Perhaps this Corner Bistro location is still finding its groove. In comparison with its West Village sibling, they don't quite have their shit as together. I suspect the contrast wouldn't have been quite so stark if we hadn't just dined at their other location a few months ago and had a flawless experience.
In terms of ambiance, the first thing we noticed was the music volume. It's blaring. A bouncer checked our IDs at the door before ushering us into a raucous bar area. Toward the back of the bar, we were greeted by a host and informed it'd be about a ten-minute wait for a table in the dining room. When a space opened up, we inquired if it would be possible to be seated at one of the empty outdoor tables we passed on our way in. Fortunately, it was a temperate late-spring evening; the sidewalk din and engaging people-watching were far superior to the cramped, noisy indoor seating options.
We quickly placed our orders (after I ran inside to consult the menu posted there) for two bistro burgers and a side of fries. When our food arrived, we were a little baffled that only one of the burgers had bacon on it. No huge deal, there's plenty of pork to share, so we just divved the rashers up. Upon requesting some mayo for our fries, our server also realized that we were missing silverware and ketchup as well, which he remedied. Broadly, the food was pretty good. I think the burger was comparable to ones we've had at the West Village location, and I had no complaints about the fries.
Upon obtaining our check, I validated that we had, in fact, ordered two bistro burgers and were charged for both. I was mildly irritated about it, but couldn't be bothered to ask for a correction, so we just paid and left.
I hope that some of the operational hiccups we experienced are just a matter of staff inexperience and that, given time, this location will run as smoothly as its predecessor. That said, I don't anticipate making a return visit anytime soon. read more