The Waverly Inn and Garden
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 243-7900
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 4th Street and Waverly Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave
- Best of Citysearch:
- People Watching 2007
- Hours:
- Sun-Mon 6pm-11:45pm, Tue-Sat 6pm-12:45am
Editorial Review for The Waverly Inn and Garden – by Justin Hartung
Getting Inn
"Are there just two of you?" the wafer-thin host asks. Speechless, I nod. Just like the many hopefuls who follow, I don't know a friend who knows a friend who has Graydon Carter's cell number, but I keep my cool, unlike the high-roller and his much-younger wife who unsubtly attempt to slip the host a bribe for a better table (denied). What they fail to grasp is that the tables by the door are actually the best: They're right next to a toasty fireplace, and though ogling Harvey Weinstein, Gwyneth Paltrow or even the pretty wildlife (B-listers) of the back garden is out, catching fleeting glimpses of everyone that walks in the joint couldn't be easier. Including Bono, here for Fashion Week.
Inn Digestion
"Country salad"? That sounds like something Jimmy Fallon would eat while on a snowboarding trip in Vermont, right? Turns out to be a soggy mess, the frisse overdressed and the lardons tough. Then comes the infamous truffle mac and cheese, which isn't half bad--easily worth a fifth of the $55 price--and organic chicken boasts skin as crispy as a fashionista's glare. Over a truly spotlight-ready chevre cheesecake, the trophy wife mistakes my accompanying Monbazilliac for Muscadet, and launches into a lecture on dessert wine. I don't correct her, and that's when I realize that this place has somehow worked its magic. Once in, everyone feels special, and the last thing that gets let through the door is a pesky bit of reality.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe French- and Italian-heavy wine list features few bottles under $30, but by-the-glass options include a flowery Vernnacia ($11) and a mellow Syrah ($12).
When to GoUnless you're a pal of Graydon's, nabbing a reservation is tough, as the phone number is unlisted. However, showing up at 6pm during the week is your best.
Celeb HangoutGwenyth Paltrow, Jimmy Fallon, Harvey Weinstein and Gina Gershon are just a few of the big names regularly spotted in the grand middle dining room, and Carter himself makes near-nightly appearances.
User Reviews for The Waverly Inn and Garden
05/14/2008 Posted by marconeri
I have been told that this place is a celebrity hang-out, and that the quality of the food in not important. Are celebrities so dumb? I doubt it. In fact, I did not see any celebrities last week on wed. I found the food sub par. I don't think this old style type of food is served anymore even in country clubs. Totally unsavory and unimaginative. The wine list is exaggerately priced and they did not have my first 2 choices. With all the money they seem to be making, they should seriously consider hiring a better chef.
Pros: ambiance
Cons: food, service
04/28/2008 Posted by jleerentveld
Some friends and I grabbed drinks at the Waverly this past Saturday. The atmosphere was fun, the crowd was good; however, the bartender was a nightmare. I might have been able to overlook the fact that he was sloppy, sweaty and greasy if he had been even remotely pleasant but this unfortunately was not the case. He was rude and snarly. He must have some serious dirt on the management there because I can't imagine how he keeps his job. Maybe if he grabbed a shower, he'd be a bit more pleasant.
Users Like You Also Viewed
Gordon Ramsay at the London
151 W 54th St
New York, NY 10019

