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I’ve been to a lot of good restaurants lately, but it’s been a while since I walked away feeling that I just experienced true greatness. Feeling full, but wanting more…plotting my next visit, counting the menu items I must try. Joseph Leonard was that experience for me. The menu was exciting… not exotic… but had the type of items that just made your mouth water: a warm octopus salad, crispy braised pork hock, roasted brussel sprouts with siracha, YUM! And, the little open kitchen filled the small room with a perfume of goodness that keeps you on the edge of your seat. We sat down to a jar of homemade sour gherkins – my date who has an aversion to sweet pickles was thrilled. For an “amuse-bouche” we were served homemade potato chips with sour cream an onion dip… Could there be anything better? For appetizers, we then opted to share deconstructed clam casino and the warm octopus salad – a definite highlight. For a main course, we split the New York strip which was perfectly medium rare, and the roasted cauliflower and roasted brussel sprouts with siracha – they were extremely hot and addictive. Joseph Leonard is not for the faint of seasoning… each dish has big, bold flavors. The destructed clams casino was too salty, but everything else was perfect for my palate. I am counting the days until I can return. Next on my list to try – the crispy braised pork hock.

Went on a Friday night right after they reopened from a fire....staff could not have been more welcoming or nicer. The scene is very staged but it works, the feel is that you are in some eccentric persons home who loves to cook for a small group of people. The food is very well prepared, the octopus appetizer is a must, while the deconstructed clams casino was a good concept but had too much salt to really work. The main courses were good (I had the strip steak) but the brussel sprouts and cauliflower side dishes stole the show, so don't forget those. We will be back soon.

Sunny spring day brunch, got there @ noon with gf, wait was 20 mins so not so bad. Hostess was very cordial, seated at counter/bar. This place is a major yuppie magnet. Ralph lauren, tory burch "new to new york" types. Very tight. But hey I understand some people like to eat without any elbow room. $12 cocktails way overpriced. Tried the bloody Mary and the Geoffrey, ok to decent. At that price point you better have some great drinks. Food was ok, nice and clean but just not worth coming back for. Overall, not disappointed so much as there's just plenty of other places nearby that's better.

During the week, sit at the bar with Alex the barman and eat a ham and cheese sandwitch..perhaps a bit of stuffing on the side or start off with the warm bean salad. On the weekends -it's all excellent and possibly the best bloody mary in town. Atmospehere: awesome. Critics that were not impressed are complaining fools that don't belong sitting next to me anywhere. Jay

My husband and I give this place a 4.5 overall. The staff was attentive and helpful. The place is cozy and intimate-we sat near the kitchen, fun to see them cooking. The food was wonderful and worth every penny-we had the short ribs and bass, very very tasty, I tell you. TIP: They don't take reservations and this place is tiny-don't go with more than 2 people and go early or be prepared to wait- but so worth it!

We had a good meal. Like all decent "no rese" places in the city it's a hassle to get into but went late so not too much trouble. 3 types of oysters on half shell for $1.50 each, how do you beat that? (you don't) Frisee salad with poached egg was VERY tasty, but VERY VERY small. We had the pork shank and it was good, as was the chicken leg special. Ordered a side of grits, they were tasty, even for a southerner like myself. The brownie for desert was tasty but did look like it came from the pastry shop at the grocery store. Not offering a corkage option is indefensible, they should fix that. It's tight inside, but cool...very well done. But if you need a bunch of elbow room you won't like it. Service was very good. Overall give it solid marks -- will be back for sure.

Love the location and the vibe inside is lively with a good looking crowd. Hostess didn't stop chatting while we waited for her to acknowledge us but was friendly once she paid attention. Overall service was excellent, my martini was amazing and the Rye Tea my husband had was delish and I don't like whiskey. But the food just not so great. We had the Salt Cod which is one of my fave dishes and it came out on an ice cold plate in an ice cold jar and just wasn't the salty/fishy deliciousness that I have been spoiled to expect when I dine out. My cod entree was nothing special a bit oily. The pork hock was awesome. The brownie dessert was something you could make at home. So overall good experience but just wish the food was up to the service and atmosphere!