Garage Restaurant and Cafe

what a place, with great food and great staff

Pros: Service

Cons: Price

Posted 10/20/09

cool

Posted 10/01/09

This is somewhere I would bring my parents for brunch. A bit classy, and a bit pricey. Right off the subway though, so it's very convenient to get there. Food was ok, if you sit inside it gets kind of loud so don't sit right in front of the jazz stage.

Pros: Food, Jazz, location

Cons: Price

Posted 08/25/09

For a place that doesn't allow customers to make substitutions (they gave my friend that line when she asked for no cheese in her omelette-which came with it anyway) they took the liberty of substituting tomatoes with carrots in my farmer's omelette -ewww.
The Jazz was too loud and the overall experience was just lacking.

Pros: location, unlimited drinks

Cons: Food, serivce

Posted 08/17/09

I was just introduced to the Garage by a date five years older than me and who knows the city like the back of her hand. She recommended it but of course I paid. A real early thirtysomething right out of 'S in the City' and her idea of Brunch includes Cosmos. I was amazed at how relaxing and inviting the atmosphere was and the service was top notch. If you are looking for a special place for that special someone, the Garage will make you feel at home with valet parking! Make sure to take advantage of their free Jazz bands! Excellent vibes and lots of cool cats!

Pros: No Cover Charge, Free Jazz Band, Best Brunch spot in Manhatt

Cons: None Found

Posted 08/02/09

I'm reluctant to give such a great review since I'd hate to lose my place at the bar, but I can't resist! This is definitely my favorite after-work spot.

Pros: Great drinks, friendly staff, good food, good music

Cons: Not cheap unless you go to happy hour

Posted 06/29/09

Simple food. Great service. I went on my birthday, I would not have chosen it myself but it was a nice surprise. Meat (is murder) eating friends went for the steaks which they told me were succulent and the service excellent. I stuck with the cocktails. Shame about thje Jazz. Try it.

Pros: unpretentious

Cons: Jazz - can't stand it

Posted 01/06/09

The food here is amazing, I guess that comes as no surprise. If you have ever complained about how expensive a restaurant is then don't bother going.

Yes it is very expensive, but it is a dining experience that is totally worthwhile.

Above and beyond the food, the service is amazing. Invisible and ever present at the same time.I would recommend to anyone.

Pros: amazing food,attantive service

Cons: none

Posted 11/17/08

A great place to people watch, while waiting between courses... the service was lagging, but to their end they were extremely busy. By far the show stopper of the evening was the filet mignon. Tender, juicy, and done perfectly at medium rare. The salmon was good, but a little over cooked, which surprised me, as the filet was so well done.

Definitely worth checking out, but I think I'd be more happy going with a large group next time around.

Pros: food,service,ambiance

Posted 11/02/08

I find Garage to be a good place for those living in the neighborhood, like myself, or to take friends from out of town. They have free jazz music, very good food and drinks and the service is always well above average. Great location too. Love the Garage!

Pros: Free Jazz, Food & Drinks, Service

Posted 09/14/08

Really nothing special. The atmosphere and the food were not not thrilling at all and service was good but who cares if everything else is really REALLY bad! I might give this place a second chance but I doubt I can change my mind. Below average and pricey. no thank you.

Pros: -

Cons: -

Posted 09/11/08

After finding Garage on Citysearch, I was really excited to take my husband who loves live music, especially jazz. We found Garage much to our liking. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive, the drinks were good and the food was as well. We enjoyed the live music and would recommend Garage to all of our friends.

Pros: Music, Atmosphere, Food, Service

Posted 07/09/08

I had heard good things about this restaurant, as much as for the jazz there as anything. When an out-of-town friend was going to be in for the weekend to celebrate her birthday, we decided to come here. I wish we had gone elsewhere.

To be fair, the music was good. The maitre d' was courteous. That's where my good review concludes.

Our table waiter was absolutely void of decent manners and attentive service. After delivering our drinks, when we said we hadn't decided about our order yet, he took the menus from us and said he'd return them later. 10 minutes later, I flagged down a busboy, who brought us some menus. The waiter seemed surprised when he stopped by about 5 minutes later and saw us with menus again.

I ordered the mushroom tortelloni. Honestly, I've had much better tortelloni that I bought in the refrigerated section at Gourmet Garage and took home to cook. My friend had mussels, which she said were okay but too heavy on the garlic.

