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Categories: American (Traditional), Soul Food [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Flatiron, Union SquareUnion Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
14th St-6th Aves (F, V, L, 1, 2, 3)
14th Street (PATH)
"I love this place. I generally come here for breakfast everytime I am in the area. The waffles with the raspberry sauce...incredible.…" read more »
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When you want some All-American food, this is the place to be.
They have an amazing menu, where you sit and not wonder what you want to eat, but having to decide which you want to eat MORE.
Everytime I go here I always wish I had more people with me. That way I can try a little of everything. This is definitely comfort food at its finest. The Steak Sandwich is GREAT as is the pork chops. Don't forget the Mac & Cheese, or the TV Dinner. Uncle Red's Addiction? The list goes on and on.
If you want a great mean with great service. This is where you will find it.
The boyfriend's idea of a date place is usually touristy (read: bad) so when I walked in here with him and looked at the menu, I was skeptical. The menu looked more like diner food than southern comfort food to me, so I was mentally thinking he was going to be sleeping in the doghouse tonight.
Much to my surprise, the food was great. Granted, I didn't spend $10 on macaroni and cheese like most of the yelp reviewers here, (It better come with truffles if I'm being charged $10 for mac and cheese!) and I'm glad I didn't.
I had the meatloaf and substituted my mashed potatoes with sweet potato fries, which I have a weakness for and the waitress was happy to oblige. The meatloaf was tasty, flavorful and even the veggie side it came with was good. Boyfriend had the wedge salad with skirt steak which he liked, but the steak was cold. Cold steak on cold piece of lettuce was not my thing, but he didn't have much complaints. We also a side of green bean casserole to top off the sheer amount of yumminess we were consuming.
I ate way too much, and the boyfriend was happy he finally pleased the fat foodie in me.
Had a great lunch here with a friend. He was late, though, and spent some time waiting at the bar. The bartender was still stoned or something from the night before - not all that 'with it.' But that was the only downer of the day.
All of the specials sounded terrific, and the menu is a comfort food maven's PARADISE. I had a quesadilla special and was not disappointed at all. Our waitress was attentive enough, and just had this effusive, upbeat attitude, which made for an awesome time - we ended up having a long conversation with her about her tattoos and her young son.
Would totally go back.
This is a "diner-esque" dining option in the Union Square area that IMO is both reasonably priced pretty stable. On a recent visit for dinner, a turkey dinner ($15) offered a GENEROUS portion of turkey, 1/2 grilled sweet potato, steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. The menu offers other traditional American comfort food like fried chicken, meatloaf, hamburgers and country fried steak. Beware the brunch on weekends will usually require a wait. They're also welcoming to families with small kids and offer many kiddie approved selections.
It gets four stars for more than the food. It is located directly across the street from my office which makes it a favorite. Weather permitting you can sit outside, which is just dandy. Great turkey burger and sweet potato fries...
When I used to come here on the regular, I cooked my own food about once a year. Since then, I've started embracing my domestic diva-tude and I can whip up most of the menu at Chat n' Chew with little effort.
Which is why I don't spend $13 on their macaroni and cheese anymore.
I like Chat n' Chew. Their menu consists of comfort foods like Chili and Meatloaf that make me… Read more »
It was Great!! Good service... cheap!
I loved the veg. chili and the mac n cheese was the best!!! Hello!! I loved it and the servings was HUGE!
Great Drinks!!
the location is close to alot of trains... so that's cool..
LOVED it would go again!!
So everybody comes here for the mac n cheese. And most people I talk to say they make a better one. I would probably agree with them if I actually made mac n cheese or if my mother ever did. But growing up in a Japanese family, mac n cheese was not quite a regular dish at the dinner table. I love the atmosphere here and go with friends quite often. I came here for my birthday and everybody but one ordered the mac n cheese. Just plain awesomeness.
two words!
IT SUCKED!!!
My first impression was not great. They wouldn't seat us until "a majority of our party was there." Then they pointed out our table, at which people were sitting, and they go "yeah, they're moving, so whenever you're ready, go on over" and walked away. And we were like "uh what are we supposed to just go, leave our table?"
So then we sat, and ordered. I like that they have free refills. The service was not super attentive, but our waitress was nice, and she even let my friend and I order chicken fingers off the kids' menu, and gave us crayons when I wanted to color it in.
I know, I'm super mature, get over it. We're focusing on food.
So my friend and I had chicken fingers. Big portion for a kid. They didn't have honey mustard but they brought my friend honey and mustard and she made it herself. Amusing.
My other friends had soup and mac n cheese and fish tacos. Overall underwhelmed by the food. The mac n' cheese was bland, needed some flavors and a kick. Even had to add salt and pepper. The chicken fingers were mediocre. My friend liked her tacos, and said they had nice spice.
I like that they have free refills on soft drinks, but the waitress didn't come by often enough to truly take advantage of that.
We ended up seriously loitering at our table, sitting there for about 3 hours or so, and the waitress didn't give us a hard time, and we paid and left her a good tip, and even after that no one hassled us to leave. That's why it gets three stars.. cute place, but food is mediocre and I agree with Dave K on that I could probably make a lot of it myself but better. But hey, it's a diner. So whatever.
Such good southern comfort food. I had the mac & cheese but really wanted a little of everything because everything looked SO GOOD. I have a little soft spot for soul food. The mac & cheese was rich and delicious, just what you'd want. Part of the charm/downfall of NYC is how truly small the spaces are, but when you're eating here its great because you get to see what other people have ordered..mmmmmm. Next trip out, I'm making another visit to Chat N Chew.
Great little place to eat if you're in Union Square and feel like home-y food like mac 'n cheese and sweet potato fries. Definitely not a healthy menu, but so tasty.
I'd stay away from their desserts, especially the red velvet. They look nice but taste less than average.
I was hung over from a night of partying. A bloody mary and a hearty breakfast was my goal.
The Bloody Mary: Vodka and tomato juice is not a Bloody Mary.
Breakfast: I had a "Sam the Butch" which is a bacon and cheddar omelette. The bacon was crispy, the cheese plentiful, and the eggs were fresh.
food is fairly good, but over priced. That food isn't worth $15 or $16 a plate
"Adult" milkshakes are what make this place worth it. I don't know many other places that do that... they let me practically customize my own when I asked for a shot of baileys in my chocolate shake. AWESOME.
As far as food goes, their mashed potato plate is HUGE, TASTY, and CHEAP. I would go there again just for that.
Sometimes, on a cold winter's night, a country girl just wants some piping hot macaroni and cheese. Chat 'n' Chew's got that and plenty of campy country decorations, too. Their down-home menu is definitely heavy and less than healthy, but it's great when you're feeling awfully hungry. Try ordering the appetizer size of the mac and cheese for just the right amount of food. Their coffee is always hot and fresh, so you can linger a little while over your food.
I got a veggie burger. It was pretty big for the $10 I paid for it. There was a side of cole slaw and fries. The cole slaw came in a mini dish while the was a significant amount of fries. I think it was well worth it. From looking around there was plenty of seating, the place kind of has a diner type of vibe to it, and a bar.
If you like comfort food - this is the place for you. Thanksgiving day dinner, meat loaf, great mac and cheese, milk shakes - but also solid salads and other items.
Very reasonable and the food is wonderful.
the only drawback is that its a basement location so the ceiling is low and the layout not very conducive to "dining". I favor it as a lunch place over dinner.
This place is cute. The portions of everything are huge.
I recommend the veggie nachos and the green bean casserole.
The green bean casserole was astonishingly good. Crisp, not mushy green beans, excellent sauce, and perfect onions. It is $4, but I will order it as my entire meal next time. yummers!
Ok, so I tried the Arrrribbbaa Huevos Rancheros finally --- what a let down!
Not spicy at all - I had to unload about a tablespoon of Tabasco to add the spice I was itching for. Also, not enough cheese. How can you have a mexican eggs dish without loads of cheese?!
We also asked the waitress to bring over paper and crayons to play hangman (they provide these to kids anyway) and she forgot/disregarded our request. Boo!
Fattening I'm sure, but so good.
The Banana Pecan Buttermilk Flapjacks are so yummy and the Oatmeal…
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Admist Union Square cafe and Blue Water Grill rests this little subculture restaurant that is all around American, no pretenses and all cuteness. Families, tourists, couples and groups of guys and girls all sit around in harmony, taking it all in stride. Why? Because everyone is here for relaxed conversation and great filling comfort food. No judgments. No need to dress up. And certainly no need for expense accounts.
We sat outside on a balmy night and was greeted by a cheerful waitress who served us a HUGE plate of sweet potato fries which were the best sweet potatoe fries I've ever had in my life. Then my companion got the special of the day, a grilled Atlantic salmon with spinach and mashed potatoes, while I got the Asian chicken salad with a divine sesame ginger dressing. The portions were very big but taste was not sacrificed. Oh no, I dived into the food joyously and unapologetically, stopping only to marvel through my muffled mouth how gooood the food is. Who knew there was such a friendly and casual 'diner' not far from the bustle and hustle of Union Square?
This little homey country throwback in the heart of Union Square is a strange beast to say the least. The decor borrows more from the JFK era or trailer parks of the south rather than the elegance of the NYC surroundings.
However, the Thanksgiving Meal and killer Mac and Cheese will bring back memories of the Apple Pies and all American dreams. Nostalgic memories or not, it is a fun spot to grab some grub and enjoy the 50s decor.
Good southern comfort food, no doubt!
This place has po' boys, bbq shrimp, and some of the best mac and cheese I have ever tried!!!
Came here late night and they seated 12 of us with no problem- waitress was a little ditzy--asked us for our orders about 3 times--but other than that she was a complete sweetheart!
We all tried a few different things on the menu-all of them good but you have to try the Mac and Cheese here--it comes baked and topped with some extra cheese and something crunchy--yummm!
This spot is kinda hidden--located sub-ground level down a couple stairs-Once you walk in, its like stepping into a country kitchen with a plaid, picnic table, type feel!
If your fixin' for some good southern carbs whether it's meatloaf or fried chicken--come here, it will not disappoint!
Also, the cakes-especially carrot look delicious!!
Love this place... my and my girlfriends from work come here when he need good comfort food! The mac and cheese will infact slow your heart down--- it is so rich and creamy.... so worth it. The chicken sammy is my go to dish- it's always a crowd pleaser. Also the cole slaw and fries are always great...
The place itself is a little dive, it's really cute and homey. The service is always fast and friendly- no complaints, and I have gone there enough!
Chat THEN Chew...that's how I would describe my experiences. I've come here on my lunch breaks since it's around the corner and you spend 40 minutes chatting while waiting for you food, and about 10 minutes inhaling (chewing) you food because you still need to pay your bill and make it back to the office in an hour! It was a bit ridiculous.
I'm giving them 3 stars though because I've always enjoyed the food that does arrive to the table. I've had the BLT on multiple occasions and it's simply delicious. Hence, why I've revisited suggest a slow establishment. I never liked BLTs until I had Chat n' Chew's. There's is great and probably will have me still coming back for more. But I'll probably have to do take out during lunch time, or just settle for coming after work just so I ensure I don't make it back to the office late.
**Deal Seeking Diva tip** I'd suggest letting the waitress know that you need to be in an out if you are coming for lunch and if you do wait long for you food, just ask for the check immediately upon getting your food served, so you can ensure enough time to pay your bill.
I don't know how anyone can assert to love Chat 'n' Chew's mac and cheese ($9.95)! It looks and tastes exactly like a double portion of frozen Stoffers ... which I'll happily eat but is lamentable coming from a restaurant. The noodles are too soft (almost over cooked), the sauce is insipid and bright orange, and the "crunchy top" is more of a "cheese helmet"... anyone who thinks this is the best mac and cheese in town needs to get out a live!
Otherwise, the grilled cheese was standard diner quality ($6.95) and it is perfect for a large family dinner with young kids.
If I'm going to eat 4,000 calories in one meal, that meal had better be delicious, and unfortunately, despite my high hopes, Chat 'n' Chew's food woefully under-served on the delicious front. I so wanted it to be the indulgent, satisfying and creative Southern comfort food I always wanted to eat growing up in the South but never got the chance to because my parents were the parents who gave you Rice Krispies on the weekend as your "special cereal." Moving on...
On the plus side, it's kind of a funky little place, if a bit contrived--it sort of does "down-home" in the way Applebee's* does "local"--and you can always get the Thanksgiving sandwich, which is pretty good, and if you're a dessert person, which I'm not so much, they have a mass collection of cakes and pies you'll probably want to try. Overall, the food is pretty mediocre--too greasy, too butter-laden, etc. If someone ever asks to go to Chat 'n' Chew again, I'll probably suggest doing Sylvia's in Harlem instead. I haven't been, but it's on my list...
*I don't eat at Applebee's, I swear.
Just decided to try this spot for dinner on Friday night with a friend. In short, a solid experience, will go back again, but have had better/nothing to call home about.
Food was tasty and very filling - not the spot for shy eaters or hardcore dieters. I had the Chicken sammy which was good and my friend had the Meatloaf dinner which she said was surprisingly good - and good meatloaf is the hardest thing to find anywhere! However, I AM NOT A FAN OF THE MAC N CHEESE! I know people rave, but mac n cheese should be made with cheese, not nacho cheese sauce - it was overly creamy not cheesy. But I guess some people like their mac n cheese that way. Everyone must have the banana cake though, it was DIVINE!!! Rich chocolate banana cake, layered with banana pound cake, and banana cream filing with a great banana chocolate layer on top..... Best part of the meal!
Service wasn't particularly attentive, but not as bad as I thought it would be based on reviews I saw. Beware, there are a lot of kids......
However, def a little spot that I will keep on my list and come back to.
I came here at Scott's suggestion, while we were trying to find a bite to eat post-movie. We say 'Role Models' in case you were wondering. It was funnier than it probably should have been. Anyway, I wanted to visit my friend Alexis at her restaurant, but we discovered that it was a little bit too far from our current location. Plus, it was probably the coldest night in the history of all my cold nights in New York. So, we decided on Chat 'n Chew because it was about a block away.
It was a little crowded, but not really overly so. There was a wait when we first got there, but it wasn't too long. This fat Asian girl also tried to cut us by jumping in front of the waitress taking names, but the wonderful employee saw right through this trickery and we got seated first. That made me kind of love everyone that worked there.
The food was good, especially the wonderful onion ribbons which I could eat every day of my life. I wasn't too crazy about the selection- I always expect diners to have a menu almost too massive to really choose from. Here, not so much. You get maybe a third of your usual diner options. That said, they do everything amazing. I got a lot of food, which made the bill somewhat steep, but it's pretty affordable for a night out if you're willing to spend some cash. I would go back here, and I even might recommend it to some friends.
Been here more than a few times, mostly because close to my college and it's the only relatively decently priced place in Union Square (if you don't want fastfood.)
My boyfriend and I are from the south, well--Texas--and the decor reminds us of some mom n' pop restaurant we would see at home. The food is definitely not as good as down south, but it does the job. Plus, they dish out huge portions. We always get the burgers or the Thanksgiving Sandwich--both of which are mixed in terms of quality. Sometimes they are to die for, sometimes, they're just decent.
He likes the slaw, and we both agree that the fries, sweet potato and regular, are great. Dessert, the pies and cakes, look good, but are a splurge after eating the mountains of food they give you.
Abysmal service.
Our drinks took a solid 10 minutes to arrive, and our food was just as tardy. I ordered my catfish fried and it had obviously been hanging out for awhile because it was soggy and cold. The tartar sauce was remarkably bland.
We never saw our server again, so after putting on our coats and trying to look as ready as possible to be given the check we decided to just walk up and pay. This was achieved without a single apology from any of the staff.
I wouldn't even recommend this place to someone I didn't like.
been there once and that food wasn't bad. nothing special but not bad. The food took a little long to come out
I tend to find myself here at least every other week (especially in this economy) because the other restaurants in the area are so expensive, unless I want to hit Wendy's or Taco Bell..
I understand what the other reviewers are saying about the poor service. I feel like every waitress I get there is brand new and doesn't quite know what she's doing. We've also been placed at tables where the waitress didn't realize they were supposed to be serving us.
However, for me, the food makes up for it (and is the reason I keep coming back). I find the mac and cheese to be phenomenal. But!!! Only on certain days.. I feel like there must be just one specific chef that comes in, that makes the mac and cheese so delectable. Because sometimes when I order it, it has garlic and other spices in it and I get a very generous crunchy top (which is my favorite). Other times when I order it, it just isn't as good. It's still really, really good, but not garlic-y and as flavorful.
I also order the chili when I don't feel like having a tremendous calorie overload. Sometimes the nachos can be soggy (which I actually like), but the chili itself is wonderful and very spicy. It comes with a generous portion of very tasty cheddar cheese.
I'm also a big fan of the sweet potato fries (and their regular fries in general). They're delicious, very crunchy. Although, if you're a huge sweet-potato-fry fan, I suggest checking out New York Burger Co. Their sweet potato fries are out of this world (especially with the mango-curry sauce).
Went here with a group of friends. I was a little skeptical at first because, the name just doesn't do it for me. Something about the word "chew" I guess. Menu had a lot of comfort food and had a lot of different options. The Mac N Cheese was good. The atmosphere was casual and the place had a lot of "antique" decorations on the wall. Overall, the place wasn't my type of thing but the food, service, etc was pretty good and I've got no complaints. If the menu looks good to you, you'll probably really like this place. I'd give it a 3.5 if possible.
I don't know why I keep coming back here. Probably because this place is mediocre and I forget what it's like and so somehow every 4-5 months I find myself here. Prices are reasonable with most entrees between $10-15 and brunch just around $10. Their portions are usually large. Unfortunately, the food could use some help.
On a recent Sunday brunch, I had the eggs benedict special (waittress recommended that when I was choosing btwn that and their Yo Vinnie). One of the egg yolks was cooked completely through, as in hard-boiled. The hollandaise sauce tasted like gravy. And the piece of ham was tiny enough, I had to wonder whether it was there at all. I've never been so disappointed by eggs benedict and if this was my first exposure to eggs benedict, I probably would not order them again. My brunch companion was luckily having the mac and cheese. That on the other hand was a huge portion (really could feed three people) of as he said "Cheese with some macaroni". This is probably one of the best dishes on their entire menu. In fact, I have made a meal of sharing this with a side of sweet potatoe fries (skip) before.
Dinner entrees are generic and bland in that "I could be having anything and I'm not sure I'd be able to tell the difference" way. Service is friendly but unless you're looking to hide from the cold or rain, go to Blue Water Grill, Coffeeshop or Tisserie for food. Or better yet, walk to 3rd ave and take your pick from any of the diners/neighborhood restaurants there if you feel like comfort food.
My default dinner spot in Union Square! Chat 'n' Chew's savory, homestyle menu is right up my alley. I'm a sucker for their TV Dinner (country fried steak, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes), but I actually think their steak with iceberg wedge (complete with blue cheese crumbles and onion strings) surpasses it. Regardless, everything i've tried here is delicious and the atmosphere is casual and homey in a charming way. I totally want to steal their light fixutre idea-- using upside down metal colanders as lampshades, so cute!
The service has always been decent and the wait (if any) is never long, but last time i was here we sat in the front area and had to watch one waitress yell at the bartender and mouth off everytime she came around. Hello, the customers can see you!
I loved Chat 'n' Chew for a long, long time.
I haven't tried everything there, but I do EXTREMELY enjoy the Catfish Po'Boy, which is my food of choice whenever I go there, which is probably why my vision of them is not scarred...
...Well, that was until I tried their carrot cake. I thought that a place that prided itself on its homestyle cooking would have a good carrot cake, but it was definitely abysmal, and that's giving it some credit. (Best carrot cake, on a side note, would be found at BIlly's Bakery.)
During the summer it can be excruciating because there's no air conditioning in the front part of the restaurant, which is actually a big chunk of the restaurant. So, if it's hot out, expect a long wait, unless you like sweating while you eat.
Just go, you'll love something there.
Last night was my 4th or 5th time at Chat'n'Chew and once again, it was a success.
We had a plan....mac n cheese and cupcakes. Went to S'mac....closed for renovations, take-out only. Maybe if it was the summer....but not during the coldest week of the year. After wandering up 2nd Ave for awhile, we came to the conclusion that we wanted to go to C'n'C.
Since it was a freezing, bitter cold weeknight, we only had to wait about 5 minutes. Even if the wait had been longer, I would not have minded. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting and everyone just looks so relaxed and happy to be there.
Once we were seated, I had a decision to make. Should I still have my mac n cheese (like every other time I come here) or branch out? After a few moments (and seeing someone else enjoying their M&C), I went with the old standby...and it.....was.....perfect. Hot, melty, gooey inside, with a perfectly broiled crumbly top. It may have been the best one Ive had there....so good that I felt guilty not sharing....
My friend went for the BLT...which let me tell you, was all B and not so much L or T. There must have been 15+ pieces of bacon on there. While the bacon was perfectly cooked, there could have been a little less. Still, I didnt mind reaching over to grab a few pieces from his plate. The fries were hot, crisp and had just the right amount of salt.
All in all, another great experience at Chat'n'Chew. Its the perfect place to go with friends when you just want to relax and have some serious comfort food.
Great comfort food. The fried chicken and mac and cheese are my favorites. But my eyes are always bigger than my stomach at this place. It's kind of cramped so I'm not sure how kid-friendly it is but it's very homey feeling. It's one of those places that has so much going on decor-wise, that you don't even notice it. I love sitting outside but that's hard to come by in nice months. Overall, the service is good and quick and the food is yummy and not badly priced either.
5pm-7pm Monday - Friday
Neighborhood: Financial District
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