Nook

Excellent food and love that I can save some $$ because of BYOB policy. Love the Seared Tuna, the mushroom Cigars, their steaks, and their chicken dish (i forget what it was called, but it was really good). more

Went there for brunch with a whole bunch of people. Most of us got the eggs benedict, which was great, as were their scrambles. Hot chocolate was dark & rich. Only thing is that the place really is a nook, very small, & the bathroom is past the kitchen & like a cramped closet! But otherwise we enjoyed ourselves; the food was good & would like to try more; definitely want to go back. Pros: good food Cons: small more

I just came on to write a review about one of my favorite restaurants and was surprised to read the one below. I've lived in the neighborhood for four years and frequent this place more times than I can count. I've never waited, nor seen anyone wait, long for their food, and also the few times I've gone before a show, they have been so accomodating when I tell them that I'm in more of a rush to make my theatre time. That's always really impressed me when you consider the size of the place and kitchen, and the amazing quality of the food. 9th avenue has a lot of restaurants but it's hard for me to not keep coming back to Nook. Whether it's the steak, lamb, or tuna tartar, I've always left with a huge smile and happy stomach. Service is always great even when the place is a madhouse and the ability to bring your own bottle totally knocks my socks off. I highly recommend checking it out. Pros: GREAT food! Cons: Small. But cozy! more

I made a reservation to eat here based on decent reviews. 6:30pm, table for 4, Thursday night. I arrived on the scene at 6:30, ordered an appetizer salad and my party was fully assembled at 6:45. The host took our orders and then we waited. And waited. And waited. A couple that was seated after we got there was served, ate, paid the tab and left by 7:30. We had yet to get our food. We asked how much longer and were assured that the food was almost done. 5 minutes and nothing. We got up to leave, and the host violently protested, berating us for not telling him we were on a time table. 45 minutes and no food? What? He added that this ""wasn't McDonald's,"" to which I replied ""yes, we know. We'd have eaten by now if it were."" He warned us not to come back and we assured him that would not be a problem. In a venue so small and cozy, you would think he'd govern his attitude a little better, especially given that this was their failing. Don't bother with this place. Unless they're giving gourmet food away for McDonald's prices, it's not worth it. There are hundreds of great places to eat up and down 9th. You can skip this one. Pros: Can't name any Cons: Don't expect to be served in under 45 minutes more

My husband and I were visiting and happened upon Nook as we were looking for a dinner venue after a long day of sightseeing. We felt so lucky to find this hidden treasure and felt like locals. We didn't know that it was BYOB until after we were seated, but the meal was still great without a wine compliment. The Tuscan chicken and Salmon were delicious and the mushroom cigars were really enjoyed by both of us. Our bill was about the same as it was for lunch at a touristy deli! We highly recommend it. Pros: Great food and atmosphere Cons: BYOB and we didn't know more

As you can tell by the name, Nook is a cozy establishment. If you know this going in then I see nothing to complain about. There was a waitress that people thought was rude, but she has left. Food is fantastic. The mushroom cigars, the lamb, and the filet are absolutely delicious. BYO so you can enjoy your own drink of choice with no corkage fee. Regulars come back for a reason. Come hungry and with an open mind, and relax in a classy place. It's small so of course your table is valuable. Whether for a date, a party, or just for the good food, this is the place. I'm getting hungry just thinking of the food right now. Pros: small = cozy, FOOD amazing, great people Cons: Small, tiny bathroom in the kitchen, hard to get reservation more

I have to be honest, I was scared to try this place after reading the negative collection of reviews, however, I sucked it up, grabbed 2 decent bottles of red and ventured out with husband for a cozy night at a BYOB. Twice now, it has YET to disappoint. Yes, the owner/hostess/etc. are Russian/Slovakian and are naturally a little brisk in personality. I take no offense as long as the food comes out in a timely fashion and is at a minimum: tasty. With only 8 tables or so, its warm with candelight and makes it easy for a few friends or couples to engage in intimate conversation. I LOVE the mushroom cigars and the tuna tartar (nicely seasoned with miso)! Their entrees are simple, but perfect. Dessert isn't so shabby either, and if you're a peanut butter fan, their peanut butter pie is better than Grandmas!! In the summer it's quaint with open windows (even a few patrons making their own mojitos!!), and in the winter it's cozy (ie. cramped) toward the back. I'd try this place before judging it, so far I haven't been let down! Make reservations!!!! Pros: Intimate, Cozy, Food is way above average!!! Cons: Cozy can be interpreted as cramped. Don't go if you're claustrophobic, or have space/seating issues. Employees are a bit edgy, go in with an open mind and dont take things so personally!! more

Nook is my favorite place to go for brunch on the weekends. I highly recommend any of their egg scrambles, potato pancakes, and poached eggs. You really can't go wrong with any of the choices on the menu. They can't seat too many people so the atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, unlike the noisy and all-too-trendy neighboring restaurants. Ramon (works weekend brunches) is very friendly and efficient. Also, you can watch the puppies next door while you wait to be seated! Pros: ambience, service Cons: a bit pricy more

