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5 & Diamond
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
2072 Frederick Douglass BlvdNew York, NY 10026
Neighborhood: Harlem
(646) 684-4662
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cathedral Pkwy (110 St) (A, B, C)
116 St (A, B, C)
Central Park North (110 St) (2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Tue-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11:30 pm
Sat 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Romantic, Classy, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Maya F. said: "Post-opera grub can be hard to find, especially on a Wednesday night. It was just minutes after 11PM and we were feeling a little too glamorous for Rosa Mexicana or P.J. Clarke's; Marea had just closed. It was such a pleasant evening…" read more »
80 reviews for 5 & Diamond
Review Highlights
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"Good menu, solid food, phenomenal mac & cheese." In 9 reviews -
"This was some of the best food I've had in Harlem." In 17 reviews -
"My father had the pork tenderloin that was cooked to..." In 5 reviews
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80 reviews in English
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Review from Shameek R.
Manhattan, NY
4/15/2012
This place gets 4 actual stars and 5 tentative stars. I can't give out 5 stars until I go back and get consistent service - my nirvana experience might be a fluke for all we know.
So I heard about this place on TV and what struck me was they have Shrimp and Grits with Andouille sausage made out of LAMB...
I was determined to find out.
Me and a friend made our way over to their brunch (TIP: they ONLY serve the Shrimp and Grits during brunch) which started at 11am. Getting there a little after 11, we were first and seated right away (though the place does take reservations). We sat outside so I can't remember the interior of the restaurant, but I can say it was small (seats maybe 30 or so), but well appointed.
The service was outstanding. Other restaurants could and should come and take notes on this place.
The Shrimp and Grits comes with sunny side up eggs ( you can request they be prepared any way you like though - I did and asked for scrambled with cheddar - so I'm traditional - so what). My friend ordered the Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles with Banana - Habanero Syrup. The Chicken and Waffles comes with an alcoholic beverage choice too (Sangria anyone?)
Wait, Banana - Habanero syrup? That sounds intriguing.
The food came out in good time and...
Yowza! The food was delicious. Giant shrimp flavored nicely (though cooked a tad hard) with peppers and onions in a nice chessy grits dish that is not too soupy and not too thick. The Andouille sausage? They were there, AND made of lamb, but not as flavorful as I thought. My eggs topped the whole plate and I was good to go. Yummy.
My friend had the chicken and waffles with...banana-habanero syrup. So when they bring out the dish, the waffles have already been "syrup-ed" and the chicken is on top. Now the crust on the chicken is pretty good; it's crispy from the buttermilk with savory flavors and a touch of sweetness (maybe honey).
The waffle? With the banana-habanero syrup? Well the waffle was light and flaky. The syrup was infused nicely into the waffle. The hint of banana was there. There were even several banana slices on top of the waffle. I missed the habanero though...
Overall, Amy Ruth's still has the best chicken and waffles in town. But the buttermilk chicken was different and tasty. The waffle was decent, with hint of banana, but no spice.
The shrimp and grits? They're high on the list of some of the best shrimp and grits I've had in NYC.
I will definitely keep this place on the list, and hope to return soon to let them earn that 5th star (it's really theirs to lose). -
Review from Andy B.
Manhattan, NY
5/8/2012
I didn't realize it until we were done eating, but the runner was wiping the edge of the plates before he brought them out, get this, with the same towel he was cleaning the tables with.
I thought I saw it once, then when they were taking away our plates, and he wiped down our table before dessert, I saw him walk straight to the kitchen window and wipe the edges of some more ready to go plates with the same towel.
It's now one of those places on my short list of places I will never enter ever again. -
Review from Sydney P.
Manhattan, NY
4/24/2012
I really enjoyed this place. Its small and cute. Located right on Harlem's "Restaurant Row"
The Happy hour was very tasty and priced well.. $5 drinks and food. I had the sangria & pear bellini.. very good. I also had the mac and Cheese (Yum) and Wings (average but good) -
Review from Shauna And Rob I.
Manhattan, NY
4/16/2012
The restaurant was nicely decorated, it was simple with nice exposed brick, simple decor and wood tables. The bartender was nice.
