Places to eat near the Cloisters, NYC, on a Sunday mid-afternoon
May 13th, 2007, 11:18 AM
#1
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Places to eat near the Cloisters, NYC, on a Sunday mid-afternoon
We値l be visiting the Cloisters on a Sunday in early June. Anyone have suggestions of nearby places to eat in the time period of 3-5PM? The Cloisters has the Trie Café on site, but is that the only option? We値l have a car and would like someplace close by which offers more than just sandwiches and desserts. Thanks.
May 15th, 2007, 02:45 AM
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The area outside the cloisters is just lovely. Mostly young families, aspiring actors and actresses, and columbia students and doctors and nurses. Not only do I live here, but regularly take the subway home to 190th, even at night, so yes, that has changed a long long time ago, its quite gentrified now.
As for restaurants, New Leaf is incredibly pretty and may be worth the splurge for a tourist, but also incredibly expensive. I'd recommend Bleu Evolution, on 187th street between Ft Washington Avenue and Pinehurst. It has a lovely garden out back, and an eclectic menu. You could actually leave your car and walk, or you could drive out through Margaret Corbin Circle, straight down Ft. Washington, and just park anywhere you see a spot on the street along the way. 187th street itself is tiny so hardly any parking, and it is metered. Enjoy!
As for restaurants, New Leaf is incredibly pretty and may be worth the splurge for a tourist, but also incredibly expensive. I'd recommend Bleu Evolution, on 187th street between Ft Washington Avenue and Pinehurst. It has a lovely garden out back, and an eclectic menu. You could actually leave your car and walk, or you could drive out through Margaret Corbin Circle, straight down Ft. Washington, and just park anywhere you see a spot on the street along the way. 187th street itself is tiny so hardly any parking, and it is metered. Enjoy!
May 15th, 2007, 04:58 AM
#6
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Thanks for the second recommendation Lori. I've just finished reading reviews for both restaurants and have concluded both would do fine. Menupages didn't care for either, but other all other sources for review liked both. The Sunday brunch time for Bleu is better, longer --until 4:30, whereas the New Leaf goes until 3:30. Both are a little pricey, but both are brunch menus and are set prices.
Question. Should we make reservations, and how far in advance?
Question. Should we make reservations, and how far in advance?
May 15th, 2007, 08:31 AM
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i would make reservations for New Leaf 2-3 weeks in advance; you do NOT need reservations for Bleu Evolution. I know bleu doesn't get great food ratings, its a bit strange because we really like the food and we eat out a lot (a problem i've been trying to cure, haha). The biggest problem with restaurants in Wash. Height isn't the food, the service is usually pretty weak. So apologies in advance if you get some ditzy service at either place, but rest assured the food will be good!
May 15th, 2007, 09:26 AM
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Since our trip is 2-3 weeks away, I thought I'd call about New Leaf reservations. But just found out moments ago that they are no longer taking reservations for the Sunday brunch, just walk-ins. This gives me more time to decide which I'd prefer--New Leaf or Bleu Evolution. Thanks everyone for your input.
May 15th, 2007, 11:13 AM
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Kathleen - good to know, thanks (we sometimes take out of town visitors there ourselves). One point to clear up with you regarding menu pages - they don't always have the most up to date menu, so just use it to get an idea about restaurants. Bleu Evolution has a prix fix brunch but you do NOT have to get it, if on a budget or not interested in a breakfast cocktail, can also order a la carte to save $$$. But the setting in New Leaf is definitely transporting, a really beautiful experience.
