, ambiance
Cons: If you get there after 7:00 PM you wind up waiting a while for a table, sometimes an hour, but they'll usually take you cell # and call you when a table is available. Well worth the wait!
