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422 Places
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Sandy’s 4-star review: The ambiance was great - such a beautiful establishment. It is two floors and looks to be a renovated townhouse. We ordered a couple things on the menu and they were enjoyable: beef tartare, spicy mixed noodle, mushroom sotbap, branzino. My favorite has to be the spicy mixed noodle - sweet & spicy and very flavorful.
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Sandy’s 5-star review: Have you ever seen a display as grandiose as this? The Club 85 at Kalye served up the best Filipino meats all on one platter. It took some time to prepare but it was well worth the wait. The crispy lumpia (pork), pork belly lechon, pork skewers, beef tapa, inasal wings, pickled veggie slaw, fresh and steamed veggies, inasal & white rice was a sight be behold (and eat). More than enough for two but shareable up to three or four. Don't forget to leave space for dessert - Halo Halo!
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Sandy’s 4-star review: Another day, another happy hour. Many offerings on their happy hour menu by the bar. We got the martini flight for $15 and it is up to your discretion. Maybe you're feeling a Cosmo, maybe a dirty martini, maybe an espresso martini... it is up to you! we got oysters which were $15 for five pieces but they are quite small. The steak frites we're good with a chunk of meat that you slice yourself. It says endless fries,but we did not ask for another round... ask and maybe really is endless. We entered with a slice of their Key lime pie, which came with berries. Delicious! -
Sandy’s 5-star review: New Thai spot in UES and had to come check it out. We came during HH (5-6PM everyday) that offered $7 Singha beer and $2 off wines. We got the Som Tim Thai (papaya salad), Kang Pu, and Koong Karee. The salad was refreshing, crunchy, and slightly spicy (mild aka 2 out of 4 spice level). The Kang Pu was sweet from the coconut milk and spicy from the Thai chilis while the crab meat was plump and tender. The Koong Karee was salty, filling, and savory - plenty of plump shrimp to top each spoonful of curry & rice. If you prefer noodles. It is possible to substitute the rice that comes with the Kang Pu for rice noodles. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: The lo mein portion (beef) was big and wasn't too salty (personally), the pieces of beef and veggies were enjoyable. It was a bit oily, but, that was expected. The crispy sweet and sour pork was enjoyable, even taking into consideration that I got this delivered. There was still a nice bite to it, it did not get too soggy. The sauce was sweet, sour, and tart - good balance and exactly what you want from this dish. The cilantro was a nice touch (personally). Only issue I had was that there were not many pieces/small portion. However, a couple pieces were sizeable and a couple bitefuls. Taking all into consideration, really decent chinese-american food and satisfied with how the food kept well in the delivery process. -
Sandy’s 3-star review: Take note, this is a MealPal review. Was excited to pick up an order for lunch and got the Tuesday menu on MealPal - Spicy Tuna & Salmon Avocado. It didn't hit the spot but it soothed the itch and craving. The seasoning was mild for the spicy tuna (with cucumber) and the sushi rice flavor and consistency also didn't quite hit the mark. The salmon quality was alright. Overall, I rate these two rolls as average. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Social media got me here but the decor and vibes def made an impact. I found this place on a foodie's IG post and I bookmarked it for a while. A Pulsd deal came up and I HAD to grab it. It's an amazing deal - worth every dollar. It comes with a bottle of wine, an app, two entrees, and a dessert. There aren't many waiters/waitresses so it took some time in between each dish but it's fine - we were able to enjoy each other's company and take our sweet time. Very easy and straight forward service and menu and each dish was good. We got the tuna tartare, the blackened salmon, the spicy calabrian pasta, creme brulee cheesecake, and a bottle of cava. Tuna Tartare: It was fine but I would not order again. Chips were stale but the amount of tuna and avocado was suffice. Appreciated the amount of lime, seasoning, and radish accoutrement. Blackened Salmon: Came with roasted tomatoes and potatoes, salad, and béarnaise sauce. The salmon was moist and the skin was crispy. Lemon was grilled and added a lot of zest. The potatoes and tomatoes were at a great balance and carb proponent to the dish. Creme Brulee Cheesecake: Amazing. Came with salted caramel ice cream which balanced the sweet and dense nature of a cheesecake. Overall, worth a visit. Would come again! -
