Columbus Tavern (CLOSED)

Like another reviewer stated, we waited over an hour for our food and our entrees didn't all come at the same time. Some of us were finished when food finally appeared. Food was very mediocre. The wait person was apologetic but management didn't care to make it right with an offer of dessert or coffee. The place feels stuffy and uprtight and the bar manager just isn't a very pleasant person. They told us they wanted to make it the Gramercy Tavern of the UWS. If that's the case, they have a long way to go.

I went with 2 friends and ordered the brisket and bone marrow sandwich. Basically it was a hamburger and who knows if it even was ground up brisket with bone marrow. Why would you grind up brisket into chopped meat anyway? One friend was served right away, my other friend 5 minutes later and I waited 75 minutes for my food and 35 minutes after my friends ate. As I was canceling my order to go elsewhere to eat my food came and the manager said I'll get you a drink [which never came]. When the bill came there was no apology or compensation. My friend's chicken was small and dry. The shrimp were over cooked and meager. This place could be good [I suppose] but it is a disaster.

We didn't know what to expect when we found the City Grill displaced by the Columbus Tavern last night. We almost left after we were seated and given menus because we don't eat beef, leaving us maybe three menu choices. We settled on the ravioli with chestnuts and arugula. Though our waiter was friendly and tactful, everything took much too long to arrive, starting with the drinks. (Their iced tea is unappetizing, not that most people will care about that.) But here's the killer: our entrees were appetizer sized, and arrived on appetizer plates. (Here the waiter's tact was helpful: "Oh, this is what we're known for, small portions.") I'm all for portion control, but nineteen dollars for five puny raviolis? Still hungry, I asked for bread, which was served reluctantly without oil or butter. And was not very good. Luckily, I had a container of berries I'd washed and mixed the day before waiting at home. But I left that restaurant starving. You'd have to pay me to get me to return.

A much needed upgrade over the stale and common City Grill. The menu is ambitious and the food is quite good with nice portions. The staff is quite friendly, however, some of the wait-staff could use more training and didn't have answers about food, wine and substitutions. When I asked if I could sub a sauteed vegetable for the creamed spinach that came with my entree the owner said, "We don't normally do that but we will for you." They've been open a week, c'mon... so within a week they have a trend already? Wouldn't it have been nice if she just said, "Of course!" Anyway, besides that I think this place is very good, nice vibe and I hope it makes it.

We went in to try dinner. We were fans of City Grill and were looking forward to a new experience. The service was bad. We waited close to 1/2 hour for 2 glasses of wine. We understand that new reataurants have to get out the kinks,..but that was way out of line. Then,,,after we had 2 wines there was absolutleluy nothing on the menu that I wanted. For the terrible service, paper menus and nothing appetizing on the menu,..we got a bill for over 27 dollars for the 2 wines! What is that?? Am I at the St. Regis? I was terribly terribly dissapointed and angry that a local restaurant known for it's value, friendly service and good food turned into an untouchable cold hole in the wall.

Excellent menu...just what this location needs! Good value for the UWS. We will return weekly!

This place is really Great.the lounge room in the back is really cozy and nice to just have a drink and hang out. The food is delicious and filling. The people are friendly and attentive. I will be coming back.