Eavesdrop — Restaurant in New York

Today was the second time I visited Eavesdrop, and I felt called to leave a review. The venue is very thoughtfully designed, especially so, for a very small space. Sometimes small places, while intimate, can be uncomfortable when not thought out, but they have obviously planned this space down to every detail. The materials used and set up lend themselves to a cozy and aesthetically pleasing vibe. From the outside, it is very discreet and easy to miss, giving it a speakeasy feel.

The drinks are delicious, and food is upscale bar fare that has lovely plating. I wouldn't say it is a place where you can have a meal per se, but the plates are for sharing, and you can order multiple to fill up. They also have vegan options, a few gluten-free options, and non-alcoholic drinks as well.

They have reservations for hightops and booths in the back and use the bar as seating for the waitlist. If you go during the day, there will probably be little or no wait, but just know that if you go anytime after 5 without a reservation, you will be lucky if you even get in. This, of course, is due to their popularity, which is well deserved, in my opinion.

On my first visit, my friends and I were not aware that a reservation was needed. We had come specifically to see a DJ that was playing that night in hopes of dancing. We quickly found out that we would have a long wait, and the place was not necessarily set up for dancing. After a very long wait, during which they were very apologetic and communicative about, we finally got in. We got some cocktails, the olives and bread, and my friend got the chocolate olive oil cake, all of which were divine. The staff was so kind and generous and kept checking in with us and eventually offered to move us to the back closer to the DJ. The night ended with a small tipsy crowd dancing with the DJ and his friends, smiles all around.

On the second visit, I planned ahead and booked a reservation for brunch, but upon arrival, it didn't seem necessary. My friend was having issues with tinnitus due to a concussion, and when we asked to be moved further from the speakers, they set us up at the bar with no issue. We got the smashed potatoes, tea, and seaweed soda, all amazing. The soda was a bit sweet for my taste, but I tend to enjoy bitter things. While sitting at the bar, I told my friend about the particularly delicious jalapeño tequila shot I had ordered during my last visit (literally one of the best tequila shots I've ever had). The bartender came over later saying they had overheard my comment and offered to make us one, but we politely declined since my friend was not drinking. As we were getting ready to leave, the bartender insisted on whipping us up a non-alcoholic version of the drink as a treat. It was like a green shot with a little spice and oh so refreshing, a cherry on top moment of a relaxed brunch at a great spot.

I've seen a few reviews complaining about the service, but I honestly just think they are swamped with people wanting to get in. Plus, once you get in, you want to stay. People really linger, and the staff doesn't seem like they try to rush anyone out. This, of course, all adds up to a long wait time, sometimes even with a reservation, but also a much more enjoyable time once you are sat. In my experience, the staff has been attentive and honest. It's a great little watering hole with cool DJs spinning vinyl. What more could you want? Just make sure you make a reservation a...

Where has Eavesdrop been all my NYC life? In a decade-plus of living in north Brooklyn, never has there been an establishment quite like Eavesdrop--with its unassuming facade, it blends into the bevy of food and drink places all along this busy section of Manhattan Ave, but once inside, you quickly realize that this gem of the Greenpoint nightlife is unlike any bar or lounge you've ever been to in this city. Soon after walking inside, you're greeted by the friendly hostess, as well as a clean, impressive display and selection of spirits at the front bar--no doubt you'll begin to feel comfortable, cozy, and coddled soon after experiencing that. My partner and i were sat in a booth near the back, opposite the DJ station, and wow--what a unique setup. The music station is built into the wall, so the resident DJ will have their back facing towards the rest of the bar as they spin those groovy tunes--making us feel like we've stumbled into the exclusive VIP suite as friends of the talent. Where else can you get this kind of treatment? Not sure myself! The drinks we ordered came, and though i find myself wishing that i had tried the other cocktails in their selection, the mezcal-based Hearsay cocktail hit just the right spot with its fruity notes and lime-y kick, and I thought "Why rock the boat?" I wasn't able to try any of their beers (all locally-sourced by the way) they had, or any of the wines, but we did get a chance to try some of the food, and dang. I'd come back for the bacon sticky rice alone! My partner, who is vegetarian, was so glad and so impressed to find that they catered to her as well--something not usually common in the bar scene, we find. We can't wait to come back and try their brunch menu--that Drunk Fruit Waffle has my name on it. I've already told all my friends about Eavesdrop--whether they live in NYC, are visiting from out of town, just spending a day out in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, after having just finished with their pickleball sesh at McCarren, with their parents/siblings/spouses/BFFs, or just enjoy a cozy, relaxed lounge where music, community, and good times are...

tldr: If you have food allergies, do NOT come here. They do not care if you die from accidentally eating something you have clearly stated you're allergic to. Only person who apologized was the male server who did not make the mistake. Neither the manager nor original female server apologized, rather they avoided eye contact the entire time.

Beautiful space, but service was really lacking. They seated us 15 min after our reservation time even though we were on time. They also ran out of so many food items. I was the customer where my allergies weren’t considered important enough for my server. I explicitly told her I had a severe peanut and hazelnut allergy, and at any other food establishment, they would’ve told that to the kitchen or checked to see which food items contained such ingredients to see if we still wanted to order those dishes.

After pointing out that the Brussels sprouts we ordered have hazelnuts on top, another server (the male server with long wavy hair) was really attentive and tried his best to make sure no mistakes were happening. My friends and I really appreciated that but the original server or the manager should’ve came over and apologized. They did try to make up for this by giving us a free round of drinks, but I really didn't feel like that was enough. I've never been to a place that cared so little about life threatening allergies.

It is a life-threatening health issue, and luckily I carry around my epipen for such cases, but the server made a mistake and should own up to it. She avoided our table, avoided eye contact, didn’t even greet us as we left - it makes me think that Eavesdrop doesn’t hire people who actually care about their customers’ well-bring and only cares if their servers match their aesthetic.

In general, food was just fine. Drinks were just fine. Nothing stood out to me except the interior. Honestly an overall disappointing night, and I cannot recommend this place to anyone despite the overwhelming support this...