Toward the end of our meal--again, no attention from the waiter during the meal--he brought us what I thought was our bill. It was actually a dessert menu. By that point, we were ready to go bar hopping in The Village, so I asked for the bill. It took another 8 minutes to get it.

If I go back, it will be for drinks at the bar to listen to the music.

Pros: good music

Cons: terrible, terrible, terrible service & mediocre food

Posted 06/29/08

The service was good, but the food was all around mediocre and very overpriced. The live jazz was nice, but it was impossible to have a conversation, so most of dinner was spent waiting for breaks between songs. The dozen oysters we ordered were gritty and small. Very touristy, and prices to match. Would not go back except maybe for drinks.

Pros: Live Jazz

Cons: Overpriced, Mediocre Food

Posted 06/21/08

The garage is cool inside but much smaller than it looks online, your def up under each other. Food is not fabulous or special by any means, very bland, very macaroni grill. Music is the best thing going here, however if you do actually enjoy talking to your date you'll have to wait till you leave. The service from the door was not on point, from an absent unpolished hostess to waiting on the waitress. On a whole worth stopping in for a drink and the live jazz.

Pros: live jazz

Cons: food,service

Posted 06/01/08

I highly recommend this place. The service was awesome and the food was really good. The whole staff was very friendly and we were in and out very quickly. Awesome!

Posted 05/20/08

I went there last night with 14 friends for my birthday and had a great time. I appreciate that they, unlike other many restaurants in the area, did not require that we order off some pricey prix fixe menu. They seated us promptly even though a few guests were still on their way. We sat right behind the band so it was a bit loud for conversation at times. One benefit though is that my friend was able to tell them it was my birthday. They gave me a shout out and performed a jazzy rendition of happy birthday while everyone sang along. When I realized that I forgot to present the 15% off coupon before ordering, they were great about it. The manager Christopher came over, wished me a happy birthday, and asked that we just complete the comment card. The food was delicious, with a range of prices to suit everyone, and the atmosphere was intimate. Everyone was really nice from the male and female hosts hosts who greeted and seated us to the waiter to the manager. (Sorry, I don't know all your names.)

Pros: live jazz, great service, friendly staff

Cons: loud at times

Posted 05/10/08

The food was excellent. I had the stuffed chicken breast. My friend had a seafood dish. The wine list was disappointing. The music was great, although it was too loud to hold a decent conversation.

Pros: Great food!

Cons: Way too loud, wine list

Posted 04/19/08

I chose Garage for my 50th birthday dinner with friends. The room is lovely with stone fireplace, terraced seating areas, nostalgic decor, soft lighting and fantastic free live jazz. Janice Friedman Trio was on stage during our dinner and performed outstanding jazz. The staff was friendly and attentive, serving us in plenty of time to leave for theatre at 8. The menu is full of mouth-watering fare. I will put this in my top 5 for revisits whenever in New York City.

Pros: Free live jazz, ambience, terraced seating, superb food, attentive service

Posted 03/31/08

We had a great time at Garage! Garage is located in a nice part of the city in Greenwich Village. We went to listen to some music and have some drinks but ended up eating dinner there. Both meals were very good(a pasta dish and tuna). The ambiance is really nice and the service was excellent. Come to think of it, there was no cover for the music either. Gotta love that!

Pros: Food, Service, NO COVER FOR MUSIC!

Posted 03/27/08

My boyfriend and I ate here for dinner on Saturday night. While the food and jazz were excellent, the service we received from the hostess and the overall management was sorely lacking. Although we had a 7:30pm reservation, we had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated; we were given a pager that flashes and vibrates when your table is ready - making us feel more like we were at IHOP than in the West Village. When we were finally seated, our table had clearly been constructed as a "Saturday night money-making device". Literally two inches from another couple, and right in front of the staff service door, my boyfriend was bumped twice before we even had received our water glasses. Since we had made a reservation almost a week in advance, we both felt that being given such a makeshift table was unacceptable. We asked our waiter to be moved, and he returned saying that there was another table downstairs, albeit close to the stage. When we went back down to the hostess' station, she appeared entirely confused and told us it would be a "long, long" time before we were eating dinner that night; despite our concerns, she explained chillingly: "Well, any table is better than no table, and you just gave yours away." As we stood unsure of what to do, we heard the same hostess arguing with two other couples in similar situations! Fortunately, the hostess gave my boyfriend and I a table after realizing that our original waiter was correct and that there was a space available next to the stage. After, we enjoyed a lovely dinner. But for over 100 dollars - the price for a couple at most self-respecting restaurants in the city - is eating in someone else's lap really better than "no table?" Perhaps instead of prizing the food rating so much, we should consider that the value to any good meal derives also from atmosphere. Even though one hundred dollars may not be a lot of money any more, no self-respecting foodie should have to settle for just "anything."

