We have waited a ridiculous amount of time to go to Minetta Tavern.  That is thanks to their former reservation system or lack thereof.  Now that they’ve automated to Open Table, reservations are a breeze.  And we’ll be going there more often.  The atmosphere was great.  It had a Waverly Inn type vibe in the back room with all of its original artwork.  The food was fantastic and really not over-priced.  One might argue about the Black Label Burger, but there’s no burger quite like it.  We did not try the standard Minetta burger for $17, but will eventually to compare.

Just a quick history of Minetta for those not familiar with the Keith McNally group.  Minetta originally opened in 1937 and  has been in existence as a pub ever since.  Before it became the ‘new’ Minetta Tavern, you could actually go in there for a few beers with the regular West Village crowd.  Today, it is a whole new world.  Remodeled and also preserved, the new Minetta brings the past to life.  Keith McNally and his 2 chef partners  Lee Hansen and Riad Nasr are also the owners of NYC institutions Balthazaar, Pastis and Schiller’s Liquor Bar.  McNally also opened Odeon, Lucky Strike, Cafe Luxembourg and the former Nell’s.  And we cannot forget Pravda or Morandi.  Quite the list, so it only follows that this 2008 venture is such a huge success.  The Executive Chefs worked together at Daniel and a list of prior excellent restaurants, which follows that the food is as awesome as the vibe.  They are also still Exec Chefs at Balthazaar, Pastis and Schiller’s.

This was where we sat in the rear dining room near the open kitchen window.  It was a cozy spot isolated from the crowds.  By the way, in winter check your coat.  There isn’t much space.

Now for the food.  We agreed that the burger was the most amazing burger ever, hands down. We also enjoyed the terrine and  the truffled pork sausage served with oysters.  I will admit to not quite getting the combination, however.  The turbot was a special dish, perfectly prepared and so delicate with the mushrooms.  There is so much more to try.  We barely scratched the surface.  The cocktail menu is also quite impressive.  We thought we might try going back and parking at the bar EARLY, then eating there as well. Perhaps we’ll order the Black Labels or steaks, which look amazing.

Cocktails
Rhubarb Sophie
42 Below Vodka, Cucumber, Agave Nectar, Rhubarb Bitters, Fresh Lime $15

Appetizers
Huîtres et Crépinettes $18
truffled pork sausage with salt pond oysters on the half shell

*Daily Special* Oxtail Terrine with Foie Gras $16

Entrees
Black Label Burger $26
selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites

*Daily Special* Turbot with Porcini Mushrooms $39

http://www.minettatavernny.com/
113 MacDougal St – West Village