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Category: American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
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yum yum yum!
Thank you Marlow & Sons!
Yet again you have made my day wish you perfect (yes perfect) cappuccino, and deliciously flakey croissant.
Too many wonderful things here. Really, too many. I kinda wish I could put my bed here and just live around all the wonderful yummy things.
We decided to sit at the bar, because:
1. I like sitting at the bar (usually).
2. Those were the first seats that opened up after an hour's wait.
3. I can read minds, and all the two-tops were thinking, "I see all these people waiting for my table. But I'm still going to sit here for another 1/2 hour after I've finished eating, nursing my last drop of wine. God, I love wearing plaid."
4. This was the only way I could sit next to the old woman who INSISTED on elbowing me in the ribs over and over again. Seriously lady, if you weren't 75, I WOULD END YOU.
But all this hassle is worth it, because of the food.
We started with the fresh, perfect oysters that did not need the accompanying vinegar, and the enormous ball of creamy, delicious chicken liver pate. It is served with toasted bread and cornichons, and is really too much pate for two people (but I ate it all anyway). My girlfriend enjoyed the crostini more than I; it was topped with grated goat cheese and wine grapes. Interesting, but not my favorite.
We also shared the beer and onion soup that was on special, and by shared I mean FOUGHT OVER. it was out-of-control, lusciously flavorful; like the best French onion soup you've ever eaten, with large chunks of bread covered in cheesy wonderfulness. The slightly burned, crispy bits on top were insanely good. Normally I'm a gentleman, but I contemplated tipping her stool over backwards and shoveling it all into my mouth while she struggled to regain consciousness.
Our meal culminated with the brick chicken; the meat itself was as juicy and savory as chicken can possibly be, but the skin was absolutely sublime. Perfectly crispy, you could taste every little bit of seasoning. When I cut into a piece and some of the skin slid off into the beet and swiss chard juice below, I thought my girlfriend might stab me in the eye with her knife for getting it soggy. Luckily, we saved it in time. (I know it may seem as though our dinner here was on the verge of violence throughout, but it was actually quite pleasant. I highly recommend it.)
Apparently I made a grievous error in not ordering the fried corn, so I suppose I'll have to return soon. Perhaps tomorrow.
People thought this was:
OMG! We tried a variety of the appetizers and very very very good. The meat platter, oysters, cheese and fettucine.
This place is very bohemian, which was nice. I can't wait to go back and try the entrees.
People thought this was:
Best meal I've had in NYC - hands down. As all say, the oysters were incredible and the chicken liver pate I cannot stop thinking about. The complexity and variety of flavors in the fettuccine and spatzle were like fireworks going off in my mouth...absolutely worth every penny.
I typically write reviews by giving brief descriptions of each item I partook in devouring, sandwich by purply prose smelling of distinct snobbery with a hint of douchebaggery. However, this go around, i feel the need to do something different.
BEST RESTAURANT I HAVE BEEN TO IN MY LIFE. HANDS DOWN. NOTHING ELSE TO BE SAID. JUST FUCKING GO ALREADY.
peace suckas.
People thought this was:
GLORIOUS!
OH HOW GLORIOUS!
You know when someone finds out you're a member on yelp and they immediately ask you "so, like, uh, whats your favorite restaurant in New York?" Usually I would need to have the person break it down by price, types of food, atmosphere...basically ignoring the question.
I HAVE FOUND MY ANSWER! IT IS HERE! OH DEAR GOD MARLOW & SONS!
I took the handsome James H. here for his birthday off of a recommendation from many a fellow foodie. I was told to order the whole menu as its more tapa-ish style (please PLEASE don't do this as tempting as it may be! You'll be in so much pain....trust me).
I have no idea how this place doesn't have a three hour quote time based off the atmosphere and how ORGASMIC the food is. Its quite romantic: dim sexy lighting, small close together tables, sexy waiters and bartenders and low music (I'm imagining jazz but I could be wrong).
Thank god I'm dating someone whose stomach is a tank: we ordered two types of cheeses, two types of meat and a dozen oysters (half from fisher's island and half from...I forget), the Parmesan soup, the plum salad, the crostini, the fried corn, the pork belly and the salted Carmel chocolate tart.
Nothing was bad, but there were stand outs:
the oysters, obviously being what the restaurant is known for were incredible. I could just come here and sip glasses of wine and consume countless, tender, cold and wet flavor packed oysters!
The Parmesan soup was unreal. It really tasted like liquid cheese- but was so delicate in its broth, not too salty.
the fried corn! oh my the fried corn! Corn deep fried and then slathered in spicy mayo and cilantro! oh dear god! my heart leaps from its chest (probably due to heartattack...but whatever).
I was so uncomfortably full but still managed to eat the tart. Unbelievable! Those little curds of sea salt with dark chocolate and thick Carmel. Melted so softly in my mouth! Surprisingly not that rich.
GO HERE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! see you @ the bar.
People thought this was:
The food is pretty good, but giving it only 2 stars because of our experience there.
We opted not to order appetizers (but we ordered a bunch of drinks - cocktails, beer, wine). The waitress tries to get us to order appetizers but we really were not that hungry, so we declined.
Then later, she brings us a bowl of olives and says "here's some olives for you in case you get hungry before your meal comes".
At the end of the meal, she charged us for the olives.
It's not like we ordered cheaply. We spent $50/person and find this to be quite unprofessional. And even if we DID order cheaply, this is no way for a restaurant staff to act. We are not going back.
People thought this was:
Ok, keeping it short: I like this place, the atmosphere and location.
Oysters were great and the rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream was perfect.
Kind of pricey but ok for what you get.
Sophisticated menu. Eclectic crowd. Grown-up atmosphere. Awesome food. Super-expensive if you go all-in like we did. A must try if you venture out to Williamsburg.
Try: The brick chicken with sweet potatoes cooked in bacon fat. Yeah, bacon fat.
I LOVE this place. Yes, its quircky with the euro-style market in front which turns to dining room by night... a little of a tight squeeze, but whatever....If you happened to read my review on Diner, take that and add another point. I went there recently for my Bday and ordered several things. Like Diner, this menu rotates based on what is fresh, but you can always expect the selection of cheeses, oyster bar, a soup, a salad, a beef, a fish, a chicken and a pasta. Oh and dont forget the constant Potato Tortilla. I was talking about for about a week after I ate it. I miss it.
it's the first time in awhile i've rated a restaurant 5 stars! but marlow and sons earned absolutely every star. everything comes highly recommended.
the toscano was my favorite of all the cured meats.
the oysters were nice but not as flavorful as i'd hoped (can't compare to south of france).
the fried corn and chicken liver pate are must haves.
the brick chicken actually converted my beau into a chicken lover. it was so juicy and had the essence of fresh poultry.
yum! it's now my favorite restaurant in williamsburg.
People thought this was:
30-40's crowd, packed as it can be.
we wait for a hour on a Saturday night 9pm to 10 for a 4 dinner seater
surprises surprises on the appetizers and dinner plates. compliments to the..chefs?
fast service, long lines to the bathroom, and saw some A-list celebrities whom I cannot recall the names of. food is overall thumbs up except for the panelleza (sp?) that threw me off at the last minute..c'mon, eggs with fruit and veg salad? ;( they shoudlve warned me!
I don't want to sound naive, or overenthusiastic, but this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Definitively in the "top three." Each appetizer was better than the next (please, please order the fried corn, and, obviously, the oysters), and my pork entree was as delicious microwaved today as it was served last night (as I said, I had a ton of appetizers). Great wine list, a staff that gives vivid descriptions and recommendations, and great ambiance amongst the industrial Marcy area. My only critique was that the chocolate tart was "too chocolatey" - which I assume to most people isn't a critique at all.
People thought this was:
I have been to marlow and sons four times now and i have never been disappointed once.
The food is always great, and they probably have the best oysters I ever had in New York.
the setting is beautiful, perfect for a romantic dinner.
the only down side for me is he pricing, a little bit to expensive for my budget but at the same time I go there for special occasions. I went with my husband for our first and second anniversaries, and I cannot wait to go back there for our third!
People thought this was:
I've been to Marlow & Sons many, many times over the last few years. Each meal has been virtually perfect. The food is inventive, the drinks are well prepared, and the atmosphere is cozy, if a little cramped. Really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, which changes seasonally. Right now, I'd say the standouts are the beef bourguignon, fettuccine, broccoli rabe, apple cobbler, and, as always, the chocolate-caramel tart. Hot damn that tart is fucking amazing, and it seems to be one of the few items (with the brick chicken) that is always on the menu. If oysters are your thing then they are not to be missed. The salads are usually very good too. Oh, and the chicken liver pate is divine. Over the summer, they served this lightly fried corn appetizer that was pure insanity. I came away with the ability to taste color. A while ago they had this hefty rabbit soup that made me tingle oh-so-slightly. The scene is hipster-y (like every other establishment in Williamsburg), but the food is so wonderful you won't become distracted by the sea of plaid and ball-crunchingly tight jeans. In all the times I've been here, I've only had one quasi-bad experience in which my fish was a bit raw in some parts (uneven heat in the pan?). I was immediately given a new piece and also comped some wine. That's service, my friends. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait. It's worth it though. This might be my favorite restaurant in NYC. It's for reals.
Thinking we were heading to Luger's, the other night a friend treated me to a birthday dinner here instead after reading the reviews. Walking in, you'll notice a counter serving baked good and whatnot, which threw me off thinking that the seating right across from it was where we'd be dining. As we proceeded to the back dining area, I was impressed by its quaintness and rustic feel.
Moving on to the meal, I was told the brick chicken is one of their specialties, so I ordered that as my main entree, but decided to try the vegetable consomme (w/ a poached egg) and spiced olives beforehand for the aperitif. I didn't order the daily special, poached halibut, but my friend did and had a few bites. I love halibut, especially this time of year and rest assured, I'm coming back soon in hopes of ordering this dish.
Definitely a neighborhood gem wothy of a five star rating!
People thought this was:
Great low-lit date spot in Williamsburg, and even worth the trek for those who don't live there. The highlight was the bar menu (nice wine and craft beer selection) and the oysters. Fresh oysters. Oysters from the L.I. and New England. Divine oysters. Did I mention the oysters?! Save room for the chocolate and sea salt tart at the end.
We tried Marlow and Sons last night with our daughter, who lives in Brooklyn. We took the subway there from midtown Manhattan, and it took about 40 minutes, plus a 5 minute walk (in the rain, unfortunately). (Cab ride back was $20). It was Sunday night at 7 and we waited about 40 minutes for a table. Fortunately we were were able to sit at the bar while we waited. Later there were people waiting outside (it stopped raining but was cold). This seems to be an accepted part of the experience. The restaurant was smaller than I expected. Because they pack the tables close together, I'm guessing they can seat about 40 people (40 seems to be the theme number of this review). Most of the clientele seemed to be 30-somethings, a few with young children in tow. Noise level was high and the seating, on low wooden stools, fairly uncomfortable. But the good news is that the staff is extremely nice and the food is definitely good. We had 3 different starters, entrees and desserts. The clearest big hit at our table was the german chocolate cake with pecan ice cream. We liked it much better than the chocolate caramel tart, which was too dense and dark for us. The brick chicken was excellent but it was fairly simple, just well prepared. There was a special of spaetzle with rabbit that had some interesting flavors. The starter of broccoli rape with sausage and white beans, topped with a fried egg, mixed flavors creatively and represents what I was expecting from this place. I didn't find it to be super expensive. I think the chicken was $22.00.
I'm glad I tried it but wouldn't make an expedition from midtown just to eat there.
I am charmed by Marlow and Sons. I tend to go when it's not busy, and I like to sit inside. It is not easy finding good oysters, I'm not sure how they do it. Everything is perfect. This would be a good place to make plans for your future life in a quiet village. They know what they have is good, and charge accordingly. I can't afford much, but I don't mind a light meal.
People thought this was:
Pros: Great Food! Great Service especially Kass! We all had the oysters, cheese plate. I had the chicken, which was awesome...similar to Mamas in the east village.
I must admit the best thing i tried was the meatball sandwich- Fing amazing!
Cons: A little pricey, but worth it for the quality.
Diner / Marlow & Sons is obviously pretty well known and I've been meaning to come for a long time, but I have to admit that after I saw the Anthony Bourdain episode, I had to come b/c it looked so good. I also forget how close Williamsberg is to the LES where I live (literally a 5 min cab ride and close to me that most places in the city). So a few weeks ago, I decided to go with my GF and a good friend of mine.
Now Marlow & Sons and Diner are literally right next to each other and if you didn't know are owned by the same people who own local butcher shop Marlow & Daughters (down the street) where they source their meat from.
Even though there wasn't really a wait at Diner, we put our name down and said we wanted to grab some food at Marlow & Sons and the hostess was totally cool about it. We started at Marlow & Sons, which sort of looks like some old school grocery store, its all wood and had selves of things like honey. The back room is filled with tables. We sat upfront. They have a full dinner menu and seem to specialize in oysters. Here's what we got:
- oysters: wow these were really great, they were from the east coast although i'm totally blanking on where exactly they were from, but the were very fresh and briny...i mean its an oyster, so i dont know how much description i can go into, but they were really good put it that way. They came with a vinagrette sauce and cocktail sauce, i didn't try to the cocktail sauce (i think its too strong for oysters generally), but i did try the vinagrette sauce and it was excelltn
- corn niblets: this was a special of the day and omg were these good. this corn rivals cafe habana for best corn. The corn was corn into pieces and fried, sounds weird, but i honestly i wouldn't have even known it was fried if they didn't tell me, it wasn't greasy and didn't really taste fried at all. It had a parmesan herb sauce on it and we squeezed limes all over it, I can't tell you how good this dish was....wow
Overall, an unbelievable meal. I really highly suggest, going here, one of the best meals ive had in a really long time.
Went here for brunch. The scones were possibly the best I've ever had. After that was a ham sandwich with gravy and an egg on top; an explosion of flavor from only what seemed to be only a few simple ingredients. The service was great, the prices are very reasonable, I will definitely be back for every other meal of the day.
People thought this was:
Top Chef Season 2: Josie Smith Malave, 11th Place
Went there for dinner tonight after an all too long of drive through the rain from JFK through some "interesting" neighborhoods. When Broadway pretty much almost comes to an end, in a neighborhood that is a weird mix of old cool places, new buildings and scraped lots is Marlow and Sons. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it a really neat space inside. A front area for more retail sale kinda stuff and the back dining room and bar, which holds just a few marble or wood-topped tables.
I had the spring pea crostini, which was pretty good and the pork belly, which was better. The burgundy wine by the glass was just meh...the bottle had been opened way to long and there was no "nose" left.
Although the flavors of the pea crostini were good, there was too much braised cabbage on the top and the temperature was a weird mix of cool pea puree and semi-warm cabbage. The pork belly was on a bed (well not really a bed, because it was too soupy) of polenta which was too runny for my liking. The pork was slow cooked, which made it very tender, but somewhat lacking in flavor...same for the polenta. If the polenta were a little thicker and maybe either had gorgonzola or a good reggiano in it, I think it would be a much better foil for the pork belly. All in all a good dinner in a somewhat "odd" part of New York.
People thought this was:
A European feel with imported goods displayed as you dine and might just buy something after you dine. After dining here several times, it is always consistent and rarely disappoints. I always find myself ordering their pressed sandwiches and raw oysters. Known for their oysters, and the demand for them, they are usually fresh. The scene is hip and yup, and everything in between. The young who come to socialize over wine & olives and the young at heart comes to simply enjoy a quality meal. Portions are more than modest but the award goes to the food. The food is not thrown into a dish clueless-ly, everything here is well thought out and prepared. Kudos on their toasted baguette, prefect crunch.
Con: Rubbing elbows; very very easy to ease drop. Busy most of the time: expect to wait especially when weather gets warm.
Pros: Servers have extensive knowledge of the menu. Good place to bring a casual date. Social scene and well prepared dishes.
People thought this was:
Really yummy baked goods and delicious sandwiches and salads. My favorite pastry is the chocolate zucchini bread. You can't be disappointed with anything here. Everything is really fresh. I love the specialty foods they sell and the rustic feel of the place.
Staged here while waiting for the normal brunch rush at diner. Very warm comfy, slightly bohemian feel inside...seems to resonate a freeze of time as many heads appear to be cafefree, entranced in conversations, libations not concerned with what is next.
Had some of their panama..of course organic, free-trade blend ..cause otherwise you would be breaking the hipster code.
Will return here to give some of those oysters a try and make sure to return in more appropriately recycled, emo fatigues and when my mullet grows back.
People thought this was:
This place is okay. A good option in the neighborhood, but I find their portions a bit small and their prices a tad high. I'm usually a big fan of small portions but this left me still hungry. Their oysters were a tad expensive too, but they had a nice variety. They do have an excellent cheese plate and bloody mary's. The coffee here is great and their sandwiches are also very delicious. Their food in general was not very memorable but the atmosphere is charming.
I have not had a pressed almond croissant for almost a year and was at the end of my rope, total bottom. Like getting to a party as everyone leaves but Joe Lieberman in pleated khaki's and you get stuck talking to him - sometimes you're faced with the possibility that maybe you are a loser.
It feels the same as not having sex for a year, except when you tell friends about the sex thing they pity you. They don't quite understand the pastry thing. So it's even more baffling to me that every time I go to Marlow and sons, someone in front of me takes the last pressed almond croissant. EVERY TIME. There's never 2 or 3 there's always just one left and the greedy sonofabitch in front takes it.
Today I ran in with a friend, and as usual there was 1 left, but no one in line! I pretended I didn't have the weight of a year on my shoulders and casually asked the girl to bag it for me while I perused sea salts and oils. I went into the corner so no one could see my face and began contorting it in some primal victory ritual that I did not fully understand. I think my ancestors disemboweled others for their delicious pastries. It seemed inappropriate that I was fully clothed, unarmed and did not have someone else's blood all over my chest.
Anyway, I returned to the counter... and the bag was gone! I looked at the girl.
"My pastry," I said.
She looked at the register dude who was barely present in the same reality. He had put my prized pressed almond croissant into some mystery guy's bag while I was having ancestral DNA flashbacks.
I began to interrogate him about the physical characteristics of this mystery guy and which way he went, but it was all vague jive.
I'd say don't go to Marlow and Sons for a few days while they clean up the triple murder scene... but shortly after we discovered that register dude hallucinated the mystery guy, and had unbeknownst to all including himself, put it in my friend's shopping bag.
Real winners get pastries, and are the ones who seem like losers, right up until
the. end.
People thought this was:
Had the pleasure of my molto caldo Italian dinner companion again so was in no mood to complain for anything..I stop by Marlow for coffee and baked goods often in the AM so was slightly annoyed when the hostess advised a 30min wait for a dinner spot..that's the problem with a local spot that has caught on ..everyone and their mom invades and you got to just grin and bear the wait with the rest of the hoi poloi.
But so worth it. The Fischer Island oysters were a dose of pure oceanic pleaure, briny, shiny and perfect with the house mingnonette which my very classy dining partner especially loves. The prosciutto was of that silken high quality that one especially appreciates after multiple visits to Emilia region of Northern Italy...molto buono....this place kicks major culo..A grade
The best of the best.
This spot is the shit, hands down. They are simple and straightforward. True bistro in the most pure definition: the menu's are small, ingredients fresh, great of flavor in a plate big or small, and the atmosphere is casual. The drinks are also superb in the length of the pours.
I'd eat here multiple times a week if I lived in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, I have to jump on the L to get there. But the trek is, with out a doubt, worth it. Me and my gf tried a bunch of stuff on the menu when we went in the summer and it was all delicious.
This is my favorite spot in Wburg. I love the atmosphere while having a nice wine with oysters which are AMAZING. Also the chicken pate, and the bruschetta.
The biscuit with butter and jam. Oh my! The coffee is good too, but that biscuit, whew!
People thought this was:
Uh..so...good?!?!
Why the questions marks? Only because I can't properly express how much I enjoyed this place. Easily the best pate I've ever had as well as the morel toast...it was ridiculous. Everything else we had was excellent but those two stand out.
People thought this was:
Because of the great reviews garnered by this place, I wanted to check it out to see if it lived up to the hype.
Went early on a Saturday night (good call), and sat in a middle two-top (bad call). Wound up shifting table around all night so that others could get in and out, requiring a lot of intimacy with other people's hind ends. So fine, that's New York City. I can handle it.
It eventually got packed and loud, which is par for the course on Saturday night, but not fabulous if you're looking for an intimate date setting.
The oysters were amazing, but the salad was drenched in dressing and overpowering. The crostini was fine, the brick chicken was good, but not panty dropping. The dessert, however, I would have taken home to mom: chocolate torte with a layer of caramel, dusted with sea salt. Fabulous and not as heavy as it sounds.
The service was decent and the waitress seemed knowledgeable. In total, a pretty good dining experience, with the stand outs really being the oysters and the desserts. Perhaps it should reinvent itself as a cozy date spot for noshing on aphrodisiacs.
People thought this was:
Wow! Easily the best in Williamsburg, if not the whole city. Always seasonally driven and inventive. Don't skip the soup specials, they're always great and different. I almost hate to rave so much (for fear of over-popularity) but this place is awsome. This is the place many un-named other resteraunts wish they were. Oh, save room for the chocolate-caramel cake with sea salt it's damn good!
People thought this was:
The b.f took me here for my b-day, we got the perfect corner table. The atmosphere is lovely, very laid back and cozy. No need to dress up just come prepared to eat really good fresh food. Got the onion soup, and the short ribs, they came with the best cabbage side. Didn't have room for desert but maybe next time...
At the end the waitress took forever to leave the check and it got very loud and crowded.
My brother who lives in Williamsburgh had mentioned this place to me a number of times as he knows I absolutely LOVE oysters. Made a point of my last business trip down to check the spot out and I was really happy with it.
First off, I absolutely love the atmosphere. Kind of dark, hole in the wall, exactly how I want a good oyster place to be, seriously. With spots for Oysters, I always find the smaller they are, usually the better.
The oysters we had were really good. The only thing I would change would be more selection. For me to truly dig a place (five stars), I would need a bigger selection than 2 types of Oysters. Unfortunately, they only had two types of East Coast oysters (VA & MD) the day I went. I would have liked to have seen more, but as I said, they were good.
For dinner, we both had a fish dish that was totally slamming. Had this sweet potato puree thing that was like dessert, so yummy.
I would totally go back. I've seen comments on the price, but didn't find this place to be unreasonable for an oyster spot.
People thought this was:
Oh....
Stumptown Coffee.
Biscuits with creamy Scrambled eggs and Cheese
Banana Loaf with Vanilla icing...
This gorgeous little place is SO out of my way on my way to work, but I still find myself getting in to work late.
Thank You Marlow and Sons. You rock.
Sweet jesus, I think this is my new favorite restaurant. Everything I ate here was delicious, but the chicken liver pate and morel toast were like nothing I've ever had before. The sauce for the oysters was excellent. I love the way all of the men working there have the adorable little moustaches too.
The only slightly annoying thing is the blasting music...ugh that has to go. My friend and I just stopped talking after awhile.
People thought this was:
We stepped off the sidewalk and into a small town on Saturday night. In-season dining is the way to go and everything was delicious, including that devilish crustini (butter, honey, cheese, black pepper ZOMG). We finished our meal with a selection of cheeses, suggestions courtesy of our waiter, who was attentive but not overbearing. Everything struck the right note.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: French
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - South Side
Category: Italian
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