The City Tavern

(212) 807-1313

22 E 13th St (Between University Place and Fifth Ave)
New York, NY 10003 40.734869 -73.993058

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Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Downtown

www.TheCityTavernNYC.com

Hours:

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-4pm

Dinner: Mon-Fri, 4pm-12am

Weekend Brunch: Sat-Sun, 12-3pm

Sunday Dinner: 4-10

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Notable Beer List, Brunch, Happy Hour, Bar Scene, Private Parties

Cuisine:

Traditional American, Italian

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work

What People Are Saying About The City Tavern

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Two-story Tuscan restaurant near Union Square with a full bar and room for private parties.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Check out sister restaurant Futura Bistro Moderne in Park Slope.
ambiance
88.03999900817871% positive
  1. interior and music is romantic and nice to chill.
  2. Everyone thought the food, service, and atmosphere was excellent.
  3. The atmosphere is super comfortable.
  4. food, service, ambience
  5. Borgo Antico is Giovanni Iovine's romantic union square townhouse ristorante, where chef Ivan Beacco is putting fresh gloss on Italian regional cuisine.
  6. We felt like family from the moment we entered this cozy union square 'fixture", and the feeling remained throughout the evening as we tasted as many of the Chef's delicious and creative dishes as we could (portions ARE NOT small).
  7. The menu is unusually overpriced for what they offer and the decor is a hodgepodge of styles that didn't appeal to me.
  8. Great food, cozy atmosphere, and the friendliest and most attentive service I get in NY, hands down.
  9. Great atmosphere, fantastic food, and exception service!
  10. On top of that, it's not too expensive, the new decor is beautiful, and the food is delicious.
  11. the risotto is great as well, every time i go there i have a lot of fun with the owner jovanni.
  12. the amazing location close to union square makes borgo antico an easy reach from wall street.
  13. Borgo Antico is always full for a reason,good food, good service, great atmosphere, always pleasent.
  14. amazing food, perfect decor, great service
  15. From a great Handsome and attractive Host to the table service, the food and the ambiance.
  16. You will begin your meal in daylight and end it in candle-light with a beautiful view of the stars above you.
  17. Go for good food and pleasant atmosphere, not the wait staff.
  18. However, showing up at 6pm and asking politely might get you a table for two in the front bar area, which has a cozy sofa and provides a choice view of the front door's action.
  19. Nice, cozy, and romantic place with very friendly vibe.
  20. The calming atmosphere let you forget that "this was the bad day" feeling and the food is just delitious you can go as many times and always try something different.
  21. The atmosphere was lovely and it was one of those truly enjoyable dining experiences.
  22. It would be a perfect date spot as it's romantic and very pretty inside.
  23. seasoning/condiments. The dishes prepared here are delicate and balanced, the ambience tasteful.
dessert
85.0% positive
  1. The staff at Borgo Antico went out of their way to make it perfect--they added my favorite wine to their wine list, and even made a dessert with that wine for the night.
  2. we had full course, from apetizer to desert, everything was delicious.
  3. And the desserts are so good that you dont know which one to order so you order couple for the table.
  4. but I suppose somehow, our waiter overheard us and at the end of the meal we were presented with a Happy B-day dessert with dad name on it!
  5. Their sorbet and flourless chocolate cake were amazing!
  6. The desserts were also speaking by themselves: we had the delicious coffee and chocolate cake (decadent but irresistible) and the ricota cheesecake with the strawberries sauce.
  7. Over much deliberation for the right place I decided to celebrate my birthday party with a big group of friends and family at Borgio Antico because the owner himself called me concerning the cake I had wanted to bring.
  8. we kept having to ask to have our orders taken and he was rude when all of us did not order 3 courses (we did however have 2 bottles of wine and dessert).
  9. We had a great sommelier who advised us on a wonderful desert and desert wine pairing.
  10. The desserts were good but not great; however, the espresso was unusually fine.
drinks
86.3599967956543% positive
  1. Our server was very knowledgeable on both the food and wines, and was really helpful in assisting us with choosing our 5 course menus (there is a suggested one, but we were free to create our own as well).
