Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while the restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back! read more

Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded when we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished. read more

Dear Strangers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Dear Strangers? Yes, they certainly treat you like one! This place is not good. They seemed unprepared to handle restaurant week. There weren't enough servers to handle the crowd and that was reflective in our dinner service. Despite being checked in on 0 times and having to flag them down for water, to order, and to get our check, their attitude wasn't warm or accommodating at all. It even came off like we were bothering our server when asking for basic things. The food was subpar. Didn't try the drinks. Maybe that's the savior? -Tuna tartare acceptable; nothing to write home about -Chicken dumplings tasted like chicken but had no bite to it. Weird and served on paper that resembled a crumpled receipt or used tissue. -Chicken cutlet was warm and soggy. No truffle flavor as advertised on the menu. Some creativity points for the accompanying foam dip but it didn't work. -Beef short rib was tasty but the single potato that come with it felt insulting and cheap. Really? One potato? -Pecan pie dessert and sorbet were really good. Sad way to finish, only enjoying the final course. Ambiance was good. Floors were super slippery because they were tiled on a snowy day. They should warn their guests about that. Lots of work to be done here and I will not be around to see it through! read more

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Amazing and cozy place, with smooth music. We had mouth-watering tuna tartar nikkei, smoked chicken dumplings to die for, and braised beef cheeks that are from another world. Immaculate service! Good for small parties. read more

Food was delicious! Atmosphere was buzzy but friendly and loved the design. Service was good and definitely not rushed which is rare in GV/WV. Chicken dumplings, Carribbean Fish, and DEFINITELY the pecan pie cheesecake dessert were standouts. Cocktails were also more inventive than usual. This was a pleasant surprise. read more

Dear Strangers - Caesar Salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Everything was great. The service was excellent, we were seated right away despite not having a reservation. The mushroom tteokbokki was a lovely vegan option. I really enjoyed the espresso martini and the dirty martini. This is a very cute little spot to meet with a friend read more

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food was great very tasteful but the drinks were meh! just average which was a shame. The mash that was recommended were really good! would come back for the food. read more

Dear Strangers - dirty something... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Love love love this place for both drinks and food! We stopped by during happy hour and you cannot go wrong with any of the drinks here. My friend got the once dirty and it came with a castelvetranno olive, cornichon, and a cocktail onion! I got the Angie and it was fruity, light and delicious. For food, we got the aguachile, the chicken al pastor, spicy shrimp tostada, and the smoked chicken croquettes which were all so so good! special shout out to Raphael for being the best bartender! read more

Dear Strangers - HH drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Still feels very new. Came here on a Tuesday night and there was plenty of room bar and tables. Super welcoming, staff is VERY attentive. Drinks are great, definitely order an Angie. Not too quiet not too loud. Basically a 2 second walk off the w 4th M stop. Would come back for more! read more

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Another Restaurant Week Stop - Family Date Night Edition I finally made it to this spot I've heard so much about, and Restaurant Week was the perfect chance to sample a bit of everything. I went with my mom and sister for a little family date night, and it did not disappoint. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate vibe. I loved the setup. It felt inviting without trying too hard. Our waitress was fantastic: attentive without hovering and offered great recommendations we were grateful for. We kicked off the evening with cocktails. I wish I could remember the name of mine because it was so good. The flavor combo was unexpected but super refreshing, a great start to the meal. Appetizers: We ordered two aquachiles (because ceviche-style dishes are always a must for us) and one order of dumplings. The aquachiles were delicious! It was bright, fresh, perfectly balanced. We were all glad we got two. The dumplings were crispy little flavor bombs, came in a set of three, so they were ideal for sharing. Definitely a highlight. Entrees: I had the Caribbean fish and it was hands-down the star of the night. The sauce had a rich coconut-Thai flavor that complemented the fish beautifully. It was flavorful, balanced, and felt like the perfect summer dish. My mom ordered the short rib: super tender and well-cooked, though the portion was on the smaller side. My sister went with the chicken al pastor. The flavors were there, but the deconstructed plating didn't really land for us. it felt a little too sparse and didn't add to the dish. Overall: Great spot, great food, and definitely worth a revisit. I'd absolutely come back. this one's a solid date night contender. Cozy ambiance, creative flavors, and thoughtful service made it a memorable evening. read more

