(Dined 12/10/2022 SA @ 6:30pm): I looked everywhere and couldn't recall a clock in this "tower" restaurant in New York's Flatiron District!
The Clocktower was the choice for my dear friend to celebrate her milestone 40th birthday with a party of four. Drawn by the interior photos and an Old World classic sensibility, would happy memories be made before the clock struck midnight!?
PURCHASE
Bread (Comp.): This freshly-baked round mound was so nice we had it twice https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wlunf_qg3yrfsUsTVQ3yDQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
God Save The Quince Cocktail ($19.00): Made with Kettle One Vodka, blanc vermouth, spiced quince, and lemon juice, this was a vibrant sweet elixir with a twist of tartness that went down smoothly https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=DXuu8t0R2TLBE_DGnAaB7g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
2021 Domaine De La Foret Gasselin Sancerre Loire Sauvignon Blanc 750ml Bottle ($88.00): A real cork, light yellow color, slight oak sweet aroma, low body, oak sweet tropical flavor, crisp finish, oak sweet aftertaste, and low astringency https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=SwL3q9Jx_1e75QdlsDvKqg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Shellfish Platter ($65.00): A seafood spread of 1/2 Maine lobster, 6 medium-sized shrimp, and 6 oysters along with melted butter and other accoutrements, this was a nice starter sampler with everything chilled and fresh https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ekj_yKjPkyGZhrYRLP8_Dw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts In Bacon Maple Vin ($12.00): This was a fragrant but somewhat cluttered side dish. However, it still tasted wonderful with a slight tartness from the vinaigrette https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=TI4Qv-uWqDKaYtzOZgICHQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Macaroni & Cheese w/Wild Mushrooms and Slow-Cooked Ox Cheek ($19.00): This was far too fancy and not what I expected. More of a sample pasta dish, I liked the flavors but failed on portion, presentation, and price https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nrFIfNV0msK30W83Kd3FXQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Berkshire Pork Chop w/Bubble and Squeak Cake, Apple and Fennel Salad ($34.00): A small but meaty tender portion, I could've done with less plating and more portion because I felt the effects were minimal and didn't add much to the meal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OH8OX-zJoit3svaOB43TdA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Chocolate Temptation Hazelnut & Caramel ($18.00): Two bulbous dollops of my favorite sweets - yes, please https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=AlSL3GcqMvrP-vqjz94YnA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
After Eight Baked Alaska ($24.00): A wonderful combination of mint and chocolate flavors after an initial flame show - yummy https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=aOfqEgxk6ytI-FVNAOiRRQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
Online reservations through OpenTable was a snap. When we arrived in the downstairs lobby, we were directed up the spiral staircase to the next level. Warmly greeted by a host, he quickly had someone show us to our table, provided menus, had water poured for us, and gave us time to settle in. Once we ordered, the rest of the evening was calm, relaxing, and not rushed at all as each drink and dish came out perfectly timed. The service was impeccable - cheers!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
About a 30-minute Lyft ride due to traffic from Jersey City. Otherwise, I didn't see any lots but believed there were random spots along the main drag of Madison Ave. and all surrounding streets as well as a plethora of nearby subway stations - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A posh somewhat cramped space (there was the main dining room https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=E6jUCExrNjatVn9B0N7Q5g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a bar, a pool table room, and alcoves) heavily decorated with framed pictures https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Ao9Ekur-fZwn44KAHxARtQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw that gave it an old rustic gentlemens club feel. Minimal natural lighting came through the windows while dim electric ceiling lights and table candles filled in the rest. I honestly couldn't recall any TVs nor background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Jb0Qfms3M5H8_xYfzYY0sg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
I was dressed in a suit and dress shoes. Otherwise, business casual would be the bare minimum.
OVERALL
We had a lovely time at The Clocktower and would consider another visit. The drinks/food were very good, the fanciness was lost on me, the prices reasonably digestible, the service amazing, and the experience was fun to enjoy with others. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $245.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more