The ""waitress"" was so rude, my party of three was forced to leave before our food arrived. We walked in before the dinner rush without reservations and were told we could take a seat. If we weren't welcome, they could have just said so and we would have gladly gone anywhere else. The waitress was SO shockingly rude, I almost fealt like bursting into tears. Let me make it clear that my guests and I are just normal, polite, young women and did not warrant the behavior in any way whatsoever. When we placed our orders, one entree and two appetizers, the waitress responed with, ""That is all you are going to order?"". I was literally shocked. We left then and there. Not to mention, the owners are Polish and I happen to speak Polish so I was able to understand everything the horrible waitress said about us to the cook. PLEASE do not give them your business. Pros: NOTHING Cons: EVERYTHING more

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Nook. We had tuna tartar and the mushroom cigars for appetizers and both were delicious. I had salmon and my friend had a lamb. Both were prepared to perfection and we enjoyed it tremendously. The host was extremely funny, very interactive with the patrons which created a great atmosphere similar to many smaller places in Europe. Definetely a place I will visit again and will recommend to others.. Pros: BYOB, great food and service Cons: tight space, bathroom more

The rudest owner. I went in at 6pm mid-week for dinner, alone. No host, so I sat at a table. There were three other people there, not crowded at all. The owner ( I am guessing) came out, saw me and basically told me to leave. ""Do you need reservations?"" I asked. ""No, but it's going to get crowed."" was his response (at 20+ decibel levels). Everyone stared at me while he stood there waiting for me to leave. I thought I was being punked. He meant it. I walked out, had a fabulous dinner at Vinly, where I overtipped the waiter out of sheer relief. more

Nook is a hidden treasure in Hells Kitchen. The BYOB, the food, even the slighlty curt owner/host/waiter all add to the undeniable charm of this place. It may not be for everyone, but for those who can appreciate quaint European charm, this is the spot for you. My suggestion: Go only with people you truly enjoy the company of...that will add to your experience. It is an intimate environment and a wonderful place to eat, drink and converse. My other suggestion: Order the mushroom cigars, they are out of this world. Pros: Intimate environment, delicious food more

Ignote Laurie Garretson's review -- She mixed it up with another restaurant. Nook has no website, has no hostess, and has no room for a hostess. Nook is tiny (space for 20?), unpretentious, their only waiter (no room for more) is superb, and the food is creative and excellent. it's also realtively cheap. Pros: Excellent food prepared to oder, warm, excellent waiter Cons: Could use more space to serve more people. more

This place is really a GEM! OK so the service is slow but that's because they make everything fresh to order. The food is well worth the wait! It's a nice, small place, with ambiance and great food. If you're with a large group or in a hurry this is NOT the place for you. But if you're looking for a great meal, at a reasonable price, in a place where you can have a conversation without yelling, conveniently located in midtown Manhattan, walking distance to the theaters-- this is the place for you!. The best part is it's BYOB! You can enjoy your wine while you wait. So you don't wind up paying $45 for a $12 bottle of wine and have a great meal for 2 for under $100. What's better than that in NYC! Pros: The food is awesome! Cons: You have to wait for your good food. more

We made a reservation 2 months ago for dinner for my birthday and had relatives from out of town. We even had an email confirmation. We showed up and they said they had no record of our reservation and refused to accomodate us in any way. The hostess was rude and unapologetic. We asked for a manager/owner and she refused to get anyone. We said we were coming back with a record of our reservation and expected to be taken care of and she said absolutely not, there was nothing they were going to do with us. I'd never try going there again! more

The food is good, but the owner is not a very good host. He had an attitude problem & is not very attentive. Pros: BYOB Cons: Owner more

I've been going to Nook on a regular basis for about two and a half years. I started out with the egg scrambles and have since tried everything on the menu. I've never been disappointed with the service or quality of food. As a bonus, their coffee is some of the best in the city and the staff are very friendly. The restaurant has experienced quite a change in clientele ever since Zagat gave them a much-deserved stellar rating. If you want to eat with less of a wait and prefer a more Hell's Kitchen crowd, it's best to go early in the week or for brunch on the weekends. Also, Konrad's goulash is the perfect antidote to a late-fall or winter hangover! Pros: Cozy, BYOB, value more

Had a great dinner at The Nook. Everyone writes about how small this restaurant is...but that's part of the whole thing...after all the name is The NOOK, y'all. I really liked this aspect of the scene. Everyone was in on the shared vibe and all rolling with it. Our food was great (Mushroom Cigars, Lamb, Tuna Tartare) and the BYOB thing is great, no problems here w/ our party. Konrad the owner and waiter is friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, deeply entrenched in the NY restaurant scene, and knows his food. We had a great night, my friend is a regular and now I am as well. Pros: Great Food and value too Cons: Small but comfy more

Continental cuisine with French/Polish twist. Very atmospheric place (unless they are very busy). Food is great and the bill is very reasonable considering BYOB Pros: Food/ atmosphere Cons: lack of space. Make reservation. Do not bring a large group more

Never going back here again. First off, the name is right, it is a ""nook."" Which could be kind of cute, there are some great small restaurants in the city, but in this one the tables are packed in one against each other. It's practically communal dining. Pros: cheap Cons: you get what you pay for. cramped, poor service, not really that charming. more