Restaurant Information:
190 Avenue BNew York, NY 10009-3600 (212) 388-1990
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Service (15/20) or 75%
- Hostess(5/5 points)
I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed by a hostess. My friend had arrived shortly before I had, but the instant I got there the hostess came up to us and then asked us if we’d like to sit at a table or stay at the bar. We were then instantly seated at a table near the window.
- Promptness(3/5 points)
We were served in an adequate time frame. Our main dishes came out just as our starters were being finished, but maybe a little early by a few minutes. I hurried a little through the last half of my donut, because of this, but soon those dishes were removed.
- Alertness(4/5 points)
There was a very alert and attentive wait staff. At one point the hostess actually started checking on people and their coffee then went back to her normal duties when needed. I don’t think my coffee ever got below halfway empty before it was refilled again.
- Friendliness(3/5 points)
I couldn’t really get a feel for the friendliness of the waiter, he was just kind of there then disappeared. He did seem a little hesitant to tell me what the jam was though, when I asked him. The hostess was super nice and I kind of wish she’d been our server.
Food and Drink (12/20) or 60%
- Price(2/5 points)
I felt like it was a little more expensive than it should have been, but not by much. The three dollar cup of coffee was what sealed this as being a two instead of a three.
- Quality of Food(3/5 points)
I wanted this to be better, I really did. When the biscuits came, they were tasty but complemented with butter that tasted off and a rubarb jelly that was almost flavorless. When the donuts came, they didn’t have the volume or sweetness that I would have wanted, a little brown sugar and flour could solve that easily though. Also, I wish the raspberry sauce had been served on the side as a dip instead of drizzled all over the donuts. I did love the hint of cinnamon flavor in them though and overall they were pretty good. I ordered the “Eggs Southern Style” which were good, but the gravy needed a little black pepper added for spice. They looked far better than they ended up tasting, which was disappointing. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits with side salad, which she was hesitant to do. I think she inhaled the shrimp and grits but lazily picked at the side salad.
- Quality of Beverage(3/5 points)
I only had water and coffee here. The coffee was good, but not impressive. They served us water in a bottle and then let us serve ourselves, which I have an issue with always. This almost was a two, but the creative coffee mugs made it a three. The wine and beer list was notable and unexpected, though I didn’t care to use it.
- Presentation(4/5 points)
Everything looked so good when it arrived at the table. I could hardly wait to take a bite. The problem with this was when I actually did take a bite.
Decor and Space (15/20) or 75%
- Cleanliness(4/5 points)
I was quite impressed with how clean the dishes were. The restaurant itself also looked quite clean. I doubt you could find a dust bunny in this place if you tried.
- Theme(2/5 points)
The entire time I was here I felt like there should be a plaque somewhere that said “Western Wall Theme by Ralph Lauren, available at Macy’s and other fine department stores.” Also, there was a hook for a picture to be hung on the wall exposed. To add to the confusion, they were blaring alt-rock from the 90s, which I love but it made discussion difficult.
- Adequate Seating(5/5 points)
Very spacious seating arrangement with plenty of room for the servers to come and go as they pleased. I think this actually helped the service ratings a bit.
- Location(4/5 points)
It’s located in the East Village and a short walk from the 1st Avenue L train. I think I gave this higher marks simply because it’s quiet enough and nice enough in the neighborhood that you don’t mind the walk.
Bonus(3/5 points)
One point for having home made donuts. One point for having home made biscuits. One point for having perfect consistency in the grits.
Overall score: 42/60, with bonus 45/60, or 75%
