113 Places
-
Chuck’s 5-star review: This building has always been one of my favorites; the classic neo-gothic architecture is reminiscent of an era gone by, where buildings took years of planning and insane amounts of meticulously detailed craftsmanship to achieve grandness on a scale that is not seen today. That city has been replaced by a modern one; full dull glass behemoths competing for attention with angles that can be painful to the eye, pushing heights that are as impressive and dazzling as their forms are overly skinny and bland. Don't get me wrong, glass can be a powerful medium in architecture, and some buildings utilize it masterfully - The Hearst building for example is gorgeous in my opinion, with simple geometric angles that are pleasing (because they are symmetric). Others though are god awful, like the Westin at Times Square for instance - with painfully contrasting multicolored glass, and curves that don't fit in with the surrounding buildings; it begs for attention like a cheap call girl in a part of town that is overly flamboyant for flamboyancies sake. And yet even the good examples of these quick build towers can't compare with the stone and metal that makes up classics like the Woolworth. The iconic tower that rises from the rest of the building was a bold statement by the architects; it let the world know who they were, that this type of structure was difficult to achieve (it was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930), and that it was to be a permanent feature of the growing skyline of lower Manhattan. A hundred and two years later we still look up at the copper vaulted roof that's turned green from suffering countless bouts of New York City rain, and marvel at the beauty that those pioneers of early skyscraper architecture were able to accomplish. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: J'adore Amélie This is one of my favorite places in the city for a glass (read: flight) of wine after a long day, or a quiet Sunday afternoon. This place exemplifies what any brasserie should be; multi purposed. You can come here on a date (and you should), with a group of friends, or even by yourself and have a wonderful time reading at the bar. The exceptionally nice guys who run this place all speak in French to one another (and you if you speak to them in French); as such, you may find yourself forgetting you're sitting in the village. Our go to for normal visits is sitting at the bar and ordering a board of cheese; three types for 18$, comes with fruits, nuts, honey, apricot jam, and of course, bread. The bread is worth mentioning, as it spectacular (as any decent french restaurant should be). on a Sunday we go for brunch; the brunch menu is small, but comprehensive, and best of all, pretty affordable (hungover me got a burger once, it was not only delicious, but huge...and only 12$). If you're looking for a romantic spot, book a table (its always busy, so be sure to do this) and sit in the back. There is no way you're going to lose if you come here, if you haven't been, be sure to check it out soon. Merci mes amies pour les vins et le fromage magnifique avec pain. Mais plus importantement merci pour me faisant penser que je suis en France.
-
Chuck’s 5-star review: This place has given me so much over the past two years, it's hard to find words good enough to thank the people who run the French program (but I'll try anyway). I am in no way a religious person, just throwing out that disclaimer up front (not judging anyone for personal beliefs, I subscribe fully to the "you do you" mentality). I think that is why I get on so well with the folks who run the French school here. They offer the most incredible amount of time, patience, compassion, and enthusiasm, and ask for literally nothing in return, monetarily or religiously. Its inspiring to say the least, and I am truly grateful for what they have given me, namely, the ability to speak and be understood in french (albeit on a 4th grade level, but that is on me, not the good folks at St Espirit). They have also fostered a community of people who are genuinely interested in learning French together, and trudge on through the hard times (passe compose anyone?), together. I know personally, I would have probably given up sometime ago if it weren't for the amazing teachers and friends I've made here. If you are at all interested in learning French, I can not recommend this program enough. It will get you though the fundamentals in a year, and actually speaking by the second. I am truly excited to see what the advance class has to offer (hoping to be middle school fluent when all is said and done haha). I only hope I can in some way repay what they have given me somehow, someday. Merci pour le cadeau, Je suis vraiment reconnaissant -