  2. We had a great sommelier who advised us on a wonderful desert and desert wine pairing.
  3. We found the downstairs area- with a full service bar well stocked.
  4. best wine better food.
  5. the wine list is really good, with great varietal of grapes.
  6. we kept having to ask to have our orders taken and he was rude when all of us did not order 3 courses (we did however have 2 bottles of wine and dessert).
  7. Sure to make a great party, giovanni guide me at borgo antico website were i find 5 different party menu, really simple to navigate, then we pick the wine, a great savignon blanc and a nero D' avola, a amazing sicilian red both at 32 dollars( they also of
  8. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their l selection that would complement all three dishes.
  9. The staff at Borgo Antico went out of their way to make it perfect--they added my favorite wine to their wine list, and even made a dessert with that wine for the night.
  10. My waitress was extremely friendly as she explained each dish and the reason the particular wine was chosen as a pairing.
  11. Great dinner, great wine list with reasonable prices, and basically an awesome place to start going regularly.
  12. However, showing up at 6pm and asking politely might get you a table for two in the front bar area, which has a cozy sofa and provides a choice view of the front door's action.
  13. The desserts were good but not great; however, the espresso was unusually fine.
  14. All that wonderful food and wine.
  15. Big plus: our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection.
  16. The food is bland and the wine is horrible.
  17. The wine list was very extensive, covering many Italian wines, and the waiter made a great suggestion for us.
  18. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection that would complement all three dishes.
  19. The desserts were also speaking by themselves: we had the delicious coffee and chocolate cake (decadent but irresistible) and the ricota cheesecake with the strawberries sauce.
  20. great italian wines.
  21. nice and festive bar sits near the entrance, along with a handful of tables set aside for patrons who want to chat with Giovanni.
  22. The downstairs bar is pleasant, but the upstairs main dining room is special: a large, tall room, with brick walls ornamented with spaced wooden pilasters--an effect both rustic and elegant.
food quality
87.69000053405762% positive
  1. seasoning/condiments. The dishes prepared here are delicate and balanced, the ambience tasteful.
  2. The calming atmosphere let you forget that "this was the bad day" feeling and the food is just delitious you can go as many times and always try something different.
  3. It got me by surprise, or better saying by my love for a good and autentic italian cuisine.
  4. The pork saltimbocca was delicious, cooked beautifully.
  5. The food is lovely and the service is always superb.
  6. took my father and auncle to the restaurant on mild fall eve,for a great Italian food.
  7. for the best pasta ever you have to go to borgo, you will find original pasta from napoli, their "ragu" sauce is outstanding.
  8. but I suppose somehow, our waiter overheard us and at the end of the meal we were presented with a Happy B-day dessert with dad name on it!
  9. The menu was really tasty, the shrimps bisque to die for, the hearted shaped ravioli very flavorful.
  10. never had a bad meal nor bad service, the previous reviewer should stay in queens.
  11. we had full course, from apetizer to desert, everything was delicious.
  12. We had a conversation with the sommelier -owner giovanni who gave us some outstanding recommendations to pair with borgo regional (and seasonal) dishes.
  13. would highly recommend everyone to come here and have some authentic italian food.
  14. However, decision-making wasnt easy, as everything sounded delicious.
  15. All that wonderful food and wine.
  16. Just one block south of Union Square you will find Borgo Antico, a charming Village Italian that offers authentic dishes, artfully prepared by Chef Giuliano Matarese and graciously served by owner Giovanni Iovine and his staff.
  17. this place was full of italian expat,now nobody speaks a word of italian nor cook authentic food, the menu still from chef baecco iban,whom he left 6 months ago,and owner giovani.
  18. live in Union Square and am used to the many wonderful restaurants in the area, so I was looking forward to a good Italian meal at Borgo Antico.
  19. marvellous food, exquisite steak, duck and pannacotta.
  20. Next we had sedanini (penne with fried eggplant, oregano and mozzarella), well prepared and the mozzarella was a nice touch, and tubini (pasta with thyme tomato sauce and meatballs), a great Italian comfort food.
  21. The food is incredible.
  22. The frise salad was awful.
