Underground restaurant in Lincoln Center area?

[wcb9320]

I'm trying to find the name and/or location of a restaurant I went to about four years ago. (I had just moved to the city, so my sense of direction within the city hadn't been well established yet.) This was a place I found online, and I've been trying to find it again ever since. It was one of those traditional restaurants that had been in the neighborhood for years. It was within a 10 minute walk from Lincoln Center, and I remember having to walk downstairs from street level to enter. Once in -- and essentially underground -- I was shown to a table in a cozy, windowless, room in the back (perhaps walking past a bar on my left along the way). The menu had entrees priced in the teens and twenties. The cuisine was essentially American, maybe with some French touches. I think I had a salmon special with mashed potatoes, perhaps with rosemary. Any ideas what restaurant this might have been, whether it's still in operation, or where it might be located? Thanks in advance for any help.

[wcb9320]

Apologies for the delay in replying to all you fine folks. After looking at your suggestions, I'm 95% sure the place I had remembered is, in fact, Epices du Traiteur. Looking at its NYMag review, I had a feeling of deja vu. The review all sounded familiar, including things I'd forgotten about the place, like the diverse nature of its menu. It's very possibly that was the review that sent me in Epices' dierction in the first place, years ago. Now I just need to pay a return visit — for a 100% verification. Thanks, all!

[dcvdickens]

I am certain what you're talking about is what another responder mentioned: Shalel at 65 West 70th Street. It is very well hidden - you just have to spot the little sign applied to a set of stairs that lead down to a very cool (great spot for a seduction although sometimes noisy) restaurant. Many little hidden away rooms, with a nice modest-sized bar right as you enter. Outside in front - again very hidden away and only about 7-8 seats, you can sit in candle-lit privacy. Food is ok - not bad - service is the same. Go for the atmosphere which is very cool. MOroccan food, small plates, humus and dips. See reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/shalel-lounge... Deb

-----
Shalel Lounge
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[Phil Ogelos]

It actually sounds to me like it might be Cafe des Artistes [RIP], although I seem to recall one had to walk upstairs, and not down, to get there.

[mahler5]

You could mean Picholine, but the prices are 50% higher. And worth it.

-----
Picholine
35 West 64th St., New York, NY 10023

[Daniel76]

I was going to say.. I ran NY Bite Club in Manhattan for a few years.. We had a location over by Lincoln Center for 6 months.. But. by underground you mean, "subterranean"

[Daniel76]

Then I was thinking Onera.. It was a few steps down.. But, I don't believe it was windowless.. Onera, then turned into Kefi and then it all turned to slop..

-----
Kefi
505 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024

[sbi13]

i registered just so i can reply to this thread. i was searching for the restaurant myself and googled "underground restaurant lincoln center area"! i think the name of the restaurant is Shalel Lounge : http://www.yelp.com/biz/shalel-lounge...

Am I right?

-----
Shalel Lounge
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[Casa SaltShaker]

Possibly Flute? http://www.flutebar.com/en/index.php?...

[David W]

Could it be Vince and Eddie's?
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/...

[owlwoman]

Espices (or something like that)? It was (or is) off Columbus in the high 60's, had a red front.

[FoodieJaponica]

Epices du Traiteur?
I've always thought it was just Epices (that's all you can see on the red awning too), but apparently this is their full name.

-----
Epices
103 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[Sneakeater]

Isn't Epices UPSTAIRS from the street?

-----
Epices
103 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[Stuartmc910]

Hernando's Hideaway?

[FoodieJaponica]

Hm, no, I'm pretty sure you go down a few steps...
I had to look up a photo to double check though (http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/...).

[wcb9320]

I had actually had the same thought, when I noticed that La Boite was underground. But, no -- it turns out that's not the place. Similar downstairs set-up, though. Thanks for the suggestion.

[fm1963]

La Boite en Bois?

http://www.laboitenyc.com/

-----
La Boite en Bois
75 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023