Chuck’s 4-star review: God I love this place I love to travel; honestly it's one of my favorite things I've had the pleasure of doing with my life. What does that have to do with the Dead Rabbit? Well, walking in to this place feels like I am walking into a little pub in Ireland or Scotland. Feeling is exactly the same, from the decor to the friendly demeanor of the guy at the door (granted most pubs in those parts of the world don't have bouncers, save maybe Temple Bar area on a Friday night). Make no mistake about it, it really doesn't matter what day of the week you come here, the place will be jammed with people. That said, if you can score a seat at the bar the place can feel way more of the cozy side that the claustrophobic side. We were lucky enough to score the one little table directly next to the front windows when we went in last week, and it was absolutely perfect. I mean, was there people sitting at the bar between us and the bartender? Yes. Did it stop her from passing me a Scotch egg and a few pints of Guinness? Absolutely not. That's the magic of this place. Yes the food is good, yes the ambiance screams North Ireland, but it's the people that run the ship that make this place so great. The staff is calm when it's crowded and never leave you hanging too long with an empty glass. Back to the food though. So far I've had the pleasure of trying that aforementioned Scotch egg, their sausage rolls, their house burger and the Sheppard's pie. All of these things are made in a very traditional tasting way (sans the burger, this tastes exactly as you'd expect it to). The sausage rolls are probably my favorite thing on the menu; as someone raised by scots I grew up with these things, and they are not something I get very often anymore. Unlike the Scottish version, these are very much made of pork, but done exceptionally well, as are the pastry they are wrapped in. The Scotch egg is traditional tasting and the yokes are done just right. The Sheppard's pie is fantastic as is the burger. Next time I go, fish and chips will be on tap, I have no doubt that the DR crew does this dish very well (I expect mushy peas, I am sure I won't be disappointed). The drink menu is extensive, and covers everything you'd expect from a bar of this caliber. I won't go too deep into the details on this, but will mention that they have some very high end scotch choices to pick from and a cask ale made for them by Sixpoint that is pretty damn good. Is it super popular right now? Yes but for a super good reason, if you haven't been yet get down there asap and check it out for yourself. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Moving is such a drag*. It takes weeks, makes you ask a ton of your friends (and of your relationship with your significant other), and for what? Well, I guess for a place like this; in this particular case my move (however painful - miss you already Brooklyn), paid me back with a few perks. When I first heard that we would be seeing a place next to Central Park, I figured it would be nice (who doesn't love a walk in the park), but nothing overly insane. I mean a park is a park right? Wrong, oh so very wrong of an assumption. Some parks are, well, better than others and the conservatory is amazing. Walking through Vanderbilt gate (a guy actually unlocks this in the morning - I want to see what the key looks like), you find yourself transported to a park hidden inside a park. With flowing fountains and groomed walking paths, the park is sculptured with angles and elevations that are laid out so spectacularly that they make this oasis in Manhattan feel truly grand; this place would do very well in Paris, no doubt about it. The best part of this park for me, is that it takes you out of the craziness of the city to a more tranquil place. You can truly relax here, and forget about your surroundings or the stress of the day. If you've never had a chance to check this place out, and happened to find yourself in the north side of the park, absolutely stop in. _____________________________________ *Side note; it's good to be back; new lab is up and running, apartment is coming together and I actually have a few minutes to write a review (hurray!) -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Ah Tal's, you and I go way back don't we? I remember being a young kid at grandma's house on 50th and first, and on a Sunday walking up to get a few bagels and bialys from you guys and thinking "man this place rules". It's still very much true, you make my favorite bagel in the city, and that's saying something in this town. Maybe its nostalgia? Maybe it's the cream cheese and lox? Either way, you still have it going on, don't change a single thing (even the nickel and diming over a bagel with butter vs cream cheese is ok by me, honest). -
Chuck’s 4-star review: This place is pretty much the best Believe it or not, I love burgers (cray cray, coming from the fat guy, am I right?), so this place was pretty much in my wheelhouse. Why you should come here: *The "sliders" are delightful *The burgers are slightly too large to be considered sliders (no complaints here) *It's reasonably priced for the quality *The burgers truly are delicious *The beer is reasonable *See asterisk four again Why it's not a 5 star/things to take note of: *Seats are not the most comfortable *When it's busy, you'll feel like you're flying coach (i.e. it gets crammed) *There is only one bathroom *The one bathroom always has a line (see asterisk 5, regarding the reasonably priced beer) *I ate too many of them** The staff is outrageously friendly and the mood in the place is super relaxed. If you're looking for a place to grab a quick bite before you head out in the East Village, you could do a whole lot worse than Mark. _______________________ **Ok this one's on me, and my issues with impulse control - for the record two doubles, a single....and another free single, because they messed up is far too much food for a human.
