Union Square Cafe...Is it still worth trying?

[ChowDiva]

My understanding is that USC used to be one of, if not the best, restaurants in the city. Would Chowhounders still consider it a worthy destination spot for a special occasion, or is it past its prime?

[a81]

Wow, this is pretty unanimous, the last time I was there I was soo disappointed. This was my favorite place and i would always recommend it but last time I thought for the price you could do much better at so many other places. It's pretty amazing given its pedigree and history that the 'ushg' would make sure it doesn't fade away like this, but that being said I still have a soft spot for it and hope they turn it around.

[feast]

Totally past its prime! Used to be my go- to place for a great meal.
Our last visit to USC was really bad. Food was inedible, service was surly .
I wrote to them about all of this. They didn't even bother to reply.

[rrems]

It was past its prime 10 years ago, and still is. I guess they manage to get enough business but I can't imagine why when there are so many far better places in this price range.

[feast]

Past its prime. This used to be a special place for me. Now agree with "pretty awful." Our salmon also was "inedible." I'll add that we also found the service ,and especially the attitude, sub par. I wrote a letter to USC to tell them my experience. No reply...

[180macd]

Although the food has not been "great" for some time, I still go back once in a while. It still ranks high when compared to most "popular" restaurants. And I have never had a bad order of calamari there.

[Lucia]

Definitely past it's prime, and it's been a couple of years since I left. Room is unimpressive and food is uninteresting. For the most part it's well-prepared, but it's just not particularly special. Service is great, though.

[sing me a bar]

Pretty awful the last time I was there. The salmon used to be amazing in the venue's early days, but everything came out inedible, given the prices.