We went there for drinks but if the menu had been appetizing and not unreasonably priced we probably would have had food too. ALL cocktails, including our two drinks which were good, were $14 each. When you are a small restaurant in the up and coming (but not yet) area of Harlem 110th-116th, the sky rocket prices are uncalled for. The menu was not tempting for us to eat there and all the entrees seemed to be $23 and up, up, upwards. Even the brunch menu ($30 for all you can drink) had only 6 options for brunch and I wasn't tempted in the least. I don't need shrimp and grits, steak and grits, or grits, for brunch.
We won't be coming back, its a great neighborhood thats diverse and growing, but this place was so overpriced it was ridiculous and undeserved. -
Review from Jennifer R.
Manhattan, NY
5/15/2012
I came here for brunch a few Sundays ago and thought it was amazing. The atmosphere was elegant and the croque madam was excellent. I would definitely eat here again.
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Review from Charles S.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 3/12/2012
I came here with a party of four for brunch on Sunday at 1 pm.
Despite it being busy and not having a reservation, they were able to seat us.
For $20, you can get a brunch item with a drink (mimosa, champagne bourbon cocktail, blood mary, etc). For $10 more, you can make the drinks endless (for 1 hour).
For brunch, I got the Fried Chicken and waffle. It was delicious and exactly what I was looking for. Nothing groundbreaking here, but I was not disappointed in the slightlest My GF got the blueberry french toast, which she thoroughly enjoyed, but was a bit too sweet for my tastes.
Also, our party stayed for nearly three hours and they didn't pressure us to leave at any point (quite nice on their part). They also refiled my drink at least four times and most likely way after the hour was up.
If you are looking for boozey brunch in Harlem, I'd highly recommend 5 & Diamond.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2012
The happy hour deal is really good. Five dollar drinks (great margaritas!) and appetizers are five.… Read more »
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Review from Julia D.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Five & Diamond proves to be a fantastic little spot when you're lookin' for a fancier, special kind of old school American/Southern cooking. They use Bourbon in almost everything, and serve up classier versions of your favorite fried chicken, grits, and steak recipes while mixing up breakfast to be much more alcoholic by offering dishes like waffles with bourbon fried chicken, or bourbon soaked french toast. (Like I said, bourbon in eeeverything).
The service is impeccable, and at least with brunch they bring you a complimentary alcoholic (bourbon, of course) hot chocolate when you first come into the cozy, small establishment. The brunch special will get you an entree and -- you guessed it -- bourbon cocktail, for $20, which is very reasonable considering the portions and freshness of the ingredients.
I wouldn't necessarily trek up here if I lived downtown, but as a practical Harlem resident I find Five and Diamond to be a great brunch spot for when you're feeling something a little more exciting than your standard pancake stack, and their happy hour is an incredible deal (all appetizers and drinks are $5) from 5-7 on Tuesday through Friday. In addition, they mix things up on their menu pretty frequently, and offer an elongated mac n' cheese menu on Mondays (Mac Monday).Listed in: The Harlem Targum
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Review from Ashley D.
New York, NY
4/7/2012
The food was absolutely delicious here. Worthy of the Michelin rating. I'll be back.
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Review from Abbey V.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
My brother-in-law's favorite spot, and he finally got me there a few weeks ago. The bartenders are friendly, and welcoming and now - only after a few visits from him - know him by name, and his order. So sweet.
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Review from Christina C.
New York, NY
12/5/2011
The mac and cheese is OD Good. Like for real. any of them, the crab, the short rib, the regular, it doesn't even matter. Monday Mac Night- that's where its at. Half off drinks ( that are kinda strong btw) - you just can't lose - well except for that ONE time when they must have had a new kid in the kitchen, and the m&c was missing it's magic sauce...
The service takes soo long tho- so go with friends and drink then act surprised when they finally deliver gifts from the cheesy delicious gods.
Ps- I've have the real food on the regular menu and it's always good and totally unexpected. -
Review from Steve M.
Manhattan, NY
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just wasn't happening the night I went. So much on the menu was not being offered since the chef ran out. I ordered the beef medium rare and it was served well done. Not good people. Cold air draft from front door was an annoyance the entire time. Prices are a bit high. Herb chicken was $26. What kinda herb is in that chicken? Waiter was cool. He was constantly apologizing for the inventory issues and the overcooked beef. Seating is extremely tight. Amazingly, they even squeeze a dj in here on select nights.
