Genuine British Bar/Restaurant in the NYC area? With wheelchair.
Hi,
I'm an American/Brit that has moved from New York to London, but getting married in NYC in a couple months. I am looking for an authentic/not too kitschy British feeling restaurant or pub I can use for a wedding rehearsal dinner. I've been asking around a lot, even had the question end up in the New York Times last week, but I haven't been able to find anywhere.
The biggest stumbling block so far has been the need for it to be wheelchair accessible, or with only a couple steps. I've looked into the Spotted Pig, the Breslin, Monument Lane, Tavern on Jane...a fair number. I have yet to get in touch with Jones Wood Foundry and The Fat Radish. Does anyone know of a good one, somewhere in the NYC/NJ area, that doesn't have a flight of stairs in the way? Problem is, from here in London, I can think of at least half a dozen good gastropubs within walking distance that would be perfect.
Thanks!
Jake
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Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
Fat Radish
17 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
Monument Lane
103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
By jtc244
on Aug 1, 2011 09:38 AM
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I recall the letter your friend wrote to the NYT and the amusing response. Its in Brooklyn, but I will suggest the Chip Shop. It's a chippie, owned by an english ex-pat , but with some other english fare thrown. Its not a gastropub, but I think the food is quite good. There is a changing selection of british ales. There are two locations. The one I frequent is in Brooklyn Hts. Its on the ground floor so you can get a wheelchair in but it won't fit into the restrooms.
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Have you tried Lillie's? It is a Victorian-themed bar/restaurant in the Union Sq area, and if I remember correctly, does not have stairs to get in. How big a party do you have? It should be able to accommodate a fair amount of people. It is a bit heavy handed on the Victorian theme but I wouldn't call it kitschy.
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Lillie's
13 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
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It seems weird to say but now the Fraunces Tavern is run by an Irish company maybe that would work, I haven't been to it since it reopened but I always felt (in the olden days) it had a British vibe to it.
On another matter, is Lillie's second location in Times Square open yet, does anyone know?
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Fraunces Tavern
54 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10004
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I dont know if this is at all what you had in mind, and the menu is not particularly British, but you might consider The Elephant & Castle in Greenwich Village. I am fairly certain that it is wheelchair accessable, the food I recall as being excellent, and not too pricey besides.
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Elephant and Castle
68 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
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Thanks for the tips. I think, despite its awesomeness, it might be too hard to convince people to get to Brooklyn or Chip Shop. I'm looking into Lillie's now, and Fraunces Tavern too. Surprising I've never even heard of that before. The last time I was in NYC months ago I checked out Elephant & Castle for the name alone, but they told me it wasn't possible. Still on the lookout, but thank you!
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Fraunces Tavern
54 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10004
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I too saw the question on the NY Times and was hoping for suggestions for new places for me to try. Anyway, I think Lillie's might work for you as well. Jones Wood Foundry may not be a good choice since once you get past the bar, there's a short flight of stairs to get into the main dining room in the back.
I'll also throw in The Clerkenwell on Clinton Street. It's street level and there might be one short step at the door. I've only been there for Brunch and liked the food.
If you're looking for a pub, you can also see if St. Andrews on 46th Street may work.
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St. Andrews
140 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Kupersmith
49 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002
Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
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The Clerkenwell's chef is an April Bloomfield (The Breslin, The Spotted Pig) protégé, so if you like that type of food, you will likely enjoy.
Tea & Sympathy is a cute British restaurant in the West Village. Yummy shepherd's pie and other classics.
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Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Kupersmith
49 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002
The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
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Mary Queen of Scots - Allen and Delancey, Lower East Side.
Yes, it's Scots themed but lovely food, terrific fish and chips. Great whiskey selection.
They have a room in the back which would probably work for your dinner.
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Mary Queen of Scots
115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
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I thought of this place also. It's a very attractive space, and I liked the drinks I had very much. And I'm pretty sure it's all on one level.
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On a similar note: The Highlands in the West Village. The entrance is a bit narrow, but level. Food is good, cocktails are great and there's an extensive selection of whiskys. The more western of the two rooms would be ideal for a private dinner.
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Highlands
150 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
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How many people will be in your party? The Fat Radish was a pleasure to work with, as I arranged an event there, recently. Plus, there are no steps whatsoever. :)
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Fat Radish
17 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
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Just remembered another place, The Long Room. Its supposedly an Irish themed gastro pub in Midtown. Food is pretty good. May be close enough?
http://www.thelongroomnyc.com/
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The Long Room
120 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
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