Sandy’s 3-star review: Came for date night drinks because we heard they offered the best martinis in town. Got a seat right by the pianist. The pianist took requests and took short breaks. There was a bit of a wait before we were able to be seated but we were able to cozy up in the corner by the bar. Beautiful interior and pretty glasses for drinks and water. However, huge downside was that it was quite loud and it didn't seem appropriate given that it was a live-music jazz bar. Came in thinking it would be moody with light noise/chatter but there were full-throttle conversations from left to right. We were served very quickly, once situated. The drinks were strong and the triage of complementary bar snacks were thoroughly enjoyed. I wouldn't say they were the best martini's I've had but they were enjoyable. I would say Bemelman's Bar is worth a visit but I don't think I would be coming back again anytime soon. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Came in for their Happy Hour menu and it is worth the visit. The "Aloha" vibes were there, with live music, strong drinks, and tropical-inspired menu. We both goth a drink - Mai Tai & Sangria - which were tasty and at a great price ($13 on Happy Hour menu). The snacks we got on the Happy Hour menu were also very worth it: Guac & Salsa (w/ chips), Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos, and Lemon Parmesan Fries. -
Sandy’s 5-star review: Quaint spot nestled in Dumbo, next to the Time Out Market (Brooklyn). Found this spot while looking for a nice restaurant in the area for a date night dinner. We enjoyed a couple dishes on their menu and enjoyed each bite. Started off with their bread service, had the Cappellacci as an appetizer, and shared the Sakura Pork and Branzino for our main. Almondine Bread: Their bread service, not cheap nor expensive, started the meal right. Served with Vermont butter, the toasted and warm sourdough and baguette were also great vessels for scooping up any sauces from our other dishes. Cappellacci: This pasta dish blew us away. Buttery and rich but smooth and well-balanced from the balsamic reduction. The portion was bigger than we would have assumed - can definitely be ordered as a main. Sakura Pork: The pork was well-seasoned (albeit a bit salty for my preferences) and juicy. The pickled vegetables on the side was amazing - great change of flavor profile and crunch. Branzino: Our favorite dish of the night. The Branzino was perfectly cooked. The meat was plump and moist; the skin was nice and crunchy. The broth/sauce was surprisingly refreshing - which we did not expect. The spinach and thai basil made it refreshing while the mussels added a brine-y flavor without it being overpowering. All in all, great meal and great atmosphere. Although small and unassuming, food and service were top-notch. This spot is relatively new to the neighborhood (opened July 2023) but looking forward to what more they can bring to the table. -
Sandy’s 3-star review: Quick service but disappointing cream cheese shmear game. The bagels weren't super fresh, which is why I decided to get them toasted. Got the vegetable cream cheese and flavor + texture was good but how much they put into the bagel was lackluster. -
Sandy’s 5-star review: Heard so many positive things about this spot on social media and from friends so I had to come check out what the hype was about. We were fortunate in getting a last minute reservation for Friday at 8:30PM. After we got seated and ordered from the menu, we were presented with a welcome appetizer & drink: cherry tomato in a sauce / cream with a shot of yuzu juice / tea. We got a few things from the menu: uni shari, menchi katsu, pork tenderloin katsu and mazemen. Uni Shari: A couple pieces of uni on a bed of seasoned barley rice. The rice was seasoned with sesame oil and furikake seasonings and topped with sesame seeds and perilla leaves. The dish was presented with a couple squares of nori. This creamy and savory dish was a great start to our meal. Katsu: We got the pork tenderloin katsu and menchi katsu at the same time. the pork tenderloin was juicy, tender and the fry coating on the katsu was just right. Other than the classic dipping sauce, wasabi and truffle salt were presented on the plate. The menchi katsu (2 palm sized pieces) was ultimately the favorite out of the two. It was juicy, flavorful, salty, umami, crispy, tender, and overall well-balanced. Both katsu were deep-fried but did not feel heavy or oil-y (surprisingly). Both were served with tonkatsu sauce and a wasabi aoili. Mazemen: Spicy pork sauce, butter, scallions and homemade almond butter on a bed of noodles. When served, we were instructed to mix while still hot an - which we did. It was creamy, salty, and very flavorful. Slight spice from the spicy pork sauce, which is dulled from the creamy almond butter and butter. It was a good way to end the meal as it was the heaviest and most flavorful from everything we ordered. Overall, the portions here were not the biggest but it was just enough and satisfying. Dishes were not necessarily special, but, all were comforting. Simple yet delicious - you get what you expect. Everything tasted clean and well put together. Reasonable prices and calming ambiance. I would come again.
