March 7, 2012
Churchill Tavern
45 East 28th Street (near Park Avenue South)
New York, NY
The Churchill Tavern opened in December 2011, and their kitchen opened mid-February. After walking by several times, I decided it was high time to give it a try.
When you enter, you'd think you've stepped into a pub in London! There are tall bar tables in the front of the restaurant, a great (though small) wooden bar, booths along one side of the space, with regular tables completing the look. I was told that they are completing the 2nd floor, and there will be party space once that's ready.
Our waiter, while super friendly, was also super slow. Our lunch took over an hour, even though we only spent about 15 minutes of that time actually eating.
I had a roasted beet salad with toasted hazelnuts with a creamy horseradish dressing and a Smuttynose IPA. The dressing was yummy, the salad ($12) was small. Come on guys, it's lettuce. Heap it on for $12. My friend ordered the pasta dish with bacon and brussel sprouts. It looked so underwhelming I couldn't even get myself to taste it.
Bottom line: I wouldn't mind going back for some after-work or Sunday beers, but I'll not be eating there again.
