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181 Cabrini
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch American (New), Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
854 W 181st St(between Plaza Lafayette & Cabrini Blvd)
New York, NY 10033
Neighborhood: Washington Heights
(212) 923-2233
- Nearest Transit:
-
181 St (A)
175 St (A)
181 St (1)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 1 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Chui L. said: "I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with this place. Not exactly a cheap eatery but it was quite nice inside. We went for their brunch special, $13.95 with choice of one free drink. WL loved her hangover burger, greasy and true to…" read more »
64 reviews for 181 Cabrini
Review Highlights
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"The fried brussel sprouts were surprisingly good and the..." In 4 reviews -
"Oh Washington Heights." In 4 reviews -
"...to try it on Mondays when live jazz is playing and try for..." In 4 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Jon L.
3/12/2012
This is probably a more 3.5 star review than 4 star review, but I will round up because I think the service is good. So yes, 1) service is good. Been here a few times for brunch and each time, the waitress is on top of things, refilling water, coffee, and generally doing great customer service.
2) Food is pretty good. I don't think I've had anything that has blown my mind, but things are solid. Omelettes were tasty, burgers are good. Coffee is pretty mediocre, but whatever.
3) Prices are decent. Brunch I think is 13 dollars and you get a pretty heft meal, along with some sort of brunchey drink (orange juice, mimosa, bloody mary) AND an unlimited coffee/tea. Not bad at all.
4) Decor is cute. Good sorta coffee house vibe. There is a weird clanking noise that comes from the pipes during the winter, but it is nothing terrible.
All in all, probably the best choice for a Saturday brunch if you're in the hood, but nothing to spend time trekking up to, if you're not. -
Review from Mango J.
Manhattan, NY
4/16/2012
good for a drink and nothing more.. with all of the diverse palatable eateries and establishments in that area..SKIP THIS ONE..
small portions with no flavor.. crappy wanna be hip decor.
This place totally sucks, and is only good for a drink.
Some fat sloppily groomed asian guy carried raw chicken and nachoes past us, a huge box of tomatoes ( the middle of floor where we eat) I found that wierd I dont have to see the inventory load up into kitchen or raw materials and animals as I eat. They should really do that early, or late when customers cant see that. Mess, mess, mess.... the food was so blah and the walls looked as if they were smashing bugs on them, so dingy.Some one told me this place sucked.. why didnt I listen?!!! It really it is lame in there guys.. -
Review from Patricia N.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2012
I love this small place! I ate there 3 times in one week while visiting New York.
I had the sangria everysingle time, and the Pasta Bolognese, I have to say that this sounds boring but I could not resist not to have it again and again! it was so Yummy!!!!
I can't wait until May when i go back to have it again.
The service is super nice and fast, not to loud even though there is a bar and tvs with games going on, but the way they restaurant is lay out, it prevents the noise from the fans to spread toward the tables.
Prices were very reasonable considering that is NY! -
Review from Chris H.
Manhattan, NY
5/21/2012
Service is terrible, Food is mediocre to ok. I had an $18 steak there once that looked like it was fresh out of the microwave and then slammed on my table. From the moment you say hi to most of the servers you feel like they want you to apologize for speaking. The food that is "ok" is way overpriced.
I am really disappointed because with just a little effort this place could be great. Complacently is a terrible handicap. -
Review from Allison C.
New York, NY
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay, a solid 3.5 stars is the official score for this fine establishment, but my generosity and still-lingering sangria buzz is making me take it up to the full four on the official Yelp scale.
When I moved to this neighborhood back in July 2010, my parents and I went there at 4 p.m. for a bite to eat. "Sorry", they told us. "Come back at 5. We're setting up for dinner." Booo. I held the slightest of grudges against this place for a while. However, letting bygones be bygones, I suggested to a friend of mine that we go there for dinner, as he requested that we dine at an establishment in the West 181st Street vicinity.
The sangria was a tad sweet but for less than $4 a glass at Happy Hour (from 5 - 8 p.m.!), you don't see me complaining. I decided to think outside of the box, though so much "traditional American fare" was tempting me, and ordered the chicken schnitzel with blueberry sauce and mashed potatoes with a side of cucumber dill salad. The chicken was perfection, and the blueberry sauce, with whole cooked berries that burst in my mouth as I chewed into them, was a surprising and welcomed addition to this platter. The mashed potatoes were divine as well. The cucumber salad? Watery and vinegary. Not a fan. On the upswing again, their coconut flan was a lovely end to my meal.
