Dressler (CLOSED)

Last night I visited Dressler with a friend of mine, forgetting that I had actually already been there a few years ago. After walking in, the attractive and affable hostess handled things well. I would have preferred for her to wait on us all evening, rather than our mediocre server. I had a pan-roasted sweetbread appetizer, served on a bed of cauliflower and a bean puree of some sort. This was an excellent appetizer. My only complaint is that the tastes became a bit too muddied when combined and didn't hold their own, but the final taste from said combination was quite good. For the entree I had the Cider Braised Pork Shank with braised red cabbage, creamy spaetzle & whole grain mustard. The pork was tender and easily fell off the bone, but the taste of it wasn't superb. The spaetzle was great and in combination with the cabbage tasted really "homey" and comforting. Overall I would say this was a good dish with the spaetzle being the best element but pleasurable as a whole. For dessert we split the Warm Banana Tart Tatin with rhum ice cream, and macadamia nut brittle. I was excited to think about the nut brittle with the ice cream, but the dish didn't hit me as expected. I accompanied it with a Tokaji wine, which was excellent, as they so often are. The tatin was a bit difficult to eat and the crumb wasn't elegant and detracted from the experience. Next time I would go for something different, like the panna cotta or maybe even the cheese cake. Our service was bland. She served, but that was it. The interior design is a bit too ornamental for my taste (the chandeliers are particularly ugly) and give the impression that there will be more flare to your fare than there actually is in the style of food. It's sort of a French or Austrian turn-of-the-century inspired design, but for no apparent reason. Don't bother checking out the website photos; they are embarrassingly bad. I would return to this restaurant, and consider it to be one of the many quality destinations in Williamsburg. But, prior to returning, I will visit other restaurants on my list. It would take another visit for me to decide whether or not this has a permanent spot on my list.

Second time at Dressler. Came after they had just opened and while the food that time was pretty good it was never fantastic. Second time was no charm. This is a review for our visit there May 14 2008..sorry just got around to writing it now. First, made reservations for my sis bday and asked for a nice seat. the nice seat we got was next to the door. When I asked the hostess, she was like sorry we have lots of big parties thats all we have. Second, I think the menu has increased in price like 40 percent,,this is very special Manhattan dinner prices and the food was just not up to par. Service was not very attentive, food portions small and very average quality. This will be my last visit, there is no way I am spending that king of money when there are so many other options in the city

Completely memorable meal with super attentive/knowledgeable waitstaff. A symposium of great flavors and attractive ambiance. Much better than some of the overwrought, overexposed 2 star michelins out there. I'm impressed...

Oh Man... I come to Dressler as much as i can afford it. (about 2-3 times a month- I'm the one sitting at the bar licking my plate clean). The food is incredible. It makes me want to open mouth kiss the chef while bathing in the Habana drink they make. I don't eat the cow or the pig so i can't say much about those dishes (my boyfriend melts for the Hanger Steak and Spare Ribs) however every fish dish I've gotten was perfection. The chicken dish is brilliantly cooked every time and has double the fun since they took the thigh and turned it into a sausage nugget of deliciousness. The desserts RULE!! The chef (and the rest of the kitchen staff) has an obvious love and respect for food and foodies that shows through the menu and specials. The place itself is awesome. Perfect lighting and amazing attention to detail. The bartenders are hilarious and the rest of staff seems to enjoy working there. There is even a Silver Fox making the rounds checking in on you making sure you're enjoying yourself. Long live Dressler!!!!!!

Really good food. Really attractive place. Hipster owners and servers.

I went to Dressler last night and really enjoyed my meal. The Raviolini and Trout Appetizers were outstanding. The Chicken entree was also delectable. My friend had the Sea Bass which was just about the only thing we didn't find extraordinary, but palatable nonetheless. The atmosphere is really nice. I do think the meal was slightly overpriced and that Dressler would have lines out the door if they choose to lower their prices slightly. Make no mistake: this is Brooklyn not Manhattan and pricing should reflect that. Still excellent food though. I would eat hear again.

Best wait staff- I have a food allergy and the waitress was very knowledgeable- kitchen staff was wonderful and accommodating. The food was A-MA-ZING!! Then to top it off, it was my boyfriend's birthday- and they presented us with a special allergy free treat! Perfect end to a perfect evening!