Gramercy Tavern One of New York's Best

Old classic American cuisine served in a rustic yet sophisticated and elegant New England style setting. When you walk into Gramercy Tavern you can expect a few things: simple yet stunning floral arrangements to lift and awaken your senses, a gracious staff that is attentive and accommodating, and food that consistently delivers on the solid reputation of this fine establishment.

It was a sweltering Saturday when my husband and I were on our way to the Union Square Farmer's Market and decided to stop at the tavern for a lazy afternoon lunch. This followed a tough week at work for the both of us, so the experience at Gramercy Tavern was going to be well-deserved.

As a starter, I was served duck liver mousse, which was a rich creamy port-like spread generously dolloped onto crisp and lightly charred piece of bread. This was a satisfying bite showcasing the sweet unctuous-quality of pâté. An excellent way to start the meal, this bite of duck mousse was given compliments of the house. I think the waiter, after observing how intensely I was debated between the duck mousse and the squid salad, took pity on me and concluded that I should try both. It was an unexpected gesture that was very much appreciated, and I am glad to have not missed such a decadent treat. 

Another appetizer was a porchetta salad, draped with slices of slowly roasted fatty and tender pork on lightly dressed tender escarole. As you can imagine the porchetta was decadent, like soft thick cut slices of fresh bacon patiently roasted over a day. It's a bit confusing that something so rich and heavy is paired with such delicate tender Spring greens, but the contrast succeed in highlighting the quality of the pork. $16

Also for an appetizer we were served a squid salad, which is a refreshing and beautifully balanced combination of tender squid with sweet crunchy carrots and toasted pine nuts. This salad focuses on a unique perspective of squid that is not often highlighted, which is its sweetness using the support of finely julienned carrots. $12

My husband ordered the pulled pork sandwich integrated with sweet barbecue sauce. A bit messy and entirely satisfying. $18

I ordered a grilled sea bass, served over swiss chard leaves accompanied by a creamy lemon sauce with pine nuts. The fish was seared well on high heat over a cast iron grill that produced a crisp exterior and moist silky flesh that was lightly kissed with a smoky flavor from the iron's singe. This is a dish I would order again. $22

Accompanying our fare were two rare vintage beers imported from Japan. This is the first time I have tasted a vintage beer that was brewed in oak casks, one was from 2002 ($19) and the second was from 2004 ($17). Interestingly the second beer was brewed with spices such as coriander, orange peel, cinnamon and vanilla. Both beers were good and we enjoyed each for its novelty. If vintage Japanese beer does not entice you, Gramercy Tavern has an impressive and extensive wine list, a knowledgeable staff to assist in selection. 

By the end of the meal we were satiated, and decided to skip dessert. However, the gracious staff whisked forward a plate of cookies compliments of the house. From snickerdoodle to Mexican wedding cakes and chocolate chip, and oh did I mention biscotti? The delicate bunch of cookies was a sweet way to end the meal.

Service is very attentive but not intrusive. Gramercy Tavern balances casual and elegance beautifully, making it an appropriate venue for anyone looking to meet a good old friend to a place to impress the parents of your significant other when meeting them for the first time. 

Gramercy Tavern

42 E 20th Street 

Between Park Ave and Broadway

No reservations

(212) 477-0777

Other NYC Restaurants I recommend

• Le Bernardin
• Del Posto 
• Pastis - French Bistro in the West Village