The ambiance is casual, cool, and a bit sexy. Live jazz played from near the bar area, floating back into the dining area, mixing with Foster the People and Passion Pit at times. A little too much noise, admittedly. Either turn off the stereo and let the people enjoy the jazz, or put the kabash on the live jazz and pump up "Sleepyhead". Your choice.
As I've said before, the restaurant scene on West 181st west of Fort Washington is live and vibrant. I want people to know more about it. At the same time, I don't, so I can keep these little gems to myself. -
Review from Jason G.
2/20/2012
Came here for brunch. Solid Bloody Mary, the best Mimosa my girlfriend has ever had. The food was a big fat meh. I got eggs benedict with smoked salmon, and it was just totally blah. My girlfriend enjoyed her frittata, but she's not the one writing the review, now is she! I would not recommend this place as the best brunch in the area. Go to Saggio for a much tastier experience, or New Leaf if you are willing to wait.
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Review from Evan R.
9/7/2011
The decor, website and menu all aim for some sort of high-concept new American place - one of those restaurants with just a few tables, simple and delicious food, and a great vibe. Unfortunately, nothing here quite lived up to that
For an appetizer, I ordered what was called "Oven roasted shrimp and garlic". I received 5, slightly undercooked shrimp sitting in a small bowl of liquid. Blech.
For dinner, I got teriyaki-glazed salmon over rice. The salmon skin was burnt to a crisp (so you couldn't taste the teriyaki), and the rice was plain white rice with no spices or additions whatsoever. Not a restaurant quality dish.
I wanted to give this place at least three stars for the decor, and for the great live jazz that was playing. But, given the inattentive service, and all these issues relative to the price, I won't. -
Review from Adam D.
Manhattan, NY
10/1/2011
For the most part, the food is consistently terrible. Not just bad. Actually terrible. On rare instances, some part of the meal will taste good. This is as good as it ever is. Every time I patronize this business I ask myself why. This question will remain forever unanswered.
The extra star is out of compassion. After all, they are in the neighborhood. Maybe this is why I allow myself to be disappointed by this restaurant time and time again.Listed in: Hudson Heights
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Review from Mitch S.
Frederick, MD
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food and pretty affordable for Washington Heights. Very hip and trendy much to my surprise. I had had a pulled pork sandwich, though sadly I said no slaw, one would expect a pulled pork to have BBQ sauce or something. (I've eaten BBQ food critic around the country so I have an idea of what a pulled pork is)
The sandwich aside from being dry was pretty good and the price was not bad at all. I would like to try this place again with a different menu item. I do think overall the place is pretty good and will try again next time I am visiting my family. -
Review from Zach H.
Manhattan, NY
2/16/2012
This is one of my favorite spots in my neighborhood. The draft beers are reasonably priced. The wine list is not bad, with everything under $30. And the fried brussel sprouts are definitely a must! The entres are soso, not bad but not great. This place is best for hanging out at the bar with a couple of friends.
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Review from Bryan J.
New York, NY
4/22/2011
We too tried to like this place. So much that we even went back after the first mortifying experience, after which we left smelling like ¢99 cleaning solution (an aroma for the whole bar) and three-day-ago coffee.
Tonight, on our second try, we ventured here again. We ordered a dirty Ketel One martini and an Espresso martini - the second of which is the featured martini on the menu (meaning, they specialize in this!). Delivered to us were a martini glass with milky creamy non-alcoholic stuff and another with espresso vodka, vermouth, and olive juice. Have you ever tasted a salty piece of poop? Me neither. But that's this 'dirty espresso martini' with salted olives and vermouth tasted like, and what the waitress then tasted --- which was what I was delivered: a salty liquid poop in a triangular glass. Mmmmm.
Note, though: We liked our waitress. Fun, lively, and incredibly apologetic!
For dinner, we decided on this: brussel sprouts fried with chili & caramel; fried calamari; and spinach salad with portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, and red onion.
Then, dinner came. This is what we got, corresponding to above orders: burnt brussel sprout leaves amassed on a plate that tasted like a hospital's burn unit spinkled with sugar; fried calamari (can't really F that up from a frozen bag); a mound of spinach shaped remarkably like an actual supermarket spinach bag with a few tiny goat cheese crags, and exactly four (4) wilted 'shroom slices doused with balsamic vinegar. The culmination of which made us leave immediately...so one of us could vomit. -
Review from Andrea S.
