Translation from English

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Crooked Knife

Neighborhood place in Midtown East

This is getting to be so familiar-- mixed reviews

Again, some people really like this place and others are down on it

This seems to be a night for this kind of thing

The Crooked Knife

3.5 star rating
122 reviews Rating Details
29 E 30th St
(between Madison Ave & S Park Ave)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 696-2593
Make a Reservation

Nearest Transit Station:
33 St. (4, 6, 6X)
28 St. (4, 6, 6X)
28 St. (N, R)
Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 4 am
Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Dinner
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Tue, Thu, Fri
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

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122 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 36 friends
    • 6 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    Updated - 8/29/2013 3 photos 297 check-ins here
    The bartenders and the Chef's have changed over the past year but The Crooked Knife is still a great Irish pub. The menu has improved with amazing short ribs and salmon.  It's still a local hangout for us regulars and has a large college crowd from the neighboring Academy of Dramatic Arts during the school year.

    They do a great Holiday meal as well, especially Thanksgiving.

    With no TVs there is a nice relaxing atmosphere and its a good place for dinner and drinks.

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 10/17/2011
      Great evening at The Knife tonight.  The crowd is very diverse.  Chris is behind the bar making… Read more »
  • Review from

    • 9 friends
    • 15 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/21/2013
    Tapped into the Crooked Knife brunch special on a Saturday for a friend's birthday -- the deal includes an entree and "unlimited" mimosas and/or bloody marys for two hours for $29. The deal is not exactly cheap (even for brunch deals, there are cheaper places) and the entree selection is not as extensive as I expected. For vegetarians, choices are pretty limited.

    I ordered the avocado croissant sandwich (which was really tiny, making me a bit resentful because I was really hungry) but it was delicious. The drinks also help. The waitress does not come around as much as you'd like, and I even had to get up once to ask her to refill our drinks, but service was decent and acceptable.

    You end up paying around $35 for brunch, which hurts my broke college student soul a little but then again, drink quickly and make your money count.
  • Review from

    • 62 friends
    • 66 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    10/13/2013
    We had brunch here today. The food wasn't great, and the restaurant was severely understaffed. Poor service, underwhelming menu.
  • Review from

    • 29 friends
    • 6 reviews
    Boulder, CO
    10/14/2013 1 check-in here
    Food was good and decently priced for the neighborhood and quality/quantity. The service was slow even though it wasn't very busy. Our waitress told us that the manager did not order enough Bloody Mary mix or champagne for their bottomless drinks; one of the few things they are known for... oops.
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    8/12/2013
    I've never had such a rare medium-rare burger, albeit it tasted good.  And the mac n cheese, oh my goodness, Kraft's is better than that!  I came with a big group and I suppose the waitress didn't feel the need to do anything after the food came since she was guaranteed tip.  I was dying of dehydration.
  • Review from

    • 24 friends
    • 271 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    8/16/2013 1 check-in here
    Shall be going back only to sit by their fireplace in the fall sometime and enjoy their happy hour =)
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    6/26/2013
    Was in here tonight to meet a friend for drinks. It is cute and cozy and not so "midtowny." The staff was very friendly, especially the Irish guy behind the bar (I'm sorry I didn't get his name), and very helpful. Will definitely go back.
  • Review from

    Virginia Beach, VA
    3/12/2013 1 check-in here
    I'll start off by saying my reviews for NYC are much more critical than 90% of America due to the high quality of chiefs and service.

    I choose The Crooked Knife for a couple of reasons. First, I didn't need to have reservations, and since a good amount of the places in Manhattan require reservations the fact the Crooked Knife didn't was a plus. Second, it had a traditional pub feel complete with a wood-burning fireplace, which gave off an aroma that conjured up memories of the UK.  

    Ambiance: The walls are green and blend in with wallpaper, the plank flooring and hammered copper ceiling perfectly unfortunately that was the best of it.

    Service: Although I was seated right away, partly because there weren't to many patrons, the restaurant was under staffed causing delays.  In an attempt to stay up with the customers the servers tag teamed my and other customers service, which resulted in me getting the wrong drink and didn't really make a difference in expediting the orders. I also felt as if the two waitresses were purposely avoiding me because they didn't have my drink components being a slice of lemon, hot water, a tea bag and honey...but at least they were nice to deal with.

    Food: I decided on the Butternut Squash Fennel Soup for my appetizer. It needed salt...rather bland. For the meal I ordered the Grilled Quail stuffed with Tabouli in a cranberry glaze and served with roasted potatoes and old store bought rolls. The Quail was good, as was the potatoes but nothing real exciting about it. For desert I ordered the Pecan Pie with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. That was really good but alas the pie was from a local bakery and not the Crooked Knife.

