I had to change anniversary dinner reservations last minute and I am so glad I stumbled upon bar56 on google maps. H/t to other Google reviewers giving this spot 5 stars, it deserves it.
Different (much cozier) vibe from Cecconi's nearby, and I think the food/service were superior.
Signage is somewhat limited and not super easy to find at night. Google maps has it in the right spot. Our uber was going to drop us off in the wrong spot though (further down Water street). The entrance is on the side of the building, off the pedestrian walkway, not the road. It is just before the Time Out Market entrance.
Service was outstanding. We were warmly welcomed upon arrival and well taken care of for the evening. I just want to stress this point a bit more, service was outstanding. While much of the city moves in the other direction service-wise post-COVID, bar56 was a breath of fresh air.
Food was delicious and exactly what we wanted on a cold/windy winter's evening.
I ordered a cocktail, which was good, though looking back I think I regret not getting wine though. It was a great wine list. My wife enjoyed her non-alcoholic cocktail (one option).
We can easily recommend every dish we ordered. Everything was cooked to the perfect temp/doneness. We ordered 3 dishes per person as recommended and agree, that was the right amount.
Almondine Bread: great for mopping up the remainders of every other dish here Baby Beets: May have finally convinced my wife not all vegetables need to be served hot. Raviolo Al Ouvo: spot on al dente, flavors all worked so well together. All the richness/umami. Langoustine: Hear me out... the pasta kind of tasted like Chicken Flavor Top Ramen. In the best way possible. It was delicious and comforting and somehow nostalgic. Unfortunately my wife was (apparently) too bougie growing up for Top Ramen so she couldn't confirm, but she did eat every last bit of the dish. Lamb Neck: fall apart delicious with a nice contrasting slightly crisp outside. This was the only dish I would have changed something on. Didn't love the white beans and could have used more fermented chili. Also thought mushrooms would have gone great with the lamb, but I'm basic. Arctic Char: cooked to perfection. My wife even ate the skin, she never...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Bar 56 – Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem
We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Bar 56 in Brooklyn this evening, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Nestled in the heart of the DUMBO district, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, this spot is not just a restaurant – it’s a destination.
From the moment we walked in, we were enchanted by the stylish, warm and inviting atmosphere. The space is beautifully designed and creates a perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely and elevated meal with nice background music and perfect ambient lighting.
We opted for several small plates to share, including fresh oysters, a divine tuna tartare, and outstanding ravioli. As a side, the Brussels sprouts were simply exceptional. Every bite was perfectly balanced, flavorful, and executed with finesse. The food alone would have been enough to make this a memorable night.
The wine list is a standout feature: original and thoughtfully curated, allowing guests to choose based on flavor profiles rather than just region or grape. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio that complemented our dishes perfectly.
Our evening was made even more special thanks to the impeccable service. A huge thank you to Yajaira – warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Toward the end of the evening, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Quintin Demarre, a passionate French chef whose love for food and taste shines in every dish. His enthusiasm and dedication to his craft truly elevate the entire experience.
And we can’t forget the desserts (Pistache Crème Brûlée and Apricot Granita) – absolutely phenomenal. Rich, inventive, and beautifully presented. We ended with a nice glass of Royal Tokaji white (dessert) wine from Hungary. The perfect sweet ending to an already flawless meal.
Bar 56 is an absolute must-visit for anyone in New York City. It’s worth the short trip to Brooklyn just to experience this level of culinary excellence and genuine hospitality in a great upcoming area. Michelin-worthy in every sense. We’ll definitely be back – and we’ll be telling everyone...
Read moreMy friends and I have spent the past two days deliberating whether it was even worth composing a review, but the egregious service we received compelled all nine of us to share our experience.
We were a party of nine with a reservation at 7:15 PM. Regrettably, three members of our group were running behind, which I found deeply embarrassing, and I offered my sincerest apologies. In an effort to mitigate the delay, we endeavored to place our orders promptly, even ordering on behalf of those who had yet to arrive.
I do not consider myself an unreasonable individual, and I fully comprehend that a tardy arrival can be an inconvenience, especially for a large party. For this, I am genuinely sorry. However, our server's response was nothing short of conspicuously dismissive. He seemed intent on making sure we were fully aware of his displeasure.
There was no greeting or introduction upon his arrival; we didn’t even realize he was our server until he reluctantly approached to take our drink orders. Basic inquiries were met with eye rolls and patronizing responses. One instance in particular stands out: our friend ordered a glass of rosé, expecting either a brief review of the options or, perhaps, the attention of a sommelier to guide her choice. Instead, the server muttered a terse “okay” and walked off. He returned with a sparkling rosé and visibly bristled when our friend requested a non-sparkling option. His agitation was palpable as he snatched the glass away so swiftly that it nearly struck her in the head. The evening continued in a similarly unpleasant fashion, with multiple instances of rude behavior. By the end of the meal, I was so shaken by the experience that I felt compelled to leave prematurely and found myself in tears outside.
Regarding the food, I must admit that any attempt to offer a fair critique is overshadowed by the appalling service. Nonetheless, we found most of the dishes underwhelming—lacking in depth of flavor, one-dimensional, and carelessly plated. The raviolo, however, was an exception and stood out as the only highlight of...
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