Commerce
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 524-2301
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Barrow Street
- Directions:
- 1 at Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
- Specialties:
- Fine Dining
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11:30pm, Sun 1pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Commerce – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Tucked away on one of Manhattan's curviest streets, this American restaurant looks to recapture some of the magic of the landmarked space's past tenants (Blue Mill, Grange Hall). The art deco Brunswick bar is circa 1941, the English Chestnut booths have been lovingly restored, and despite the tony crowd and $15 cocktails, the tightly-packed, mirror-lined dining room still emanates classic tavern bonhomie. Sweet, spot-on service keeps the mood light and the plates moving.
The Food
Though everything in the house-made bread basket tempts early snacking, resist or you'll be too full to enjoy highlights on the New American menu. Plump tortelloni filled with creamy butternut squash and dotted with pomegranate and hazelnuts achieve a perfect sweet-salty-sour harmony, while tender braised beef outshines its plate-mate of sliced sirloin. Other dishes, like an overly sauced lobster Newburgh and wanly flavored lamb saddle come a little too close to average tavern fare--at significantly above-average prices.
Hits: The welcoming service and the menu's highlights do the address's legacy proud.
Misses: When full, the dining room produces a mighty din, so it's not the best spot for a quiet romantic dinner.
(Photo by Katherine Bryant)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkA $47 bottle of the full-bodied, fruity Hecht and Bannier Minervois pairs well with much of the meaty menu.
The ExtrasDesserts like a peanut butter marquise with celery ice cream aren't quite worth the cash. Head over to Batch (50B West 10th Street) if you're craving something sweet.
Where to SitIn a reversal of the normal setup, the booths in the bar area provide a quieter option for more intimate dinners.
User Reviews for Commerce
07/07/2008 Posted by likethefit
I have been to Commerce twice and what a find! Sunday afternoon I wandered in to get out of the heat while exploring the village. The bartender was fabulous and gave me plenty of attention since I came in alone. Then I brought business colleagues on a Tuesday night, they are big foodies and were as impressed as I was. Great wine and even greater food. You must try it out!
Pros: Food, wine, service
Cons: I can't think of one.
07/03/2008 Posted by Willeee
This place should be a wonderful spot. However, for the price the dining experience should be far more well rounded. The food was good, but was not great. The service was disgraceful and the behavior of the other patrons was unwashed. To the establishment's credit, we were seated quickly even though it was crowded. However, we then waited (not kidding) 20 minutes to be offered water, drinks, or a chance to review the wine list. We were also seated next to a table of drunken soon-to-be-fired Wall Street wannabes who behaved as if they were watching the Super Bowl in their favorite dive bar. They subjected us to no less than (yes, I counted) 43 flash photos of eachother thoughout the meal. Yes.The staff thought that behavior in a pricey dining room was just fine. For those who wish to have a mature meal, to get what they pay for, and not to be subjected to flash-bulbs going off in your face by faux soccer hooligans, I suggest you look elsewhere. If you actually enjoy the hellish scene that results when a so-so restaurant winds up on Daily Candy (if this one even did) then I would highly recommend 50 Commerce. Bring your Louis Vuitton bag, gigantic metal watch, overly logoed sunglasses, and your eye brow plucking boyfriend with gelled hair. You'll fit right in.
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