Sarabeth's Kitchen (West)
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I still remember the 80's when Sarabeth's was simply a jam and baked goods shop on the Upper East Side. I remember peering in the windows wishing I could eat all that I saw inside. It seemed so exotic, so comforting, so delicious, all at the same time. Now, some 20 years later, Sarabeth's is an empire, still on top of the NYC brunch scene. Unfortunately, the location that we chose on the Upper West Side is a bit rundown and outdated but, after all is said and done, the food was still very, very good. Sure, it may not be on the cutting edge of culinary adventure but if you are looking for a good basic omelet or excellent pancakes, Sarabeth's is still the place to go. And, if atmosphere is as important to you as food, choose one of the newer locations and you are sure to not be disappointed. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes.
Atmosphere
Since becoming the iconic NYC brunch spot in the 1980's there are several Sarabeth locations to choose from. Unfortunately for us, we chose one of the older and shabbier locations on the Upper West Side. Décor was more like a diner than a restaurant, starting with lumpy low banquettes and tiny diner-style tables, and finishing with old dark green carpet, stark white walls with dated colored prints, and passe' brass wall sconces. To make things worse, the space is crowded and noisy, very noisy. This is not to say that all Sarabeth's will look this way. Try one of the newer locations on Central Park South or in the Chelsea market and I'm sure things will be much different.
Service
Service here was fine, but nothing special. Our table came with a dirty, cooked onion on the salt shaker, giving the impression that no one really cared, and our server repeatedly referred to us as 'you guys'. Busboys walked around loaded with so many dishes you couldn't help feeling nervous as they passed by.
Food
This is where Sarabeth's pleasantly surprised us because after sitting at the lumpy, uncomfortable table, staring at the diner-like room, and being surrounded by endless noise, the food was very, very good. First out, a nice stack of lemon-ricotta pancakes ($13), something I have always fantasized about having but never actually ordered. The cakes came out in a nice stack, thin, but perfectly brown. Surrounding them, a pile of fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, and a nice dust of powdered sugar. The best part? A small pitcher of real maple syrup. These little treats offered up a nice mix of lemony tartness and fluffy delicacy, the syrup making them perfectly, but not overly, sweet. To go with the pancakes, a side order of pork and apple sausage ($6), which looked just like ordinary link sausage, but tasted smokey and juicy, with a pleasantly sweet apricot sauce to offset the salt and spice. To round out our breakfast, we had a goat cheese and spinach omelette ($12.50) that looked bland and white on the plate, but was wonderfully soft and creamy, with lots of goat cheese and fresh spinach. With the omelette came with a choice of muffin. We had banana, which was nice and home-baked but not extraordinary. It came with butter and wonderful Sarabeth jam.
Sarabeth's also serves liquor. We had a brunch special pickled Bloody Mary for $5 (normally $9.50) which was absolutely huge but not that great. We ended up drinking only half of it. Coffee at Sarabeth's, however, was great!
Sarabeth's also serves liquor. We had a brunch special pickled Bloody Mary for $5 (normally $9.50) which was absolutely huge but not that great. We ended up drinking only half of it. Coffee at Sarabeth's, however, was great!
Cleanliness
Overall, the restaurant was just a little worn. Bathrooms were fine. See above about the onion.
Pros
Wonderful brunch food, great coffee.
Cons
Outdated diner-like atmosphere, mediocre service.