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Review from Adrienne M.
New York, NY
1/8/2012
I went to 5 & Diamond for brunch with my book club this past Saturday (1/7/11).
I had the Chicken & Waffles: I've had better waffles from the frozen food aisle at Shoprite. The fried chicken, however, was SLAMMIN'!
I also had a side of the Mac & Cheese: The quantity was SKIMPY but the taste was SUPERB!
The venue is SMALL and it was not crowded while we were there. The waiter was SLOW and SLOPPY! The service really SUCKED!
SUCKY service and "SO-SO" food was my first-time experience at 5 & D, so it is highly unlikely that there will be a SECOND experience for me... :-( -
Review from Brian G.
New York, NY
3/30/2012
This restaurant is an intimate place to take a date. Our waiter was very helpful and polite and I got a family feel to the setting (the manager filled our glasses with wine for free near the end of our meal). Definitely want to go back again.
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Review from Kara C.
11/25/2011
Price: $15 - $20
Highlight: The Burger so far
My friend's remark "Have we found a new favorite place? I think we have!"
We just watched a movie at Magic Johnson and were doing the Goldilocks walk down Freddie D. in search of food
- That one is too crowded
- Been to that one too many times
- Those prices are out of control
- Why is it so dark in here? Is this place for men with mistresses?
Until we ended up at 5 and diamond which was just right. A nice intimate place with seating. It is a place conducive to chatter without yelling and would work out nicely for a date, just meeting a friend for drinks at the bar or to have a sit down dinner.
The staff is very attentive and service was prompt. There was complimentary bread, warmed served with butter on the side and a mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil - also on the side. Our burgers came medium with fries and a choice of cheddar or gruyere cheese, with mesclun greens and a grilled tomato. An added plus is the condiment tray of mayo, mustard and ketchup served to each patron which added to the presentation.
A good time. -
Review from Trish R.
New York, NY
10/18/2011
I'm an UWS resident who is discovering the wonderful restaurants in Harlem.
5 & Diamond will be my new favorite. I planned this outing for a friend visiting from the UK and two locals. When I arrived, I found them happily enjoying the small but lively bar scene. They even have a TV for a sports nut like me...no sound, but so appreciated! Nice contrast to the lovely jazz soundtrack in fact!
Djoe was our waiter, and he couldn't have been nicer! Though they were out of a few choices, we enjoyed our dinner...love the great farm fresh flavor..big fan of the Brussel Sprouts, corn and mushrooms...lovely sides for our fish. Locals and visitor both LOVED the evening. Feels very homey while being "POSH" as my Brit friend said!
John was a great pleasant gentleman...so I'd say, between the lovely setting and delicious food and ambiance...I'll be back again!
Meet any friend there at anytime! :) -
Review from Nicole K.
New York, NY
3/15/2012
Really disappointed by the experience here. 2-2.5 stars.
Saw the restaurant on a food network show about Harlem restaurants, so went in with high hopes.
The ambiance was eh, cute place but nothing special. They couldn't figure out that the curtain in the entrance should be sealed on one side since there's a table on one side. Cold wind kept blowing in on us. The guy at the door was trying to be nice and block it but it didn't work. 4 staples would have solved the problem.
We had brunch at around 1:30/2pm. They were out of more than one food and drink item. Really bad planning for a popular place.
The service was fine, would have liked a few more pass-bys to get things for the table, but not bad.
The bloody mary was one of the worst I've had. Thin, weird flavor, and about 12 pounds of a bad horseradish. I love a spicy bloody mary, but this one wasn't spicy, it was really unpleasant and I didn't drink it. (Unfortunately, they were out of the cocktail I had wanted to order.) And nothing in it. I like an olive or something crunchy to absorb the flavor of my bloody, and there was none.
Everyone's food was "fine". I had the breakfast burrito, and I seemed to be the most pleased with my meal. Nothing else was really remarkable in any way.
I went in with high expectations and was really disappointed. I don't plan on going back to try it again.' -
Review from Hashem D.
