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Friend of A Farmer

3.5 star rating
based on 133 reviews

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional)  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Flatiron, Gramercy
77 Irving Pl
(between 18th St & 19th St)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-2188
Nearest Transit:

23rd St-Park Ave S (6)

Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
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133 reviews for Friend of A Farmer

Review Highlights   

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"I had the pumpkin pancakes and was super happy." (in 10 reviews)
user photo
"…super fresh and prepared well and the Terry Alan Chicken is also delicious…" (in 7 reviews)
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"and the coffee was amazing - me likey the french press." (in 10 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Joanna L.

Elite '09

63

217

Joanna L.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/22/2009

Yes, I did wait in a line to go to brunch. Strangely, it didn't turn me away from wanting to go in!

Sat at the bar, which turned out to be a great idea. Attentive servers (I mean they have to be at the bar pretty much at all times, can you do better?). Ordered the Boomer special (scrambled eggs, potatoes, your choice of sausage or ham, and your choice of buttermilk pancakes, pumpkin pancakes or french toast). Chose the french toast at the urging of the bartender/waiter. I was NOT disappointed. The french toast was aweeeesommmmeee!!

Next time I'll order coffee there. Individual French presses? YES PLEASE! Will I be back? Maybe when there's no line... ok, it was good (but not mind bogglingly good), yeah I'll probably go back!

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Photo of Mark F.

 

1

2

Mark F.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
12/2/2009

I'd decided to give the Friend of a Farmer a chance after spending a previous pleasant evening there enjoying a drink in their cozy yet sturdy bar area. It's a good cocktail alternative when Pete's Tavern's ... "Manhattan's oldest continuously operating bar" or some such thing... (Looks more like a tipsy 19th century tranny in electric makeup listing dangerously) interior begins looking like a scene from John Wayne's The Quiet Man... (irony alert)

The Farmer's Friend immediately makes you feel like you've been taken from an oven, bundled into a red and white checkered napkin, integrated into a  basket and whisked into your seat. The interior is warm and the air an amalgamation of spice born sense memory.

Now It's Dec 1st... The New York City air is cool... The Friend of a Farmer apparently slays weekends... It's Monday... It's late... My laptop just crashed and I've been to two Genius Bars (One on 14th St and one on 5th Ave, it should be called the slightly helpful bar with bitter cocktails)

Once orders were taken... And taken quickly... We were told bread would be arriving. There was almost a hint that the carb and gluten knit affair would be somewhat of a miniature table show... And sho' nuff!

An iron skillet drops to the table bloated with corn pone with a glistening island of apple bits right smack dab in the center... Now that skillets telling me it should be hot... Trouble is... it ain't' It's cold as Christ's stare on the day of reckoning' (See his "Moon's over my Hammy" review) Yeah, It's cold corn bread... and it's dry... and it's... I'm pushing it away now...

The Service was attentive and in the professional learning stages, by which I mean "cracking" and "sparkling" and ""OH!" "I FORGOT TO ASK IF YOU WANTED PEPPER!!!!"" Which is perfectly fine and very nice.

Dishes were delivered quickly... Very quickly... (Note to kitchen... Let a little hooch get sold)

Salad next...

The balance of the Gramercy Park Salad suffered from the haste of the delivery. The bosc pears were not quite ripe, and over powered other elements that sought to bring significant flavor, like maytag blue cheese and toasted walnuts. The dressing was poignant and brought all together nicely.

And now for the main dish...

I know... I should have gotten the the Terry Alan Chicken... That's what my internal sense of cozy was telling me. (Cozy doesn't sit on your shoulder like "good" and "bad." it moves around in side of you, running from age pains) But I got The Grilled Chicken and Spinach.

Now the chicken breasts were okay. They were rather small, and of what seemed average quality. They lacked strong simple spicing which I suppose would have been a waste considering the amount of mozzarella cheese covering the once flock based fowl. This said, the cheese sort of makes up for the over grilled-ness of the chicken... returning it to a false sense of tenderness... "Hold me!"
The Spinach had also not been drained properly and so had that watery flavor that tends to remind me of the First World War for some reason.