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This place opened up a few days ago so I'm happy to share the first review. Overall, I had a good experience and I'll break down the deets.... Drinks.... The Wondergiulio was yummy and so was the Que Rico. Small Bites... Spicy shrimp tostada is theeee stand out dish of the night! Although there is no heated or spicy element on that dish whatsoever...it is absolutely delish! If they took the spicy out the title this dish would be 5/5...otherwise add some jalepenos or something. I would go back for these tostadas and nothing else! & leave happy Main Dishes... Pork Chops were cooked well...the flavor itself was basic . Dipping it in the gravy and adding that sweet puree really elevated the flavor. That puree is the best tasting thing on the plate . Overall 4/5 Caribbean Stew was ok. I read a lot into the names of dishes. So when I see something says Caribbean, I expect Caribbean flavors. In this case, I didn't get any elevated flavors or seasoning. I'm guessing they attributed the coconut milk to the Caribbean . Either way although the Bass was cooked to perfection...the flavor and overall plated elements was a let down. It's just fish in coconut milk with a few nuts and chickpeas swimming in it. The best part of this dish was the little cubes of squash that I found. If they made the squash an actual side and added more of it on the plate hmmm maybe that'll do it. Overall 3/5 The service was great. Very attentive. Ambiance was cool. You can dress up or dress down here . Theres a bar that is first come first serve. I don't know that im coming back but if I were to come back it would only be for those tostadas!! read more

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Popped in for a drink and appetizers because I loved the name. Loved everything about this place!!

Was immediately impressed with the host's hospitality and the restaurant's ambiance. Our server was kind but didn't introduce herself. She also didn't know the answers to basic questions my guest and I had about dietary restrictions and allergies. I know the restaurant recently opened but... We ordered the croquettes and toastsss for apps & selected the pork chop and the Caribbean stew as entrees. The croquettes were delicious - fried to perfection and still moist on the inside! My guest felt the same about the tostadas (couldn't try them because of my shrimp allergy). Her only comment was that they weren't spicy. Our entrees left much to be desired. My guest was extremely underwhelmed by her stew as it lacked the Caribbean flavor she was expecting. I was really disappointed with my pork chop because it wasn't seared well and was pretty bland. The best thing on my dinner plate was the celeriac purée. *chefs kiss* Would definitely go back for drinks and apps. read more

Feels like a refined neighborhood bar. Went for drinks and dinner early on a Friday night, before a show...no reservation, no waiting. Cocktail: Had the Angie...but it was super citrusy (and I love citrus). So my second was Hola Panama, which I like better. Had the Spicy Shrimp Tostada app...very tasty! My wife, who avoids spicy, confirms that they are not spicy at all. We shared the Caribbean fish entree, what was billed "For the Table." Well, not if you're hungry. It was small. Tasty, and a little spicy, but small. And not cheap. If that's all you're having, you might want to go for a slice of pizza after read more

Came here on a Saturday around 6pm and had a lovely time! The inside is absolutely beautiful and the staff are so attentive and kind. I got a few glasses of the malbec which was strong but delicious and our lovely waitress sent over a drink which I believe was the spellbound and it was very refreshing. For food, we split the croquettes which are an absolute must get and the aguachile which was really fresh. Would absolutely come back and try more food! read more

Excellent bar from ex-Employees Only / Macao owners. This new bar is cozy and welcoming. Their unique menu offers drinks for any flavor profile. I hope to return back soon to try the food menu too. The service was excellent, thank you Igor! read more