Pros: Excellent seafood and salads, great music

Cons: Poor service, rude management, no room

Posted 02/16/08

My brothers and I went to the Garage for lunch. It's a very comfortable place with good energy and an interesting atmosphere. We had the calamari, chicken wrap, the mussels, and grilled char burger. Everything was excellent particularly the mussels, the sauce was so good. The price wasn't expensive either.

Posted 11/11/07

OH MY GOD YOU GUYS! The best, simply the best jazzy experience in this side of the town.
my friends and I had a blast. The staff were very knowing, and no complaints about the food. Simply Amazing. Count me in for Seconds. Snap Snap
- Peter

Pros: Great Food Great Ambience

Posted 09/11/07

Great Music, Great Food, Great Staff, especially Dave the bertender, Dave the Maitre d, Arturo, Amanda, Sunny, Raoul and Elaine to name but a few, Very comfortable atmosphere. The service is great. The MUSIC is why I go there. Music all the time. All kinds of great jazz from big band and traditional, to great trio's and singers. Do it. You won't regret it! Highly recommended.

Pros: EVERYTHING IS GREAT ! ! ! ! !

Posted 09/09/07

I love this place, it gets bit crawded some nights, but you can still enjoy the jazz. The food is great, the service. I highly recomended for a little jazz....you feel taken to a different era with the music.

Pros: Jazz, food, service

Cons: Crowded

Posted 08/02/07

Fantastic food and drink, wonderful service, comfortable/cozy ambience and just superb music all the time! This is a place where I will always stop and have dinner and cocktails in true West Village style.

Pros: Food, service and ambience

Cons: Can't think of any

Posted 07/24/07

I had an amazing time with my girlfriend at this place! We enjoyed the live jazz and the delicious food and the great service. I have no complaints and I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a great night out!

Pros: everything

Posted 07/01/07

I went to Garage with my wife last night and we had an INCREDIBLE dinner. She had their grouper special with toasted couscous and I had an item off their regualr menu - the Garage Bouillabaisse. For those of you that don't know, bouillabaisse is essentially fish soup, but not at Garage... My HUGE bowl came to the table overflowing with giant scallops, jumbo shrimp, tons of mussles and clams (all local, they claim), and a huge lobster claw on top! It took me almost 45 minutes to eat it all. We had a great bottle of wine (hint - they put really good cheap bottles on the bottom of their specials page where no one notices them) and we had dessert, and our bill came to only eighty bucks. We used our citysearch coupon so it came to even less! I thought we were going for the jazz, which was really good, but the food was amazing... one downside though. We didn't have reservations so we ended up waiting almost 15 minutes to st down... definately going back soon though.

Pros: Amazing food and service

Cons: Had to wait for a table

Posted 06/02/07

This place claims to have more live jazz than anywhere else in the world... I believe it cause every time I walk in the door there is someone on stage. But last night took the cake! This guy, Joey Morant, played like a million different instruments and sang like Louis Armstrong. And then, when the crowd started getting excited, he pulls out two trumpets and plays a duet - by himself! A guy playing two trumpets!? Definitely going back for more jazz... especially for Joey. The drinks, btw, are incredible and Marianne and David, the bartenders were awesome. Just had appetizers at the bar, but they were great, and their raw bar is really fresh and good.

Pros: Great Jazz!!!

Posted 06/02/07

Went here with my wife last night. Had the steak and my wife had the salmon. We both enjoyed the food with my steak being perfectly done to my request and recieved excellent service. The ambience is the best part of the this restaurant. It has a huge bar on the main floor of the restaurant or if you may choose to go to the dining area you may get a balcony view of the entire restaurant or booth seating for couples or families. The live jazz was truly memorable if you are a fan of live music. Truly an experience.

Pros: Live jazz

Cons: none

Posted 05/27/07

We had dinner with friends here. Service was so-so, we felt the food was OK but given the price it was nothing to marvel about. The space itself has a nice vibe but the patrons are many a So-Ho hipster. The place turns into more of a bar than restaurant as it gets later into the evening.

