Head back to the days of jazz and the prohibition at Flatiron Lounge (27 West 19th St). This popular jaunt in the flatiron district has a fantastic menu of cocktails that are each made with lots of tlc. The art deco interior and club room setting made me feel like the Rat Pack would be bursting through the doors at any moment. Don't be intimidated by it's hip décor, you'll fit in and feel at home with the affable staff and great crowd.
Every bartender has their favorite specialty drink – and so do the regulars. My pick? The Metropolis. It tastes like a Granny Smith but it isn't sweet – it's the perfect blend of apple and vodka. The atmosphere is very hip where the young and trendy like to hang out – though the crowd is mixed. For example, Flatiron Lounge is a place where you can take your visiting parents or a cousin who's still in college – and all parties would appreciate its vintage vibe. Bartenders are dressed like it's the roarin' 20's – all in black with dapper ties tucked into their shirts. The rest of the crowd is dressed, well, cool.
Weekends are usually packed but it's never hard to get attention from the bar staff. If you have to wait a few minutes for another drink, they'll let you know – and send you a water to hold you over. An average drink will set you back around $12 – but it's completely worth it. If you're a true martini lover, this place is your dream come true. Sample one of the martini flights where you'll get to try three mini martinis in a common flavor theme. This cocktail lounge should be a must on every visitors (or New Yorker's) list.
Cheese. I love it. Show me a person who doesn’t like cheese and I’ll show you someone I just don’t care for. Also, macaroni. Any pasta will make me happy, really. In this case my choice of discussion of macaroni is for a reason. I want to talk of these two ingredients because I want to pontificate, nay, PREACH about the mac and cheese at the oh-so-yummy haven: Chat ‘n’ Chew
Allow me to start by pointing out that I hate mac and cheese. Growing up I avoided it like the plague and always chose gross beef patties in school just to avoid this seemingly sickening concoction. It didn’t seem organic to me in any sense and I wanted no part. Mac and cheese was not for me.
In going to Chat ‘n’ Chew for the first time with a friend who swore by their version of the dish, I vetoed the spot in favor of something less offensive to me. It was after all, the Union Square area and possibilities were ample. She held her ground, insisting on their famous mac and cheese. I gave in. And thank the cheese gods I did, because that day changed my life. The mac and cheese was impressive to say the least. Gooey and soft on the inside, the outside was adorned with crunchy bits that give the perfect complementing texture to the gooey cheese. (Great now I’m getting hungry.)
You think that is where this review ends but you are mistaken. I have not yet tackled the meat loaf. Now you might not believe what you’re about to read, but it’s true. I grew up without ever having tried meatloaf. To me, it was the vague notion of what a proper 50’s family with a stay home mom ate for dinner every Wednesday. Not so for my family. I was served up a seafood surprise that was surprisingly not seafood. So, I ventured to try the “foreign” dish one fine lunch hour at Chat ‘n’ Chew. It was divine. Made with a ridiculously flavorful mushroom gravy (not an overpowering mushroom flavor—just a great texture and taste), this loaf of meat, if you will, is paired with mashed potatoes (with skins) and a bevy of roasted veggies. All in all no human can still be full after this dish. And each one I’ve seen try it for the first time was left deeply satisfied.
Chat n chew has a full menu apart from my favorites here and a full bar for the lushes of the group (me), so no one will leave dissatisfied. In the summer they offer a few tables on the sidewalk if you’d like to enjoy your food alfresco. Located not one block from Union Square, this eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy any or all of your cravings while staying in a cool area.
Head back to the days of jazz and the prohibition at Flatiron Lounge (27 West 19th St). This popular jaunt in the flatiron district has a fantastic menu of cocktails that are each made with lots of tlc. The art deco interior and club room setting made me feel like the Rat Pack would be bursting through the doors at any moment. Don't be intimidated by it's hip décor, you'll fit in and feel at home with the affable staff and great crowd.
Cheese. I love it. Show me a person who doesn’t like cheese and I’ll show you someone I just don’t care for. Also, macaroni. Any pasta will make me happy, really. In this case my choice of discussion of macaroni is for a reason. I want to talk of these two ingredients because I want to pontificate, nay, PREACH about the mac and cheese at the oh-so-yummy haven: Chat ‘n’ Chew