-
Chuck’s 5-star review: Sunglasses and I have a very difficult relationship. On the one hand they keep my eyes from burning up in the sun, and on the other, it can be pretty damn hard to find a pair that fit my gigantic head (my mom legit called me Mr Met growing up...love you mom). Enter the Ray Ban store in SOHO. I honestly wasn't sure if anything would suit me as I walked in, but luckily for me Jeanne was there to hook me up. She quickly put my fears of rejection aside, assuring me that there were other options than aviators for me*. We spent a good while going over the frames that would work, and she laid out all the different options that came along with them. She was in no way pushy, and even told me that the polarised lenses weren't totally necessary in the frames I chose (I went with them anyway). In the end I found a pair that worked perfectly for me, and I was super happy to have her helping me out (she even threw in a extra case for my girlfriends old pair of Ray Bans, as her case broke). One thing to note; while the 45 day return policy you get online absolutely applies here, you can't return online purchases from their website to the physical store. If you're at all unsure of the frames you want, I highly recommend stopping in. -------------- *I look disturbingly like the fat cop from Super Troopers in aviators. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: Murray Hill...really? Yep, for reals. This place is really on point*, in both terms of decor, and more importantly food. Walking in, the first thing that I noticed (besides that it was much larger inside that I'd expected) was that there were two bars. This usually means that one is in a "turtle bay" hell bar. The crowd around me, initially scared me into thinking this was indeed the case (what with their shitty conversations, baseball hat and suit combos, and indoor use of sunglasses), but lo and behold, the staff was super on point. And what's that, the menu has more than just wings fries and nachos? Color me intrigued. Sitting at the bar (because, of course we sit at the bar, what are we amateurs), we made small talk with the extremely cool folks behind the bar, and ordered a few beers and some food. My girlfriend got the shepards pie and I got a burger with fried pickles on it. Both were solid choices, though for me the burger was the winner. As the sun continued to go down, the crowd got more and more douchey, we decided to get out of dodge, vowing we would return for weekend brunch, when presumably, the finance kids would be back at their parents houses on Long Island. Enter boozy brunch last weekend. Again, the staff was super chill, but this time, so was the class of people hanging out. Were there "Murray Hillites", well yes, of course there were, but they were not the predominant class of bruncher. The brunch menu was loaded with choice, but I again went for a burger (bacon, cheddar, and onion rings) which was even better than the fried pickle burger. Sitting at the bar is, of course the way to go. We were friendly with the bartenders, and in return we were rewarded with glasses that were never empty, and a timer that never ended. My favorite thing to say at brunch is "I'll take the check now", and a bartender saying, OK one or two more before you go. This is NOT because I have a drinking problem (cough), but because I love a place that does brunch because they like doing it, not just because its NYC and they have to serve shitty eggs with champagne. I can truly say that this place is a solid call for brunch or dinner -but for me brunch is the clear winner (and I will, without a doubt be back here to do it again soon). ________________________________________ * With the obvious caveat being that its located in Murray Hill; the local fauna composed of he-bros, she-bros, dude-bros, and finance-bros are very much the worst. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: Recap of a solid night on one of my new favorite terraces. I think what I like most about this place is how unpretentious it is. Sure, the servers are all beautiful people but they are also relaxed. You get the feel that you could nurse a beer or cocktail all night and they wouldn't mind at all. There is a breezy air to the place, and there is more to it than the winds blowing down 42nd (or off the Hudson). The Drinks are more than affordable, 6$ for a beer and around the same for a glass of wine (albeit, a small glass). They are doing Brunch now, which too seems reasonably priced for an outdoor, above ground establishment. 18$ will score you a meal, and you can add on 4$ per cocktail. Not shabby at all. It looks like they are planning on showing movies (there is a large screen at the far end of the deck), which given the super comfy outdoor lounge furniture would be a blast (suck it Bryant Park, you may be pretty but that lawn pales in comparison). Then of course there is that beautiful view, the trip here is worth it for that alone (almost). So come hang out on an outdoor couch and watch the sunset fall over Times Square; best part about that?You don't actually have to, you know, go to Times Square. Hoping for the best for these guys, but given the price point and the upscale feel I'm sure they will be with us for some time to come. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Let's start this year off right, and review a place I should have long ago. There are places that exist that if you're not a fan of we just can't be friends. It's not an overly long list; I can get over your appreciation for some crappy club that charges way too much for a beer, and is full of Dbags (did I use the term Dbag in a review of one of the cultural highlights the world has to offer?). Or your love of some awesomely awful restaurant that you swear has the best fried chicken sandwich, and is "totally worth the 2 hour line" (it's not). I can even get over your lack of travel ambition (...well not really, the world is awesome get your ass out there). But if you don't like the Met? Well then there is no hope for us, let's just go our own separate ways (I'll be out doing all the fun cool stuff; you enjoy...whatever it is that you do). I could go on about how impressive their collection of impressionist paintings are (some of the finest outside of Paris, only the d'Orsay does it better in my humble opinion), or the cool revolving exhibitions they do like China, or the upcoming Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France (yes I am a dork...don't care). But there is really no point. Why should you visit the Met? To get lost. Every time I come here I find a new room I have not seen before (or a room that looks so different, it feels new), and it keeps me feeling young. It's hard to get the thrill of being in a new place, a place that matters, when you get to a certain age and this place continues to make me feel this way, almost without fail (if its super packed, it's a bit hard to enjoy the place, but c'est la vie). This is one of the only museums I pay to support, I can't imagine any reason I'd ever stop (moving to Cambodia? I'd still keep up with my membership), it's that near and dear to me. If you've never been, go. If you haven't been in a while, go back. Sit with Monet, hang out with the marble likeness of Hadrian's head, and if you still say you don't like it...well you already know how I feel. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: There are few places in the city I'll wait around for*, this is one of them. If you haven't heard of Jacobs, then you're either from out of town or living under a rock. This place is pretty well known, and for many a good reason. First and foremost are those biscuit sandwiches. Holy hell. If you're not hungry, these can easily be shared between two people..though I am not sure why you would come here not hungry (read: if you come near my sandwich you're getting bit). 15$ gets you one of my favorite meals in the city; BBQ smothered pepper jack fried chicken sandwich (BBQ on the side). Guys. You guys. This is not a sandwich, its two giant pieces of decadently buttermilk -fried chicken covered in high end pepper jack cheese laid gently between two bits of insanely good biscuit**. Go big and ask them to swap out the grits for fries (the fries here are banging). If you're feeling particularly masochistic, you can start with an order of fried pickles, which are of course awesome...but like I said this meal is enormous, you will probably be taking a good portion of it home. The cocktails Jacobs offers up are also pretty damn good. The Brooklyn gin is my normal go to, unless I'm feeling particularly tough, in which case I go for the Jam Jar. Last time we were in they had a special on called the bee's knees, which was basically a vodka shanty-esque drink - vodka lemonade with a bit of honey and a pour of pilsner. It was pretty epic; they should probably add that to their permanent line up. The beer selection is also worth noting, as they have a pretty wide selection of craft beers. The price point on the beers is on the high end, but you get what you pay for and their selection pretty much demands the price (...almost). The ambiance is really the only thing I'd change about this place. I mean the front end is pretty spot on, sporting a large glass façade and high ceilings (the lighting is also low at night, which lends a really chill vibe). All that said the back is nothing to write home about; I personally am not a huge fan of communal dining, but even more so when the tables are jammed together. The place is always packed though, so I understand why they get as many people in as possible. If you haven't come yet, you absolutely should; just remember that you are more than likely going to wait, and that you are here for the fried chicken (and, of course, that the aforementioned chicken is worth waiting for). _________ *Reservations are for parties of six or more, it's worth gathering up some foodie buddies to make this happen. **I am going to die so young....worth it. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: An amazing find for the area, Crepe cafe has pretty much everything I look for in a coffee / pastry spot. You can absolutely pop in and get a cafe au lait and croissant to go (don't forget to get your loyalty card punched), but hanging out here is equally as pleasant. The menu is actually pretty unique, considering that (as their namesake suggests) crepes are the featured dish. There are a few other creperies I can think of in the city , but none anywhere close to East Harlem. As for the crepes, they are both affordable and well prepared. The banana Nutella is my go-to (#fatlife), I highly recommend it. The turkey, bacon, and gruyère is also pretty damn spectacular. I have to say, it's very pleasant coming into this small cafe, as the staff is always so welcoming. Come here for the coffee, stay to support a solid local business (and sweet crepes...Come for them too) -
