I'd beg to disagree that we have too many food places in town! Name (the edible) ones please. I agree that I was quite happy with the Staples in that location instead of this new place, but as others have already mentioned on this blog, a restaurant chain there that is open late will only make what is an otherwise scuzzy strip a bit more inviting. Also, I personally have not been to a BWW, but I do love me some wings, so it'll be on my list to try it.
This is a small sample size but bonfire was empty on sat nite when i passed by and went into jack and nellies which was a lot less crowded than usual. I wonder if all the new places are taking business away from the older ones. Someone at bonfire said the sit down restaurant part is noticeably down but the bar is all right.
I haven't been to Bonfire in a while. I went quite a few times when they opened before I had to admit I just wasn't very impressed with their food. Maybe others are feeling the same way?
Its true, the food wasn't impressive, but it's not bad by any means. But its a nice establishment and caters to a more couple friendly environment. Not a shabby place to take a gal (or guy) on a date.
The brunch @ Bonfire was mediochre, Banter's brunch was slightly better, but not by much. Had brunch at Keuka Kafe and it was really good. I think the competition is good-it may force some restaurants to step up their game. That said I wish Danny Brown would do brunch again-that was one yummy brunch!
I've voiced my opinion on Wild Wings previously on this blog. I'll just chime in now with a "meh".
I agree with Drake in that there is plenty of room for new food options in the neighborhood. I also feel the same about Bonfire. Didn't care for it when it opened. Don't care for it now.
My experience at Banter was quite good for the Sunday brunch I had and I'll definitely be back. This weekend I'll be checking out Jack & Nellie's (FYI, I spoke with the owner last week, and while it's not posted on the menu, they do have Pancakes for you non-egg eaters).
For those who haven't yet tried it, I also suggest giving Tuscan Hills a whirl for brunch.
As for Keuka Kafe, my reasoning for not visiting to date is that during the cooler months I like a hot meal. From Keuka's menu, it appears that they simply don't have a kitchen. The only hot meals are sandwiches (all you need is an outlet to plug in a panini press).
With that said, as the weather warms up, I may be heading that way with my laptop for a mid-week lunch. Just walked by a few minutes ago and noticed that it was open (only 2 people eating there unfortunately).
Bonfires regular menu is shaky, but i've had teh brunch many times and i enjoy it. Salmon benedict is really good as well as the different types of pancakes and you get two drinks with the price. Irish breakfast at banter was good as well.
Good to know. I love the look of Bonfire, it's a really nice place. Some of the chicken options I've had there were just ok and then other places opened in the 'hood and I just haven't had a reason to go back lately. I guess it's what other people on the blog are saying: as more places open around Austin St., it will probably force everyone to up their game a bit. Which is good for the public, but not so easy for the restaurant owners, especially the "legacy' places and those newcomers who might have thought they can just get by with ok offerings.
While on the topic of chicken, I just have to include a shout-out to Just Like Mother's, one of several "legacy" restaurants in our neighborhood that I think has excellent food, including an awesome roast chicken offering. But seriously, everything I've had there has been quite good and always reliable, including brunches. It's just not a very fancy place, in fact, quite the opposite. It could use a bit of a makeover. But the food is really good and the prices are extremely reasonable.
I'm afraid of what kind of clientele this will attract. When I think wings, I think drunk college kids or groups of douche-y loud guys watching the latest Knicks game. Don't mean to judge, just an opinion :0)
Because 71 Av. is so beautiful with its Halal Meat street vendor, bargain basement store and subway station? This is certainly not any worse, and probably a lot better.
Boy, never thought how horrible that block was until you pointed it out. I was always distracted by the Starbucks and the wine shop to notice the crap that actually occupies 71st.
Buffalo Wings clearly isn't focused on healthy and/or vegetarian. With that said, as someone who has to watch what I consume for health reasons, I disagree that there aren't healthy options in the neighborhood.
There is actually a rather diverse selection for those who want a healthy, non-meat meal (esp if sodium is not a huge issue for you):
Tuscan Hills - fish dishes are delicious and Roberto will cut sodium on dishes where he can, if you request he do so.
Agora Taverna - while I'm personally not a fan, plenty of fish dishes to choose from.
Ripe Juice Bar - Tons of vegetarian/healthy options
Wafa's - my vegetarian friends are big fans of their falafel and sides
Like what we need is more unhealthy chicken wing places?
ReplyDeleteOne can get wings at lots of different restaurants now and there are too many food places in town.
I'd beg to disagree that we have too many food places in town! Name (the edible) ones please.
DeleteI agree that I was quite happy with the Staples in that location instead of this new place, but as others have already mentioned on this blog, a restaurant chain there that is open late will only make what is an otherwise scuzzy strip a bit more inviting.
