NOTE: my review is only about the secret ski chalet bar in the back through the kitchen. It's a really small intimate space but really makes an impression. I love speakeasy spots like this. Secluded. Good vibe with a small but well implemented menu and great drinks. There is a disco ball, good music, and vintage skiing decor and artwork that gives the feeling of a cozy no frills ski bar atop your favorite lift. A buddy knew about it and took a few of us there recently for late night drinks during our guys night out. Loved everything about this place. So strange walking through a real kitchen to get to it but that's part of the mystery and appeal. Best things we are there were the fried squash app which were amazing, thin, crispy and not overly greasy of soggy at all. Perfectly done with 3 sauces to try. The burger was even more amazing. Just the right amount of grease and meaty goodness cooked medium rare, damn delicious. Plenty of cheese or topping options to finish it off. Highly recommend the gruyere or blue cheese. Oh lastly it's Cash only!!! read more

Love this place The place can't do any wrong in my eyes. Food is amazing Highly recommend the zucchini chips!!!! The risotto is AMAZING!!!!! read more

It's called Café Select because they select who they serve. Worst experience ever. I have never been treated so rudely before. I came in here August 18, 2017 at 5pm. My friend and I were just looking to have a glass of wine each. The bar was rather full and since we were waiting for another friend to join us there just wasn't enough room at the bar for three. So we asked a waitress and she let us pick any table we wanted. Since it was pouring rain, the cafe wasn't that busy at all. There were only 4 tables occupied. My friend and I ordered two glasses of Pinot Grigio and all seemed fine. Until we realized that deep into our conversation (we were catching up) it was now 5:40 and we still didn't get our drinks. For more than twenty minutes we tried to flag down our waitress who seemed to be well trained in avoiding eye contact and strategically turning her head so she couldn't see us. We were fed up. When she finally noticed us she looked at our table and acted as though she was confused she didn't see wine glasses. It was 6:10 now and our waitress was pouring two glasses of wine for us. When she came over she said "I'm sorry I didn't notice and well you guys didn't say anything." 1. I wasn't going to holler at her from across the restaurant 2. She only had 4 tables so I don't know how she forgot we only ordered 2 glasses of wine After a while I noticed the waitress was cleaning up after other customers, getting them drinks, being attentive to people that walked in after us. One common trait between them all? They were European. It's safe to say that I'm not the most European looking girl. I was wearing my opening ceremony x Pearl River polo and my friend was dressed in all black because she had been working as a messenger all morning. She's Puerto Rican and I'm Dominican and Spaniard. So I mean...thanks to that waitress for just assuming we weren't good enough to serve. I would never come here again. I have never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant. I honestly just should have gone to Pepe Rosso Social. They're much friendlier. But hey, I'm glad this establishment is still up and running somehow. Trump would be so proud. If I could have rated this negative 5 stars, I would. read more

Busy European style cafe! We had good brunch and a happy waitress! Cheese burgers are delicious I love schnitzel, it was much thinner than the ones Order. Fast pace but decent and happy read more

A classic. Amazing brunch... Amazing ambience... Amazing Service... Zuccini chips. Really strong champagne. My drunkest nights have been spent at Cafe Select. The Swiss army blankets are so sexy. The host broke my friend's heart. It was his fault she's the coolest and sweetest girl ever. Go to this restaurant. read more

This place is a gem. We dropped in wile on a walk and enjoyed an espresso at the bar. We were surprised by the reasonable prices. The staff was friendly. read more

Interesting menu but the food was disappointing and the service was rude, even by New York brunch standards.

Great People, Great Service. Food very tasty, even though we only got appetizers, everything was fresh and tasty...

Don't waste your time with so many wonderful places to eat down the street . This place is overrated with mediocre food, sloppy presentation If you want to be treated rudely and condescended to then this is the place for you. People should not treat others that way, won't be going back ever read more

Switzerland in the City. Best emmentaler fondue I've ever had. Great with sauterne. Apple strudel was buttery, sweetened more by apples than by sugar. Decent range of pricing on menu for different budgets. Cheerful, attentive waiters and servers. Swiss precision, just like the giant clock in the main dining room. read more

Cafe Select - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Probably the worst all-round place in NYC. I used to frequent this place every week. Despite the food being bad and over priced, I'd come for the atmosphere convenient location. But over the years the service became worse and worse. When they opened for indoor dining again I booked for brunch. My friend had to cancel so I called them to let them know and was charged $50. Paying $50 for no food and no service is pretty much the same experience as I'd come to expect from this place, and it's a symbol of just how bad this place has become. Don't go. read more

