Crispo, Salt or Zoe

[jasmine]

Going to dinner with a friend next week and have never been to any of these restaurants. Recommendations/feedback most appreciated. Thanks.

[writetim]

If you dine at Crispo, just don't order the roasted bone marrow appetizer. They have no idea what they're doing; the bones were sliced in half, roasted, and a result, dried to a crisp.

[Lucia]

Wow--I've never had that experience. Bone marrow has always been cooked perfectly so that it's soft and spreadable.

[McJ]

My vote is for Crispo

[writetim]

Maybe I need to try it again.

[kam0424]

I had an awful experience at Zoe and an okay one at salt. i'd go with crispo.

[egit]

Let me be the first to jump in here and say Crispo.... drat. You all beat me to it.

I haven't been to Salt or Zoe for food in years, but wasn't blown away by either of them. I stopped in to Zoe for sunday afternoon drinks after shopping a few months ago... I was so shocked at the incredible rudeness of a few of their servers that I vowed never to go back.

I'd try Salt again though--it's been about four years. Zoe, not so much. Ever.

[shayne]

crispo!

[marye]

Crispo is great- def order some of the small appies

[kobetobiko]

Both Salt and Zoe are very mediocre food-wise. But they have a younger crowd and have cocktails where Crispo only has wine. Crispo has much better food and the bar has an extensive wine list.

Unless you are looking for a younger crowd, Crispo is the way to go!

[ABT]

Another vote for Crispo, and a note that Crispo does have a full bar, and they mix great cocktails.

[kobetobiko]

Hi ABT,
While I know they have a bar I never ordered cocktails at Crispo (actually never thought of having cocktails with Italian food...) What cocktails would you recommend so I can try next time?

Thanks!

[ABT]

On the basic end, they make a really good martini -- and they always have a fun list of cocktail specials. A while back (probably last summer) I had a cocktail made with Limoncello, I believe, which was refreshing and excellent. They also have a good list of after dinner drinks to go with dessert, so I've stopped by a few times just for a cognac or grappa and something sweet at the bar.

[sarapeater]

Crispo is nothing like it was a few years ago. and I'm surprised to see its crowd referred to as the 'oldest' of the 3 places mentioned. Having actually been to all of the places mentioned, I would vote for Salt. But do agree that there are other/better choices btwn 14th and Prince Streets

[jasmine]

What other places would you recommend?

[sarapeater]

what exactly are you looking for? did you choose those 3 because you've been curious for a long time? sometimes it's best just to satisfy a curiousity...you just have to consider what it was that made you curious

[jasmine]

I'm looking for a relaxing place where my friend and I can catch up on gossip - good food and a decent wine list are key but we're not looking for 3 star dining. I did pick those places because I've been curious - heard good things about Crispo and I've walked by the other two and never been in any.

[ABT]

Salt is one of those places I always want to love, but every time I go I'm underwhelmed by the food. It's solid, but never as good as I hope it will be.

[sarapeater]

Salt will be quieter if catching-up/talking are of interest to you. if the menu doesn't appeal to you, or this posting has made you nervous, or anything else last minute causes you to change your mind, you can go next door to 12 Chairs.

[noot]

Haven't been to Salt or Zoe but love Crispo - get the Torta Cioccolate "Zio Bruno" for dessert!

[timmy]

Crispo

[meat head]

Have only been to Crispo. and it's great.

[idia]

Yep! Crispo!

[Lucia]

Crispo. Salt is OK--sort of overpriced for uninteresting food. I haven't been to Zoe.

[LeahBaila]

What kind of dinner is it? Business, celebration, romantic?

[jasmine]

casual - just meeting up with a friend

[LeahBaila]

Never been to Zoe; heard not so good things about Salt; I love Crispo!