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Name: West 3rd Common
Location: 1 West 3rd Street (Between Broadway and Mercer) New York, NY 10012 Phone: (212) 529-2059
Cuisine: Upscale comfort foods
Items: 5 apple Martinis, 2 Cosmos, 2 appetizers and 1 Entrée
Cost: $67 (without tip)
Best Dish: Potato Skins with Crème Fraiche
Overall: A comfy and cozy yet chic place for a date or a night out with friends, please check your attitude at the door, it will spoil the vibe.
A wet and windy day in NOHO found a friend and I in search of a happy hour with good eats and due to my reluctance to join the suit and tie crowd (I will always be a jeans and sneakers kinda girl!) we also needed a relaxed atmosphere. Passing bar after bar I we realized we have finally reached that weird age in life. I am suddenly too old to be bothered with noisy frat boys and new drinkers and far too young for kayopectate and prune smoothie night at Shady Pines. Where do the over 25 grown-up children go to play? If they are in the know they head over to West 3rd Common located at 1 West 3rd Street (Between Broadway and Mercer). Don’t let the chandeliers and candle light fool you, this place has a comfy laid back vibe. Not pretentious at all, this place has the warm fuzzy feeling of visiting and old friend.
Once we entered we were in love with the simple elegance of the décor, dark wood furnishings, ornate crystal chandeliers and plush red seating along the length of the dining area, just small remnants of this eateries’ former life as an Indian restaurant. Our pleasant hostess invited us to sit wherever we like and provided us with the menus. One look at the décor and I was sure the prices were going to be sky high we were pleasantly surprised at just how affordable it really was. Appetizers start at $8, Entrees at $7 and are all portioned to share. If you’ve wasted a night at the local T.G.I. Fridays you know you’re only getting some re-heated frozen mess half the time and paying almost twice as much for the privilege.
West 3rd s menu was created by its resident Chef David Scott Walker, whose southern roots are ever present in his offerings. Classic bar foods are given an upscale makeover, by Chef Walker who adds some unlikely ingredients to the usual pub fare. Sliders can be found all over the city in various incarnations but I have yet to find a place that serves Duck Sliders with Kim chi and sweet hoisen Sauce. It took some time to choose with so many interesting options but we eventually started the night with their Dry Rub BBQ wings. These are one of 3 wing options offered and is served with a scoop of mustard slaw. The wings were juicy, tender and held just the right amount of spice. Next came the Potato Skins. These were not your run of the mill skins. 2 whole potatoes stuffed with toasted pancetta, shallots, then smothered in Pepper jack cheese and served with a generous dollop of crème fraiche. A week later and I still wake up craving them!! Next we took a chance at creating our own Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Smoked Gouda, Supresatta and wild mushroom toasted between two slices of bread and served with a generous amount of garlic fries, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat another kraft singles and wonder bread grilled cheese again.
Our friendly hostess for the evening, Kaitlyn even offered us some inside info on a private party being held there the following night. It seems the kitchen staff was hard at work preparing a cheesecake with a captain crunch crust, another inventive take for Chef David. We were also surprised to find out just how often the staff patronizes the gastro pub. “I was just here with friends over the weekend” boasts Kaitlyn. Anytime the staff enjoys a place as much as the patrons you know you must be in great hands.
Whether you’re looking for a chic place to impress a date, an relaxed happy hour or a place for game night with your best buds (yes they have board games..) this is it! Come on in, find a seat and settle in for a great night. West 3rd Commoners, a great time at a great price and nowadays that’s anything but common.
West 3rd Common is also on the web at West3rdCommon.com