Bronx, NY
1/6/2012
Went there for the special offer they have on most weekdays (tuesday to friday, from 5-7 pm) where you get to choose appetizer-style platters for $5 each and drinks for $5. I had heard about this place from my girlfriend, and her raving about it (in addition to her being a total foodie, which meant i highly valued and trusted her decisions concerning places to eat) meant that we should try it together, and all i can say is that i was NOT disappointed, i absolutely love it!
To start with, the service is great, the waiters were very pleasant, giving us a very nice table and constantly checking on us during the meal. The menu itself, a specially made small menu for the "5 at 5" deal, seemed a little sparse on the items, but diverse in the offering, ranging from mac'n'cheese to vegetable tempura and sliders (a regular beef and a lamb burger). There was also a variety of drinks, with the newly added "pear bellini" catching the eye (and subsequently the taste buds) of my girlfriend, while i opted for an irish cider. The pear bellini was delicious, one of those drinks involving pears that had just the perfect taste of pears, without being overly sweet and sugary (i tasted some, so this is my judgement as well as my girlfriends - see, this review is good, you get two opinions through reading one review! you can thank me later...).
As for food, we both ordered a portion of Mac 'n' Cheese, and it was delicious, i had heard about it from my girlfriend and also read about it here on Yelp, and boy everyone was RIGHT, this was PHENOMENAL!!! We also shared the vegetable tempura, which was plentiful, crunchy and quite tasty; and also the burger sliders, i really liked the lamb burger which had a special blend of spices that gave it a unique taste, and the regular beef burger was also juicy and tasty, done just right.
Definitely worth a try, if only for the mac 'n' cheese but for the overall experience. I've heard they have a bunch of special nights, and so i will definitely be going again. -
Review from Ryna D.
To say that 5 and Diamond had a rocky start is putting it lightly. It was originally slated to be under the hands of Chef Ryan Skeen but the wanderer chef couldn't even stick around without causing a fuss for more than a couple months and within a few months after opening 5 and Diamond had to replace both the chef and most of the house staff. That it's located north of Central Park didn't make it a candidate for the newest hot spot in town either. But over a year later and under the hands of Chef David Martinez, the 3rd chef to helm the kitchen, 5 and Diamond have persisted to be a refreshingly chic dining spot in the area.
The slightly over priced menu is eclectic and you would be satisfied with any one dish but the fresh linguine with blue crab and sea urchin stands out. The coriander saffron broth is perfect that it does not weigh down the pasta nor does it overpower the seafood and a slight peppery kick brings the entire dish together. The bacon wrapped Berkshire pork tenderloin with figs and a balsamic glaze is delightful and the house pappardelle with braised short rib ragout and Manchego is excellent. For a classic standby the steak is a great option and the burger is the best in the neighborhood. Aside from a solid food menu the cocktail menu is also remarkable. From a boozy brandy and bourbon cocktail mixed with guava, mango, and prosseco to a unique daiquiri using chai tea infused rum the cocktails are well-crafted to compliment the menu. -
Review from Sharifa C.
New York, NY
1/12/2012
lord have mercy PLEASE let the staff at 5 & Diamond figure out the quantity of food that needs to be ordered to properly run their restaurant.
Before delving into the rest of my review, let me preface by saying that I LOVE 5 & Diamond and I'm there regularly for dinner and brunch, it's my go to, it's by my church, it's a meeting spot amongst my friends...it is just there for me lol.
HOWEVER, it never fails (except one time) that there's something on the menu that they don't have on hand. On my first visit in April, I tried to ordered "o we don't have that", ordered something else instead "o we don't have that either"....ummm.....Apparently, they weren't prepared for how much business they would get on Mother's Day weekend. That's an amateur/cop out response but you know what, fine.
The NEXT time I go, same thing happens. So I Google the restaurant later and see if it's a new restaurant (I'd expect this from a new spot) but low and behold, they've been serving for 2 years or so....Come on yall, we GOTS to do better than this.
THE GOOD NEWS: So be prepared to not be able to order what your heart desires. Otherwise, love the ambiance, very intimate/low key spot. The baked chicken on the brunch menu...was amazing (coming from someone who doesn't order it while dining out b/c how many variations can you get) BUT 5 & Diamonds chicken....delicious.
