Minetta Tavern

10/27/09

Infuriated

by tornadocat

Made a res 1 mo. ago. Showed up tonight w/ husband and were told we weren't on the list. I made the hostess look through her list and found my name on the "unconfirmed list." I got a new phone # 3 days ago and therefore did not receive that call. There was NO mention that there would be a conf. when I made the res. I know that for a fact b/c I am anal and write everything down - would've made note of that. Hostess said "no tables, wait 30 min." OK, wait 30 min, still no table. Asked for manager & woman whom I thought was hostess claimed to be the maitre'd and said "physically there are no tables. We will call you as soon as something comes up. maybe 30 min" We left. Guess what? It's 7:40 and I have not received that "call." Furious. Husband and I worked our schedules around for this. Then read this article on ny eater re: owner McNally (July 1, 2009) about how no one is ever turned down. Too bad McNally wasn't there himself.

• Pros: no chance to find out
• Cons: SERVICE

08/26/09

Best Burger's in the city

by mov112

I love going to this place for the Black label burger. It is absolutely the best burger in the city!! Daniel Boulud is a close second though. The drinks are phenomenal and well crafted!

• Pros: Best Burgers , Great Drinks, Phenominal desserts
• Cons: none

08/06/09

Why bother

by debra2000

why not just close it to the public and make it a private club for friends and celebrities? if that is all you want in the restaurant, then please stop insulting the public by making people call for reservations that don't even exist. that's right, they don't even take sat. night reservations for those not famous enough to know the code word to get in. Ridiculous. maybe if us common folk just stopped going to any McNally restaurant, they would ge tthe idea.

• Pros: none that i can see
• Cons: can you say get over yourselves

06/07/09

Bouncers at restaurants in a recession?

by koko02

I have had dinner at Minetta several times at the bar and it was always a great experience. I especially praise the bartenders. However my last visit was quite Kafka-esque and dated - as in back to the civil rights era. We were two "women of a certain age" having a few drinks and dinner at the bar early in the evening. After the third drink, we ordered another and waited ...a very long time. Then the bartender informed us that we were "cut off". Apparently, the source was the two managers. My companion questioned both and was not given a reason. She then asked to speak to Keith McNally. He came out of the restaurant, already fuming and shouted that it was his restaurant and he could decide if 3 drinks is enough. I can only assume that had we been young model type females or men of our age or black, this would not have happened. It's shameful in this age.

• Pros: Great Food, Great drinks, decor and bartenders
• Cons: rudeness og management

Once a run-down, though still beloved, Village bar and resta

by Josh Ozersky

For decades, Minetta Tavern was a throwback to the old Greenwich Village, an old-time bar and Italian restaurant with caricatures of forgotten celebrities on the walls, and a clientele of local oldsters. Then along came Keith McNally, of Balthazar and Pastis fame, who has turned the place into a major hotspot, packed with celebrities, one that features some of the most accomplished steakhouse cooking in New York. The caricatures are still there, now highlighted by artful lighting, and the small room seems even smaller as it’s swollen with le beau monde.

04/21/09

give me a break with the attitude...

by loveNY

What has become of neighborhood joints these days? Bouncers are now deciding who may come through the door and speak to the host at Minetta Tavern... Even at Waverly they treat walk-ins better..

• Cons: bouncer turning people away at the door...

03/15/09

Hours of opeerations

by moose2647

My wife and a friend went to Minettas on Saturday night and had a great time. I entertained our daughter and her boyfriend on Sunday, 15th, at Morandi. We left and my wife suggested that we mosie over to Minettas. We arrived at 4:30 and saw someone being let out the door and the door being locked behind him.. We went over to the crepe place across the street and waited. At 5:10 we, and several other people tried to gain access only to find the door still locked. Posted on the menu were the hours......Brunch 12:00 to 4:00 and open at 5:00PM. What gives? This is supposed to be another of the McNally's list of hot spots. I work in the restaurant biz and find that in these hard times you can't off or discourage potential biz.

• Pros: ?
• Cons: At least tyhe posted hours

03/25/08

Go for the atmosphere, stay for the atmosphere

by Johnsongirl

The Minetta is an old friend. It doesn't change, but it gets a little more frayed around the edge. Just like the waiters. Nice and comfy in the back dining room -- they set up with starched tableclothes and make you feel welcome and don't push you. Wine list great. Beers are good too. Good pasta, just nothing exciting. You can spend 3 or 4 hours here, and emerge into the night of the village as if you've come back from another era. Much better than Chumleys or that horrible white horse tavern.

• Pros: atmosphere, welcoming feeling
• Cons: food is average and a bit expensive but you came here for the place, not the food

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Once a speakeasy during Prohibition, this West Village landmark now serves traditional Italian fare in a casual, no-frills atmosphere.

03/07/07

Perfect

by lisa4321

Came for dinner before visitin the Cafe Wha across the street. I just loved the food, the decor and the service. I know this place has been here forever, why isn't it more famous?