  23. The pasta i had was outstanding, not only for the sauce (a little masterwork by itself) but even because it was a particular brand imported from Naples, as our waiter promptly reveled to us when he saw our delighted faces.
  24. Great food, cozy atmosphere, and the friendliest and most attentive service I get in NY, hands down.
  25. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their l selection that would complement all three dishes.
  26. The focaccia bread was dry with a tough overcooked crust.
  27. service is very propmt and attentive and the food is delicious.
  28. Not only was the service terrible, the food was horrible.
  29. My guest, even though couldn't finish it all, loved the food so much that they are planning THEIR future parties there!
  30. They were all delicious, but extreme raves to the Chef's ivan of what I would call the best pasta in nyc.
  31. The food isn't even great, it's below average.
  32. The meal was fantastic and our waitress was kind and friendly, not overbearing.
  33. Don't be put off by the exterior of this restaurant--inside is a charming interior and very tasty, fresh cuisine
  34. Came for lunch with a few friends, service was quick and the food was perfect.
  35. We end up sitting for about 15 minutes before we get any water, utensils or bread plates while our rude waiter talked away with the other couple and despite my efforts to get his attention.
  36. Dining downstairs allows for a more relaxed environment with the same great food.
  37. best wine better food.
  38. me and a couple of friends all enjoyed our meal.
  39. On top of that, it's not too expensive, the new decor is beautiful, and the food is delicious.
  40. Borgo Antico is always full for a reason,good food, good service, great atmosphere, always pleasent.
  41. walking around union square looking for a good and inexpensive place to eat when a friend suggested this very accomodating with real italian food restaurant called "'Borgo Antico', old village in italian.
  42. We made a reservation for Valentine's day because we thought we would have a delicious, no fuss meal.
  43. The food is great, it's way above average.
  44. amazing food, perfect decor, great service
  45. Our server was very knowledgeable on both the food and wines, and was really helpful in assisting us with choosing our 5 course menus (there is a suggested one, but we were free to create our own as well).
  46. The service was perfect and our meal wonderful.
  47. The signature beef cheek ravioli is a signature dish for a reason - it was quite remarkable, and the pecorino cheese was the perfect complement.
  48. The food is fresh and delicious , the service was fantastic.
  49. Food is delicious and not too expensive, great value for the quality.
  50. My braised lamb shank in a barolo sauce was delicious.
  51. From a great Handsome and attractive Host to the table service, the food and the ambiance.
  52. Borgo Antico is Giovanni Iovine's romantic union square townhouse ristorante, where chef Ivan Beacco is putting fresh gloss on Italian regional cuisine.
  53. My waitress was extremely friendly as she explained each dish and the reason the particular wine was chosen as a pairing.
  54. Incredible food and service
  55. Borgo Antico is Giovanni Iovine's union square townhouse ristorante, where chef Ivan Beacco is putting fresh gloss on Italian regional cuisine.
  56. pasta dish, are extremely satisfying plate and borgo antico homemade pasta with chestnuts and lucious creamy Italian cheeses.
  57. If you are a heavy eater, then order more pasta!
  58. Borgo Antico's generous service and savory dishes make for a satisfying summer evening in the city.
  59. The food was perfect and service was excellent.
  60. bit pricey, but good researched cuisine always is.
  61. personally love the chicken wings that is very italian.
  62. My guest, even though couldn't finish it all, loved the food so much that they are planning THEIR future parties at borgo antico you rock!
  63. One block south of Union Square you will find Borgo Antico, a charming Village Italian that offers authentic dishes, artfully prepared by Chef Ivan Beacco and graciously served by owner Giovanni Iovine and his staff.
  64. The service was impeccable and only added to the food which was exquisite.
  65. The food was excellent (a little pricey for what you get), but this waiter definitely put a damper on the evening.
  66. We felt like family from the moment we entered this cozy union square 'fixture", and the feeling remained throughout the evening as we tasted as many of the Chef's delicious and creative dishes as we could (portions ARE NOT small).
  67. was floored that they could charge the full price for noodles and marinara sauce.
  68. The food was AMAZING!
  69. food, service, ambience
  70. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection that would complement all three dishes.
  71. The food and the service are impeccable.