You know its the run of the mill downtown cafe with a great atmosphere and a good strong coffee. People actually connect here with eachother. No fricking laptop gazing latte sipping zombies. The waiter was a bit neglecting us. She has not that service mind to look around when you give someone a check. Dont run straight back but check if you are needed. I didnt pay this tab but the croissants were nice buttery soft. Orange juice is freshly squeezed. Good for a meet up. Or to bring your European friends to to show that the old vibe is still going on across the Atlantic pond. read more

Cafe Select - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is the best stop ever for wine, dinner, fun ambience and great waitresses. I must say the interior lighting and that vintage rail station clock is quite charming. We loved the zucchini chips n dips for our starters; quinoa salad was yum and also loved Spatzli with Wild mushrooms. Our host was Mathilda, she took great care of us in terms of menu options for vegetarians, also served our starters, main course and drinks quick. I wouldn't know about the meat options here and how they taste but certainly enjoyed the ambience and quality of food a lot! I will definitely go back on my next visit to NYC! read more

Cafe Select - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Food was OK, staff was friendly. Prices at the restaurant were higher than their online menu which was annoying. read more

Great simple food. Great service. Good price. Great outdoor setup with enough social distancing. Delightful cheese plate with tete de moine and honeycomb. read more

This is one of my favorite places to dine, especially during COVID - I've had no issue finding tables, their staff manage incredibly well even given the difficult ratio of patrons to employees, and the food is reliably good. They also give out big, warm blankets if you need them. Highly recommended! read more

Such a great spot for lunch. We stopped in for a light lunch - Greek salad and quinoa salad were amazing!

Came for brunch. The place has a cute feel. The seating is tight and you are better off coming with small party. He coffee/espresso is really good and made to order. The food was good, my friend really enjoyed the pancakes. The warm lintzer tart was delicious and something to make a point of trying. read more

Small restaurant and they pack you in just like most in NYC. Good food, relaxed service. We would go back again for sure

I think this place is fairly underrated, when it comes to their food. Cafe Select is a Swiss café with amazing items on the menu that even a native European forgot about they existed such as Rösti's and raclette. Which I had the pleasure of trying both. I had the Rösti (roesti) special with prosciutto and gruyere topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Small dish, to European standards and perfect for lunch My mom had the raclette which is melted over cornichonnes (pickled cucumbers) and potatoes. The melted gruyere had a perfect sear and taste. If there was something disappointing about the experience, it was it took them forever to close us out. I ended up going to the bar to pay read more

Kevin evans and rashad were amazing. Hosted our bday party for a dear friend and took great care of our group. 10/10 would recommend

This cafe has a very nice industrial & European feel, as well as a little bit of diner feel. The latte was very good in a tall glass, with dragon like pictured foam which I'm not sure if they intended to draw it. (I'll try to figure out the way to attach the photo. It's really nice) I wish I tried the porched egg dish or the wurst dish that the couple next to us were eating! They looked REALLY good. Instead, I ordered "baked stuff platter", which was basically 1 croissant and 3 very thin pieces of chocolate loaf. I was a little surprised that it was $10... I'd definitely go back to try other dishes & latte! read more

Cafe Select - Interior - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I was treated so rudely by the manager here. First of all, the cocktails are totally overpriced and not worth it. Second of all, I got essentially kicked out because I sat at the dinner table instead of the bar while me and my boyfriend ordered drinks when the tables were EMPTY. The bar was pretty full and the dinner tables were 90% empty and I have severe back pain so I thought why not I'll sit here. And the manager told his guy to tell us to basically hurry up and leave because he had "tons of reservations". Where? It was empty and we were only there for a total of 10 minutes. Then he kept glaring at me... so weird. read more

The best of the best of old NUC holding it down. Since Lucky Strike and Mexican Radio closed, one of the last home outs of great scene. Staff can be snooty... but that's old New York. read more

