Shorty's 32
(212) 375-8275
199 Prince St
New York,
NY
10012
40.7266
-74.0025
Neighborhoods: Downtown, SoHo
What People Are Saying About Shorty's 32
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
"Shorty" is chef-owner Josh Eden, who received the nickname while working at JoJo, and the numeric portion of the restaurant's awkward name refers to the number of seats in his Soho spot. Despite a ceiling hung with living room lampshades, the homey allure comes more from the cozy room's friendly buzz, the cordial staff and the fragrant smells that waft from the kitchen.
The Food
Seasonally changing menus of New American fare are de rigueur these days, but under Eden's supreme guidance, the dishes on this one command attention with fresh, homespun details. Bright red pomegranate seeds and crisp bacon bits perk up grilled shrimp; homemade cavatelli with wild mushrooms induces earthy nirvana; gruyere broth is poured over flaky cod, caramelized onions and Swiss chard to create something like a deconstructed French onion soup. Though more ordinary, desserts like chocolate bread pudding with caramelized bananas make for a sweetly satisfying send-off.
Hits: Eden's elegant dishes prove comfort food can be homey without being homely.
Misses: The borderline-tacky lampshades and sports-bar-like name feel like afterthoughts.
User Reviews
cheflover99
January 23, 2009
When writing a review one takes the time to share their experience with others. Reviews can be both negative or positive. The review dated 01/03/09 by musicmuse04 shows another approach. As a regular customer I have never experienced any rudeness on the part of the staff and least of all the chef. The restaurant and it's staff bring me back for one reason, warmth. Having worked in the restaurant business for 20 years, I have seen my share of the good, the bad and the ugly. Shorty's32 has always been consistent for great food at fair prices. The staff has always made me feel at home. Upon reading the review by musicmuse04 I couldn't help but question the motive behind it. I encourage Musicmuse04 to consider returning and giving it another chance. After all shouldn't you challenge the restaurant to prove you wrong? When writing a review I look for the positive and the negative. Musicmuse04 your review strikes me as personal and I can't help but wonder what really happened.
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musicmuse04
January 03, 2009
Very disappointed! I've been to shorties a number of times. The food has never been great but went as a relief from my normal SoHo hot spots. They've dumbed down much of the menu but not the prices. Recently went with some friends. They were apparently OUT of nearly the entire menu and then a cook threw out one of our orders which was the last available. Apparently the Chef/Owner was personally offended when we complained and yelled at us told us to leave. Very unprofessional! You don't treat customers that way! Not to mention, our waitress was more interested in entertaining her boy-friend than serving us! Won't be going back, NOR would I recommend. There are plenty of other SoHo places with better food and better service!!
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Anonymous
November 04, 2008
Fabulous food and tasty wine! This place is pricey, so save it for a special occasion. The service is excellent, and the dishes absolutely amazing. These are the best short ribs I have ever tasted.
read full reviewThe Details on Shorty's 32
What to Drink:
The beer list offers a few surprises, including a $7.50 bottle of Ommegang Abbey Ale, a malty, Chimay-like brew. The best wine-by-glass option is an appropriately fruity Veranda Pinot Noir ($10).
Brunch:
The farmhouse fare extends to brunch, with menu items like baked eggs over chorizo and lemon buttermilk pancakes.
Fun Fact:
The titular poem, written by Christina Rossetti and published in 1862, is about two sisters who encounter a market where goblins sell enchanted, irresistible fruit.
What to Drink:
With most bottles over $40, the pricey wine list seems out of sync with the neighborhood-restaurant vibe, but the cheapest red--a berry-heavy Chateau D'Oupia Minervois for $30--isn't a bad option.
Know Before You Go:
The wait staff seems a little too eager to refill empty wine glasses--unless you want to finish a bottle before you're done with your appetizers, tell them you'll pour it yourself.
When to Go:
Reservations are not taken, so get there when they open (or soon after) to avoid a lengthy wait.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Notable Beer List, Local Favorite, Fine Dining, Brunch, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