What's better, the mac & cheese....OMG!!!! Besides my own MOTHER'S mac & cheese, this place KILLS it! I sometimes crave it lol (both the truffle mac & cheese and the 5 & Diamond mac & cheese). ***Monday nights are 1/2 off cocktails and other menu items. Another pro to this place is that they change up their menu throughout the week, which is nice because you get a variety if you're a frequent diner like myself. Good luck and enjoy! -
Review from Sahara W.
Manhattan, NY
1/12/2012
I love this place! The food is great. There is an amazing scallop dish they have there, and their specials are always fresh and for the most part local if I do remember correctly. The drinks were on point, and I've never had a bad server there. I think they are doing the right thing, and are raising the stakes for other restaurants on 8th avenue. The only detractors of the restaurant experience for me was an average wait time longer than expected on a busy night (which is understandable) and also that it is so small inside and there is no outside seating.
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Review from andy t.
New York, NY
5/10/2011
This is a tale of two restaurants, which takes place over the course of one weekend.
On Saturday, the chica and i went to 5 & Diamond for some brunch. Aside from the annoying pop music blaring, the meal was quite tasty. Service was prompt and we both loved our eggs with spicy Spanish chorizo. I made a mental note to return.
The next day, I returned and grabbed a spot at the bar for a solo brunch. Eventually I was served a plate of fried egg yolks that looked disgusting, and weren't even close to the eggs over medium that I had ordered. Also no hash browns -- donde estan?
The waiter explained there was a chef in training, and it would take a few more minutes to fix. No big deal, I said, as I nursed my coffee and Sunday Times.
About 10 minutes later, the waiter came back out to inform me that nothing would be coming out. Even the chef came out to apologize and ask if I wanted some pancakes. Total fail. I left without eating a thing. Wasted 45 minutes of my life.
In a nutshell, I don't think this experience is necessarily indicative of 5 & Diamond, which seems like a nice place, but I'm not rushing back to find out for sure either. -
Review from Karyn K.
New York, NY
4/20/2011 4 photos
I strongly believe that 5 & Diamond have some really good food. I liked the owner and service was great.
But this review is for their tasting menu.On a normal occasion it is $50 per person, but Gilt City had a promotion $63 for a tasting menu for two.
The starting appetizer was Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herb Burrata Creme, Baby Mache, White Balsamic Gelee). The Gelee (looks like a transparent jelly) was delicious with the mini tomatoes.
Then there was the Chorizo Crusted Halibut with Asparagus, Sunchoke Puree, Sweet Pimenton Oil). The fish was slightly more cooked than to my liking but still flavorful.
Third dish was Senat Farms Chicken with Vermont Goat Cheese Potato Puree, Brussel Sprouts, Natural Jus. This was not too bad but quite the ordinary.
And finally, we had a chocolate cake for dessert. This was very so-so. Dessert is definitely not a strength for this restaurant.
So maybe the tasting menu isn't the greatest. Portions were definitely half of actual entree sizes. Therefore, the tasting menu isn't necessarily value for money since I could pick and choose my own food and share it with my food partner.
Nonetheless, there are several indicators that suggest that their food is really good.
For one, next table neighbor couldn't help complimenting and oozing 'Ah so delicious', 'Wow, cooked to perfection', 'Best I've had in a long time' for their Slow Braised Lamb Shank ($26).
And second, many friends from school (school is pretty close by) have raved about their amazing 5 at 5 special where beers, wine, appetizers are all five dollars between 5.30 - 7pm Tues - Friday. I have been told portions are great and food is excellent.
Service was great, attentive wait stuff and a pretty romantic ambiance.
I recommend you try it out yourself, and let me know if the food (not tasting menu) is as good as what my next table neighbor proclaims. Go on now!..
Check out my tasting menu food photos -
Review from Nakia C.
Manhattan, NY
1/22/2012
I love 5 & Diamond. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Harlem. The service is friendly and more on the casual side. They could be more prompt, I'm never in a rush when I go, so it doesn't bother me- just pretend you're in Europe! But the food is GREAT!! You can tell ingredients are fresh and cooked with technique. Every dish is a simpler version of gourmet but still very tasty. I highly recommend the papardelle, roast chicken and the pork chops. The burger is just ok. The crowd is usually local and a tad quirky, which makes it fun. Definitely check it out!
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Review from Angella S.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2011
Good menu, solid food, phenomenal mac & cheese!