If you ask people why they come to Cafe Select, 9 out of 10 the reason would be "because Jacks Wife Freda was full/had a long wait". That was the same rationale for the business lunch I scheduled on a weekday at noon. To my surprise, I probably could've waited for an hour at jacks wife Freda and gotten my food faster. First of all, when my party of three walked in with a reservation at 12PM, the restaurant was maybe 30% full. We sat down, were given menus, and then spent the next 20 minutes trying to flag down a waitress, who seemed to have really important things to say to the other waitress at one of the registers. Once we finally got a waitress, we proceeded to order. I ordered the burger, which comes with a side of chips or greens - I had to remind her that I didn't pick one to which she said "Oh right. You get one of those". Fine, we submitted our order and continued to wait. As we were waiting, we heard the table next to us (a table of two) flag the waitress down: "you gave us cocktail menus. can we get food menus?" Hearing that exchange didn't inspire much confidence. As we continued to wait, the table next to us finally was able to order once they were given food menus. To our surprise, despite placing their order after we did, they got their food about 15-20 minutes earlier. Keep in mind this was now 45 minutes since we walked in the door and we had a completely empty table. The irony is that we ordered the same things that that table did, and they got it first. I tried to flag down a waitress, who all seem to have a degree in studiously avoiding eye contact. Finally one of them noticed and said "oh, let me check on your food". About 10 minutes later (at exactly 1:06PM) the food came out. If you think thats where the litany of errors and screwups end, you're wrong! I asked for a horseradish sauce on my burger (an additional $2) and it came without. Again I had to try and flag down the same waitress to let her know, to which she said "Oh right." The sad part is, we thought Cafe Select was a great option for a business lunch in the area. It has a good decor, seemingly good menus, and a great location. To our utter disappointment, the service was just atrocious. It wouldn't have even been that bad if we hadn't noticed all these tables coming in after us, ordering after us, and getting their food before us. The only common thread I saw with those special, vaunted customers is that they were all caucasian and it seemed we were the only non-caucasian customers in the restaurant. Hopefully just a coincidence. read more

Found myself at Cafe Select because our first choice for brunch had a ridiculous wait time. Cafe Select was thankfully almost empty. But when we went in they told us we weren't allowed to sit in the front tables for some reason... super weird since there was almost no one else in the place. But fine, we posted up at a table in the back. The ambiance is nice - a few outdoor tables and a European vibe inside. Alas, I hate to say this, but there was an awful odor in the entire restaurant. I can't find a better way to describe it other than that it reminded me of throw up. It's not really something we could have complained about because it was the whole place, and not coming from anything specific that we could see. When it came to the food, it wasn't awful by any means, but not a brunch to knock your socks off. I got the lemon French toast with caramelized berries which sounds amazing but when I got it I couldn't really pick up any lemon. I ordered a side of sausage and I wish the server had let me know it was a very specific kind of German pork sausage that was white and a bit slimy... it kind of reminded me of a huge Vienna sausage. I'm sure this is an authentic version of a German breakfast sausage but I just couldn't get with the texture and color and left most of it. This area has so many brunch spots to choose from - sure, some of them form lines quickly, but I'd rather wake up early and beat the crowd at another spot then get a mediocre brunch for the same price! read more

Piero is driving across the Ardennes on a hot summer morning. The car has just left Belgium and is now gliding towards Paris. I'm sitting by his side, reading a bad Italian translation of Hemingway. The streets of Paris feel tame under the dim electric lights and Brett is the brightest star at Cafe Select. I fell in love with Brett Ashley on that summer. "Bar Open" whispers the neon sign on Soho's eastern pavement. Go down the steps and through the concrete tunnel. Pull the door to the back room and enjoy the most precious jewel. The sun also rises. read more

Seeing as how I only had one drink, and no food, I didn't feel it was fair to give only one star. Plus, I am certain, as evidenced by many of the positive reviews on this site, that there are plenty of people that a place like this is perfect for. Now, I'm a Native NYer and my father's a Native Brit, so I've plenty of cred to trash the Euros in this joint...especially as I'd had my fill for the day of better-than-you Euros from my morning workout in the park. During our first heatwave of the year, I was running around NoLita getting prepped for my evening tour group in the neighborhood, which sounds like a blast in 95-degree weather, I know--don't be jealous. Anyway, I'd already had an ET (EuroTrash citizen) talk about how fanciful and awesome she is for not having even put her AC in her apartment yet, so when I jumped into the nearest spot for a seat to kill the extra time before my tour, I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled I was that there didn't seem to be enough of a cool blast to dry off the sweat I'd accumulated during my prep. The great ETs that were sitting at the bar were so into themselves that they'd spread their shit all out, making it seem like there were no open seats at the bar, which would have been my preferred spot as I only wanted one drink and clearly my mere presence was such a bother to the "servers". I know that I didn't have the upscale boho chic thing going on that the rest of the clientele did, but as I said I was working. I was wearing the logo of the company that I work for on my shirt, though. And here's a tip to restauranteurs: should someone step into your place of business with a logo on their clothes that suggests they spend their days with tour groups, directing them to food-service establishments, you might consider being more hospitable. The waif-tress reluctantly pointed me to a table in the front as I was only interested in drinks. Then another waif-tress tossed a menu on the table for me to look over. Then, they were off to go stand behind the bar and look busy while they were actually just chatting with one another. All this, while I melted away, hoping that someone might remember, despite their lack of heat-sensitivity, that the rest of us do sweat and need hydration...finally I was able to catch waif #1's eye and I asked her for water...and then a few minutes later I ordered my drink. (Stella with Sprite) Which was fine, good for what I needed. Which is why I can't really judge this place on the food or beverage, but the service...which sucked. I would recommend that this place hire service professionals that also look good (this is NYC, there are plenty of them), rather than just pretty skinny models that dress in flowy clouds. As for customers: if it's a heatwave and you're not a fan of sitting in your sweat, I would stay away. Also if you're not a fan of the holier-than-thou set, I would also avoid it. Decor is nice, but it has to be to attract the ET boho-chic "artists" that have enough money that they don't have to live in Brooklyn, but have a few friends that do. read more