Chuck’s 2-star review: OMFG. I want to preface this review by saying that I work for a major hospital in the city, and understand what it's like to be in a busy medical suite. That said, this place was not overly packed when I came in for a routine checkup (I like to go out of my hospital network for privacy reasons..you never know, right?). There were two secretaries' desks at check in, but only one was staffed. Unluckily for me, that secretary did not deal with my doctor, so I was told (unapologetically) to wait until the other one returned (I couldn't self-check-in using the little PC at the counter). She did eventually come back, 15 minutes later (where was she.....do I want to know?). When she finally came back from whatever state she was in (my guess was Pennsylvania), she told me I had to redo all my forms as they used their own. Their forms had been photocopied so many times, they looked like a crappy textbook from an underfunded school. When I finally finished, I was told to wait to see my physician. And wait I did. For an hour. When I finally raised concern that my scheduled appointment time was an hour and fifteen minutes ago, the reluctant staff went to the back to "look for the doctor". They came out shortly and told me to come back. Where had he been? Was he too in Pennsylvania, or had the staff just forgotten about me (yep, the sure did). 15 minutes and one copay later I was out of there, but man what an awful experience) Here's a bit of advice from a peer - update your forms, get your front end staff to be more attentive, and apologies for massive wait times In our world customer service is everything; NYC is fortunate enough to have amazing palaces to get care, and Sinai just lost me forever. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: I've been coming to Mee since I was a kid, it's still pretty much my gold standard for American Chinese food. Few things you should know: *The line at the takeout window can be long, be ready to grab your stuff once your number is called *BYOB, as such, come prepared with some wine and or a few beers *The sweet and sour chicken is the best in town *The house fried rice is damn good too *Share a side, the portions are pretty big *The eggroll is better than the soup as an app *they can accommodate larger parties, but this place is more fun with a group of 2 to 4 They may have moved over a block, but aside from that not much has changed. I swear it's the same crew working today as back in the day. Hit this place up if you're craving some deliciousness and are in the area, and FYI, the wine shop across the street has some pretty solid bottles of vin in the 10$ price range. The good folks at Mee don't charge a corking fee either (just saying). -
Chuck’s 4-star review: Jam cocktails, 24 (quality) beers on tap, chill vibe, and a cool bartender? Yeah this place has it going on, you'd better get down here quickly before it gets insanely busy....because it will absolutely be a staple bar soon. The corner of third and B has treated me well over the years, namely in the form of boozy brunch at Café Cortadito and Poco, and I was stoked to try a new place down here after a long Friday of work (Props to RJ for suggesting). Walking in, I knew this place and I would get along: *Iconic New York decor in the form of antique pictures, and a cool map hiding behind the booze; I got a nautical theme out of the place too, which I always appreciate. *Speaking of booze, this place has high end liquor on display that complements the high-end look of their bar; its gorgeous IMHO in both quality and design *The jam cocktails are delightful. Quality jam goes in to these handmade concoctions, along with your choice of alcohol - try the raspberry and gin, thank me later *24 beers on tap, sold in half and full pours. The beer is quality too, with standards like BK Sorache Ace, to Curieux, and Firestone. Solid pours reasonable prices. The space itself really is laid out nicely, considering how small it actually is; they have quite a few seats at the bar, along with classic back bar seating. They also feature a stone topped counter adjacent to the bar that is pretty cool looking, and has stools on both sides (adding a few extra seats in never hurts). Like I said classic New York vibe with a hint of nautical theme, but I think that is why this place will Excel - it has a high end feel without being pretentious. It's refreshing, and is a business model that more places should strive for. 100% worth checking out (even if you are not in the area... it's worth the trip as a destination bar, and yet is a fun barhopping spot too) Corlear's is sure to get more and more popular; I can see it being packed on the weekends and for happy hour soon. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: This is my old man bar let me explain. If you're looking for Erin and I on a lazy Sunday, odds are you'll find us downtown. And, If we have no plans, we like to pretend (cough) that we are old people. We especially like to sit (at the usually deserted) bar at P.J Clarke's and split a burger. It really is a nice place to have a beer and half a burger too - the usually busy neighborhood is sleeping on Sunday and once we're done we can take a walk across lower Manhattan to the bridge or down to bowling green via the waterside path. They always have a game on (assuming someone is playing), and the staff is super nice. Is the burger the best in the world? No, but it's pretty solid, as is the asparagus you can tack on as a side. Come here and pretend to be an old person the next Sunday you're free, it's a lot of fun. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: This spot is hard to beat for a few reasons: *It's enormous, you can bring a group post work with no issues *The burger is insanely good *The lobster/lobster rolls are fantastic *they have a custom Six Point beer brewed just for them *The huge burger, or lobster will only set you back 20$ *The staff is always very pleasant *I like how long bar is Where it can do better *It feels like you're sitting in a chain..because, well, you are *They have started adding items to their menu (It's called burger lobster...not burger, lobster and breakfast) *I loath the word "mock-tail" (pet peeve, but nonetheless, call it a non alcoholic beverage). *You can add liquor to your "mock-tail" defeating the purpose of calling it as such in the first place. I guess menu diversification is the name of the game these days, but it was cool when it was just burgers and lobsters...all that said, its still one of my favorite burgers in town. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: So there are a few things I do at any new brunch spot that I feel will help me understand what kind of bruncharie (deal with it), I'm in. First, and most importantly, I sit at the bar and say hey to whoever will be my enabler for the next hour and a half, two hours, or, if I'm in a unicorn brunch spot, as long as I feel like (looking at you La Carbonara). This will not only gauge the quality, and quantity of alcohol I'm about to imbibe, it also lets me know what kind of human I'll be chatting with (and who will be judging me silently) on any given Saturday . If the bartender is cool, the folks who run the place are probably cool, and all will be right with the world. If the bartender seems nervous, pours suspiciously slowly, or isn't fun, the person who owns the place is probably a douche (I do love an observational experiment). It basically boils down to this; if the drinks come without you having to ask, and the person who brings them to you is cool, you've found a good spot. Next up is the feel of the place in conjunction with the menu. Are you in an Irish pub that serves pasta? French place making meatballs? That should be a bright red flag, and you should run. Yes, they may try to kill you with mimosas and bloody Mary's, but odds are you'll leave less than satisfied, and uncomfortably drunk. Find a place that does one thing really well, and you'll be happier when you're done. The one exception of course is quality of drinks; All brunch spots should do this well, and if they don't there's really no point (find a lunch spot). Brunch is a science you guys; put some empirical work in and you'll find spots worth going back to. OK so all that said, Lilly O'Brien's passed all tests for me this past weekend. The bartender was unbelievably chill, the Irish pub had pub food (and the obligatory waffle..because you know...brunch), and the drinks came without me having to ask. If you find yourself downtown in need of a brunch spot, you could do far worse than this place. -
Chuck’s 3-star review: This place has such potential First of all let me say that the beer is really damn good. but its also really damn expensive. 9.80$ for one 12oz beer? I mean, even for NYC that is pretty steep you guys. The ambiance of the place would be solid enough, with the large bar, cozy looking booths and back yard space, but there were flies everywhere when we were hanging at the bar. really not a good look for a place that serves food, they should do something about this. The staff seemed friendly enough,and were happy to refill our water glasses as we perused the menu while sipping ultra expensive beers. The food menu looks solid as well, but as I said I can't imagine eating at a place that has so many flies flying about. All and all, I don't think I'll be back, for the same price point I can have a few beers on a rooftop. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: This is one of my favorite brunches in the city, and IMHO there's plenty a reason to rave about this place. The food is authentic Cuban done right. I imagine the cook to be someone's grandma, who just came from Havana to cook for the day. The drinks are deceptively strong, sugar masks the the amount of rum in every single drink - make no mistake there is a LOT of rum in these drinks. I'm a big guy (6'4), three or four of these heavenly rum lemonades and I'm flying high. Come here for the best Cuban you'll find off the island, blueberry caprahinia's, and HAND ROLLED cigars (they are free!) Amazing place. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: Not sure why this place has such low ratings Let me preface that I've know this place since it was a Bon Chon (and that was awhile ago). The name may have changed, but the quality of the food here didn't budge an inch. the soy garlic wings are just as good as they ever were, and the 1$ coors lights on HH are a steal (even if they are only 8oz pours - the bartender will keep your glass full have no fear). The ambiance isn't the worst I've seen for a railroad-esque bar set up; they have projectors that play any game you're looking for, and the barge while long doesn't dominate the whole space. I am curious as to why the second bathroom in the back left has its door blocked with a rack holding cooking supplies (like I said, the place serves dollar beers having more than one bathroom is a no brainer). IF you are going for anything other that the Korean fried chicken, and that is a big if, then the fried rice should be next on your list. Its consistently good, and a good bang for your buck. Come here for the wings, stay for the dollar beers....then get out before the place gets packed with finance bros, which is guaranteed to happen on a Friday night. -
Chuck’s 4-star review: Tallboy and a shot for 8$ on a Friday night? Sign me up. Yeah this place is pretty much the best, but then again I do love a good dive bar. But is One Star really a dive bar? I mean, sure it's got cheap beer, and it's not overly nice, but it is somehow lacking the seediness that makes a bar a dive. Take the Patriot Saloon; the second you walk in it's dark and gross, there are old guys chugging PBRs and there is metal (probably) playing in the background. One Star? It's just somehow too nice...maybe it was the clientele hanging out (not overly rowdy or hammered at 1130 on a Friday), or maybe it was the lack of blaringly loud shitty music in the background? All I know is that I ordered up a 25oz bush light for 7$ (don't judge me..or do, whatever) and was able to have conversation above the not blaring music and not screaming people around me. If you're looking for a place to grab cheap drinks near Madison Sq park, you could do far worse than One Star.
