Cheeseboat’s Hell’s Kitchen is a perfect example of a problem many restaurants face prior to collapse: An early focus on cuisine and brand image lead the restaurant to abandon focus on their staff, eventually losing the core principle of what brings people in to a restaurant in the first place: A warm, hospitable meal in a welcoming environment. We sadly experienced anything but the above qualities tonight. We had been wanting to come here for a while after hearing rave reviews in years prior. We were incredibly disappointed. No service or value of hospitality to speak of. We waited ten minutes by the door prior to our reservation and nobody was at the host stand to greet us, yet the bar was fully staffed? Maybe the place is having management issues. Seemed like there was only one server for the whole place on a Wednesday. This fact we could forgive, but the server forgot our drinks, never put through our appetizer order, and we had to remind him to grab our beer. We waited 35 minutes before we were able to give our entree order, and It took him fifteen more minutes to come back with a simple beer bottle after the second time ordering one beer. We were very close to walking out, when after 40 minutes, the food finally arrived. We ordered the stew and classic cheeseboat, so nothing too complex, no meat to cook of anything like that which would take specific made-to-order details. I will say, the food was quite good, and one of the chefs took our food out to us, maybe because the waiter was too uninvolved to notice? Who knows. The portion sizes were a bit small for the cost. The cheeseboat was barely big enough to split along with sharing a ln entree for two starving adults. I should also mention that three times during our meal we had to brush ants and flies away from the table. This restaurant really fumbled the night on what was supposed to be a happy and satisfying birthday dinner, and we left completely...
Read moreThis brand new Georgian restaurant serves excellent versions of classics like katchipuri (aka cheese boats!) and khinkali (soup dumplings), though a bit overpriced compared to other Georgian places in the city with similar quality. I would expect to pay $25 for dumplings at a Michelin star restaurant, not a cute little neighborhood place. The service is also very good, everyone we encountered was extremely nice and helpful.
Two stars off for accessibility though. While the restaurant entry is barrier free from the street and there are tables indoors that are suitable for a wheelchair, none of the outdoor seating is wheelchair accessible. Inexplicably, they built a platform on the street with a huge step up to their street side tables, but didn't bother to build or buy a ramp to make the outdoor garden wheelchair accessible. 32 years after the ADA being put into place, this is completely unacceptable from a new restaurant. This could easily be fixed with something as simple as a $300 portable ramp. It's especially troubling during the pandemic, as guess who is at higher risk for COVID? People with disabilities. Being able to sit outdoors as COVID continues to spread at high rates is an access issue. I was able to take a couple of steps down and the restaurant was fairly empty so I could park next to an unoccupied table, but won't be returning until I can access outdoor seating in my own chair.
The bathroom was accessible enough for me, but anyone who needs to do a side transfer wouldn't be able to use the restroom because of the placement of the wash basin adjacent to the toilet. The grab bar is also placed at a diagonal, instead of horizontal. The owners would benefit from referencing the ADA design guidelines on...
Read moreIf you're craving something truly special, make your way to this ‘Cheeseboat’, Georgian restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, where bold flavors, warm hospitality, and rich traditions come together in the most delicious way. I visited Cheeseboat last week and was truly delighted. Honestly? I could not stop eating! Let’s start with the famous khachapuri, the legendary Georgian Cheeseboat. Pillow dough, bubbling hot cheese, and a golden yolk floating on top this dish alone is worth the trip. It’s rich, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable. The menu also celebrates Georgia’s vibrant vegetable traditions. Think eggplant rolls with walnut paste, pickled Jonjoli and salads garnished with herbs and vinegar, and other marinated delights that are tangy, aromatic, and utterly mouthwatering. To top it all off, you must try the Chacha, Georgia’s answer to Grappa. This potent spirit is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it delivers a fiery kick that somehow pairs beautifully with the meal, especially with dumplings. It’s strong, soulful, and unapologetically Georgian. Whether you're a longtime lover of Georgian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this spot offers an authentic experience that's truly welcoming. The food is fabulously delicious, the vibe is cozy yet lively, and every detail feels...
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