  72. we where at Borgo Antico on the most important day of my life , my boyfriend of 8 years finally propose to me in a great place, the food was more than tasty !
  73. The food is bland and the wine is horrible.
  74. Turns out, there's a reason that professional food critics exist - this restaurant is great.
  75. Everyone thought the food, service, and atmosphere was excellent.
  76. easy, as everything sounded delicious.
  77. The servers are very atentive and always willing to sugest a good dish and the vine to go with it.
  78. Go for good food and pleasant atmosphere, not the wait staff.
  79. Going to Borgo Antico its more than dinner e. The food its excellent and superb ., service is polite and effective
  80. The desserts were also speaking by themselves: we had the delicious coffee and chocolate cake (decadent but irresistible) and the ricota cheesecake with the strawberries sauce.
  81. Great atmosphere, fantastic food, and exception service!
  82. The food is awesome, and though I have read some bad reviews on this site inthe past,
  83. My family and I were pleasantly surprised by not only how delicious the meal was, but also by how friendly the service was.
  84. The salad was fresh, the arugula and red beans complemented the calamari well.
  85. You will begin your meal in daylight and end it in candle-light with a beautiful view of the stars above you.
  86. perfect meal for the four of us to enjoy and linger over in this very special place, lit with candlelight, satisfied people and great vibes all around.
menu variety
89.73999977111816% positive
  1. the menu, the "classic italian fares", to the attentive service and joyful feeling you get from the moment you step in, to the moment you have to leave even though you don't ever want to.
  2. Big plus: our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection.
  3. He put together a great menu on fairly last minute notice (one week!)
  4. The menu is unusually overpriced for what they offer and the decor is a hodgepodge of styles that didn't appeal to me.
  5. this place was full of italian expat,now nobody speaks a word of italian nor cook authentic food, the menu still from chef baecco iban,whom he left 6 months ago,and owner giovani.
  6. The menu was really tasty, the shrimps bisque to die for, the hearted shaped ravioli very flavorful.
  7. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their l selection that would complement all three dishes.
  8. From the menu, a big step forward from the "classic italian fares", to the attentive service and joyful feeling you get from the moment you step in, to the moment you have to leave even though you don't ever want to.
  9. The Wine List is well priced match with The Wine Enthusiast Restaurant Awards 2007 with extensive variety of Italian and California Wine.
  10. Sure to make a great party, giovanni guide me at borgo antico website were i find 5 different party menu, really simple to navigate, then we pick the wine, a great savignon blanc and a nero D' avola, a amazing sicilian red both at 32 dollars( they also of
  11. The wine list was very extensive, covering many Italian wines, and the waiter made a great suggestion for us.
  12. Our server was very knowledgeable on both the food and wines, and was really helpful in assisting us with choosing our 5 course menus (there is a suggested one, but we were free to create our own as well).
  13. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection that would complement all three dishes.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. Another great Italian restaurant in New York City.
  2. fantastic restaurant, a great place for dates and a couple of good friends.
  3. Great dinner, great wine list with reasonable prices, and basically an awesome place to start going regularly.
  4. great place to celebrate with friends anytime.
  5. we where at Borgo Antico on the most important day of my life , my boyfriend of 8 years finally propose to me in a great place, the food was more than tasty !
  6. walking around union square looking for a good and inexpensive place to eat when a friend suggested this very accomodating with real italian food restaurant called "'Borgo Antico', old village in italian.
  7. one of the best italian place in downtown
  8. Borgo Antico is a great find, in a city always turning very fast, borgo antico seat real easy, the owner Giovanni is extremly accomodting, I had in this place my first date, my wedding and next week the bathmitzva for my daugther.
  9. have to admit that, at the beginning, i almost doubted the good faith of our friends who had recommended the place.
  10. We agreed the best tables were in the corner on the main floor - so you can look out to the whole dining room, or upstairs along the railing - so you can look down on the whole restaurant.
  11. great place