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Sandy’s 4-star review: Quaint Italian spot that new to UES. Cozy vibes in a revamped townhouse, their traditional Italian fare isn't groundbreaking but comforting and good. Kept it light with a cocktail (Calabrese), complimentary house-made bread (tomato & olive focaccia), and two dishes: Every Day Sunday Gravy (pasta) & Pollo alla Parmigana (Chicken Parm). Cocktail: smokey from the mezcal, sour and tart from the lime and pineapple, kick of spice from the chili. Think of it as a less sweet and more sophisticated cousin to the spicy margarita. Complimentary Bread: Tomato & Olive House-made Focaccia & a crispy bread. Paired with a good quality olive oil. The focaccia was a bit dough-y but good, nonetheless. The crispy bread was like a cracker (a well-seasoned salt and pepper water cracker). Every Day Sunday Gravy: This pasta is worth ordering. The tomato base was subtle and did not overpower the main focus of the sauce - braised beef cheek. The sauce was fantastic - the braised beef cheek was flavorful, meaty, and hearty; it fell apart at the slightest bite but was able to keep its integrity. The pappardelle noodles were chewy (but not too chewy) and broken up into bite-sized pieces. Would 100% order again. Pollo alla Parmigiana: Chicken Parmesan was good but predictable. It is exactly what you expect from it. Nothing new or special about this dish but it is safe, comforting, and basic. The cooked cherry tomatoes were a nice touch. I wouldn't order it again. All in all, I think this restaurant is worth a visit. It's dark, moody, and aesthetically pleasing. The ground floor, with the bar, booths, and limited seating, felt intimate. Upstairs, on the second floor, felt cozy, comforting, and contemporary. I wouldn't say the menu had anything remarkable or out-of-the-norm. But, if you're looking for a good Italian restaurant in the neighborhood for a date night, this is the spot for you.
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Sandy’s 5-star review: Great happy hour deals with affordable & delicious food. Came for drinks and izakaya-style food and left stuffed. Ordered yakitori, apps, and entrees: chicken thigh yakitori, gizzard yakitori, enoki mushroom w/ bacon yakitori, deep-fried squid legs (w/ mayo), braised pork belly, bamboo eel bowl, and beef curry pork cutlet bowl. Food came out quickly and were seasoned well without it being overpowering. Flavors aren't anything special but it hits the spot and you get exactly what you expect. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Snagged a 5:15PM dinner reservation for Saturday. From other's reviews, I came in knowing the space was small but was still taken aback - definitely quaint and cozy. After a couple moments of entering, someone checked us in and seated us. The space felt cramped, our seats were a little too close to the party next to us - an awkward and tight squeeze/shuffle when trying to enter and exit the booth seat. We ordered a couple of their popular and highlighted dishes, to which they were brought over from lightest to heaviest: razor clams & oysters, chirashi, lobster dumplings, mussels & garlic bread. Razor Clams & Oysters: Do not pass on this - although $9 per person, it was worth it. Razor clams were cut and presented back on the shell, paired with a tart sauce. The oysters were paired with a different tart, citrus based vinaigrette with passionfruit seeds. The seeds gave a great textural component to the bite. Great start to the meal. Chirashi: Very interesting take on a chirashi bowl/dish. Caviar, salmon roe, uni (to which we might not have had in ours - looking back at it, we don't recall having any), cucumbers, and a medley of raw fish on a bed of creamy, warm, soft bite-sized baby potatoes. Strange combination but well paired and executed. The sauce was bright and creamy, with a hint of citrus that cut through the seafood flavors and potatoes surprisingly well. Lobster Dumplings: Delicate and plump. The lobster flavor was strong but not overpowering. The sauce was creamy, yet light. The caviar added another hint of umami, the dot of the orange cream added a different flavor profile, and the sprinkle of chives brought brightness back into the dish. Mussels & Garlic Bread: The garlic bread was an add-on but don't skip out on it - the four small pieces of garlic bread was thoroughly toasty, crunchy, well-buttered and garlicky. Paired very well with the oily and creamy sauce the mussels came in. The cream sauce was poured onto the cooked mussels table-side. All in all, Ma-de KNOWS how to do sauces for sure. Each and every sauce the dishes came with were well-concocted. The portions are small but you are paying for quality ingredients and well-executed plates. I would come again and would recommend to friends. However, between Wayan and Ma de, I prefer the menu and atmosphere at the former. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Flavorful food and great cocktails in a trendy part of Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Made a reservation for a bigger party and were seated promptly. Ordered a bit of everything: - 2 orders of: wontons in chili oil, scallion pancake, sautéed string beans, Sichuan chili chicken - 1 order of: crab tofu, mapo tofu, fish in chili oil, dongpo pork, beef tripe in chili oil, sesame cold noodles, and eggplant in garlic sauce. To start off, a couple of us enjoyed some of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: Suntory Story, Daolug, Chill Out, Be Passion, and Strawberry Puree Mocktail. Drinks were well-mixed and on the sweet side, you couldn't taste the alcohol (which is a delight but also quite dangerous). For the apps, all were enjoyable and flavorful. Our party thoroughly enjoyed the wontons in chili oil, scallion pancake, and eggplant in garlic sauce most. The cold noodles, string beans, and beef tripe in chili oil were average and nothing too remarkable. For mains, all were a mixed review. The Sichuan fried chicken was all fry and no flavor or heat, which was to our dismay. The crab tofu was extremely crabby and the flavor of salted egg yolk was strong - if you are not a fan of either, you will not enjoy this dish. Mapo tofu was nothing special. Fish in chili oil was slightly bland - the fish texture was also a bit too soft, which some may not enjoy. The dongpo pork was flavorful and tender, however very fatty (made up majority of the meat). As for desserts, we got both of their offerings: salted egg yolk bun and rice cakes with a brown sugar syrup. The egg yolk bun is nothing special - the classic dim sum sweet treat. The toasted rice cakes with soybean powder and brown sugar syrup was the perfect asian dessert - sweet but not too sweet. Thank you so much to the manager/staff for the two desserts - they surprised us with it being on the house after we told them it was for a birthday! Overall, some dishes were a hit and some were a miss. However, it is still worth coming and dining in at this Restaurant. Some dishes were hits and some could've been better. Definitely don't miss out on their cocktails. Thank you so much to the staff for making it an enjoyable and smooth experience - for being patient with us and celebrating a birthday with us! -
Sandy’s 3-star review: This place has been trendy and popping up on socials so dropped by for Saturday Lunch. Ordered 3 things on the menu: crispy shrimp mini sandwich, octo steak jjajangmyun, tangsuyuk. This is an elevated Korean-Chinese fusion resturant with the aesthetics. However, you will definitely be paying for it. The banchan (side dish) was classic, pickled radish (the yellow radish at most places) & a pickled and seasoned chinese pepper. The octo steak jjajangmyun was $36, pricey but take note, it has truffles & steak. Pass on this as the jjajangmyun flavor overpowers any truffle or steak flavor. Their classic jjajangmyun, being $18, is on the pricier side of a standard noodle dish from a Korean-Chinese fusion resturant. The crispy shrimp mini toast was a nice and crunchy appetizer but I would not order again. Tangsuyuk was good, crispy, and the sauce was a great balance of sweet and sour. I wouldn't come again but I didn't mind coming to try it out. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: New INDAY location that popped up this past week. Went during their opening day and was able to enjoy their golden chicken curry over rice. The curry chicken was tender and juicy while the pickled vegetables gave the dish a bright and zesty note. The curry was lying on a bed of basmati rice, which was a bit mushy to my liking. However, it was a good quick and easy meal for lunch.
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Sandy’s 4-star review: This establishment has been around for a while and you can tell the moment you step in. They got everything down to a T, hosts were organized and let you know where to head to for your table and servers were knowledgeable about the menu and even aided in portion suggestions. Our party of 11 were seated promptly and were given drink menus about arrival - we asked for the wine bottle list and ordered a couple bottles. A couple minutes after being seated, plates of carrots, celery, pickles, olives with blue cheese dip were placed (to which we enjoyed and snacked on whilst making our decisions). We ordered a little of everything: bacon, mutton chop, chateubreand, porterhouse, filet mignon, prime rib, creamed spinach, mashed potstoes, roasted vegetables. All in all, the porterhouse and prime rib were the favorites. If you're not a fan of game-y meats, stray far away from the mutton chop. We thought it was a tad bit too gamey for our liking. However, eating it with the pickled vegetables or Keen'a steakhouse sauce helps. As for the sides, the group leaned towards the creamed spinach, however, the roasted vegetables were a hit for me. We also got desserts to try and share: key lime pie, carrot cake, chocolate cake. Good but pass on this - slices were quite small for $14 a pop. Overall, worth a visit and great meats - it does get quite busy and hectic but the restaurant employees manage it well and the rooms being split up reduces any chaos. When you add everything up, the bill is quite pricey but you're paying for good food, quality, and even a bit of history. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Got the Joju Bowl with egg (additional) for lunch (take-out) and shared fries. Was ready relatively quickly and very filling. There are multiple options available for base (rice, salad, half/half, etc). Meat options ranged from beef, pork, chicken, and seitan. Meats in the Joju bowl were flavorful and plentiful - I did not feel like I had to portion out the meat to salad/rice - there was meat in every bite. The pickled veggies paired well and helped with cutting through any grease you may get (inevitable from the meat that I chose). For sauces, I recommend the spicy green sauce. However, if you're not a fan of cilantro, pass. -
