Union Square Cafe

101 East 19th Street

(between Park Avenue South and Irving Place)

After having lunch at TsuruTonTan—the old location of Union Square Café—I became nostalgic and wanted to experience their new location, which formerly housed City Crab.

As it was only a few blocks away, we decided it would be a good place to go for dessert after our udon noodle lunch.

The décor is relaxed and comfortable, and I have to say moreso than what found in their original location. It feels more open and spacious.

Entranceway.

Bar.

 

Stairs leading to second-floor seating.

Main dining room.

We didn’t have a reservation, but as we arrived after the lunch crowd, we were seated immediately in the front lounge area. Great spot for people watching.

As soon as we were seated, a server provided us with a complimentary bowl of olives as well as freshly made sourdough bread along with a schmear of butter topped that was topped with sea salt! That bread was nothing short of heavenly! So good that I asked for seconds!!

Though we had wanted dessert, we were craving salt so we ordered a side of fries. It’s not offered as a side on their menu, but they were more than happy to accommodate us! The fries were perfectly crispy and not over-fried. Also, they were cut wide enough so no floppy fries, either!

All desserts are $13. After speaking with the server, we ordered the rhubarb sundae (frozen yogurt and whipped cream). As it was a birthday celebration, it arrived discreetly (no singing!) with a lighted candle and beautifully scripted birthday wishes in chocolate sauce. They also provided us with complimentary biscotti.

 

Have to make a special note on the plating. Traditionally sundaes arrive in long V-necked glasses. Straws and long, skinny spoons would be required. Instead this sundae came in a pretty dessert dish that one could imagine being served in an outdoor Southern afternoon garden party.

We also ordered a slice of Middlebury Blue cheese from Vermont. It is described as a semi-soft raw cow’s milk with a mild, buttery, grassy flavor. Good, but probably the least memorable part of the meal. All cheeses are $7.

As it was a b-day celebration, champagne had to be ordered. My friend went for the restaurant’s own Tassin Champagne: the Union Square Cuvée from France ($22).

 

I, in the meantime, was debating between a red or white wine. So as an excellent solution, the waitress suggested the Cavaletto.  It’s a Pinot Noro Bianco, “Pinner,” from Italy’s Piedmont region ($18). It’s a white wine with a fuller richer body containing hints of caramel notes. Though to be quite honest, I was probably most taken by the lovely wineglass it was served in!

 

Finally, do go to the restroom on the ground floor to look at a cool psychedelic design (a morphed image of the person looking at the design!) that may possibly hypnotize you.

Note: Gratuity is included in bill!

Pros:

Excellent service.

Relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Large, well-cared-for unisex restrooms.

Cons:

Wished they offered a wider variety of cheeses.

Final Thoughts

Excellent experience. Will definitely return.