    Overall the rustic feel is perfect for a night out drinking but next time I need a dinner I think I'll be trying another restaurant. Still it looks like a good spot for a drink.  I give the Crooked Knife 3 Stars.
  • Review from

    • 9 friends
    • 9 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    5/30/2013
    I love the crooked knife! it's quickly becoming my favorite local due to service, food and atmosphere. They seriously have one of the best burgers going this side of the Ear Inn. Last night, i went for a quick meet and drink with a few friends, and since it was such a gorgeous night, i wanted to sit outside (as well as half of Manhattan), but what happens next is beyond accommodating and unusual...with in two shakes of a lambs tail, a table and chairs appear and i'm seated with a draft in front of me within moments. no fuss, no muss and all done with a smile and a wink. now that's service! i'm heading out of my comfort zone by saying this, but this place pulls me away from my westside snobbery; and lord knows that within itself should garner a sixth star :)
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    1/2/2013 1 check-in here
    Cozy, quiet little place with a bar on the other side.

    Came here on NYE - I had made reservations but even so, the place was kind of empty with people filtering in here and there.
    They have a Yelp special - if you check in, you get a bottle of wine for $20 (Sundays and Mondays only but I'm surprised they let us use it on a holiday)

    I had the pork sliders. The pork was a little dry but the fries it came with were AMAZING!
    Our waitress was really nice. But a different waitress brought us our last round of beers. I think she was getting a head start to her New Year's Eve celebration because it seemed like she was drunk. We ordered 2 Magners and she brought us 3 UNOPENED Magners. Not being a diva or anything, but how am I supposed to open these? With my teeth?

    The manager was nice too - he came over and offered us a round of prosecco on the house. But me being deaf and semi-buzzed, I stupidly said no thank you.

    Oh yes, and since we were running out of time before we had to reach our next destination, we decided to just pregame here as well. The shots are cheap! A shot of Grey Goose was $10 but it was really equal to two shots.

    I'd come back.
  • Review from

    • 12 friends
    • 20 reviews
    New York, NY
    6/20/2013 1 check-in here
    I have found the staff to be consistently pleasant, offering warm smiles as if from old friends. New Chefs and New additions to the menu, such as the Tomato Gazpacho and the Potato gnocchi are a definite upgrade.  It's hard to beat the $5 dollar Stella Happy Hour special too. This is a great place to mingle with the neighborhood locals, and perhaps meet that special someone that could change your life forever.  Or just enjoy a cheap Stella...
  • Review from

    • 17 friends
    • 36 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    2/7/2013
    Very eh.  Honestly, it's possible my perception was tainted a little when I walked into the restaurant at 7:30pm and there was only one other couple in the entire restaurant.  Made me question what I was getting myself into.  Also, I'm not usually very sensitive to smells, but after reading everyone else's reviews, my senses were a little more aware.  Could've been way worse, but definitely had the "car freshener" thing going.  Next time, I will remember to bring a clothespin.

    As far as the food goes, it actually surprised me - probably because my expectations were so low.  We split the bruschetta appetizer which was pretty good.  For my meal, I got a veggie burger and substituted the fries for brussel sprouts.  I love the sauce/dressing that the brussel sprouts were in, some sort of sweet honey thing, but they were a little too heavily dressed.  I purposely didn't order a salad because the menu didn't make it sound too great, but my friend got the house salad with chicken and it actually looked delicious.

    Service could definitely be way faster - our waitress took about 20 minutes before coming over to take our order (keep in mind there was not really anyone else in the restaurant).  Wouldn't jump to come back here, but it's not a bad option if I ever need to grab a last minute meal with no time to make a reservation.
  • Review from

    • 41 friends
    • 335 reviews
    New York, NY
    6/12/2013 1 check-in here
    Lunch sandwich is a bargain
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews
    Wombourne, UK
    4/10/2013
    It seemed like the obvious choice - we had just arrived in NYC, it was 9pm, it was raining, The Crooked Knife was right opposite our hotel. Luckily for us this was a pretty good choice.

    It was a Sunday night, so there were only about 10 people, including us, in the whole place. We were shown to our seat by a very friendly young waitress, who was quite attentive. My wife's first choice, pork sliders, were unavailable so we both ended up ordering cheese burgers. The menu wasn't huge, but there was enough choice. Going back to the burgers, they were excellent! Full of flavour and cooked just how we asked - medium. However, the older waitress who brought our food to us  was the complete opposite of the original young waitress. Zero eye contact, zero verbal contact - threw it on the table as if to say 'Have it you tourists!' This was odd to us as we would have said that she was maybe the owner/manager and if anything we'd have expected these actions from the younger staff member. Anyways, we we more than happy with the food and that's what matters.

