Relish
"This shiny railcar-style diner in the heart of Billyburg looks unimposing from the outside, but once inside you'll see why Relish appeals to both neighborhood residents and frequent visitors. Part Florent-style diner, part plush Lower East Side night-spot, little Relish has a satisfying menu, flattering lighting and comfy booths," writes Charles Runnette for New York magazine.
"Start with crusty fried oysters that have the welcome kick of a guacamole-and-red-pepper reduction. Then move on to an earthy, rich wild-mushroom cannelloni with Fontina and braised greens, or baked cod in a saffron-and-sweet-garlic sauce," says Time Out New York. And Karen Hudes for Citysearch adds, "On a brunch visit, go for the sunnyside eggs with a genius combo of Serrano ham and cheddar grits; late night, the apple tart and cinnamon ice cream--complemented with a Grahams Six Grapes port--warms the soul."
"The former parking lot is now a delightful garden patio, which is usually packed in warmer months. A built-on back lounge is a little swankier than the dining car, with cocktail tables and plush seats. It is a great place to indulge in an evening tipple, especially given Relish’s long list of specialty cocktails," says offManhattan. How would you rate this place?
Reviews (8)
ennuiater wrote a review on April 10, 2009 12:15 PM
Fantastic brunch and the cheese grits are yum. Gets too damn crowded at peak times, but service is fast and if you don't mind sitting at the counter it's easier to get seated.
Did I mention yummo cheese grits? YUM.
king of the burg wrote a review on April 10, 2009 12:31 PM
I go here for brunch pretty often and find it always to be good. Dinner is also alright. Overall, I think this place is dependable. It never sucks, but doesn't really blow me away.
wine lover wrote a review on April 10, 2009 1:24 PM
this is the kind of local place with a great atmosphere that will always just be cool.
for food, yesterday's mentions: moto, walter foods, motorino, and probably the new rye, are in a different league. if you are going to see a show in the neighborhood, this a great convenient place to meet up with friends or have a drink and a snack at the bar.
burnley12 wrote a review on April 10, 2009 1:33 PM
relish is ok but diner is better
winthropst wrote a review on April 10, 2009 10:20 PM
i used to live across the street on n.3rd so i always took my lunch break here. it's a great space and the garden is beautiful to just hang out in warm weather. they won't let you have picnics on that grassy lawn unfortunately but you can bring your drinks over to sip and sunbathe. best to avoid on the weekends when it gets too packed.
stick to the basics on the menu - huevos rancheros, burgers, mac & cheese. they try too hard with dinner and fail. service is hipster snotty because they have so many photo/film shoots renting out the space that the employees think they're famous by association.
minagia wrote a review on April 15, 2009 8:34 PM
Relish is the best! Great burgers. Except for one really annoying queen that works there (you know who you are) the rest of the staff is great!
qpixley wrote a review on April 28, 2009 2:42 PM
I eat here often, over the span of the last 6-7 years, and it has been consistently tasty. I am not a vegetarian and am not fond of veggie burgers, but I always order theirs. It comes perfectly greasy (but not disgustingly so), with gooey cheese (optional) and the perfect combination of flavors that I don't even miss meat. Entrees and appetizers are consistently good, and the servers have been prompt and friendly every time I've been there. The desserts are excellent, though I could swear they used to be even more excellent when I first started going, so that is a slight disappointment for me.
janelle wrote a review on April 30, 2009 1:38 PM
good but not spectacular. lunch favorite - tuna melt served with house-made potato chips, served hot from the fryer.
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