Cruising on a Saturday afternoon can make anyone hungry for brunch and booze... Right? So off on a mission I yelp away looking for some bottomless brunches in the Lower region of Manhattan. Called Calle ocho.. Packed. Called Agave.. Packed. Bagatelle even recommended to skip the trip all together, they were overbooked and wanted to save me the hassle of trying. I was getting impatient so I looked up this place I heard of, Jacks wife Freda. Packed a few blocked down I walked on a beautiful mid summer afternoon, temp great and sun out. As we approach the place, the wait is ridiculous. But wait.. a few doors down, Cafe Select! This little hidden gem was there for perfect convenience. The food was excellent from start to finish. Although the brunch was on the expensive side, at this point I just needed eggs in my system. The table ordered and I went with the Steak and Eggs ($20) and a Bloody mary. Both came out excellent. The steak was hanger and super tender. I asked for medium rare and it came just that. The service on the other hand, although kind, was not very attentive. We had 2-3 different servers take our orders. We all know thats always bound to screw something up when communication lacks. And I was correct! Although not a huge issue, after repeatedly asking to have the hollandaise on the side... well you can guess where I'm going with this. Thankfully it was delicious and complimented the steak well. The first server recommended we start with an avocado toast... Man oh man that toast blew our mind. I mean it was genius. how can u make a piece of toast taste so good with some smashed avocado on top. Although one piece comes in an order, it was worth the $11. The bill was unexpectedly high for brunch on a quiet street, but the meal was great. Highly recommend. .... I still don't know what type of restaurant this was though.. Swedish? Spanish? yo no se... but its something in the bread they use... wow! read more

Cafe Select - Steak and eggs - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Had lunch at Cafe Select with co-workers recently and really enjoyed it. We were seated immediately (a group of six). We attempted order the champagne sangria but hey had run out--so sad. So we settled for cocktails and they were a tasty consolation. The group ordered an assortment of sandwiches and salads and everyone was really pleased and satisfied with their food. I had the Caprese sandwich with prosciutto and it was really delicious. This is definitely a funky, cool, neighborhoody spot and I can see myself stopping back in for lunch or breakfast soon. read more

Sometimes you just want a cheeseburger and a martini, you know? That's my go-to order at Cafe Select, and it's never done me wrong. The martini (I get mine with Ketel, dirty) is well balanced and the olive brine is high quality -- none of those cocktail olives that, while fine, don't lend a lot of nuance to the drink -- making it one of my favorites in the city. The burger, which I get with cheddar cheese, medium rare, is juicy, well seasoned, and not too big. While I've sprung for the truffle burger in the past you don't really need it, the original holds its own without any weird truffle oil (I also just don't really trust truffle oil in general). I opted for the side salad but the housemade chips are delicious as well, I wish you could have both. I also order my burger with a side of horseradish sauce, which gives the meat a little extra kick that I can't get enough of. While the price is a little extravagant to make it a super regular thing, when you want to have a nice, cozy dinner in the neighborhood and are up for shelling out a few more bucks than your typical Tuesday night, Cafe Select is a good way to do it. read more