This is "New Harlem".
I think the cuisine would be considered a semi-updated New American. On the food tip, a little on the oily side (but hey, most people wouldn't complain about that). They had some pretty fantastic options for me--an awesome starter salad, quinoa with sauteed shallots, grilled brocolini, and the highlight of the night--mighty mac and cheese! How can you be in Harlem and not get your mac and cheese on?!
Service though...Needs a kick. Seriously. I'm a snob. I hate it when bussers don't take plates away, or don't come around to check on you, especially in such a small place like this.
Ambiance is semi quiet, semi-chic, semi-friendly. I'd certainly return with friends, or even on my own :) -
Review from kristine g.
New York, NY
7/31/2011
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner after checking out the Central Park pool. I didn't know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised.
We walked thru the doors and were immediately welcomed by the staff, and seated. After taking a couple of minutes to scan the menu, I decided on that pappardelle pasta and my boyfriend opted for the beer and burger special. We got a side of the corn and mushrooms.
Everything we had was delicious. You could tell that the staff took their food and the restaurant seriously.
This place is definitely worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood! -
Review from Kate F.
5/13/2011
Very good food at very very high prices. I like that they pay attention to the look of their restaurant (modern, airy, not too stark) and the look of the food more than a lot of Harlem haunts, but for north of $25 an entree, the inconsistent portioning and occasional lackluster item make me wonder how often I'll be back... The lobster mac and cheese was a standout, the swordfish (though one of the smallest cuts of fish I'd ever seen) was very good. My dining partner loved her lamb - it looked straight out of the Flintsones. Grrr meaty.
If I do return, a full half of my reasoning will be based on the waiter who looks Pacey Witter of Dawson's Creek fame, as in, an adorable 18-year old looking kid who made me feel at once ridiculously old and young again. What can I say? My teenage dreamboat loving self likes a nice meal now and then. And for that (and the lighting fixtures and that mac and cheese) 5 & Diamond gets a new fan.Listed in: My Harlem., Delivery to Harlem. Like God…
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Review from K O.
New York, NY
9/3/2011
Brunch at 5 & Diamond was pleasant. The staff works tirelessly to accommodate an array of colorful characters. Whether it be the local young couple with their dog or the group of tourists from Italy who don't speak a word of English, the staff aim to please.
The food is less finessed than the evening fare but Brunch at most places lacks finesse. Where their presentation is lacking, their quality exceeds.
I will return again and again. -
Review from Stephanie D.
Manhattan, NY
2/4/2011
Went for their "5 at 5" deal that they have Tues-Friday 530pm-7pm, and it was literally one of the best meals I've had since I've been in NYC (Sept.2010).
I had the Mac and Cheese, the duo of sliders (bacon cheeseburger and lamb burger) and the vegetable tempura (SO delicious!), along with the Sangria and the panna cotta (the panna cotta was not on this $5 menu). Everything was flavorful and delicious, the portions were unexpectedly huge for the price, and the servers were as friendly as can be. The atmosphere is great and relaxing, and while they took a little while getting us our bill, the food and the drinks made up for everything. I am DEFINITELY coming back to this restaurant, and telling everyone I know about it :D -
Review from Nick V.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
Came here for their Sunday brunch with 3 other friends. We all opted for the $20 pre-fixe with the option for bottomless dranks for an extra $10. worth it! we all mostly drank the bourbon champagne cocktail. lets say the bike ride around the city afterward was ignorant bliss :)
as for food we had the argentinian steak with two pepper potatoes, baby salad, eggs and toast, another was their buttermilk chicken with mac n cheese and biscuit and another was their bacon and eggs with salad and toast. all were really good. probably the steak was the best value. the waitress was super friendly and knew we were on one that day and just wanting a great time so she kept the drinks flowing. my kind of woman! the place is not super big. the bathroom was clean. they have some outdoor seating but its located on a busy car street so not much people watching. id come back again! -
Review from Jaimie M.
New York, NY
I came here for the 5 for 5 special. Basically from 5.30 pm to 7pm on Tu-Fri you can get a selection of dishes for $5.
