Just like in Parks and Rec, sometimes you got to Treat Yo Self. And this brunch was certainly that. On my own, and on a Sunday, I was wandering around the Flatiron district looking for a place to munch. And that's when I saw CraftBar. I had been here once before for lunch and the food was spectacular, and so I knew I had to see what their brunch would provide.
It was already after 1:30 but there was still a sizable brunch crowd still lounging and eating. As soon as I walked in they asked me if I wanted to sit at the bar or a table, and as I am wont to do when I'm solo, I made my way to the bar. I was handed a brunch menu and a large drink list as well. I was the only one at the bar initially, but even as more people sat around me, the two bartenders were incredibly attentive.
The menu apparently rotates, so each brunch might have different items. The "snacks" seem to be constant though, and consist of small appetizers and cheese plates. I ordered a pickle jar to start with, and chicken and waffles as my main course. As for drinks, I went with the classic bloody mary to begin with, and then tried one of the signature cocktails, Garden of Fire, as my second.
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| House Bloody Mary |
The bloody mary came out garnished with celery, a pickled carrot, a green olive and a slice of lemon. The drink itself was particularly spicy, with a strong kick of horseradish and cayenne pepper. But the nice thing was the spice didn't overpower my palette and finished clean at the end. Overall, a great bloody.
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| Pickle Jar |
The pickle jar consisted of an assortment of pickled vegetables in a small jar. Cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, radish and cabbage all presented a variety of tastes. Each one had a slightly different flavor profile, but all were delicious. Overall, there was a bit of sweetness, a bit of sour and some mustardy heat coming through. My favorite of the veggies was the cauliflower, which absorbed the brine perfectly and took on a slightly yellow tinge. The pickles went perfectly paired with the bloody as well, and so I wound up downing the whole thing along with my snack.
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| Garden of Fire |
The Garden of Fire was a surprisingly refreshing drink, and not overly spicy despite the name. Consisting of muddled cucumber, vodka, cocchi americano, some lemon and some peppercorn, it was similar to a really refreshing martini, with a kick and some coolness from the cucumber. I really liked this drink, and would easily order it over and over.
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| Chicken and Waffles....drooooool |
And finally, the chicken and waffles came. It consisted of three wedges of waffles, topped with three buttermilk fried chicken pieces and drizzled with a chili honey and smothered in sausage gravy (the best kind of gravy). This was absolutely amazing, sweet, spicy, savory, succulent, crispy. It hit on every level. Easily one of the best things I've ever eaten at brunch. My one critique is the use of bone-in chicken parts, but that may have contributed to the juiciness of the chicken. And thankfully, they do warn you that there are bones and give you a small dish on the side for them.
The service at CraftBar is impeccable. From the moment I walked in, until I left and they said goodbye, I felt I was always in their constant care. My water was never empty and I was attended to at a regular pace, but not overwhelmingly. I never once felt like I was waiting for something and all my needs were met instantly. Plus, everyone had a smile and seemed genuinely happy to be working there. Perfect service.
My only knock is the lack of an all you can drink special and the high price of drinks. While they were excellent, there was a definite markup (considering they had Victory Golden Monkey on the beer list for $8.50 a pour, and you can get a sixpack for about 11 bucks). You can tell this place makes a lot of money from the bar. Granted I knew this would be a bit pricier, it's something that prevents it from being a go to brunch spot.
Overall, this place was amazing. If you're looking for a great time, or a cool place to take a date, I definitely recommend it. Just be prepared to shell out so money. 4.5 out of 5 bloody marys.
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