Highlands

Doesn't Recommend

eat_club

Joined 8 years ago

Crowded, expensive, eventually tolerable. Uh oh! Looks bad. Reminds me of that ole Yogi Berra line: "Nobody goes there any more, it's too crowded." It's packed with Chelsea Boys, NYU meatheads, some locals, and a lot of Business Casual. Maybe it's the weather. (I hate nice weather! The bars are packed.) I arrive a little early. I spoke to Adrian, the owner, made a reservation, so I can now hold the table and start the beer flowing, right? Wrong

"Let me know when everybody's here, then we'll seat you" says the casually dressed maitre d'.I go outside and sit on the ledge outside the door, hoping to catch people before they come in and can't find us.



"Sorry sir, "(I hate when they say SIR. It sounds so sordid!) You can't sit there.:

Now we're two. The bouncer asks "How's it going?" That's a mistake-- for him. I tell him. He runs in for the night manager. She comes out and explains "I can't let you sit in the restaurant. Because you won't be ordering full meals, you can sit at a table in the bar."

"Fine," I say. "The bar's fine."

"There are no tables at the bar," she says. And then something like "have a nice day."

Now there are five of us The atmosphere inside is so unpleasant with the standing yuppies, guppies and muppies, that I want to just get out of there. Another one of us comes, and we leave together.

"Wait, I have a table for you in the restaurant," comes the night manager's voice behind me. We take it. From there, things get better.

It's expensive though, $320 for the 6 of us, mostly for booze. We did have a few chicken wings and one meat platter. Two fingers of Scotch were $15 and a Scottish beer cost the same. Once we're seated, the atmosphere improves... the staff is nice as are the people at the next table. But it's not a place I'll be going back to.

Recommends

Foodiefan2

Joined 3 years ago

Wonderful find in the Village!!. Highlands is a truly authentic Scottish experience in the heart of the West Village. A group of 8 of us went for dinner on the recommendation of a friend. We all had a super time dining in the candle lit dining area. The place was extremely was lively, staff were super friendly and the food......WOW!!! Just delicious!!!!! There was a great range of unique cocktails. We now understand why this place has such a fantastic reputation......there may even be a kilt or two. Enjoy!!!

Doesn't Recommend

In the Noe

Joined 3 years ago

Shocking Rip-off!. It's very simple. Three drinks, a dozen oysters, cost with tax ... $89.28, before tip.

The oysters? $48.00

When I asked if that was correct, the answer, "yes they are $4 a piece." So you charge an a la carte price for a dozen... insane!

I can see this price and an expensive hotel or a Michelin 2 or 3 star restaurant... I wouldn't pay it, but I get it... but in the Village, $48 a dozen for oysters is absurd!!!

It's a shame too because I really liked the space, but I would never go to a place that gouges people like THAT!

Recommends

Alexis Korman

Joined 5 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. There’s no shortage of English-style gastropubs and Irish bars in the city, but how about a Scottish hangout complete with tartan accents, pheasant wallpaper and microbrews from Scotland? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Highlands, though kilt wearing is optional. This cozy two-room West Village venue emphasizes cocktails made with--you guessed it--Scotch, along with imported ingredients (like the Scottish Ginger Mule, which uses Crabbies Ginger Wine). Upholstered chairs, exposed brick walls, a fireplace, and a mounted deer head on the wall create a lodge-like vibe perfect for imbibing and indulging in some Scottish fare.