02/07/09

Go for the entertainment, Not the food

by hubriis

Two things - if I could, I would rate the Cafe Carlyle as a restaurant about a 2.5 or 3. But, I would rate the entertainment portion an absolute 5.

We went to see Christine Ebersole, as she was the replacement for the incomparable Eartha Kitt. She was absolutely amazing, and we had a terrific table front and center. The entertainment portion of the evening was just magical!

Dinner, however, was just okay. I guess my expectation level was too high, but I expected more than just standard fare when dining at the Carlyle. I started with the green salad, which was pretty minimally dressed with green lettuce, peeled tomatoes and a dressing which was far too lemony for my taste. It was enough that I finally gave up midway through because I just wasn't enjoying my salad.

My entree was the salmon. While the salmon was adequate, I suppose I expected a notch above from the Cafe Carlyle. All in all, dinner was fine but nothing to write home about. We felt a bit hurried throughout dinner and I finished about half of my salmon before the show started. We did not have dessert because it would have meant an interruption during the performance. The wine list, however, was impeccable.

After the show we headed over to Bemelman's Bar and the piano player made up for the missed dessert...he was amazing!

11/16/08

cozyy

by JESSEE28

This is one of the finest restaurants I've ever been to. And that's saying a lot since I am such a miser when it comes to five star ratings. A classic "you get what you pay for," and here, you don't get much for $5... or $50... or $100. At Cafe Carlyle, everything is grade A from ambiance, service, and food. They are flawless.

04/18/08

Wow. In more ways than one.

by mapleleaves

We saw Elaine Stritch perform here last year, but I'm just getting around to writing a review.

We had 7:00 reservations for dinner, so we were already most of the way through our wonderful (but VERY expensive) dinner by the time her show started at 8:45. (Important note - check the hotel's web site and see if dinner is required with tickets; sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't, and you may be able to go just for the later show and drinks) The show was incredible - the room is so small you feel like you pushed the coffee table out of the way and hosted Elaine Stritch and a five-piece band in your living room!

It was our first time there, but they gave us a table with a great view right on the walkway between the back door and the stage. Ms. Stritch stopped and shook hands with everyone along that row on the way out!

Looking forward to returning to New York, and checking out the recently renovated Cafe!

• Pros: Incomparable performances, timeless room
• Cons: Get comfortable at the teeny table; you'll be there a while!