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. The upstairs is nice for people watching and staff was helpful, but I don't think they'll be a return visit.
service
85.26000022888184% positive
  1. the menu, the "classic italian fares", to the attentive service and joyful feeling you get from the moment you step in, to the moment you have to leave even though you don't ever want to.
  2. the service there was excellent.
  3. never had a bad meal nor bad service, the previous reviewer should stay in queens.
  4. Big plus: our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection.
  5. Great atmosphere, fantastic food, and exception service!
  6. The service is outstanding.
  7. The host and bartender were wonderful.
  8. The beautiful mural of picture from tuscany and the staff operates like a well-rehearsed professional Broadway troupe.
  9. Incredible food and service
  10. Last friday i had my birthday party at Borgo Antico, from start to finish everything was amazing, and even if it was the first time we ate at Borgo the host and the waiters gave us the attention that only moviestar usually get.
  11. Borgo Antico is always full for a reason,good food, good service, great atmosphere, always pleasent.
  12. The meal was fantastic and our waitress was kind and friendly, not overbearing.
  13. The staff will automatically tune in to the type of experience you want and will make you and your guests feel like true VIPs (GIOVANNI have got to be doing something right because they have the most friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff I have e
  14. From the menu, a big step forward from the "classic italian fares", to the attentive service and joyful feeling you get from the moment you step in, to the moment you have to leave even though you don't ever want to.
  15. My waitress was extremely friendly as she explained each dish and the reason the particular wine was chosen as a pairing.
  16. perfect meal for the four of us to enjoy and linger over in this very special place, lit with candlelight, satisfied people and great vibes all around.
  17. Our server was very knowledgeable on both the food and wines, and was really helpful in assisting us with choosing our 5 course menus (there is a suggested one, but we were free to create our own as well).
  18. The waiter and sommelier were very helpful and not at all "snooty" as some other reviewers may have indicated.
  19. The service was impeccable and only added to the food which was exquisite.
  20. And actual friendly waiter speaking Italian - I don't feel like I am being waited on by resentful out-of-work actors.
  21. Last thursday i had my birthday party at Borgo Antico, from start to finish everything was amazing, and even if it was the first time we ate at Borgo the host and the waiters gave us the attention that only regular customers usually get.
  22. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their large selection that would complement all three dishes.
  23. amazing food, perfect decor, great service
  24. The food is fresh and delicious , the service was fantastic.
  25. Borgo Antico's generous service and savory dishes make for a satisfying summer evening in the city.
  26. but I suppose somehow, our waiter overheard us and at the end of the meal we were presented with a Happy B-day dessert with dad name on it!
  27. Nice, cozy, and romantic place with very friendly vibe.
  28. We had a large party of 17 and our service was horrible.
  29. We end up sitting for about 15 minutes before we get any water, utensils or bread plates while our rude waiter talked away with the other couple and despite my efforts to get his attention.
  30. Great food, cozy atmosphere, and the friendliest and most attentive service I get in NY, hands down.
  31. Everyone thought the food, service, and atmosphere was excellent.
  32. the owner and waiters are very friendly, i could see they try thier best to make customers confortable.
  33. The food was perfect and service was excellent.
  34. The staff at Borgo Antico went out of their way to make it perfect--they added my favorite wine to their wine list, and even made a dessert with that wine for the night.
  35. The owner was very friendly, not only just checking in from time to time but just talking to us.
  36. Going to Borgo Antico its more than dinner e. The food its excellent and superb ., service is polite and effective
  37. service is very propmt and attentive and the food is delicious.
  38. WORST dining experience - APPALLING service
  39. The pasta i had was outstanding, not only for the sauce (a little masterwork by itself) but even because it was a particular brand imported from Naples, as our waiter promptly reveled to us when he saw our delighted faces.
  40. The wine list was very extensive, covering many Italian wines, and the waiter made a great suggestion for us.