What a great deal. The portions were much bigger than expected and the food was delicious. My friend and I got the wings, the potatoes brava, mac n cheese, vegetable tempura and the sliders. Everything tasted great, the only thing that was absolutely perfect was the beef slider, which was a bit bland and dry.
We then decided to get desert at normal prices and that was also great. What a great find! I will be back!! -
Review from E T.
Manhattan, NY
6/29/2011
Cute restaurant--good atmosphere.
Tried two different specialty cocktails, both unique and quite good!
Very friendly bartender/staff.
Excellent food--I loved it all (had the Chef's tasting menu).
This would be a full five star review, except the service was a bit slow. Everyone was super-nice, but had to wait a while for things like water, wine, and the check. We started to grow impatient by the end, when we were the last two people in the restaurant! -
Review from Sarah F.
Manhattan, NY
3/23/2011
I LOVE 5 & Diamond! This is what "dining" SHOULD be!
Solid, flavorful, artful small plates that offer seasonal tastings and polished service. The ambience is lovely. A small place with simple decor and an inviting staff that makes you feel right at home. Cocktails are deee-lish! Fresh fruit muddled and mixed with fine liquor and champagne. The wine list is good. I would like it to be more extensive, but then again I'm a wine snob and the place is small so it's probably just about perfect. The staff is great. Everyone is super friendly without being obnoxious, and I don't know about you guys, but I prefer my service to be a bit understated and not too in-your-face. Too much makes me feel like I'm at TGIFridays...and I HATE TGIFridays.
A little pricey for the neighborhood, but almost worth it for the delicious cuisine and A+ service. All in all, a little piece of heaven. :) -
Review from Elsa M.
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
More like 5 and Disappointment. I have read nothing but great things about the brunch here, but things have definitely changed apparently. They messed up a third of all the orders in our party and what we did get was just ok. The prices are affordable, but honestly - there are way too many great options for brunch in New York to spend time at a mediocre one like this one. Competency is scarce around this place. Just skip it.
Listed in: Oh Helllllzzzzz Naw!, Visit NYC, Overrated Restaurants (NYC)
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Review from Paola C.
12/13/2010
Yummy!
A mix between nouveau americaine and mediterranean... some fun innovative dishes.
My mother heard about it and wanted to take me for my birthday in August 2010. It's a quaint little restaurant with a few tables, a modern take and right on the edge of Central Park on the West Side. It was a Sunday when we went and it was around 5pm so it was quiet and we almost had the entire restuarant to ourselves. Service was good.
The food...
My boyfriend had a deconstructed philly cheesesteak! It was delicious! There were crispy onions and a strip steak, pre-sliced, and cheese crisps that were flattened out, all in a delectable cheese sauce!
My mother and I each had the Branzino that they were serving at the time with potatoes that were turned purple from beets and spinach and shallots that were absolutely divine.
My father had the pork tenderloin that was cooked to perfection, still juicy and seasoned with apples and fig sauce.
We started with an appetizer of a salad that was delicious and crisp and another appetizer that I am now at a loss for.
We opted out of dessert but were fully satisfied with the meal.
The one thing I didn't like too much, and this is why they get one star off, is that they were washing windows and still setting up for dinner while we were eating close to 6pm. A big no no in my book.
I'd definitely come here again and as I understand it they now offer tapas and a $5 tasting/bar type menu, -
Review from Akilah G.
Yonkers, NY
11/28/2011
When you walk in you would not believe that you are in Harlem. Very quaint and chic. The decor is welcoming and attractive. There is an open brick wall that attracted me on first glance 9but I guess that is because I am a fan of open brick walls).
The server greeted me right away and I told that I would be waiting for a friend and her daughters. I was seated and given the menu. It was around brunch time so I decided to go with brunch. Once my friend arrived, we talked some, our server came over and we placed our order. My friend and the girls ordered the eggs and pancake off teh brunch menu while I had the spinach/cheese omelet. When my order got there, my food was comepletely wrong and so was one of my girl'. They sent it back to be changed and my order was still incorrect (once again they forgot teh spinach in the spinach and cheese omelet). By then I was a little bit annoyed so I told the waitress to change it and I'll take what everyone else at the table was having. The owner then came over and asked me about my order, said that he was going to make sure that it came out quickly and fix it. The food came back, it was missing the pancakes and a fe pieces of turkey bacon but by that time I was famished and just wanted to eat. less than 5 minutes later he brought out more pancakes, silver dollar style and turkey bacon. The pancakes werent that good but my eggs and turkey bacon was so I munched on that.
