Craft vs. Craftbar
Which would you pick? Two gals coming down from Boston, getting dinner around 9:30 on Fri. or Sat. (one day better than the other?) Both menus look good, a friend says Craft is his fave in NYC. Besides good food, we want a fun time and while we'd make a res to be safe (actually have one at Craftbar on Fri. right now), would prefer sitting at the bar. And maybe the better area for good pre or post cocktails. Thanks in advance.
By Joanie
on May 13, 2009 06:04 AM
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I'd actually vote for DFF (damon frugal fridays -- though its every day but tuesday now). Went with a group of four a couple fridays ago and had a blast. Its basically all small plates, so great to share with friends, and the cocktails were great. More affordable than Craft too. However, they don't take reservations as far as I know. We were seated right away though. If you go, get the oyster thing, and anything in a jar.
http://damonfrugalfridayeverydayexcep...
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Just to clarify, in case the OP isn't familiar with the rapidly expanding lexicon of Craft-land and thinks you're sending her off to some random tapas place--DFF is sort of a sub-restaurant operated out of Craft's private event space next to the restaurant (instituted after special event reservations all but disappeared In These Difficult Economic Times), and the reference to Damon is to Damon Wise, Craft's executive chef. Think of it like a New American Tapas-Plus place. I think everything's still $10 or under. I too would recommend this over Craft for what you're describing--eating at the bar at Craft isn't really, to me, very different in atmosphere from eating at a table. Because the bar is pretty much in the middle of the restaurant, it's not usually the kind of gaiety-filled gathering place you see at some restaurants. The atmosphere generally at Craft is pleasant and polished, without being in any way intimidating, but I don't know if I'd call it a "fun" atmosphere (unless you're prepared to bring the fun with you in the shape of your dining companion, which is what I rely on for fun).
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The one time we went to Craftbar we left underwhelmed. Grissini were "greaysni", artichokes were overcooked, cornish hen was soggy resting in some sorth of chamomile broth that was lacking in flavor and service was cold to say the least. The only good thing was the matchs packets that were kinda cute. Try Alta for tapas instead, much livelier and the bar is fun.
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I think you'd enjoy genuine craft cocktails rather than "Craft" cocktails. If you go to the flagship, why not make a reservation at PDT for pre/post dinner drinking?
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Sorry, what's PDT? And you need to reserve to drink?
Do people not like these restaurants anymore? Any other place to suggest for a nicer dinner that we can actually get into (Babbo has nothing as usual)? With a fun buzz, entrees <$32, northern Italian/new American/mediterranean/semi French?
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PDT is Please Don't Tell. Yes, you'd need to make a reservation, as at most of the craft-cocktail mixologist places these days.
I definitely still like Craft. In fact, I like it so much that I never bothered to try Craftbar, so I can't speak to that. But it's this sense of "fun buzz" that may be giving us pause--Craft is still popular among many, respected and enjoyed by many, but it's not the hot new place with the kind of Friday night electricity I fear you're looking for. I do think DFF might work for you--it's small, but it has a nice energy to it (I guess I'd say it feels a bit "younger" than Craft.
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Oh okay, I know of PDT.
And I ain't no spring chicken but definitely don't want too sedate a dinner. As long as Craft doesn't feel too stiff and old, we should be fine. I'd like to go to one fairly classic place but not sit with our hands folded in our laps. Since the other nites will be more casual, I'm thinking DFF possibly for the next trip. Thanks.
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Not stiff, not old, no folded hands. It's just more mellow, a place I like to go with good friends for good food and relaxing conversation when I'm not looking to the restaurant to boost our energy level.
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PDT = Please Don't Tell
http://www.pdtnyc.com/
http://www.chow.com/stories/10783/2
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