  41. The food was excellent (a little pricey for what you get), but this waiter definitely put a damper on the evening.
  42. Go for good food and pleasant atmosphere, not the wait staff.
  43. We found the downstairs area- with a full service bar well stocked.
  44. Our server was so blatantly rude, belligerent and condescending on several occasions that I personally felt abused.
  45. The service I want to add, was impeccable!
  46. The food is lovely and the service is always superb.
  47. The service was perfect and our meal wonderful.
  48. Came for lunch with a few friends, service was quick and the food was perfect.
  49. From a great Handsome and attractive Host to the table service, the food and the ambiance.
  50. went here with 4 friends for a birthday dinner, we were late for our reservation but the host was great, very understanding and friendly.
  51. Just one block south of Union Square you will find Borgo Antico, a charming Village Italian that offers authentic dishes, artfully prepared by Chef Giuliano Matarese and graciously served by owner Giovanni Iovine and his staff.
  52. food, service, ambience
  53. We negotiated his tip to 15% from 20% the service was really that poor.
  54. excellent sommelier (giovanni) and service generally.
  55. Big plus: Our waiter helped us choose a bottle of wine from their l selection that would complement all three dishes.
  56. Not only was the service terrible, the food was horrible.
  57. However, our waiter was much less friendly.
  58. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and efficient.
  59. One block south of Union Square you will find Borgo Antico, a charming Village Italian that offers authentic dishes, artfully prepared by Chef Ivan Beacco and graciously served by owner Giovanni Iovine and his staff.
  60. Service is attentive and friendly.
  61. The food and the service are impeccable.
  62. My family and I were pleasantly surprised by not only how delicious the meal was, but also by how friendly the service was.
  63. The servers are very atentive and always willing to sugest a good dish and the vine to go with it.
  64. we kept having to ask to have our orders taken and he was rude when all of us did not order 3 courses (we did however have 2 bottles of wine and dessert).
  65. The upstairs is nice for people watching and staff was helpful, but I don't think they'll be a return visit.
value
68.75% positive
  1. My only complaint is that this place is a bit pricey.
  2. walking around union square looking for a good and inexpensive place to eat when a friend suggested this very accomodating with real italian food restaurant called "'Borgo Antico', old village in italian.
  3. bit pricey, but good researched cuisine always is.
  4. Great dinner, great wine list with reasonable prices, and basically an awesome place to start going regularly.
  5. Sure to make a great party, giovanni guide me at borgo antico website were i find 5 different party menu, really simple to navigate, then we pick the wine, a great savignon blanc and a nero D' avola, a amazing sicilian red both at 32 dollars( they also of
  6. The menu is unusually overpriced for what they offer and the decor is a hodgepodge of styles that didn't appeal to me.
  7. Food is delicious and not too expensive, great value for the quality.
  8. The food was excellent (a little pricey for what you get), but this waiter definitely put a damper on the evening.
  9. We felt like family from the moment we entered this cozy union square 'fixture", and the feeling remained throughout the evening as we tasted as many of the Chef's delicious and creative dishes as we could (portions ARE NOT small).
  10. Portions so small I had to order a second entree (at full price) just to get fed.
  11. was floored that they could charge the full price for noodles and marinara sauce.
  12. On top of that, it's not too expensive, the new decor is beautiful, and the food is delicious.
  13. expect a great quality for your money.
  14. Borgo Antico's generous service and savory dishes make for a satisfying summer evening in the city.
  15. portions were perfect.
  16. while the portions aren't huge (but decent), they are packed with flavor and are beautifully presented.
wait time
80.0% positive
  1. Came for lunch with a few friends, service was quick and the food was perfect.
  2. Went with my father without a reservation, and the maitre d' was very nice and sat us within 15 minutes of our arrival
  3. We end up sitting for about 15 minutes before we get any water, utensils or bread plates while our rude waiter talked away with the other couple and despite my efforts to get his attention.
  4. the owner was great we where 20 minutes late and he still taking that with a smile.
  5. He put together a great menu on fairly last minute notice (one week!)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/29/11

