Craft vs. Gramercy vs. River Cafe? Advice needed.

[TheBumsLost]

I'm in New York in October and already have reservations at The Dutch and Locanda Verde. For my last night I can't decide between Craft, Gramercy Tavern and The River Cafe. Would love to hear people's opinions. Thanks.

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Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Craft
43 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003

[chloes]

Craft! 10 years later, the "simple" food is still being perfectly executed. It's inventive in the sense that unlike other restaurants, Craft leaves most foods... uncomplicated. Meats shine on their own with simple preparations and the decadent gnocchi should not be missed - could be some of my favorite in the city. Lots of seasonal veggie sides as well. The service is impeccable and perfect for special occasions. Craft should not be missed! It's an exceptional choice for a "last meal".

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Craft
43 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003

[kathryn]

Where are you from? I ask only because there are Crafts in LA and Dallas now...

[TheBumsLost]

Thanks for all the responses so far. Much appreciated.

And Kathryn, I'm from Toronto, so no Craft.

[TheBumsLost]

So I went with Craft. Got on OpenTable at 7 this morning and snagged a reservation. Thanks again for all the imput.

[RCC]

Have only been to Craft and Gramercy Tavern.
I'd chose Craft. My last dinner at GT, 2 months ago, was totally forgettable.

[uwsister]

Definitely Craft. It's hard for almost anyone to have a bad meal there.

I have not dined at the dining room at GT, but from what I had at their tavern room and what I've read about the dining room in recent years, I have not been motivated.

[gutsofsteel]

Of those three, I would definitely choose Craft. It's quite good, and I love the room.

[nmprisons]

I have had consistently better food at Craft and Gramercy Tavern (though at least one person whose views I respect thinks that GT is overrated). River Cafe has a nice view and decent food, but it just isn't in the same league as the other two.

The cocktail program at Craft is the best of the three and the cooking is more precise. It would be my choice, but it might not be everyone's.

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Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

[RGR]

"...(though at least one person whose views I respect thinks that GT is overrated)...

Hmmm... Might that be moi? lol We've never had a meal in GT's dining room that I found rave-worthy, and as I've mentioned on this board before, the last meal we had there has the dubious distinction of being my worst meal of 2009. At this point, I'm done with the dining room though I have enjoyed the food in the Tavern Room.

We've never been to Craft or River Cafe. With the exception of that last meal in GT's dining room with Michael Anthony helming the kitchen, all our other meals there have taken place when Colicchio was the excecutive chef. Based on that latter fact, I've been very hesitant about trying Craft -- or, for that matter, Colicchio & Sons. One of these days, we should try the River Cafe. Who knows? Even if it is not considered in the same league as GT and Craft, it could turn out that I really like the food.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[gutsofsteel]

Colicchio is not in the kitchen at Craft. And the chef (Damon Wise) who was there a long time has recently left. I am eager to try it with the new chef after things have had a bit of time....my meals there in the last few years have been quite good. It was also very good when Marco Canora headed the kitchen there.

[nmprisons]

They are actually two chefs past Damon now (his replacement was promoted within the company). I have noticed no drop off in quality whatsoever.

[gutsofsteel]

Good to hear. I'm due for a visit.