I’ve only been to the one on University Place – but today the one on Carmine Street is the focus of NY Daily Photo (still one of my favorite sites ever). The Grey Dog has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat, hang out, sit and read, whatever … It is bustling, and crazy … but here’s what Brian has to say about the place, and I think it’s right on:
And once you’ve settled in, the mayhem recedes as you focus on your meal. You start thinking – this place is not that bad once you staked out your territory. What was annoying starts feeling like exuberant festiveness. Everyone seems happy and life is good.
How rare it is to find a restaurant like that, especially here in New York. This place feels very New England-ish to me, with the exposed brick and the pictures of dogs, etc. And it is true: the mayhem recedes once you settle in. I love it there. You can sit and nurse a cup of cappucino and sit typing on your laptop, or you can have a couple beers with your friend before running to a movie, or you can have a full meal. The staff is laidback yet attentive (and no waiter service! You order at a counter – but there’s alcohol and wine, too – a very odd and nice combination). The food is dee-lish. It’s an awesome place to convene, and I remember sitting there before going to see Rambo, and the snow was falling pretty heavily, and it was night, but where I was was warm and safe. The pipes are exposed above, there were some people who were quiet and alone (like me), others who were on dates (it’s a great date place), and others who came in big groups. But not one group dominates … somehow the atmosphere is flexible enough for all.
New Yorkers should definitely check it out.
Oh, and in keeping with National Poetry Month, poet Frank O’Hara lived in the apartment next door to the Grey Dog on University Place, once upon a time. The apartment building has a bright red old-fashioned door, and there is a plaque on the door, telling us a bit about O’Hara and what he was working on during his time living there.
Omg, I’ve only been to nyc twice inmy life and I’ve been there! I LOVED it. Food was great, but atmosphere was even better. How cool!
I eat there whenever I am in town. I wish I could make myself try something else but I am in love with the Turkey Reuben. It also a great place for eavesdropping (I am always in the city on business and eat alone…). And who doesn’t love a place with a picture of Willie (Nelson) in the bathroom?