Also, I personally have not been to a BWW, but I do love me some wings, so it'll be on my list to try it.
Who pissed in your cornflakes, Anonymous?
ReplyDeleteEw! HAHA, that's funny. I'm going to use that on my boss one day.
Delete-D
This is a small sample size but bonfire was empty on sat nite when i passed by and went into jack and nellies which was a lot less crowded than usual. I wonder if all the new places are taking business away from the older ones. Someone at bonfire said the sit down restaurant part is noticeably down but the bar is all right.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Bonfire in a while. I went quite a few times when they opened before I had to admit I just wasn't very impressed with their food. Maybe others are feeling the same way?
DeleteIts true, the food wasn't impressive, but it's not bad by any means. But its a nice establishment and caters to a more couple friendly environment. Not a shabby place to take a gal (or guy) on a date.
DeleteThe brunch @ Bonfire was mediochre, Banter's brunch was slightly better, but not by much. Had brunch at Keuka Kafe and it was really good. I think the competition is good-it may force some restaurants to step up their game. That said I wish Danny Brown would do brunch again-that was one yummy brunch!
ReplyDeleteI've voiced my opinion on Wild Wings previously on this blog. I'll just chime in now with a "meh".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Drake in that there is plenty of room for new food options in the neighborhood. I also feel the same about Bonfire. Didn't care for it when it opened. Don't care for it now.
My experience at Banter was quite good for the Sunday brunch I had and I'll definitely be back. This weekend I'll be checking out Jack & Nellie's (FYI, I spoke with the owner last week, and while it's not posted on the menu, they do have Pancakes for you non-egg eaters).
For those who haven't yet tried it, I also suggest giving Tuscan Hills a whirl for brunch.
As for Keuka Kafe, my reasoning for not visiting to date is that during the cooler months I like a hot meal. From Keuka's menu, it appears that they simply don't have a kitchen. The only hot meals are sandwiches (all you need is an outlet to plug in a panini press).
With that said, as the weather warms up, I may be heading that way with my laptop for a mid-week lunch. Just walked by a few minutes ago and noticed that it was open (only 2 people eating there unfortunately).
Bonfires regular menu is shaky, but i've had teh brunch many times and i enjoy it. Salmon benedict is really good as well as the different types of pancakes and you get two drinks with the price. Irish breakfast at banter was good as well.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I love the look of Bonfire, it's a really nice place. Some of the chicken options I've had there were just ok and then other places opened in the 'hood and I just haven't had a reason to go back lately. I guess it's what other people on the blog are saying: as more places open around Austin St., it will probably force everyone to up their game a bit. Which is good for the public, but not so easy for the restaurant owners, especially the "legacy' places and those newcomers who might have thought they can just get by with ok offerings.
DeleteWhile on the topic of chicken, I just have to include a shout-out to Just Like Mother's, one of several "legacy" restaurants in our neighborhood that I think has excellent food, including an awesome roast chicken offering. But seriously, everything I've had there has been quite good and always reliable, including brunches. It's just not a very fancy place, in fact, quite the opposite. It could use a bit of a makeover. But the food is really good and the prices are extremely reasonable.
DeleteIf they get a makeover the prices may not be as reasonable.
DeleteI'm afraid of what kind of clientele this will attract. When I think wings, I think drunk college kids or groups of douche-y loud guys watching the latest Knicks game. Don't mean to judge, just an opinion :0)
ReplyDeleteJust what we need ,scattered chicken bones and more trash along 71 Av.
ReplyDeleteBecause 71 Av. is so beautiful with its Halal Meat street vendor, bargain basement store and subway station? This is certainly not any worse, and probably a lot better.
DeleteBoy, never thought how horrible that block was until you pointed it out. I was always distracted by the Starbucks and the wine shop to notice the crap that actually occupies 71st.
DeleteAgain FoHi low on healthy or vegetarian options...
ReplyDeleteBuffalo Wings clearly isn't focused on healthy and/or vegetarian. With that said, as someone who has to watch what I consume for health reasons, I disagree that there aren't healthy options in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThere is actually a rather diverse selection for those who want a healthy, non-meat meal (esp if sodium is not a huge issue for you):
Tuscan Hills - fish dishes are delicious and Roberto will cut sodium on dishes where he can, if you request he do so.
Agora Taverna - while I'm personally not a fan, plenty of fish dishes to choose from.
Ripe Juice Bar - Tons of vegetarian/healthy options
Wafa's - my vegetarian friends are big fans of their falafel and sides
5 Burro - Go for their salmon or shrimp fajitas
Bareburger - Veggie burger, Black Bean burger
Too bad BWW's wings aren't all that great.
ReplyDeleteNot sure when fish became a vegetarian option...
ReplyDelete