6/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I dunno, I mean, I really want to get down with this place since it's mere steps from my house but there are things I can't get past.
The food is okay. They make a good grilled chicken ceasar salad, sometimes that's all I want and dammit, I want someone else to make it for me! So that's fine.
They've got a good happy hour, can't talk about the mixed drinks as I've only had beer and wine.
It's the service that drives me up a wall. I have yet to encounter a friendly bartender that I want to talk to. They've all treated me with this "I clearly don't want to be here so order fast so I can walk away" attitude. Not quite hostile, but definitely rude and aloof. This is a small neighborhood place, I mean really.
The table service is fine, I suppose. The girls are sweet but have no extra words for you besides taking your order. They come across as timid and unsure of themselves.
So now there's outdoor seating and delivery.... Woohoo! Will the service get better? Doubtful. Will I keep returning for a random beer and grilled chicken caesar? Probably. -
Review from Amaranta V.
Manhattan, NY
11/16/2011
This place is strange. The food is wildly inconsistent. I've had delicious steaks and empanadas, and the pulled pork sandwich, which has kind of a bahn-mi-style flavor, is something I go back for. But the brussel sprouts are a charred, sticky-sweet mess, the mac and cheese will burn the crap out of the inside of your mouth, and the salads are overpriced and flavorless.
The wine list is pretty good, and they have a gruener veltleiner that knocks my socks off (though they charge $12 a glass, which is way overpriced for the neighborhood; you can go up to Vines on Pine at 187 and Pinehurst and get a whole excellent bottle of a very similar wine for the same price).
Here's the real problem: The service. The waitstaff has been downright negligent every single time I've been there. And I do mean Every. Single. Time. They hire these cute girls who don't give a crap and/or have no idea what they're doing. On at least five separate occasions, I've asked for bread or another glass of wine or water and have watched as they've stood there gabbing with their coworkers or screwing around on their smartphone. They don't even *try* to conceal their behavior.
I've given this place lots of chances to redeem itself. But I'm done. What a waste of potential. -
Review from Nick V.
New York, NY
6/8/2011 1 photo
Exceptionally glad that this place is in our neighborhood! I stop in nearly daily for coffee... at $1 to fill up my travel mug, it actually beats out having beans around the house for me both in cost / freshness.
They just started offering Delivery, and also added an outdoor seating area along the building's side on Cabrini.
Only had dinner here a few times as it's out of my regular "dinner on my own" price range, but I've done a couple of casual business lunches here with people who were coming in from NJ and everything was great.
Everyone is really friendly / nice! -
Review from Hans B.
Manhattan, NY
3/20/2011
So I've heard some mixed reviews about this place, I was a little worried to go for brunch.
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. I had the chicken zanny sandwich, it was pretty good. I'm not big on eggs, so I can't say much about that side of the menu.
Overall, for a Sunday brunch, it was pretty laid back, not a big crowd. We showed up around 3:30pm, so this place def. keeps brunch for longer hours than most other places in the area.
Other friends in the neighborhood have mentioned that dinner is a diff. experience here. So I repeat again, this review should only be looked at for breakfast/lunch menu.Listed in: The Heights
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Review from Pritio M.
Manhattan, NY
12/13/2011
We dined here and found the food palatable. My roommate had the Sheppard Pie and it was tasty. I had a salad and it was also good. The calamari was a bit oily but edible. My complaint about the place in that service was totally lacking in the most basic standards and could not even properly serve us a bottle of red wine--imagine a waiter rushing to open a bottle of wine and not offering you the cork-- I had to grab it from his hand as he turned. In short, our waiter lacked the most basic decorum in handling the clientele. No I am not your buddy! Also, when the waiter came to the table, even though there were two men at the table he only addressed one of us. Excuse me, are you insane! We have not returned to this place, but might consider coming in the future, at which time I will update this review and maybe raise the number of stars.
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Review from Kristin S.
Manhattan, NY
6/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I stopped at this cute corner place for lunch while was in Washington Heights for work. I sat at the bar and ate. Good service, good food, reasonable prices.
I had the vegetable sandwich on multigrain, which was very good. Usually I'm not a fan of veggie only sandwiches, especially without any cheese, but I reallllly enjoyed this one. The pesto mayo was yummy!
