Reviews & Ratings for Counter

04/05/11

Good Vegan

by Danielle Finkler

I'm a vegan and pretty picky when it comes to my food but this place did it right. Prices are reasonable depending on what your getting but not too bad. Thanks to the new chef I have to say that this place is an excellent vegan spot that I will returning to shortly.

05/29/10

Wonderful Evening

by KimBar

Had a terrific meal at Counter tonight. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend the beet and arugula salads. Pomme frites were top notch paired with a harissa mayo and homemade ketchup; especially loved the raw cheesecake dessert. Prices are reasonable and am very fussy about coffee and theirs is the best! Service was attentive yet not intrusive and our server, Kirstin was knowledgeable and helpful - going back next week.

• Pros: Excellent in all areas
• Cons: None

03/23/10

Lots of counter space

by truetildeath

I had first visited Counter as a vegan while in college, many years ago (vague, as I am not trying not to date myself), and I must admit, because of this previously underwhelming experience, I was hesitant to return. However, upon hearing that they had a new chef and revamped menu, I decided to try it again, now as a vegetarian. Honestly, I felt stupid for not trying Counter sooner, after sampling several amazing "small plates" including intelligent pairings of quinoa, brussel sprouts with goat cheese, as well as a main course of seitan that changed my life. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, service was impeccable, and not once did we feel rushed. The vegan dessert selection trumps any other vegan dessert in the city and includes home made vegan ice creams and small cakes. Overall, Counter has been one of the best vegetarian experiences I have had in the city, and I now pledge to make it one of my regulars.

• Pros: food, price, desserts
• Cons: none

03/08/10

Sustainable In Name Only

by MovieMax

What self-respecting vegetarian who cares about animal rights, "organics" and "sustainability" would eat in a restaurant that covers all its furniture in dead animal skin? Uch! I mentioned the seemingly perverse "oversight?" of universally leather-upholstered furnishings to the host and he simply giggled, shrugged and muttered something like, "Well, maybe its fake leather." Wink wink. Is this place a sociological case study in the stupidity of well-intentioned New Yorkers???

• Pros: Decent food, though nothing inspirational
• Cons: Gross hypocrisy

01/29/10

Bland and Overpriced

by phelanclancy

I came here with a friend who thought I might enjoy the food because of the menu (I'm vegan). But I found the food boring and way too "earthy" for me. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.

• Pros: Great Space
• Cons: The Food!

01/21/10

Great Place for Groups

by Lewis101

What a great place to unwind the knots that were so tightly bound throughout the week...I was in need of a big glass of anything alcoholic and some food to fill the longing belly after a few stressfilled day. Although my arm was just about to give up after 2.5 hours of straight writing, I pulled it together to come here with ~11 awesome individuals.

Counter was not expecting such a large group of people on a Thursday night but they worked their magic and quickly assembled a table to accommodate our party :)

I've been wanting to come here since I pass by everyday and I was not disappointed! How serendipitous that I would come during Rioja restaurant week where I only had to order a delicious cauliflower salad small plate to get a glass of organic Rioja together for 12$...I was sold! And I loved sharing every bite and every sip of that Rioja was priceless

The waiter we had was a little slow but maybe he was new and couldn't handle such a big group of demanding people :) I guess he deserved the 20% included tip @ the end.

I also tried their grilled eggplant with pomogranate seeds, and their mushroom leek flat bread.. like Pure Food and Wine, but I commend their creativity and their use of organic produce was delightful :)

It has been over 2 years since the day I transplanted to NYC from PA:)....and I would never thought I would survive the 1st year.

I am so grateful to have met more of these wonderful people and looking forward for a life in NYC if it'll continue to have me!

• Pros: Great wine and apps
• Cons: none

01/21/10

Best Vegetarian in Manhattan

by djegan87

Awesome quality vegetarian cuisine. Great organic / sustainable wine list. Attentive service. Interior of the restaurant is beautiful. A truly amazing experience!

• Pros: extensive organic wine list
• Cons: none

09/02/09

Great Food!

by nonimas

I love the food here. Everything is fresh and healthy and prepared in interesting and creative ways. The flavors are spot-on. Their desserts and especially their cocktails merit mention as well. I have heard people complain that the portions are on the small side and the place is a bit pricey. All true,. However, That's when you remind yourself that there is a cost to cooking totally FRESH food from LOCAL ORGANIC producers. I commend them and I loooooove their food.

• Pros: Local.Fresh. Organic. Creative

08/27/09

horrible as ever!!

by samfrogger

Tried Counter for the last time the other night. It was my birthday night and I was eaten alive by bites on our legs in the seats.... yeah- and after my friend told me they were leather!!!!!!!!!!! leather seats in a vegetarian restaurant??? By the rash on my legs and my experience with bed b_gs before... I think the restaurant has an infestation.

The food was fine (although whom I found out later was the owner) but the person seating us with her mouth full of food was strange at best. After she sat us she yelled at one of her servers for not seating us fast enough. She then returned to the bar to eat her food and drink wine... then returned back to the floor to try to help someone. Someone should help her? A busboy whom didn't smile and took our plates away before we were done... was very disruptive. Our server whom was nice (thin female- sorry no name) had to apologize three times for her work mates actions.

Again the food was fine- with all the other mistakes... it seams domed to fail VERY soon. Good luck.

• Pros: it won't be around for much longer
• Cons: maybe a non-leather seat vegetarian restaurnat will open

07/31/09

Cudos to Counter

by georgieduncan

I don't know how I happened upon Counter? I live in upstate NY and rarely venture to New York City. My friends live in the East Village and on a hot sweaty night we popped into Counter and had a wonderfully surprising evening. Most vegetarian restaurants have very little alcohol, which I love, and unimaginative food, but Counter had both in abundance. I dream about their heirloom tomato and watermelon salad. Check it out. It was an awesome surprise.

• Pros: I Love Counter
• Cons: none