The Spotted Pig
New York, NY 10014-2369
Phone: (212) 620-0393
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Greenwich Street
- Directions:
- 1, 2, 3 at 14th St-7th Ave; A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave
- Specialties:
- French Fries, Hamburger, Lunch Spot
- Best of Citysearch:
- Bar Menu 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 12pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am
Editorial Review for The Spotted Pig – by Paul Adams
The Scene
This upscale take on the classic English gastropub--with dark-wood decor accented with wooden pigs and appetizing drawings of produce--is homey and feels richly ensconced in tradition. The mood is cozy, mellow and family-friendly, though it's disrupted by the eager hordes who crowd the bar area as the evening progresses.
The Food
Apart from the beautifully poured pints, you won't find much you'd wouldn't see at other pubs around town. The menu combines classics like shepherd's pie, richly layered with creamy potatoes and meat, with more innovative dishes, including plump-fleshed wild bass with a piquant anchovy sauce. A simple, flavorful chowder of smoked haddock crunches with housemade crackers; the skirt steak is tastily charred and partnered with horseradish cream and celeriac, but salt is often applied with a heavy hand. The chocolate "Nemesis" cake is worth saving room for, or finish with a slice of the excellent Somerset Stilton.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkSeveral fine beers are available on tap. Go straight to the classics, like Wolaver's IPA or Old Speckled Hen. There's a wine list too, with a small but careful selection of mostly American bottles. Glasses range from $9 to $15.
Know Before You GoThough he's not in the kitchen, Mario Batali is a part owner.
User Reviews for The Spotted Pig
07/03/2008 Posted by chiway
You walk in and it feels like just another packed after hours pub. People squeeze in around the bar like pigs around a trough, squealing to get the bartender's attention for another pint. It's dark, it's noisy, and its hastily decorated with swine trinkets. Those who get seats at a table are on stools bumped around by rushed wait staff and intoxicated customers trying to make their way to the bathroom. This may not sound appealing, but the uncomfortable, messy, and unrefined atmosphere works as a surprisingly pleasing foil to the world class food they serve. Palates which are accustomed to experiencing such refined food in equally refined dining environments are therefore in for a taste enhancing contrast of the senses. On the one hand, your eyes and ears subconsciously tell your mouth and nose, based on the decor and ambiance, to expect mediocre food. However, once your taste buds and olfactory nerves get to experiencing the food, it becomes one wonderfully confusing and lovely combination of seemingly contradictory sensual perceptions. P.S. - Mario Batali is my hero.
07/02/2008 Posted by ny2ca
Went on a Monday night. Seated right away. Very casual. Staff extremely friendly. My burger was delicious. Apps were good as well. I really enjoyed my entire meal and would def go back.
Pros: Great Burger
Cons: Hear it gets crowded on the weekends