If I'm in the neighborhood again or know someone looking for a good spot uptown, I'll definitely think of 181 Cabrini. It seems like it would be a great neighborhood spot for dinner/drinks. -
Review from pedro M.
New York, NY
11/11/2011
Kid friendly place, without making me feel like a parent. Really good food, and can't complain about the service.
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Review from Enrique B.
Ann Arbor, MI
2/6/2011
I stopped here with a friend for Happy Hour, which included discounted dinner and cheap drinks.
The drinks were really great, and strong. The food, however, was mediocre. I ordered an asian-inspired dish of spicy chicken and steamed rice. The presentation was nice, but the meal tasted like a frozen Lean Cuisine. The drinks made the food better. I loved the interior but wouldn't get food on my next visit. -
Review from Mary I.
Miami, FL
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dinner: If this was about 100 blocks south, it would be way more expensive... So I'm glad it's not!
This is our go-to place in the hood. It's not ZOMGAMAZINGNOMNOMNOM, but it is very good, most of the time. The caramel brussels sprouts are definitely the highlight of dinner here. My man loves the steak, and it smelled amazing.
Lunch/Breakfast is a little more difficult for me with gluten issues, so I usually get an omelette. The potatoes are to die for, and the coffee is really really good.
The service is... Iffy? It depends on your server. Some of them are great, and some seem..... new.
Overall though, a great option for the area. -
Review from Catarina R.
Manhattan, NY
10/13/2011
Used to love this place and I was a regular. I would recommend the grass-fed burger to everyone. It was something I craved and I was so happy I had a responsible meat option so close to home. I recently took my friends there for brunch and they did not enjoy the burger. I thought it was just a matter of their taste, but the next time I ate the burger I was proven wrong. The burger is smaller and the taste is completely different, definitely a decline. I complained to the waitress but received no response or acknowledgment. The only thing I will patronize 181 Cabrini for now is their bar for wine.
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Review from Alyvia M.
8/16/2011
I'm psyched to have 181 in my new hood! What a trustworthy menu. Their garlic shrimp is amazing, but VERY garlic-y (vampires, you've been warned). I love their TnA, if you're going for a specialty cocktail, their touch of ginger makes it- plus, it's not too sweet. The outdoor seating is perfect for this week's weather too! So far, it's the most reliable dinner in the area. Their happy hour is until 8pm (very nice) and their burgers are served on a semi-sweet bun that flaked in my mouth, seriously, it's amazing! If you're not into spicy, don't try their pulled pork sandwich. I found it mouth-watering and can't wait to have it again, soon! The service was spot-on, my water glass wasn't empty for more than a minute. 181, you'll see me again for sure.
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Review from ivette d.
New York, NY
1/1/2011
This restaurant is a great addition to the Heights. It's like Cheers for me. The food is always good to me- eggs benedict delicious and egg wraps and oh the weekend frittata! Its time to change their menus but at least what they have is still tasty after a year of eating there. I have made a couple of bad choices like ordering a Margarita and White Russian but hey I'm more of a morning person, so this place for me- pretty good.
There is no wait service on the weekdays. They don't deliver. The wall serves as a gallery; I can't say I'm crazy about the art. They have a really sweet staff- bus boy and all. Internet would be swell. Coffee (hazelnut) you can't find anywhere in the heights. That said... I am happy they're around. -
Review from Orlando E.
New York, NY
6/28/2010
as many have already stated the obvious for the 4 or 5 stars, ill be brief. the joint is cozy, dimly lit for a peaceful time with your meal. The waiter and waitress were very attentive and prompt with service. There were two hiccups with my order which were easily and promptly remedied by the waitress without fuss or questioning. My food was a almost perfect, had to add a lil salt to my mustard mashed potatoes (there's a reason the shaker is there after all) and my steak was quite perfect. beautifully cooked and presented in its own juices.
Aside from that the prossecco i ordered was quite delicious. Oh, and finally a creme brulee done right, not perfect but just right. yummy. will come back soon. -
Review from Britton B.
New York, NY
2/17/2010 3 Check-ins Here
"Just Shy of Star Numero 4"
I'm not going to lie... this place might have passed up Tazza in BK for my favorite place to grab a chai latte. It had plenty of foam and was really tasty, and while I asked for the large and received a cup that was the same size as my friend's - who had requested a small - I didn't really mind because it was a cup of warm goodness.
