Lilla Cafe Opens Near Columbia St. Waterfront
A reader, as well as BoCoCa Land, noticed that the new restaurant we spotted at 126 Union Street has opened its doors. Back then we were promised a small menu with seasonal foods, and it looks like they lived up to their word. The menu for now-named Lilla Cafe only features seven items, including Ricotta…
A reader, as well as BoCoCa Land, noticed that the new restaurant we spotted at 126 Union Street has opened its doors. Back then we were promised a small menu with seasonal foods, and it looks like they lived up to their word. The menu for now-named Lilla Cafe only features seven items, including Ricotta Cavatelli, Roasted Amish Chicken, and Citris Brined Pork Chops. Prices are no higher than 19 bucks. BoCoCa Land also says it’s BYOB for now. Let us know if you’ve stopped in yet!
New Restaurant for Union Street [Brownstoner] GMAP
Oh, what a fantastic place.
I confess to having been lured to Lilla’s, in large part, by its current BYOB status. For our anniversary, my husband and I thought it’d be fun to have a lazy, boozy late-afternoon brunch before hopping the ferry to Governor’s Island for a few hours of hand-holding and smooching on park benches.
We stumbled upon Lilla’s on one of the blogs (maybe this one?). It’s been getting good press and saving a few bucks on the alcohol portion of our bill seemed like a good idea.
Once we arrived, though, I worried over our choice. It was 2pm on a sunny Saturday and the place was almost empty. It was a beautiful afternoon — perfect, really. And the fact that the backyard (10 or so tables next to the restaurant’s herb garden) were barely occupied seemed like a very, very bad sign. How was this place not packed?
The food, I thought, must be terrible — why else would the garden be virtually empty on such a outdoor-worthy day; why else would so few people be exploiting its BYOB?
We spent the next three hours sitting in the sun, watching the birds swoop in and out of the umbrella awnings. We shared mussels in a white wine & garlic sauce, a massive, satisfying grass-fed burger and an earthy roasted beet & stinky cheese salad; we drank no small amount of wine & beer, followed by a couple cups of strong, flavorful coffee.
Everything was great. Our tab was $33.
The french fries were, quite possibly, the best I have ever had. We asked the waitress if they were fried in duck fat. Because, really, how else could they be that delicious? I’m happy to report that no ducks were injured for our perfect french fries. But, wow…those fries. I still don’t know how Canola oil can create something so magical.
The menu is small, but unless you’re Sally Albright there should be something for you (everything from shrimp and grits to panzanella to chicken pate to hamburgers).
The mussels may have been a tad on the salty side, but that’s about the only criticism I can muster. Otherwise, it was just a really wonderful meal for a freakishly low price in a beautiful setting.
Happy anniversary to us.
Now, I can only hope that people will start filling those empty tables so that Lilla’s will stay in business until our next anniversary (#10!).
My family happened upon this lovely restaurant while on a trip from VA. The food and staff were great! We are going to make a point to come by again.
food was delicious, garden lovely and the music cool. The octopus salad is stellar.
Not only renovated it himself, but did an amazing job and in two months time (and during some of that period, working a weekday gig near Poughkeepsie.)
Yeah, cool dude and a great staff.
Love the place.
We stopped in the other night and it was lovely. We met the owner/chef, who renovated the space himself. They have a beautiful garden, from where they grown their own herbs. Food was great and they sent out a complimentary chocolate dessert. I wish them the best!
“BoCoCa Land” lol
*rob*