Sandy’s 3-star review: Redeemed Pulsd voucher: bottle of wine + 2 entrees. Made a reservation on Resy and got seated quickly and immediately. First thing to note, service in the back (dining area) is slow. Not once were our glasses of water refilled. We had to flag someone down to order and get the check. Ultimately, paid for the bill balance at the front by the bar because it was too slow. Not many people were in the back, probably due to most enjoying Happy Hour specials in the front by the bar. Once we ordered, food did come quickly. The smoke burger came encapsulated in a glass dome, where they "smoked out" the burger to give it that smokey taste and smell. Both food options weren't anything special but was enough. Background music was on the louder side, but wasn't a bother. Overall, experience was average. -
Sandy’s 4-star review: Came for dinner on a Saturday night. Weekends, regardless of Lunch or Dinner, is $23.95 per person. There's many rice cakes and fish cakes to choose from. Good selection of vegetables and ramen to choose from. The sauce bar (powdered seasoning) has 7 options with an easy recipe guide to follow (or create on your own). While you wait for the ddukbokki to cook, there's fried chicken (bone-in, boneless, and seasoned boneless), assortment of fried goodies (french fries, fried squid, vegetable fritter, etc), and fish cake soup. There is an option to add on ayce beef for an additional $5 per person. I thought this spot was worth the price but everything is self-service so can't comment much on that aspect. -
Sandy’s 5-star review: Was able to grab a reservation last minute and was able to enjoy a filling bowl of japanese udon on a cold winter day. Perfect to warm you up from the inside - the portions are substantial and one bowl will fill you up. I got the gyunan (prime beef) hot udon noodle soup and it was a clear, hearty broth. The noodles are thick, chewy, and bouncy - enjoyable and filling. There weren't a lot of pieces of beef but it was enough if you portion it out well. The negi (vegetables) and scallion were a nice touch and added greens to the dish. We got the kaarage to share (5 or 6 pieces) and it came with a spicy mayo-esque dipping sauce. Freshly fried, juicy, and tender.
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Sandy’s 4-star review: Ordered through MealPal. Small storefront that's essentially grab and go. Don't expect much space to sit and eat! There was a short wait but once I scanned and let the staff know, they were able to pack me my food quickly. Got the three piece tenders and fries and it was sufficient for me. The sauce - let me tell you the sauce - was incredible. Sweet and spicy that paired so well. I'm a sauce girl and there was not enough (one container was not enough for me). I had half the first sitting and it's delicious when it's first cooked. Docking one star because the tenders become stingy and the fries get stale when cooled down (expected). -
Sandy’s 5-star review: Absolutely stunning views and vibes, well-crafted cocktails, stellar service, and delicious food. This spot was in my bookmarks for a while but finally got a chance to visit for a special occasion. The host/hostesses and servers were aware of the special occasion and definitely made us feel celebrated. The server walked through the menu and answered any questions. We chose the 3-course meal: a hot or cold app, entree, and a dessert. To start, we were presented with Brooklyn-based bakery's sourdough bread with butter from a Vermont-based creamery (I think) and an oyster amuse bouche. For apps, we chose the blue crab & caviar and the barbecued eel with foie gras. They were presented and explained while its paired sauces were poured at table-side. The barbecued eel with foie gras was absolutely delicious - savory and sweet paired with the creamy foie gras was a great mix. For entrees, we ordered the dry aged steak (medium rare) and the grilled squab. Similarly, sauces and accoutrements were poured table-side. Both of us preferred the grilled squab as it was tender, flavorful, and the accompanying lobster ragu was delicious. Following our mains, a lemon sorbet with marshmallow and meringue was presented as a palate cleanser. From the dessert menu, we chose the chocolate cremeaux and chai tea cake. To our surprise, we received a complimentary dessert to celebrate our special occasion (Thank you so much!). I ordered a cocktail - Look into the Cookie - to wash all the food down. It was sweet, smooth, and creamy - I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors of black sesame and rice. All in all, although a bit pricey, it was well worth the visit and meal. Recommend coming for a special occasion or for a wonderful meal and experience! -
Sandy’s 5-star review: Quick and easy pick up. Got the "Matthew" sandwich - prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula on baguette with balsamic vinaigrette. Simple and fresh ingredients that allotted to a fulfilling lunch. -
Sandy’s 3-star review: Ordered on UberEats. Got the 4 taco set (birria, al pastor, chicken, chorizo), 4 mulita set (birria, al pastor, chicken), and birria fried rice. As expected, tacos and mulitas arrived soggy but it was still flavorful. The birria fried rice was my favorite, the beef was tender without being overpowering or salty. Fortunately, there was a BOGO promo for the fried rice.
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