Please, seriously - just go for drinks! The food is terrible, and expensive for what it offers. The menu purports to be German (Swiss?)-themed, but the offerings don't really reflect that, and just seem all over the place. Aside from a quality cheese plate appetizer, my friends and I were all disappointed in the food. The bread was refrigerated cold. I ordered the spinach, which was so salty, it was practically inedible. The spaetzle was fried (it wasn't specified, and that's not the traditional way to prepare it) and arrived swimming in a bowl of grease. The "special" that two people in my party got was a seafood risotto - the seafood wasn't fresh, and the dish bland and poorly prepared. read more

As a German that goes to German restaurants in New York they always seem to miss the mark. Cafe Select has figured it out and make authentic German food with great Austrian beer (which is hard to find outside of Austria). Fantastic schnitzel. Little pricey but worth it. read more

I checked out Cafe Select a few weeks ago on a Friday night solo mission. I sat at the bar and had a few beers before dinner. I enjoyed the crowd and decor which was chic and intimate. For dinner I ordered the Hangar Steak RARE.....it came out mid rare which was fine. The steak was juicy, tender and flavorful and at one point I was in the zone....dead tired from a long stressful week knocking back a cold beer and eating that tasty steak. It was exactly what I needed. The fingerling potatoes were good as well (WHY ARE FINGERLING POTATOES SUDDENLY TRENDY?). One complaint....I ordered the spiced bar nuts and they were not spiced....get your nuts in order Cafe Select and I will return. CW read more

We got seated right away and the food was great. The only complaint was the staff being a bit judgmental for asking a question on the menu. But otherwise, very aesthetically pleasing place! read more

This spot is not only adorable, but has incredible and unique food. Also the waitresses have the best accents. The decor is vintage and the ceiling is adorned with sparkly lights. For brunch we got the fried halloumi which was definitely life changing, and the Norwegian eggs which included the best poached eggs I've ever tasted. Absolutely recommend. We didn't have to wait at all- we showed up at 10:45. read more

See all

i love this place. I am wondering why it is categorized as "German" on yelp. It's Swiss, not German. Cafe Select is casual and good. It's my go-to brunch place, but I have also been here for dinner. I am not sure why folks are complaining about the service. Maybe because they expect staff at restaurants to kiss ass. If that is what you are looking for, don't come here. If you want good food and drinks in a low-key, cool environment, the this is your place. read more

Cafe Select is a cute place with a Bohemian hipster vibe, dimly lit, with 70s music playing. The menu had the season written on top so I assume everything is natural and seasonal We started with the ricotta fritters which were TO DIE FOR. It was little balls of ricotta fried with a salad and it was wonderful. It tasted fresh. For my entree I had the hanger steak medium done. It was very juicy and delicious. It came with potatoes and a watercress salad (I subsituted for arugula). For desert I had the chocolate fondue (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) which comes with a plate of fruits. They say that if you want more fruit they will give it to you. It comes with marshmallows, strawberries, grapes, bananas and kiwi. The service is good but slow. Our water, which they put into recycled wine bottles, was replaced frequently. It was overall a nice experience read more

Solid brunch place. You won't be blown away, but you'll get a good meal. The outside tables are very nice and great for people watching. My friend ordered the lobster club and I ordered the rosti Norwegian. The rosti is like a hash brown potato pancake. It was topped with smoked salmon and herb sour cream. Yum! A nice alternative for those of us that like a little savory without having to have everything smothered in eggs and cheese. My friend enjoyed her club. The entire menu is pretty good and has more than your typical brunch items. The service was fine, not particularly attentive but we didn't mind since we were busy talking and catching up. Tables are super close together, so be prepared to listen to other people's conversations, or in our case, someone listening in on our conversation (and interrupting, which is so tacky). There's a $25 minimum in order to pay with a credit card. Which is pretty easy to do with two people, but just thought I'd throw that out there. read more

We went for brunch. The food is EXCELLENT. Everything we tried was spot-on. We had the pumpkin bisque, the asparagus & gruyere omelet, croque monsieur with duck egg & lots of iced coffee. Can't complain about a single item. The service was lacking pretty serverely. I get it if you're really busy or it looks like some jackass customer who was in just before me ripped you a new one right before I came in and you're frazzled. But when the place isn't busy & you're literally just walking around joking and hanging out, ignoring your tables that's kind of a problem. My girlfriend and I were content to sit and chat & are very low maintenance guests so for the most part it was fine. I just would rather not have to track down my server multiple times during my meal for silly things like more water please, water remember? can we have our check, can we please have our check, dear god bring us our check!! Hopefully we'll get another server next time & have a little better experience. We'll still be back. The food was too good not to try again. read more