It was at that moment that I realized I was a bit peckish. To the menu! I narrowed in on the Chicken Zanny, a sandwich comprised of grilled chicken, pesto, homemade mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes.
I ordered mine sans the tomatoes (I can get a little picky) and then dug in once the food arrived. I was sitting at the counter/bar, so we didn't need to wait long to get our food. The sandwich was pleasant, but not overwhelmingly great. Next time I'll probably get it with the sundried tomatoes and see if it boosts the flavor a bit.
The whole place is pretty laid back and easy going; all the servers seem to know everyone who comes in and were really easy to talk to/order from. It's an interesting place. Half cafe, half bar, and half restaurant (or "one third" if you want to get technical).
They have live jazz Monday nights, which leads me to believe I'll be bumping them up a star once music and booze are involved.
Until anon, 181. I'll be back fo' sho'. -
Review from Lindsay I.
New York, NY
9/2/2010
I have to admit, I was skeptical of you at first 181 Cabrini. My previous food experiences had been just ok though I have always thoroughly enjoyed your wine selection and cocktails.
Last night though, I learned the true beauty of your existence by partaking in the $18.1 Prix Fixe. I chose the "French" edition: arugula salad with goat cheese, walnuts, grapes, pink lady apples and a garlic vinaigrette, the Country Chicken Stew with baby spinach and rice, and a glass of chardonnay.
I was thoroughly impressed with your country chicken stew. The chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful. The experience was subtle but heartwarming and comforting beyond belief. I had serious reservations when I left about not ordering dessert, particularly with that second glass of wine: a Pinot Noir bordering on being a rich, chocolately Zin (exactly what I like in my dark wines).
Every other time I've come, your atmosphere was always classy and relaxed. You have the potential to be oh so pretentious but you manage to pull off the "corner bistro" experience perfectly. -
Review from Art M.
Bakersfield, CA
3/15/2009
WELCOME!!!!!! WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU HERE IN THE HEIGHTS!!!!
It's a great place. They're still new, so they're still testing out the menu, but my fiance and I are in love with this place. Fish, meat, veggies are all solid. The Brussels sprouts are something that stand out in my mind. They're fantastic, crispy and flavorful. They somehow cast-away those bad memories you had of Brussels sprouts as a kid.
I often come in for lunch and ALWAYS eat the "Double OO" sandwich. This sandwich is a chicken sandwich with a chipotle mayo that they better not EVER remove from the menu. The coffee is good and strong, the salads are great, the pasta is good, the wine list is solid and growing, the staff is incredible, the portions are ok (for dinner they should be a little bigger), and the desserts are good.
They are a welcome addition to the neighborhood that can only get better.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Lynn L.
4/8/2009
Took in a quick dinner here last week, and had a nice time. Small, but quality, wines-by-the glass list, along with some specialty cocktails that I didn't try but sounded tasty.
Because I couldn't resist, I started with the fried brussels sprouts. Unfortunately, they had a burned/charred taste - I think they were left in a little too long. The sweet chili sauce that was drizzled on top was delicious.
Also got the mac and cheese, which was a little oily and separated (bummer). My friend got the hangar steak, and it was delicious, so perhaps I just ordered wrong.
The ambiance in the back is bistro-ish with clean lines and dark wood tables. Service was very friendly. -
Review from Chris K.
New York, NY
6/7/2009
This is where I want to be any time I need a little pick-me-up. The caffeine fixes are amazing, although their non-caffeinated drinks (like their hot chocolate...yum!) are just as delicious. On bad days, I have the barista with the flock of seagulls haircut surprise me with something special...which usually entails something with a lot of flavored syrup. Then I take my mocha-cappa-frappa whatever he made me in their beautiful blue mug and enjoy it in the window seat. It never fails to make my day.
I am so glad we have an alternative to Starbucks in this neighborhood. And it's not just any alternative, but actually a good one! Thanks 181 Cabrini! -
Review from Mickey L.
Manhattan, NY
8/23/2011
This is one of my local haunts. I went for brunch for the first time this passed weekend, the food was good for the price. The service was embarassing, I brought friends and I was very let down by the service staff. The only one who was helpful and accomodating was a bus boy that spoke very little english. I wanted to hand the majority of the tip to him. We were all restaurant people, and had the service been up to par we would have tipped like rockstars.
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Review from Jean W.
Los Angeles, CA
5/22/2011
When I visit home, my mom and I go here a lot because it's 50 feet from her doorstep.
