Venue Review: The Spotted Pig - Gastropub (NYC - New York City)

The Spotted Pig--arguably New York's first gastro-pub--opened a few years ago to rave reviews and maddening crowds. Since then numerous awards have been bestowed on the joint--best comfort food, best bar food, and best burger, and most impressively, a Michelin star. The crowds are still there; on a recent Friday night the wait for a 6-top was no less than two hours. No problem though--host Tim, who was profiled on Eater a few months back took a phone number, allowing the party to drink it up down the street until a table was ready. Before long the phone call came, and a table was waiting upon our return.

Being a gastro-pub, The Spotted Pig strives to serve simple yet upscale food, accompanied by an excellent selection of spirits, all in a relaxed atmosphere. It succeeds on all counts. The praise heaped on the hamburger is well-deserved. The shoe-string fries are a standout dish, as is the Pork Tonnata--thin slices of pork served on top of a flat bread, accompanied by arugula.

The Old Speckled Hen ale, an English cask ale, served in a large round mug, was excellent. For the less adventurous there are a number of other, more familiar beers. The Pig also boasts a long, well-rounded wine list. Of course there is a full bar as well.

Waiting on the check, we spotted co-owner Mario Batali chumming it up on the sidewalk, standing beside his red scooter. While The Spotted Pig isn't one of those of the moment places anymore, the crowds, celebrities included, still come to enjoy the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere. Bill Clinton, Bono, and one of the Bush twins were all recently spotted at the Pig.

Official Website: http://thespottedpig.com/
Previous JoonBlog Coverage: 2005 - Earlier Review | 2006 - 5 Best Meals In The West Village For Under $25

Technorati Tags: the spotted pig, spotted pig review, nyc gastro-pub, west village restaurant review, mario batali

Comments

[Stephanie]

Disappointment. Having read the superlative reviews in a number of guides I was looking forward to Sunday brunch at the Spotted Pig. We had to wait for a table and elected to have a drink at the bar. Then is when it all started to go wrong. Once we managed to get the barman's attention the latte that arrived the milk was scolding (it literally burned my tongue and mouth on contact). When I pointed this out to a waitress I was asked "Did that mean I didn't want it or put it aside until it cooled down". I then had to ask the barman 3 times for a glass of water to soothe my burnt mouth. Finally been shown to the cramped table up stairs I ordered the burger. On the basis of the nuclear latte I ordered it rare. Another mistake as rare = raw and believe me this is no exaggeration. I love rare meat and love steak tartare but a raw cold burger is no fun. I think this place has let the rave reviews go to its head and now is just an overpriced, pretentious, crowded eatery resting on previous accolades. Take my advice and go somewhere else.

[ronr]

This was the worst experience in a restaurant ever...we sat at the bar for a couple of hours, waiting for table service to begin (a friend works in the kitchen, so we were invited "guests"). When we enquired about our table, the surly, front person, who continously was running his hand through greasy, unwashed long hair, was surly, insulting, and downright nasty! We decided to leave, even after spending a considerable amount of $ at the bar. No denying the friendliness of the kitchen staff when we said goodnight, but allowing such nastiness at the front of the house should not be tolerated.