The Cocktail Party was a Success!

by anonymousq

I would highly recommend City Tavern as a place to host a private event. We held a surprise birthday cocktail party for my sister in Nov. In the planning leading up to the event Ernesto and the staff were helpful and flexible. They had several different packages of cocktails and appetizers to choose from and had no problem with us putting up a few decorations and bringing a cake. The space itself is very warm and rustic, big windows and lots of brick. During the event, the waitstaff was very attentive. No one was left waiting long on a drink order. Being a surprise party, the event got started a little late by the time the guest of honor showed up, but Ernesto allowed us to extend the time of the party and to continue celebrating. I would definitely return for another party!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/16/10

Great for semi-private parties 10-35 people

by bmarlis

Last month I was looking for a restaurant in the Union Square area to host a group dinner for my staff of 30 professionals. I couldn't find anywhere who would entertain a pre fixe less than $40 (and I was willing to do a Tuesday night at 5:30!) until I found City Tavern.

Ernesto, the owner and chef, was extremely accommodating. He put together a great menu on fairly last minute notice (one week!), was a pleasure to work with, and got us a great price point ($29 per person (not including alcohol).

We had the front 1/2 of the upstairs which essentially felt private for our team. Everyone thought the food, service, and atmosphere was excellent.

I definitely recommend the City Tavern for a group dinner.

  • Pros: Nice atmosphere, reasonably priced, good food
  • Cons: None noted
1 Star Rating: Poor

12/26/09

Nothing special

by benleone

In a very competitive market this place is nothing special.

The food is bland and the wine is horrible. The place was empty and that is why I shouldn't have even bothered.

  • Pros: ?
  • Cons: Where do I begin?
1 Star Rating: Poor

12/15/09

fake italian

by gogago

this place was full of italian expat,now nobody speaks a word of italian nor cook authentic food, the menu still from chef baecco iban,whom he left 6 months ago,and owner giovani.

i personally love the chicken wings that is very italian.

good luck.

  • Pros: great chicken wings
  • Cons: no italians
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/16/09

buonissimo

by beppegrillo

On a Sunday evening my friend and I spontaneously met up on Union Square to grab a bite to eat. I have been wanting to go to Borgo Antico but have had a hard time getting a reservation on a days notice. On a whim we decided to try...the place was packed, but luck was on our side as the host-owner giovanni was able to seat us right away at a table that was just cleared. Another women checked our bags, she was so cheerful and friendly. We really felt that we were appreciated for our business. The meal was fantastic and our waitress was kind and friendly, not overbearing. The atmosphere was lovely and it was one of those truly enjoyable dining experiences. I will celebrate my 30 birthday here with 30 friends.

Great atmosphere, fantastic food, and exception service!

  • Pros: italian owner

The Details on The City Tavern

Place Categories:

  • excellent exception service
  • great italian comfort food
  • great antic italian place
  • perfect everything
  • great italian restaurant
  • worst dining experience
  • never bad italian meal
  • great atmosphere
  • great host
  • great music
  • rude waiter
  • best borgo antico homemade pasta
  • authentic dishes
  • belligerent server
  • not recommend place
  • wonderful wine
  • very friendly vibe
  • authentic menu
  • great dinner
  • big plus
  • great sommelier
  • bad service
  • fantastic ya borgo antico
  • knowledgable staff
  • loved guest
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