I hate to do it... It's the owners choice but the music too... Dave Mathews... People doing bad covers of U2 songs... Really? Go ahead throw a hot skillet at me... See if I duck... Or chicken... Or Goose you again... In fact that's kind of what Friend of a Farmer tasted like now that I think of it... It was like eating a Dave Mathews song... And there you have it... And so it goes... It was a Monday night... I'm sure the Brunch is great... but it sounds like the lines are too long... Have fun! And don't take life too seriously...

Some Deadly Sins of the Farmer's Chum

Heat the Corn Bread and I DONT CARE IF IT"S LATE MAKE SURE IT'S FRESH

What's with all the rushing?

Get Hot Toddy's on the Drink Menu ASAP - (Not that deadly)

Don't use hot cheese as a crutch

Some Sweet Blessings to Bestow Upon the Farmer's Friends Brow

Decent Prices

Wine by the glass prices: Every wine by the glass 9 bux... I love that

Warm environment good lighting

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Photo of Face S.

 

1

21

Face S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/22/2009

Why it's good:

-the long line moves quickly
-the menu is pretty unique
-it looks like a farmhouse inside

Why it's bad:

-the long line

The bottom line...the food is really good. I ordered scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and onions. It came in a frying pan. The food is fresh and quite creative. And where else can you find a barn in manhattan?

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Photo of Cynthia D.

Elite '09

25

185

Cynthia D.

Astoria, NY

3 star rating
10/29/2009

Go during the weekday and there will be no wait.

This place transports you to a barn type setting with wooden walls and seasonal decorations which is nice from the hustle of Union Sq.  The food is a bit overpriced for good ole comfort food.  There's roast chicken, meatloaf, pot pies and things along that line.  Food is good although it could use a bit more seasoning.  There's a great menu of desserts which include pies and such which has the option to be served with ice cream.

Service is really great, all the waiters are super friendly and attentive.

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Photo of David Z.

 

5

11

David Z.

New York, NY

2 star rating
11/28/2009

I've given a lot of thought as to what compels me to write a user review. My recent experience at Friend of a Farmer frustrated me because I was left with little other option to share my disappointment. Sweeping it under the rug no longer satisfies me. I am definitely not out to poison a restaurant or dissuade others from trying. I would have preferred to fill out a feedback card but this direct option was not available to me. My server did not even know the soup of the day so what is the point of sharing what let me down, it will never reach the owners. I do not understand why restaurant owners do not take a more proactive approach to getting feedback from their diners. Even if you do not want care what others have to say (see how far this gets you), at least you can do damage control on your own terms without it being documented publicly. Just make an effort and make it clear that you want to hear how things went, that you care to learn from your diners. Guide your diners on how to contact you and they will share their thoughts!

That being said, my experience at Friend of a Farmer fell very short of expectations. The wait was not long, the decor was warm and cozy, and the dishes all looked visually delicious. All this potential immediately was squashed with cold home fries, a country omelette overloaded with onions, and an apple butter that forgot the apple flavor. Our pumpkin chowder soup was piping hot and tasty but it was brought out with our entrees? Isn't that restaurant 101, do not overwhelm the diner with multiple courses at once? Too boot, my sparkling apple cider barely had any sparkle (flat).

Hey, I ate my entire meal as I was starving however it was not memorable and with so many choices in NYC, it will be a long time before I find myself willing to give them another try. I had high hopes for Friend of a Farmer, they have the perfect recipe for a brunch spot but they failed me with simple mistakes.

Next time, show you care about what I think and I might prefer to try your feedback channel. Start with offering another feedback option other than Yelp and I think you will be surprised that your diners will try to help rather than vent to thousands of potential customers simply because it is the only option they are aware of.

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Photo of Jordan T.

 

1

15

Jordan T.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/21/2009

This is a wonderful, cozy restaurant that feels as if it has been transplanted from the Midwest countryside. The bread sampler is fantastic, the french press coffee a unique experience, and the pancakes-amazing. I highly recommend FOAF for a down-home, country get away in the city.

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Photo of C L.

 

3

29

C L.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/24/2009

So.. 1 star for the charming blonde bartender behind the bar squeezing lemons. 1 star for the cute country decor and 1 star for the yummy omlettes. However none of this justifies the long wait, the fact that my order was wrong or the fact that though yummy, the meal was something I definitely could've made at home. I have been to some other good brunch spots in the city and think that the hype and wait really ruin this place. Check out Danal - it has country decor, privacy, a shorter wait and food that's always spot on.

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Photo of Varun V.

Elite '09

0

214

Varun V.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/21/2009

Pretty great. I just can't give it 5 stars because the place is a bloody madhouse on weekends - never actually been able to get a proper table. I have sat at the bar and eenjoyed a delicious brunch.

Will certainly be coming back repeatedly to try to snag that coveted table.

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Photo of Mitch W.

 

1

7

Mitch W.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
11/1/2009

Well....let's just say, wasn't that impressed. Waited in a HUGE line, which is fine if its worth it, but in my opinion it was not. The portions are HUGE, but obviously it is quantity over quality at this place. Overpriced and not great food by any means.

The wait staff seemed disinterested on a whole. Not inviting or conscientious.

...not to mention a phatty cockroach behind the counter as I paid my bill.  I heard they renovated...

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Photo of Elizabeth E.

 

2

21

Elizabeth E.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/10/2009

Come here for dinner, but do not come for brunch.

I used to live around the corner from here so I really wanted to love it as my go-to brunch spot, but the wait time is just not worth it. Every time I have been for brunch I end up waiting for like half an hour and think "wow, this is really over priced."

Dinner on the other hand, is a different story. I've been here a number of times and think it is a lovely spot for traditional comfort food. Their salads are always super fresh and they make a solid crab cake. I like to sit outside during the summer and by the fire when it gets cooler.

Overall, it is a nice neighborhood spot but just not for brunch.

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Photo of Pam Z.

Elite '09

17

99

Pam Z.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/4/2009

Great for brunch.  Long line, but moves quickly.  Outdoor patio is nice, but there are plenty of good seats inside, too.  I like sitting by the big windows on the 2nd floor.  Very cozy, country home-esque atmosphere.

Food is good, too.  Very hearty portions.  And the OJ is super fresh with lots of pulp, which is exactly how I like it.

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Photo of Karen F.

Elite '09

100

153

Karen F.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/23/2009

we were wet. very wet. (it was in fact raining hard outside)
we were hungry too.... enough to trek out into the rain for brunch
i was homesick. i wanted the comforts of my mommy.
the line was out the door. so people were huddled under the awning waiting to get seated.
it was a 40 minute wait
we said f* it, lets eat outside since we'd be waiting out there anyway.
it was worth it. and rather dry in fact.
the aussie feeding me and the busser who liked to smile kept my glass of water full and my heart happy.
the french pressed coffee was delicious (i wish there was more)
and how did they know my all time favorite breakfast is eggs florentine sans hollandaise?
it reminded me of Julian, Ca which reminded me of home. which made me happy.

ps. in the final season of Sex and the City, Carrie and Samantha have a very important discussion about the russian outside of FoaF. even better.

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Photo of nini t.

 

5

20

nini t.

New York, NY

3 star rating
10/11/2009

More like 3.5 stars.  I met up with a friend visiting from out of town and her pals for brunch here today.  I was first to arrive in our party and was shocked to see the line out the door, since I hadn't done my homework beforehand and read the Yelp reviews.  I trusted my friend though, since she's a fellow foodie.  

The line seemed to move quickly, since I was enjoying some great conversation.  Our party of 5 was seated upstairs in a dark corner.  The decor was cute though...very Fall themed, which I love.  I ordered the hot mulled apple cider, which was good, but not great.  Think that sums up my overall experience.  Went for the boomer breakfast, since I was feeling like a piggy and wanted to try the pumpkin pancake and french toast, which I was very satisfied with.  Only problem was, it took forever for our food.  Portions were large, but on the expensive side.  

I doubt I'd come back here due to the long wait and slow service.

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Photo of David W.

Elite '09

3

150

David W.

New York, NY

1 star rating
8/6/2009

I came here for dinner on a Thursday night, it wasn't difficult getting a table as it was slightly empty.  The food is okay, nothing special.  We got shrimp for an appetizer which was good, a chicken caesar salad for a meal which was below average and a side of sweet mashed potatoes which were decent.  

I would give this place three stars until you realize how much this place costs.  The shrimp appetizer had 4 pieces and cost over $10 I think.  The salad with chicken was close to $20, and the side was about $6 I think.  With a beer, the meal cost close to $40 a person after tax and tip which is just way too much for what you get here.  There are definitely better spots in the area food wise and price wise.

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Photo of Leizl M.

 

6

45

Leizl M.

New York, NY

3 star rating
8/3/2009

Came here for brunch with some girlfriends. I'll admit, the line outside is a little daunting, but one of our group arrived early to stake out a spot for us. The line actually moved a lot more quickly than anticipated, so the wait wasn't as terrible as it initially seemed. They do pack a lot of people into the space, and at times the service seemed a little rushed, but overall it was a decent NYC brunch experience.

I had the smoked salmon scrambled eggs, which were unbelievably delicious, especially with the kick provided by the cream cheese. One of my friends had the blueberry pancakes and really enjoyed them, and the other two, I can't remember exactly what they ordered, but both were satisfied with the meal. The two friends who had the straight-from-the-press coffee had positive reactions to the strength and taste of the brew, and any brunch place that has good coffee paired with tasty food is a winner in my book.

All in all, I'd come for brunch again, provided the line moves just as quickly as it did the first time I went.

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Photo of Anna A.

Elite '09

17

149

Anna A.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
8/3/2009

The dinner of shepherd's pie was homey and satisfying, but unfortunately too hot: I had to wait for over 30 minutes with the plate right in front of me before eating the dish no longer put me at risk of third degree burns to the tongue.
Somewhat haphazard busboys managed to serve us somebody else's food and then pried it away from our hungry paws just when we were about to dig in.

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Photo of justin t.

Elite '09

11

106

justin t.

New York, NY

2 star rating
10/3/2009

overrated. why is there a line outside???

let me just say, i wanted to like this place -- it was very, very cute

however, brunch was disappointing -- eat beater omelet with underseasoned, lukewarm home fries. there are so many better places for brunch in the city...why would you even come here?

service takes forever, probably wont come here again unless someone drags me in to try the dinner

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Photo of wendy k.

 

0

36

wendy k.

New York, NY

2 star rating
9/27/2009

Perhaps better for brunch????  Really, really nice staff.  Cute, cute place.  Good location and people watching.  Food just doesn't work.  Soggy vegetables, dry cornbread, ?and was that freezer burn I tasted.  Really wanted to like this place-had been wanting to go for years.  Disappointing.

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Photo of Casey R.

 

10

11

Casey R.

New York, NY

3 star rating
10/15/2009 3 photos

Being that I was born and raised a country girl, I sometimes look for places that remind me of home. Friend of a Farmer hit the nail on the head in terms of giving me the comfort of home however, I was not too impressed with the food. I ordered the health western omelet which was pretty good. My friend ordered the macaroni and cheese and it almost tasted like it came from a box with Velveeta cheese! You'd expect it to be baked with a crispy top but that was definitely not the case. Also, they serve you cornbread with apple butter (one of my mom's favorite things) and both could have used some sweetening.  I'd probably give Friend of a Farmer 3.5 stars but I don't think it deserves a 4.  The atmosphere is great but the food was just a bit too bland!

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Photo of cccc L.

 

7

14

cccc L.

Irvine, CA

4 star rating
6/30/2009

Came here for a Friday morning breakfast.
Definitely missed the crowds.
The French press coffee was tasty.
The two of us shared the pumpkin pancake and the egg white scramble.
The pumpkin pancake stood out and walnuts inside.... Yum yum yum......
Too bad I'm not closer to NYC, definitely worth going back to....
Yes, I am a fan.....

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Photo of Juston P.

Elite '09

21

124

Juston P.

New York, NY

4 star rating
5/30/2009

With friends like this, the Farmer must be quite a catch!  This friend is one attractive chick: cute as a button, hospitable, and delicious (oh stop it).  She's one nicely put-together lady, too.  Cute ornaments abound and she even serves pancakes on little hand-griddles and omelets in deep dish frying pans.  

You'd never know it, but she's huge!  Sure, she hides it well, but any respectable plus-sized lady knows how to dress it down.  Get inside and you'll find space for, like, 200 people!

Friend of a Farmer, you're allllllllllllright!

ps - the service sucked.

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Photo of Marshall H.

Elite '09

25

205

Marshall H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/13/2009

Good. Not great.

Went with a friend somewhat late on a Friday night for dinner... I suppose this is more of a brunch spot as opposed to dinner, but we had high hopes from all the good things we'd heard. Service was fine, but nothing to be ecstatic about.

As the food goes, it was just alright. I had the tuna special, and my friend had the chicken pot pie, which has apparently been on the menu for 20 years according to our waiter. The pot pie was clearly the winner, even though it was a little heavy for a nice July evening. The tuna was supposed to be cooked medium rare but came out more like medium on average. It was solid and the light salad it came with was exactly what I was looking for on a warm night. Nothing was very pricey and we didn't fill ourselves up on apps or dessert so it was a reasonable meal when the check came.

Good beer options kept me happy though, even though the list was small. Any restaurant that serves beer from Stone Brewing Co. is okay in my book. I wouldn't recommend Friend of a Farmer for dinner in particular since I think there are better dinner options nearby, but it seems to be the place to be for brunch so I will have to come back and give that a shot. That said, it was nice to eat outdoors and the atmosphere in general is really mellow and enjoyable on this quiet block.

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Photo of Lucius K.

 

10

27

Lucius K.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/6/2009

Pricey but good fresh flavors. I had a late dinner here. The service was quick and attentive.

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Photo of Jen G.

Elite '09

50

111

Jen G.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
5/8/2009

This was more like a four-star experience but I am overreacting to the fact that the waiter had to read the specials from a piece of paper and got off to a bad start and was a bit slow...Also, there was weird construction going on and an odd situation when waiting for the upstairs bathroom.

But other than those quibbles, this is really a lovely spot. It's especially nice for sitting outside on a balmy night.

We ordered a bunch of dishes, including the stuffed chicken, lamb special and a baked fish. The sides were generous, the prices were reasonable-- hello, $35 for a solid bottle of pinot noir?-- and there's an overall freshness to the place that reminded me of places I've been to in the South.

I would definitely be interested in what they could do with brunch here...seems like the majority of the reviews point to that...

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Photo of Nancy L.

 

0

15

Nancy L.

Lansdale, PA

2 star rating
7/31/2009 2 photos

Not entirely sure what all the brunch hype and that long ass line outside is all about.  Menu is lacking (waffles, pancakes, and a whole bunch of omelets).  I'm not really an omelet person, but was forced to order one due to the bare bones menu -- and of course they performed the ultimate brunch sin.... using egg beaters as a substitute for real eggs!!!
Although not a requirement for good brunch, the drink menu was kind of subpar.  You definitely won't find the standard mimosas and bloody mary's here, but having a beer with brunch actually worked out really well.
On an entirely different note, our waiter was a really hot Australian guy... I'd probably go back just for him. =)

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Photo of Elizabeth H.

 

3

37

Elizabeth H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/7/2009

I have been to Friend of a Farmer for brunch a number of times. The farmhouse setting is really neat and even lovelier in the fall with extra vegetables around for decoration.  The brunch here is excellent - whether it is an omelette or a pancake dish, I have tried a number of them and they are always good.  The corn bread and apple sauce that is complimentary for each table is also a nice touch.  The only problem is the line that can stretch down the block and take 30 to 60 minutes just to get inside AND the incredibly slow service you face once seated at a table.  (Tip: get a coffee from 71 Irving while you wait).   You would think that a place with a line stretching down the block outside the restaurant would be in a rush to get you served and out the door but instead I've always been incredibly frustrated with how long it takes to order and to get anything done in a reasonable amount of time in this restaurant.    But still, the food IS particularly good

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Photo of Marina G.

 

13

31

Marina G.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/21/2009

I live in the neighborhood and every time I walk by there is a crowd of people in front of the place.  Luckily we went on a random Friday afternoon and were immediately seated at an outside table.

I definitely had higher expectations. The food was tasty, don't get me wrong, but highly overpriced. I had the Gramercy Park Salad with chicken which cost me an extra $6 to add. Like I said, good meal but not quite worth the $20 paid.

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Photo of Jordan S.

Elite '09

12

60

Jordan S.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
5/17/2009

It's always busy for brunch, and it's a really cute spot.  I saw James Ven Der Beek (actually he was at the table next to mine) when I was at brunch with a friend.  That time was pretty good.  I had the eggs benedict, and enjoyed that the coffee came in a french press.

However, I came here more recently and ordered the same thing, but the eggs were over-cooked, the coffee was a bit too cold when it came out, we had to ask for the cornbread after not getting any for 15 minutes, and the waitress was non-existent.  I was a bit miffed to say the least.  I don't like waiting in line for 30 minutes just to have so-so food and mediocre service.

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Photo of Rebecca D.

Elite '09

21

121

Rebecca D.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/13/2009

Searching for a place to camp out, eat, and drink for a few hours before a show at Irving Plaza, we ended up having an early but long dinner here.  They had a bunch of specials, which was good, but they didn't have the vast majority of the wines on their list nor the Terry Alan Chicken (which was my original plan).  We ended up ordering a bottle of merlot (the waitress let my bf taste their pinot noir before ordering because they didn't have cabernet), the baked salmon, and the lamb chops (both specials).

The corn bread was pretty good, but yup, still not enough delish apple butter.  Ben said the salmon was good but after tasting my lamb, decided that I had out-ordered him.  The lamb was kick@$$.  The sauce was tangy, the root vegetable mash sweet, and the meat cooked to perfection.

With all that time to kill, we ordered a piece of apple pie a la mode to split and coffees.  Unlike many restaurants that make you split pie from the one plate and fork-fight over who gets what, they split the pie for us on 2 separate plates.  Classy.  A "cup" of coffee is actually a huge mug and a mini-french press containing about 2 full servings.....each.

A solid choice for a leisurely, if slightly pricy, dinner.

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Photo of William S.

 

6

48

William S.

East Elmhurst, NY

4 star rating
7/7/2009

The first place I stumbled into when I moved to New York was friend of a farmer. And what a lucky accident that turned out to be. I now go there a least a few times a year (as I know live nowhere near that neighborhood) for their earthy country cooking. I prefer their dinner menu to lunch, but good things can found from both menus. One of my favorites: the braised lamb shank.

Getting to be a bit pricey though...

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Photo of John M.

 

5

86

John M.

Newport Beach, CA

5 star rating
8/9/2009

I must admit I've only been here for breakfast and brunch (I LOVE breakfast) but I will say that they have the best pancakes, eggs Benedict and back country eggs (I LOVE Crab)... if you aren't familiar with NYC, the Gramercy Park area rules.

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Photo of stephanie f.

Elite '09

16

37

stephanie f.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

3 star rating
6/10/2009

I went to Friend of a Farmer with a group of 5 on a Saturday around 1:30. We waited inline for about 30 minutes which wasn't too bad, but when we finally got to our table we were cramped in a hot corner with little space.

As an app we ordered the Carb'i'licous bread plate. This may have been one of the most unhealthy things i have eaten in months, and i greatly regret it now, but it was amazing at the time and great for nursing my killer hangover. It came with some banana bread, some sort of dark bread,corn bread and a few others along with apple butter. pure heaven.
there literally was not a crumb left on the plate.

Most of the table ordered eggs, however i opted for a chicken wrap. The first half of the wrap was to die for - chicken, fresh moz, avocado, and toasted. simply amazing. However, my other half was mush by the time i got to it for some reason which was not too pleasing to see.

Now while the food was good, the service was lousy. We had a new waiter (told us it was his second day - but still - i could have done better).
It took what seemed like an eternity to get refills on drinks and no joke about 30 minutes to get a check. then when we got the check my CC was overcharged - double the amount. I'm assuming b/c of the crowd service is normally better.

Would I go back? If I had a craving and a need for banana bread, yes. Otherwise not so much..

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6

14

Lynn C.

NY

3 star rating
9/20/2009

Came here for brunch on a Sunday. We were seated right after we got there around 10:30am, and there were 5 of us. The place is really cute, but the seatings upstairs were a bit dark. I ordered Eggs Florentine but wasn't impressed at all. The eggs were overcooked, which I hate, and the spinach was very bland. But my cafe au lait was yummy. Overall, I thought it was okay. I would never go out of my way to come here for brunch though.

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0

31

Chris B.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/6/2009

Terribly overrated.  Without fault but without flare.

The coffee was quite good.  If i could have had more than 1 cup, perhaps I'd rate the service a little higher.  Where did they go?  

The eggs were bland.  My order was wrong - even if correct, it wouldn't have earned more than 3 stars.  The pancakes were dry.  

Will not visit again.

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Elite '09

17

142

Erika C.

New York, NY

3 star rating
5/30/2009

I've only had the yogurt and an omelet (both of which were perfectly respectable), so I can't really comment on the food.

I can say that this is a super cute place that is good for a group. It's both spacious and affordable. They were able to seat our party of 7 immediately on a Sunday at 11.

It's three stories, and is in what appears to be a spacious country home. Frankly, I'd like to kick the entire shebang out and live there myself.

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Elite '09

102

139

Jane L.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
2/19/2009

Bland. Boring. Blah.

Nothing like a cup of over-roasted, expired coffee to start your day.

While many could describe Friend of Farmer as cutesy or quaint, one would be more accurate in comparing it to a dingy, ramshackle cottage.

The food is lackluster at best.  The only positive trait my Farmer's Market omelet had was that it was large.  The omelet was tasteless and unseasoned, the veggies (mushrooms and spinach) dissonant and disagreeable.  Soggy, no crunch, no love.  It was like a marriage between JT and Britney: jejune, trite, and doomed for failure.

The high point was being able to sit on the side walk seating to enjoy the rare NY calm in the early morning.  Other than that, I'd rather stay home and cook my own eggs.

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23

Natalia H.

New York, NY

2 star rating
10/28/2009

If you want to wait a long time for a table and for your food and pay $13 for 4 small, dry pancakes or an undercooked waffle then by all means this is the place to go. I had zero expectations for this place. I always saw a line for brunch and wondered why the place was so popular...I have no idea why people go here. Walk a few blocks downtown and you'll find much better places for brunch. The only thing it has going for it is the charming country decor.

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Elite '09

158

248

Jessica B.

New York, NY

2 star rating
1/23/2009

I don't get it.  I just don't get it.  

Better:  Good / Jane / Isabella's

In another league:  Norma's

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3

44

Lee O.

New York, NY

4 star rating
5/16/2009

This place is reeeeaallly good but everything is really heavy and filling.

Coffee and breakfast are fresh and excellent. Lovely location.

The decour is a little weird but  you'll get over it after you start eating.

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4

7

Jeff D.

New York, NY

3 star rating
2/11/2009

Before I forget, order a bottle of the Coney Island Lager to drink while you're munching on the excellent cornbread before dinner, it's a great beer and comes in a nice big bottle.

The decor is like a rustic french farmhouse, heavy on the flowers and a bit too "look how much like a rustic french farmhouse that wall is, can you hear the sheep bleating?" But yeah, its ok.

So this is one of those places where none of the food blows you away, but you're not disappointed by anything either. As my companion Chloe so insightfully put it, you finish your meal and you feel nice and full, but you can't help feeling like maybe you should have tried something else on the menu instead. You know what I mean.

I had the Terry Alan Chicken, and while it was certainly interesting (as anything that has cheddar cheese and a "citrus honey raisin" sauce must be), I don't really remember what it tasted like, other than it was good. Chloe had the pot pie which looked freaking amazing. Like a picture of a pot pie someone spent all day painting. And, like everything else it tasted...like a pot pie. Like a better-than-average grandma thing. A quick glance at the plates of our other companions led me to believe the experience was the same for everyone.

I guess I can't imagine a more perfect 3 star yelp experience. I think I'd go back, but I don't know. If someone asks me about it, I think I'd tell them to try it, but I'm not sure. I almost wish the waiter had spilled something on me or the pot pie had currants in it or something, anything to push this back to 2 stars or up to 4. But here it sits at 3, forever and ever.

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