But that is the only reason.
The coffee is good. As are the chocolate chip muffins. So if it's 9 am and you're headed up the hill to the A train and plan to just grab some java and carbs to go, then great. More than 1 star. 4 stars.
But if you plan to have dinner, maybe a breezy walk up to 187th street might be a good idea. I had the worst Manhattan of my life here. My fries tend to come out undercooked, and my veggie burger bun has been straight up soggy the last THREE visits. My mom loves her vino, and the last few times we've gone, they've barely filled 1/4 of the glass. And the large pipes hanging from the ceiling tend to clammer. I'm trying to enjoy my quarter glass of wine and wet french fries, and it sounds like there are demon babies trying to hammer their way out of the pipes. I feel badly giving such a poor review, but we've been there SO many times... and our experience just seems to get worse.
Next time I'm in town, it's Bleu or 107 or the new Thai place. -
Review from Amauri T.
New York, NY
5/11/2011
Pretty OK for taking it slow with a couple of drinks and reading material on weekday afternoons. After many chances I can't say I've enjoyed anything from the menu though.
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Review from Pascal R.
Manhattan, NY
7/26/2011
I, personally, really like this place. It's right around the corner from my apartment and their happy hour runs late-ish. I don't often eat here too, but the times I have were satisfying. It's not the best food in manhattan but you certainly won't be disappointed. Try the caipirinhas, they're not too far off.
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Review from MARIANA L.
New York, NY
11/14/2009
3 1/2 stars
This has been a Godsend to freelancers I know who hang out here all day. A low-key and somewhat trendier ambiance that is very welcome on this block. You can come here for coffee, or hang at the bar for a glass of wine.
The dinner and brunch menu are somewhat limited, but you'll find something you want. Dinner is better than brunch. Brunch didn't wow me, they offered the staples, (pancakes, omelets, eggs benedict). The dinner menu on the other hand has interesting salad options, a macaroni and cheese, burgers, pepper crusted yellowfin tuna, etc.
Service can be slow and occasionally clueless, but in this zip code, it's typical. -
Review from Maddie C.
Duxbury, MA
8/16/2011
Stopped in for a quick breakfast before leaving the city! Cute place with delicious food! French toast is a must!
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Review from Kira M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2010
I came to 181 Cabrini for brunch with a group of friends (who were visiting The Cloisters) when New Leaf ended up being closed for a private event. It offers solid, standard fare: my breakfast burrito didn't have that slight chemical taste that some do; their complimentary Bloody Marys (included with the meal) were not overpeppered and undrinkable like most. (Can you tell by the way I'm writing that I had low expectations?)
I also randomly returned to 181 one night for a glass of sangria. Not quite Churrascaria Plataforma material, but I was nonetheless pleased. -
Review from Noelle S.
Smyrna, GA
7/16/2011
Went for the brunch special. Got bloody Marys but there was so much horseradish sauce it tasted like I was drinking cocktail sauce. The mimosas were much better. The food was delicious and they give fairly large portions. Service was slow. Definitely would go back.
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Review from R. B.
New York, NY
3/22/2009
It's about time we had some alternatives and 181 Cabrini delivers!
Great ambiance, friendly staff and a small, but growing quality menu all add up to a fine neighborhood mainstay-to-be! -
Review from Augusto M.
Manhattan, NY
5/10/2011
This place is OK. Should be so much better for the prices. The food was really hit or miss. The blueberry wings were interesting, really liked them. But the steak was overcooked, salty and i suspect frozen, cause she told us it would take a long time, even though we asked for it medium-rare. The James Chicken was actually quite good, different flavor. But all the sides were mediocre. The plain white rice was really off putting too.
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Review from T j.
Manhattan, NY
11/21/2010
It's a bird, no it's a plane, no it's... that crappy dive bar around the street guised up as something more. You walk into this place and you want to believe it's decent. There is a familiar smell, something tells you it's going to be an oasis where you just might feel at home. Now back to where I started: It's a bar, no it's a cafe, no it's a restaurant. You see, the problem here is this place is trying to do all three (bar, restaurant, cafe) but does none of them well. I had brunch here and it was disgusting. One of the most greasy meals I've had all year - not cooked right and when they tried to correct the mistake they made it worse. Coffee wasn't very good. Drinks might be alright for the happy hour deals they have during evenings. But this is a place that needs to go back to finishing school.