The owner came back out and apologized, briefly, and left again. The place wasnt very crowded but everyone there seem to be regulars.
I wanted to LOVE this place and I dont know why but I just did. I was impressed at the effort to change the food but I felt that they werent very sorry about it and at one point my waitress said "Ok its messed up again, Im out of this one." I could have dealt without her comment. They did take one of the meals off the tab and didnt charge us for our sodas. We still left a decent tip and went on our merry way.
The place is very nice. I see mixed reviews so I am assuming they have off days so I think that I am going to try my luck at this place another time. The next time I will take my husband and do dinner maybe and see how that works out.
I gave 3 1/2 stars because of the decor, ambiance and the fact that they did try to fix what was wrong.
I would suggest people try them, it maybe worth a shot -
Review from Ritamae C.
Bronx, NY
2/5/2011
A great mix of comtempory American fare topped off with a flavorful helping from the Mediterranean. I had a sampling of the delicious appetizers, and topped it off with the luscious lobster mac & cheese. The rest of my party of 4 raved about the salmon with quinoa and the outstanding sangria.
The servers were friendly and knowledgeable about the food and the wines; the atmosphere is romatic and relaxed. The space is small, but comfortable, and the noise level is very tolerable.The use of music is, thankfully, spare.
Welcome to Harlem 5 & Diamond! -
Review from Kelly M.
New York, NY
11/5/2010
First time at 5 & Diamond last night with a group (6 total) of friends.
GREAT food. Mac & Cheese is unreal. I had the hangar steak, which was tender and flavorful.
The service must improve though. Very slow. As soon as we flagged someone, they were there. It was just the length of time for food, drinks and even the bill to arrive.
Hope they improve service because the food was great. Pricey for Harlem, but decent presentation, good flavor and a fun atmosphere. Eclectic crowd. -
Review from Tara B.
Manhattan, NY
11/28/2011
I have lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years, and small new restaurants and bars like this have been opening up. This is a great new addition to the area. It is clean, bright, and intimate, there is a small bar, it had the game on. The decor is simple and sleek. The staff are welcoming and work really hard to please, even if they are just shy of the details, but are more than willing to accommodate if you speak up. The menu is slightly over priced, but the food and drink is delicious once they arrive. Coffee wasn't the best, but it was manageable. We were pleasantly surprised and will likely go back. Note, that it is cash only, or maybe when we went there, but many places in the neighborhood are cash only. We'll probably go back for brunch for sure. PS They deliver too...
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Review from Michael F.
Manhattan, NY
4/8/2011
This was some of the best food I've had in Harlem. Senat Farm Chicken with goat cheese mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. It's hard to find this kind of cusine in the upper parts of Harlem, where I live. But I believe you have to eat at a place at least twice before you can really make a solid judgement. Hopefully, your first visit isn't so horrible you're never tempted to go back.
It's a tight squeeze, but well decorated and very comfortable. Got a res through VillageVines (30% off entire bill), which was perfect because this place does have slightly higher prices than most of Harlem. The service was good, and the bathrroms clean, which as of late has become an important gauge of the overall quality of a restuarant. -
Review from Jessica R.
Bronx, NY
2/5/2012
My family had brunch here today. I chose this place because the brunch menu looked very appetizing and on their website, they publish a separate kids brunch menu, which I thought was fantastic! However, when I asked for the kids menu the waiter looked at me as if I was nuts. It also took about 15 minutes for my child's apple juice to come; when I asked for the 3rd time the waiter told me they were out of apple juice...another 15 minutes for orange juice to get to the table. Don't get me started about how long it took the food to arrive!
OK now onto the food...I think my dish was the best (I had shrimp and grits) - delightful - the sausage that was served with the shrimp was also super tasty. My mom and husband both ordered the chicken and waffles. The waffles were undercooked and soggy; the fried chicken was really well seasoned, but otherwise not so great. The best part of this meal? The delicious bloody marys - they are VERY generous with the horseradish!
All in all, far from the worst dining experience I've had but I won't be coming back to this place. Not worth the money.
