Breakdown
Location:
Cuisine: American, Tapas
Items: 3 Entrees 2 Appetizers, 4 cocktails
Best Dish: Salmon Club Sandwich
Price: 0 (20% tip included)
Overall: Good food, cocktails, a DJ spinning hit after hit what more could you want? A nice space for drinks and dinner with friends however the dim lighting makes it suitable for a hot date as well.
Midtown Manhattan is home to many great urban watering holes. Grand spaces designed to provide patrons with comfortable atmosphere and a wide assortment of cocktails and tasty dishes. Volstead is a major player in the bar restaurant scene with an easily accessible east side location and a commitment o great service and world class mixology. We ventured to this east side oasis one humid evening, in search of a cool beverage and a light snack. We ended up chatting for hours and staying for dinner, in the comfortable homey space. Happy hour was underway and many patrons opted for seats at the bar, which left the tables open and dining parties spread wide enough for an intimate meal and moderate conversation. Though the venue is often loud and boisterous during the after 10 party hours the vibe is decidedly low key during the happy hour.
We kicked off the night with cocktails. The strawberry fields is a tasty treat with fresh strawberries lime juice and top shelf vodka. My companion took on the signature Volstead Lemonade a perfect drink for a warm summer evening.
Next up we took on the Lamb Sliders. Served on soft buttery buns with minted yogurt and pickled onion these little morsels are a good start to a great meal.
We also tried the Crispy Pork Confit. These little bites of tender pork are served on brioche toast with a healthy dollop of sweet apple chutney a perfect compliment to the well seasoned meat.
For our second round of drinks we went for the spa treatment, this heady option is made with premium tequila and the clean fresh taste of cucumber and mint. Chocolate and champagne lovers should give the “Heaven” a try. This mix of Godiva raspberry vodka and honey has the smooth taste of chocolate with the kick of a dry martini.
Next on our list was of course entrees. The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy lighter meals of mostly chicken and fish, on those hot muggy days a burger can be a bit much. When at Volstead try the delicious salmon club. I’m not a big salmon fan but even I found it delicious. The combination of well seasoned grilled salmon with bacon and the varying textures of crisp lettuce toasted bread and ripe avocado made for an interesting sensory experience.
Volstead’s commitment to freshness extends to its addition of a catch of the day option. As this varies with season and availability, your experience may vary. Luckily we encountered a delicious pan seared cod, with a helping of steamed bokchoy and potato fingerlings, this was as delicious and flavorful as it is waist friendly.
When in doubt go with the chicken, and prepare for greatness. The half chicken with garlic mashed potatoes was divine. The chicken was juicy and tender and the potatoes soft and buttery.
Overall the Volstead is a great venue for a good meal and some tasty cocktails. If you want a nice space for a date and or some convo with friends get there early. The space does employ a series of DJs and this romantic little space can go from lounge to boisterous club in no time at all! Whether your desire is something wild or mild, Volstead has you covered.
New York, NY 10022-4506
(212) 583-0411
Open Mon-Wed 11am-2am; Thu-Fri 11am-4am; Sat 5pm-4am; also open Sun