    A couple of days later, again due to proximity, we popped back to TCK, this time just for a drink. The bar, in fact the whole place, was really busy but had a relaxed feel to it, with live jazz music playing in the background. I enjoyed a selection of ales; my wife white wine. I was more than happy with the ale in terms of choice and price, but my wife felt that the white wine was expensive considering the quality compared to what she is used to drinking back in England for a similar price or even less! It was also quite funny to note that when I asked the barmaid what their lightest ale was she told me Stella, which is actually a lager and not an ale. A minor thing, but I'd expect them to know what they're selling, etc.

    Overall, my wife and I both agree that The Crooked Knife WOULD be on our 'places to eat at again' list for future NYC holidays.
  • Review from

    • 15 friends
    • 5 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/14/2012
    One of my favorite pubs in NYC. My family and I have been coming here the past 5 years after our annual gathering at the St. Patricks' Day Parade. On that day, they have always accomodated our large 15 + party and put together tables and chairs. Also on 3/17 they have a special menu which lists traditional irish fare and always a burning fireplace.

    I've also been for lunch and Happy hour and have been greeted by such a cozy, welcoming environment. Their veggie burger is one of the best I've ever had with - definitly order if you're a fan of avacado!
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    11/29/2012
    Best part of this is....we got to sit by the fireplace.

    Came here with a girlfriend for lunch since I worked in the area. Chicken Pot Pie was exactly what we'd hope it would be. Wine list was decent and the prices are very reasonable. Since we had such great seats...we opted to stay for dessert and coffee too.
  • Review from

    • 20 friends
    • 24 reviews
    Oakton, VA
    8/26/2012
    I took my client and other cameraman out for drinks after the 2nd long day in NYC the bar was great......... Great bartender who did Irish car bombs with us. It's a small place but that is what I think makes it great. We came to late for food so I have no idea if the food is good or not but after a $200.00 bar tab I think I can speak for the drinks when I say they were worth every penny.

    went there in August 2012
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 17 reviews
    Cranford, NJ
    12/28/2012 Seated via OpenTable
    Consistent comfort food - in a neighborhood where such food is not readily available.

    Be sure to order their macaroni and cheese.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    4/24/2013
    Chill place, cool dbl bar. Not particularly impressed with the draft selection, but it has a cool vibe.
  • Review from

    Medford, MA
    10/10/2012 1 check-in here
    This place is a PERFECT spot for a romantic date or anytime you want a cozy or intimate meal. I came here with a friend, but I would definitely come here for a date. I recommend it mostly for a destination spot -- not awesome if you are headed out after, only because the atmosphere is so relaxed and the menu is mostly comfort food. Better for a come-for-dinner-stay-for-drinks-after kinda place.

    Came on a Saturday at 11pm (only in NYC!) and were seated right away (if you can believe it, people came in for dinner AFTER us!). Service was attentive but not annoying. Had a glass of wine -- very full (love that)! I had the chicken pot pie for dinner, and my friend had scallops on mashed potatoes. My pot pie was ample and very good. My only complaint is that it was a bit too hot -- it stayed SCALDING for the duration of my meal. I had to blow on EVERY bite, which got old quickly.

    The bread basket is uninspired. Two pieces of white bread with butter. Snooze.

    My friend ordered the coconut cake for dessert. Good, but you better be damn sure you really like coconut 'cuz that thing is no joke. Coconut flakes in the batter, the frosting, and everywhere else you can imagine (actually, I just ran out of ingredients to cake). It was good, but too coconutty for me.

    Price-wise, this place is on the lower side of average, and you get a good meal for the money.

    Clean bathrooms, too.

    * Forgot to mention -- this place has a HAPPENING bar on the other side of the restaurant from the dining room. Guess they make good drinks?
  • Review from

    San Diego, CA
    9/28/2012 2 check-ins here
    Love love love the Crooked Knife.  They also have another location on 14th St (CK 14) which is an AMAZING brunch spot.  My sister-in-law used to live right above this place, so we found ourselves here quite often.  The interior offers a super cozy, old romantic feel and it just feels like home to sit with a beer on a winter night.  I haven't had much of the food here, because I've mostly just been for happy hours, but they have great drink specials.  $4 miller lites... used to be $3... price recently went up.  There's outdoor seating as well, but a new rule seems to be you can't sit out there when it's busy unless you're ordering a meal.  
    I've had some appetizers such as sliders and fries, which were all what you'd expect.  All in all, friendly staff, awesome atmosphere, and decent happy hour specials make this one of my favorite spots.
    Listed in: Brunch Spots

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