Mesa Grill

102 5th AvenueMeet Chef Bobby Flay’s New York installation, formerly known as Mesa Grill and located in Flatiron.

InterSportsWriter and I were browsing the area on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, somewhat on the hunt for cupcakes (although neither of us had officially declared that our purpose), when I realized we had just enough time for a late Brunch. I suggested Mesa Grill because I had my eye on the Southwest eatery since first walking past its multi-colored sign many months ago.

We were seated immediately. I skipped my standard coffee and brunch cocktail and went straight for the main course. We ordered the following:

“Scrambled Eggs ChilaQuiles,” roasted tomatillo sauce, white cheddar cheese, and sour cream.

“Ranch Style Eggs Tostada,” w/ crispy flour tortilla, ancho chile tomato sauce, white cheddar cheese, and sour cream.

Ancho chile tomato sauce is basically a chili sauce sans meat. Everything was great. Looking back, I might have preferred the food a bit spicier (or perhaps I should have asked for some Tabasco), but overall, the food was very good.

The restaurant itself was 2 stories and very spacious. Because I’m so used to overcrowded, cramped Village eateries, I truly appreciate a decent sized restaurant on the rare occasions I eat at one. The size and interior of Mesa Grill were absolutely perfect.

If you are craving Southwestern grub, this place is a must, at least for brunch. Be sure to try the grits; they are fantastic. I’m told this place is not so vegetarian friendly come nightfall, but I shall save that visit for another occasion.

DAMAGE ~ 30
VERDICT: Go

Raines Law Room

48 W 17th St It’s time I let the cat out of the bag. There are a handful of places around the city I refuse to blog about simply because they are too special, and I rather surprise people personally. Raines Law Room was quickly becoming one of those places. Because the place is brand new (i.e. still off the radar of New Yorkers), I decided it was safe to review.

I have been to Raines Law Room a number of times. The Flatiron speakeasy that opened end of January 2009 might be my favorite bar above 14th Street.

For my most recent visit, my drink companion and I were led to the open kitchen in the back of the bar while we waited for a table to open up. The kitchen features a large island where customers can watch the bartenders work their magic. Since I had tried nearly every gin cocktail on the menu by this time, I chatted up the bartender/mixologist for a recommendation. I told him I was craving berries, lime, and honey. We decided to drop the honey for a more favorable drink he had in mind.

We were seated at a yellow couch near the entrance. 5 minutes later, our drinks arrived. Typically, the drinks are served with popcorn but we ordered a cheese and olive tray instead. I was expecting something slightly fancier than what we received; 2 different kinds of olives served with sharp cheddar cubes. For the price, it was very disappointing.

On the other hand, my drink was fantastic (it always is). I have no idea what the particular concotion was called but know it contained blackberries and gin. I was very impressed. I do not recall what my companion ordered but suspect it contained vodka. He was quite pleased as well.

Pluses:
EVERYTHING
(see host with French accent; knowledgeable bartenders; doorbell entrance; open kitchen; dressing room bathroom with sliding door; cozy Harvard Law School décor; chill atmosphere; background jazz music, etc.)

Minuses:
Olive tray; pricey

I recommend going to Raines Law Room now. Stop reading and go. It opens at 6pm. If it is before 6pm, go stand in front of the door and wait. If it is packed, put your name on the list. The host will call you. I promise. He has my number memorized. Maybe. Probably.

If you are a tourist looking for a nice speakeasy, Raines Law Room is it. Trust me on this one. You will have better luck of getting in than some of the city’s better known speakeasies. Just don’t go when I want to go; I don’t like waiting.

DAMAGE ~ $13/per drink
VERDICT: GO NOW!

Flatiron Lounge

37 W 19th St

Flatiron Lounge is a speakeasy designed to be not so speakeasy, rather just easy. It has that exclusive relaxed vibe without being too exclusive. It is not well known enough to be a hot spot for tourists, but it is arguably one of the top three bars in Flatiron. If you disagree with my statement, please do tell in my comment box.

60sBumbleBee and I stopped by on a Saturday because we were in the area. She ordered a drink called the Cherry Royale (although I don’t recall what the ingredients were) and I ordered something off menu called the Jitterbug (substituted with gin and made with honey). Both of us were pleased with our drinks.

Cherry Royale

Several months ago, I would have given this a RUN! Now that I have been there a few times, I realize the atmosphere is just not there. I blame it on the location. The Flatiron District has one cool building, perhaps you’ve heard of it. Other than that, it’s a dead neighborhood. Walk around any night of the week; the streets are bare. You might even feel like you’re in midtown. Flatiron Lounge is primarily a space to be used for a couple cocktails following a long workday. Other than that, I would steer clear.

Pluses include the eclectic drink menu and a bartender that looks like Adam Brody. The bathroom has some pretty cool jazz art, and there is a downstairs near the entrance of the lounge, but I have not seen it in the three times I have been—the last two times it was closed off.

Although Flatiron Lounge is one of my favorite spots in the city above 14th, there is a serious disconnect in terms of what is happening in New York City once you cross that street, largely due to the young student populations of NYU, the New School, and Cooper Union, all located in East and West Village. I won’t be going back to Flatiron Lounge unless I am above 14th and can’t get into the latest speakeasy that just opened two weeks ago on 17th…

DAMAGE ~28
VERDICT: Go…but only for after work cocktails.