Pros: Great space, classic NY neighborhood

Cons: Food was merely OK

Posted 04/14/07

I wrote a review about the place located across the street from the Garage and figured while I was online to write about the Garage as well. My girlfriend and I have gone here several times and every single time we go to the Garage they always impress. The Music, The Service and the Food (the sea bass is incredible). We've been there for brunch and dinner and both times it was a 'homerun'. In addtion we've built several lasting romantic memories there as well, always a job well done.

Pros: Food, Service, Music

Cons: none that I can think of

Posted 03/23/07

I walked by this place and was drawn in by the jazz so made reservations for my bf's bday a couple weeks later. I was definitely pleased with everything from the ambience to the food. The jazz made the night fun and relaxed and the food was delicious without being pretentious. I def recommend the oysters and the melted brie salad. Going there for the jazz was worth it in itself!

Pros: jazz, lighting, good food, fairly priced alcohol

Cons: expensive dishes, may be loud at times

Posted 02/03/07

We thought we were going just for drinks and to hear some nice jazz but were pleasantly surprised to see an extensive menu ranging from salads to steaks to pasta & seafood. The music was very good and the staff was very attentive, without being bothersome. Oh yeah there was no cover charge and the ambiance was excellent.

Pros: Food, service, music, ambiance

Cons: none

Posted 01/17/07

My two girlfriends and I went to Garage on Friday night for a late night drink around 2:00am. The place wasn't full, and most tables were empty. We asked to be seated and a very rude host told us that we could only sit if we ordered food. Since almost none of the table had guests, I asked to speak to the manager. The manager decided he was too good for us to come himself, and send the host back with the message that we could sit down if we ordered two drinks per person. I decided to go and speak to the manager, and asked him if we could have a drink at a table, we would surely appreciate. He responded in a very unfriendly and rude manner that HE makes the rules and that HIS rule was a two drink minimum per person. At this time at night and considering the availability of tables I found his manner to be very innappropriate. We went to a bar down the street were we were very much appreciated, and ended up having a great time. I will not got to Garage again, nor will any of my large and extended network. Let's spend our money were we are wanted!

Cons: rude staff

Posted 01/13/07

Stumbled upon Garage after walking through the Village. We were drawn in by the music so we decided to check it out. The musicianship was top notch as was the service. We had some drinks & some apps and everything was great. Garage was a real nice find!

Pros: Music, service

Cons: none

Posted 01/08/07

How is it possible I didn't know about this place? I've been in the village for years and have walked by Garage a million times, so when my friends wanted to meet there and I saw how incredible the atmosphere was, I felt silly for never having tried it out.

Then came the food! It was incredible, to say the least. I had this AMAZING butternut salad that blew me away (who ever thought of a butternut salad?). For my entree I had their scallops, with a cranberry walnut risotto... i thought it sounded a little weird, but it was so so good. What really blew me away, though, was that the manager stopped by twice to check on us, and our server seemed to be there only for us! Finally a New York server WORTH a 20% tip.

During the entire meal there was incredible jazz playing - can you believe we didn't even have to pay a cover? We didn't do dessert because the portions were so large we couldn't possibly have fit it in, but some porkers next to us had this thing the server ominously called "the platter" that looked like it contained the entire dessert menu on one plate. It looked good and maybe sometime we'll go back for dessert and drinks.

GO HERE! If you have walked by a million times like me, you owe it to yourself to try it out. You won't be disappointed.

Pros: Amazing interior, great food, large portions, VIP service

Posted 11/29/06

The food was lovely, the wait staff helpful, the jazz a tad too loud, but otherwise nice place. However, don't pay your bill when it's first presented if you intend to sit around and maybe have another drink or just chat with your guests. Once we paid the bill, they could care less what happened to us. We ordered more drinks, our waitress was about to place the order and the manager stopped her, telling us about their 2 hour long wait at the door. He indicated if we intended to stay for drinks to do it at the bar [as if there was room for 11 there]! They were rude, unaccomodating, and didn't care that we had a reservations, while others didn't! Their attitude was simply, "ok, we got your money, now move on along, buddy!" so we've decided this would go into our "two-rule book of visits" - first and last!!!

Pros: decent jazz, good food, pleasant wait staff

Cons: music too loud for such close quarters, management is horribly rude!