Dear Strangers - Some Like it Hot - tequila drink with a hint of spice and grapefruit - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The team at Dear Strangers are amazing. The venue is BEAUTIFUL and just slightly off the beaten path. Here is a venue where you don't have to wait 2 hours to get the real West Village experience. Amazing decor- beautiful design, masterful cocktails and such a delicious menu. The team behind this restaurant are former Employees Only veteran bartenders so you know you are getting the best of the best. Even though that was a huge highlight what I really loved was the menu. Im admittedly a bit picky- I eat fresh, clean and quality is the main aspect of what I look for in food. This restaurant offers multiple small dishes that are crudo or ceviche style fresh fish with incredibly satisfying combinations. To boot dessert was out of this world. I came with my boyfriend and had a wild night, then brought my parents the following weekend for an easy, no fuss exceptional experience. They owners and staff made my parents so comfortable even though as tourists they were kind of fish out of water. I feel so lucky I stumbled on this place, just south of Washington Square park in my way to the village- I knew without a reservation Id be waiting an hour for a table anywhere. We stopped for a cocktail and stayed for hours! read more

Such a nice neighborhood bar, nice atmosphere and friendly staff ! Great cocktails and exceptionally good food read more

Dear Strangers - Such a nice cute bar! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Was recommended by a friend to try one of NY's newest Latin American Restaurants, and was happy I did. Made the the mistake of visiting on a Saturday night with a party of 5 without a reservation, as it was SUPER busy, loud, hot, crowded and a little stuffy. However, we came for the FOOD! Starting with the Smoked Chicken Croquettes and the Mushroom Empanadas, the croquettes were perfectly crispy and filled with a delicious cheesy filling that were truly a cheese lovers dream. The empandas were well balanced with just the right amount of filling and thickness of the crust. Next for the main course we shared the Aguachile, Caribbean Stew, and Bone in Short Rib. The Aguachile was refreshing and pallete cleansing, and left me craving more. No fishiness or overbearing citrus and saltiness as I've found with many other places, but personally would've loved to have it with a side of chips. The Caribbean Stew was not very stewy. It reminded me of a Thai dish with a very aromatic and distinct tastes of coconut milk and peanut. It was great but I personally wish I had more of the sauce (stew) to go with the fish. FINALLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT, THE BONE IN SHORT RIB. The meat was so tender and had beautiful marbling. Perfect amount of meat to fat ratio and matched with the black bean and chorizo puree. The puree was more beany than chorizoy but don't take that as me complaining. Due to dry January I didn't partake in any of the enticing cocktails, but I will definitely be back February 1st for the Restaurant Week tasting menu ($45 per person, and runs from now until Feb 9 excluding Saturdays)! read more

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Unwelcoming service and an underwhelming menu. We were made to feel uncomfortable the entire time despite coming during normal hours and the place being slow. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

Average bar experience and terrible hospitality. Made us uncomfortable until we left despite being open and within regular restaurant hours because they were slow. Aggressive below average service for a not at all special or even "good" menu. Would not recommend to anyone with all NYC has to offer otherwise. read more

Cool new spot! Must visit for great drinks post comedy show or if in neighborhood. The food was also excellent.

Tucked into a nook in the West Village is this beautiful new little bar. Igor was my bartender who was warm and welcoming. It was a stop on my way to dinner so I didn't try any of the food. I ordered a gin cocktail called the "Angie" it was citrusy and the matcha powder a bit too much bitterness for my taste. The place is decorated beautifully. I would be back to give it a fair try. read more

Dear Strangers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

10/10 spot, mainly coz of the server and her top-tier recs. The vibe's a close second. I'll definitely be back to sample the food!

Amazing atmosphere, great cocktails and an excellent staff. Great new addition to the city well worth the trip! Will be constant addition to my outings. read more

This is new discovery to me. Food got new dimension, inreally loved it. Very pleasent athmosphere, very popular new place in town. Definitely would come back again. My recommendation to try risoto di mare !!! read more

Amazing drinks and service! Great addition to the village and around the corner from Blue Note and Comedy Cellar. Great pregame place.

Gorgeous space run by very very nice people. I came in with a big group early in the evening on Christmas Eve. We were worried about taking their space over, especially without a reservation, but they invited us in, made room for us, and were generally so kind. We tried a lot of their cocktail menu; I especially enjoyed the milk punch and the liquid gold. Empanadas were fantastic. And their lush blue velvet and warm lighting felt like such a fine welcome on a winter night. High marks for both good vibes and an excellent dining experience. read more