The House
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 353-2121
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Irving Place
- Directions:
- 4, 5, 6; N, Q, R, W; L at 14th St-Union Sq
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Dining 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm
Editorial Review for The House – by Erin Behan
The Scene
Circa 1854 carriage houses don't just make quaint apartments. Turns out they make adorable restaurants, too. This renovation has the bar and nonreservable tables downstairs, which keeps things chill in the upstairs dining room, where diners sup under the view of a giant half-moon window. Service is unobtrusive but precise.
The Food
The small, eclectic menu mirrors the diminutive space, delivering quality, rather than quantity. Yellowfin tuna crudo would make the ideal first bite if not for its oversalting, while the appetizer of duck three ways showcases the best of the bird, especially the woodsy smoked breast. Mains balance simplicity with flavor in the seared lamb loin, accented with mint on a bed of tabouleh, and in Friday's special, a perfectly moist Amish chicken with a ginger-honey-lemongrass dipping sauce. The Greenmarket works overtime in a dish of garganelli pasta tossed with a party of ramps, fiddlehead ferns and fennel and doused in a rich brown butter sauce. Desserts are outsourced with success to Il Laboratorio Gelato, Steve's Key Lime Pie and Black Hound Bakery.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe bartenders are deft in turning out dirty martinis ($12), and the wine list is equally pleasing with the 2004 Pelopannese Agiorgitiko from Greece ($43) a steal for its deep well-rounded flavor.
Know Before You GoA chef's table in the basement wine cellar can be reserved for 6 to 10 people (a la carte or chef's menu).
FireplaceThere's a fireplace on the main level, which promises warmth in the chilly days of autumn and winter.
User Reviews for The House
05/12/2008 Posted by danp30
My girlfriend and I walked by this place on a Sunday afternoon. We checked out the menu, which sounded great (though a little pricey) and decided to come back to try it. Big mistake. Looks can be deceiving. Upon entering, we were immediately asked if we had a reservation (love that). I looked around, seeing that the place was empty and asked if they could still seat us. After we were sized up, we were taken to a cramped table in a bad location (love that too). Our waiter was remarkably rude and not only didn't know the menu and screwed up the order (when a customer says "gluten allergy", you listen), but was also condescending (oh, no bottled water, ok). The hits just kept on coming after that. When our apps came out and we thought they were small, you'd think our expectations would be set for the entrees. Nope. We've eaten at a ton of restaurants in the city and this place takes the cake for portion size. I think they must think the place is hip enough to attract anorectic models who don't like to eat anyway. Sorry, losers. In any case, the food was so saturated in oil and fat I guess we're lucky there wasn't much of it. They should serve it with a side of coronary stents. Anyway, our favorite part about the whole experience (other than leaving), was when out of nowhere, amateur hour starts up ending our ability to converse and digest our food. We skipped dessert and got the H out of there. This place is a huge disaster. Do yourself a favour and steer clear. (BTW - I'm betting that a number of these reviews are written by the staff or owner. See if this review is followed by several positive ones in quick succession.)
Pros: close to union square
Cons: miniscule portions, oily and greasy, over-priced, loud AND bad music, condescending staff
04/21/2008 Posted by olgamegrabian
My friend I happened to be passing by and heard amazing live music coming from this quaint location located right next to a beautiful flower shop, and we just had to walk in! It was so inviting...great staff...great wine list, and I especially loved that the staff was knowledgable of the wine list! Our server's name was Javier. Very intimate and courteous service. We were both very happy and left feeling like we were well treated. Food was exceptional...The music was by a band called "The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn". Song after song was great! I even ended up buying a cd. A great recommendation...for a place to get together with friends. I went Sunday night and will probably go again next Sunday. Thank you for a great treat!
Pros: great service, wine list, music, intimate venue
Cons: few tables...but it does make the place more intimate
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