Posted 11/13/06

I took my brother and his wife here for jazz brunch. We had the first reservation so the jazz didn't start until halfway through our meal, something to think about. The price is okay but the portions are somewhat small. I had the vanilla bean french toast which was a good french toast but not very vanilla-y. My sister had the caprese omlet which was awesome, stuffed with fresh mozarella and tomatos. My brother had the lox and cream cheese omlet which was also stuffed with ingrediants. The jazz was really nice although I could see it getting loud once the music started. If you are looking for a quiet brunch where you can have a conversation, this may not be it. It is a neat restaurant, the decor is very sleek and jazzy. I bet its a fun night spot!

Pros: jazz brunch, nice decor, good omlettes

Cons: pre-fixe

Posted 10/30/06

GREAT, GREAT food, awesome drinks (specialty martinis), wonderful service, comfortable/cozy ambience and FANTASTIC MUSIC ALL THE TIME!! This is a place where I will ALWAYS stop and have dinner/cocktails--definitely a place to bring friends who r visiting the city for a real west-village feel.

Pros: EXCELLENT FOOD, DRINKS, AMBIENCE COZY/COMFORTABLE

Cons: There isn't another one in the city!

Posted 10/25/06

Went here with my wife on a weekend night. The service was good, the food was good and the music was good. Not much else to say except we'd definitely go back again!

Pros: Service, Music, Menu

Posted 10/23/06

MUSIC IS OKAY. NOT OUTSTANDING OR GREAT. SERVICE HORRIBLE. I WAS ON A DATE AND THEY CHANGED MY TABLE TWICE. THE FOOD WAS COLD ONCE SERVED. JUST OVER ALL I HAD A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AT THE GARAGE. WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE...NOT EVEN AN ENEMY.

Pros: NONE - YOUR BETTER OFF GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE

Cons: SERVICE HORRIBLE, HOSTESS HORRIBLE, TABLES TO CLOSE TOGETHER

Posted 10/18/06

I will not comment on the food or jazz but do not stop in here for drinks after work! This is where songs from LITE FM go to die! Carpenters in NYC in 2006? It didn't end there, it was followed by Chicago, Celine Dion, Elton John; the suicide inducing setlist was unrelenting. My very astute friend suggested that the B must've falled off their name at some point.

Pros: Location

Cons: Piped in elevator music

Posted 09/30/06

Kids, this place is great. I attended the Jazz Brunch on Sunday. Great food, knowledgable wait staff and great price. And let's not forget the music. Just a wonderful combination.

Posted 09/14/06

I'm not sure of the exact name but their blue Peach martini was excellent!! We were able to get a seat up at the bar and the windows were wide open allowing us to have a beautiful breeze. Perfect evening at the Garage!! My friends and I absolutely LOVED IT!

Posted 08/15/06

WOW!!! what an amazing time we had,,, we were 2 couples out celebrating our 2nd wedding aniversaries,,,,it was suggested by friedns that we go to Garage,,,,and they said we would like it ...boy were they wrong...we didnt like it...WE LOVED IT!!!! the place was beautiful...the food was delicious,,,I had an amazing scallop and bacon appetizer and the most amazing banana chip crusted mahi mahi...my wife had the scallop entree with a lobster and shimp risotto...yummy..and our friends had amazing food as well....the jazz was really nice and it seemed to go one for ever,,,we closed the place..at 3:00 am...and the jazz was stiull goign strong ...btw the service was stellar,,,,.it was soooo much fun....we might just make Garage our regular get together with this other couple....what an amazing combination...,,,great jazz....great food...great service...great ambiance...cant wait to go back,,,,,

Pros: jazz, food, service

Cons: none none none

Posted 07/23/06

Had the mussels and steak frittes there both of which are really fantastic. The wasabi mayo is a nice twist on an original. The decor is nice with dark-paneled wood and a live jazz band playing. Overall, a place I highly recommend.

Posted 07/23/06

Went Thursday night. This is NOT the place to eat. Rarely have I had such bad food in an NYC restaurant. The bar drinks were good (strong), and the jazz was different, but the food was horrible. I was going to get steak frites, but the waiter we had recommended lobster ravioli. I figured he must have tried a few things on the menu, so I went with that rec. It was enough to make me not want to eat seafood for a loooong time. It tasted like rubber. Horrible. The stuffed chicken my date had tasted alright. The presentation of the food was cute, but it's not all about presentation. Don't waste your money here.

Pros: Bar drinks - strong, Asian Jazz band - original.

Cons: Food, Food, FOOD!

Posted 07/21/06