-
Chuck’s 4-star review: This place is about as dive bar as they come. Walking into Milano's is like walking into another era of NYC, a place that just doesn't exist anymore. Aside from the fact that you can pay with a credit card, I don't think much has changed here since the 70's. And that isn't a bad thing. I truly love walking into a seedy dive bar*, but even more so when said dive isn't trying to be one. I think that's case in point with Milano's; they stopped giving a shit a long time ago, and it works for them. Considering the neighborhood, that is quite the feat too. This space by now "should' be a boutique coffee bar, clothes shop for rich folks, or you know, an ATM...but its not. its a no frills get your drink on dive, and for that I am exceedingly grateful. 3* for being seedy and fun 1* for not having been turned in to a Starbucks. If you're looking for a no nonsense bar to have a beer and a shot, check this place out _____________________________________ * If you don't agree, we probably can't be friends -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Bensons is pretty much the bomb. I had not been here since the killer yelp event a few years back (what up six point?), and man do I regret the lost moments I could have been spending cozied up here. OK Cozied up may be the wrong expression, but I do lament not sitting at this bar more often, knocking back a few choice brews with the amazingness that is a Benson burger. Ugh that burger. If you've never had the pleasure, and at ALL like a prime cut of beef ground and grilled into perfection then make your way over here. Seriously go. now. why are you still here...OK ok back to the review. The space itself is nicely put together, especially those enormous front windows (the light pours in), but lets be honest, I'm not looking for luxury lighting when i'm down here, I am looking for beer....lots and lots of beer, and man do these guys deliver (Aussie aussie aussie, oy oy oy). The list here really is expertly put together, and you absolutely can, and should find a few australian beers (place is an Aussie bar if you didn't know). Come for the burger (seriously), stay for the beer, and make sure to say hey to the exceptionally nice folks running the place that will lull you into a drunken coma with both their charming accents, and their strong brews. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Stephen Stephen STEPHEN STEPHEN!!!!!!! If you have a chance to snag some tickets to the late show with Colbert, you absolutely should. They may be hard to get, and you'll have no clue who the guest will be the night you're going, but the experience itself is worth the hassle of showing up to the Ed Sullivan theater in the middle of the day to pick them up. But I am getting ahead of myself. The first thing that you need to know about getting tickets to this show is that they are hard to get. The hype of Colbert taking over has not worn down just yet, so forget picking who you'd like to see, just be happy to have a ticket at all. The second thing you need to know is that the pickup time for tickets is 2 pm, sharp. Technically you have until 3, but if you want to be in the first wave (they let 2 large groups in) tickets 1-250 go first...you want to be in this group. Once you have your tickets, you have 2 hours to relax, as you'll be coming back at 4:15 to check in. they line you up according to ticket number, and then you get put through security, which includes a guard dog and a metal detector. No messing around here, I'm surprised TSA agents weren't there with gloves on. Again though it's so totally worth it. The theater itself has gone through a major renovation (so I am told, it was my first time inside), and it is GORGEOUS. Built in 1927, the place oozes golden age glamour; we sat in the balcony (we were in the second wave), but had a spectacular view of the massive dome that hovers over the theater. The dome itself has a great light effect set up; in our show it snowed and was covered in virtual "lights" (the set was all dressed up in Christmas theme, which was tastefully done). Speaking of the set, I have to say it was more technical that I expected. The lights that they have hidden behind all the panels are always changing color, and the bi-level feel of the place reminds you of Colbert's old show but is more grown up. The band is amazing (I think Jon Batiste could play any instrument you threw at him) they play during all the commercials and keep the place warm and lively, and of course Stephen is absolutely hilarious (his pre-show Q&A is a lot of fun). If you want to do a touristy thing in your city (as we all should from time to time), the Late Show should be high on your list. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: This play was phenomenal Normally I'm not the biggest fan of one woman (or man) shows. I find them to be a little tough to deal with, as the performer is usually over the top. Monica Piper was somehow different. Was she over the top? Yes at times, but the way character trait melded into her life story (what this play was all about) was somehow perfectly fitting. Her story growing up in the city with a comedian father idolizing the Yankees somehow struck a chord with me. I really don't want to give away any of the play, but by the end I felt like I had been along for the ride. And it was fun. The development of the characters is done superbly well, by the end you feel like you know all of her family members, friends and rivals personally. I truly didn't expect to get teary eyed during this performance, but she had us laughing through the tears. This play is absolutely worth checking out if you get a chance. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: This is honestly one of the best brunches I've been to in the longest time. In the mood for Filipino, or Filipino-American food? Admittedly I had no idea what to expect, but wanted to try something a bit out of the box. I was not disappointed. Walking in, I was immediately struck by the cool décor the place set up for itself. I loved the corrugated metal shipping containers for walls, the island colors and posters, and the red lights above the open kitchen. Again not at all what I was expecting (admittedly, I was not really sure what I was in store for). We were greeted by the uber friendly staff, who told us that they wanted our whole party of 7 present before they could seat us for brunch. This being a very common rule in the NYC brunch scene, we happily obliged and sat at the bar, where a menu was provided to us to peruse over. The food here is super interesting, and ranges from traditional (as I was made aware) offering like tapsilog and tocilog to Filipino-American offerings like the chori burger. There was then of course, Balut....more to come on that later. The drinks offering for brunch was definitely a cut above the rest; they had amazing sangria, champagne (sparkling drinks), bloody marys, and a beer (dyckaman) included with the unlimited option. Topless brunch, as they call it, has it going on for 29$ a person, this line up of food and drink choices typically comes at a higher price point. Not saying you can't find a 25$ aycd brunch in the city, because you certainly can...but usually you're getting some J Roget mixed with Tropicana or bloody mix with vodka poured from a plastic bottle; not the case at Jeepney. The staff was outrageously friendly, and the food was awesome (Chroi burger was seriously good eats, highly recommended). We drank and laugh for a few hours, and even got to watch Kenny eat a half formed chicken embryo! Seriously though, Balut is not for the faint of heart; I only wanted to puke a little watching him devour it.... Come here with a group and enjoy a solid topless brunch; I'm pretty sure we sat at our table way past the 2hr time limit making jokes with the staff, and I'm absolutely positive we drank our weight in beer and champagne. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Yet it was all worth it. The Lexington ave line, as we all know is beyond maxed out, and unlike our west side neighbors, we have had no back up. Until now. Having a train that will take some of that load off is more than appreciated, even with the staggering price tag that came along with it. The station at 96th is modern, open, and clean (for now at least). It wasn't as crowded as expected, and of those who were on the platform at least half seemed more interested in taking pictures than in getting around. I can't say I'm surprised by that, asside from the new Hudson yards stop on the 7 when was the last time you were in a new subway station? The hundred year old dream is now a reality, and I for one couldn't be happier a about it. Now let's get to work on phase two, I want to ride from 125 to Coney Island on the Q. -
Chuck’s 5-star review: Warning; this review comes to you from a snowy sleepy night in manhattan- I've been to Becco more times than I can remember, and have never been disappointed. The pasta dinner is tried and true, makes me smile just thinking about it. Start out with prosciutto, it will make you think about what is possible with ham, and you may never think about it the same way again. All the bottles of wine on the dinner menu are 25$ (amazing), and carefully picked to complement the freshly made (like hand made this morning) pasta. Oh that pasta. I can honestly say it is some of the best I've ever had. It's Sicilian grandma hand spun good- because it is (minus grandma). Touristy, yes no doubt about it. But sit at the bar and enjoy the sounds that are New York pass by you while you eat pasta you will never forget - unless you drink too much wine ; )
About
Discover
Languages
Countries
Copyright © 2004–2024 Yelp Inc. Yelp, 
, 
and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp.