Recent Reviews

39 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
128 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 923-0918

Bar Tabac  

Categories: French, Breweries
Neighborhoods: Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill

4.0 star rating
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times for brunch and will say it's a real treat on a lazy Sunday.  The Bloody Marys and Mimosas take advantage of their stocked bar, and as a big fan of poached eggs and moules frites I have to give it this point as one of my favorite breakfasts in Brooklyn.  I'll be coming back for dinner soon, and if it lives up to the brunch treatment I'll be more than happy to update my review to 5 stars.

Was this review …?

2725 86th St
Brooklyn, NY 11223
(718) 372-8400

L&B Spumoni Gardens  

Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Gravesend

4.0 star rating
8/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Easily the best Sicilian style pizza in town, and a summer staple of South Brooklyn worth checking out for the pizza alone.  Unlike most NY slices this pizza comes in doughy, fluffy squares topped with chewy cheese and a slightly tart tomato sauce.  The combination is quite filling, and the garlic salt on the crust is perfectly crisp though there are few edges in their generous pans.  Needless to say it will leave a memorable impression of what pizza that's distinct from other parlors around town.

A half tray of pizza easily feeds 4-6 with leftovers.  I like to bring guests from out of town to try their pizza, which makes a great stop before and after visits to Coney Island.

Listed in: NYC on the DL

Was this review …?

560 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 369-0077

Sidecar Bar & Grill  

Categories: Bars, American (New)
Neighborhoods: Windsor Terrace, Park Slope

4.0 star rating
6/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
A hidden gem in the South Slope; we bring out-of-town guests and friends visiting the neighborhood here for dinner.  The cuisine has a healthy variety, but I'm told the Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the dish to try.  The beer list is an impressive combination of tasty local beers and imports, and makes it easy to pair with your dish.  Kitchen and bar are open late, making this an ideal location for a late night bite...

Listed in: NYC on the DL

Was this review …?

25 St Marks Pl
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-6363

Kenka  

Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village

3.0 star rating
6/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great ramen dishes at this always busy restaurant, albeit with few options for vegetarian friendly cuisine.  Be sure to take your complimentary cotton candy to the machine outside the front of the store!

Listed in: NYC on the DL

Was this review …?

1 Union Sq W
New York, NY 10003
(212) 788-7476

Union Square Greenmarket  

Categories: Fruits & Veggies, Farmers Market
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron

4.0 star rating
4/22/2010
On top of the best selection among markets, the venue itself remains a relaxing excursion on weeekdays and weekends.  It is a carefully organized santacturary of organic vendors in a pleasant environment that encourages exploration.
Still the best greenmarket in town (a farmer's market would get another review). The vendors are usually curteous and will patiently answer your questions, no matter how much it may reveal about your urbane worldview; one farmer gave me great advice for growing a tomato plant in my apartment!
What the market lacks in the way of thrift, it makes up for in a huge variety of organics (and even non-foods). I walk through the market on weekdays (I work in Union Square), and on a recent Saturday made a return visit after another market lacked what I needed; I ended up staying longer than I planned just taking in the market casually.  With a little better price competition I would give this market 5 stars without hesitation.

Was this review …?

139 4th Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-4057

Ibiza Salon  

Category: Hair Salons
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village

3.0 star rating
4/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you only need to trim your long hair (like me), it's hard to beat a $26 haircut in this part of town.  Mine turned out a little shorter than I requested, although I was happy with the results.  

I got a shampoo, trim, and blow-dry at this single price (no surcharges as I've read about before). The staff was fast working and friendly to a walk-in customer like myself.  Although credit cards are accepted, they won't allow you to add tips if you pay with credit.
I was in-and-out in less than a half-hour, and will try coming back soon for a follow-up review.

Was this review …?

870 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
(212) 529-9100

goodburger  

Category: Burgers
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron

2.0 star rating
3/5/2010
Just like the film that shares it's name (though apparently not trademarks), this restaurant is a disappointment.  From a vegetarian's perspective, there isn't anything great here: the veggie burger is the same, generic mix of wheat gluten and mixed vegetables you could find many places close to their restaurant.  Although I don't expect much in the way of fast food, I was disappointed to receive a tiny burger and shoestring fries that cost me a few bucks more than what seemed necessary.  This restaurant may be great for groups, but it's nothing I'd make reservations for at this overpriced luncheon.

Was this review …?

1400 Irving St NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 265-1400

Commonwealth Gastropub - CLOSED  

Category: Gastropubs
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights

4.0 star rating
1/18/2010
They had me at Cask conditioned ales, but I stayed for the better-than Pub fare.  If you're a sucker for tasty English Ales served together with homemade bread and pickles, you can spend hours in this comfy pub.  Consider it your home for comfort food and cocktails.

This place could reach 5 stars, except that their main courses could be a bit more generous for their price.  I'm not asking for a giveaway, but if you're coming here hungry (and I usually am) you're going to leave a little disappointed.  
Bring a friend with you to share a beer, sit down for a little while, and I'm sure you'll confident you'll fit in here.

Listed in: DC Hangouts

Was this review …?

23 Park Row
New York, NY 10038
(800) 806-1115

J & R Music and Computer World  

Categories: Electronics, Photography Stores & Services, Department Stores
Neighborhood: Financial District

4.0 star rating
1/18/2010
It's like walking through an online retailer IRL. I used to think J&R was just another NewEgg or Amazon, but was happy to find out their retail origins when I moved to NYC.  I felt like a kid in the candy store.
J&R has a larger selection than the big box retailers and the flexibility to order what they don't have in stock.  You can skip the shipping fees if you're willing to pick-up at this centrally located retailer, and you have a real  place to return your items (you have to do much more work for Amazon in my experience).
I would give 5 stars except I wasn't terribly impressed with the customer service I received; it's easy to get lost or into the wrong store (they're in separate buildings).  If you're in the neighborhood, I'd try to stop by here sometime.

Listed in: NYC on the DL

Was this review …?

1101 Kenyon St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-5263

The Wonderland Ballroom  

Categories: Bars, Restaurants
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights

4.0 star rating
1/18/2010
A good night filled with merriment at the behest of my friends can be had at such a dive bar, although I doubt this is the place to see or be seen that so many other DC residents often frequent.  This dive bar is a solid conclusion to any evening in Columbia Heights.
The beer selection is good and the bar is well stocked with good drink specials; even my friends who weren't drinking had a great time that night.  The DJ upstairs can be hit-or-miss, and the bands much worse, but the scene downstairs is rowdy fun, bordering loosely on a what you might call a hot mess.
You just can't beat playing PacMan in this bar.  Bring a friend or two, and you're almost assured a pleasant evening.

Listed in: DC Hangouts

Was this review …?


More »

70 Friends

 
  •  
  • 61 friends
  • 21 reviews
 
 
 
  •  
  • 138 friends
  • 188 reviews
More »

11 Compliments

  • You're Cool

    I was wondering if you've ever been to the actual Fred Flare store because… More »

  • You're Funny

    Once you get your own sitcom I'll be there to add the laugh track.

  • Good Writer

    Oscar Wilde once said, "Anybody can make history. Only a great man can… More »

More »

4 Lists

NYC on the DL

Places you're most likely to find me hanging out…
1.  Calle Ocho
I've been here twice for…
2.  Caffe Napoli
Ignore the harsh reviews:…
3.  Shanghai Kitchen
Go to Shanghai Kitchen…
See Full List »

DC Hangouts

Some of my favorite places around DC metro.
1.  Breadsoda
My favorite bar in town,…
2.  Amsterdam Falafelshop
Best Falafel in town,…
3.  Mr. Yogato
I'm glad to say this…
See Full List »

View All Lists »

"Don't hate the hipster, hate the irony!"

Review votes:
25 Useful, 7 Funny, and 12 Cool

Location

Brooklyn, NY

Yelping Since

February 2008

Things I Love

falafel, beck, beer

Find Me In

Park Slope, Union Square, NYC, Glover Park, DC, Tower Grove South, STL

My Hometown

St. Louis, MO

My Blog Or Website

http://matthewhurst.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm using Brightkite... or ForuSquare

My Second Favorite Website

http://twitter.com/mat...

My First Concert

Greatful Dead (with my family)

Current Crush

Lauren Reid