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Wildair
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wildair
8.1
Wildair is a Parisian-style natural wine bar where high-top tables and an open kitchen frame one of downtown’s most influential small-plates menus. Beef tartare, uni-topped potato darphin, and other intensely flavored dishes make it a casual-feeling but decidedly upscale place to snack, sip, and linger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Tartare with Potato Crisp, Pommes Darphin with Santa Barbara Uni, Pissaladiéclair
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Natural wine and inventive plates that defined casual fine dining downtown.
Who should go: Wine lovers who enjoy creative, shareable plates.
When to visit: Early evening to secure a high-top without long waits.
What to order: Beef tartare, potato darphin with uni, seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Treat it as a progressive date: drinks here, dessert elsewhere nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Orchard and Rivington is limited and competitive after 6pm; no valet or dedicated lot. Expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Essex Street.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most diners wear elevated basics—nice jeans, boots, and a jacket are common. Trend-forward but not formal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the room’s energy increases during prime hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for a high-top if you walk in; the bar seating can turn faster but still requires a wait during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Wildair is dinner-focused and does not operate a typical weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection. Several vegetable-forward plates rotate seasonally, though not a dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Limited. Dishes often rely on dairy, eggs, or seafood; expect 1–2 naturally vegan options at most.
Gluten-free options: Decent flexibility. Many small plates are naturally gluten-free, but there is no separate prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—excellent for a first or early date. The high-top seating, natural wine, and shareable plates create a relaxed but stylish atmosphere that feels intimate without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Wildair is primarily walk-in friendly. Arrive early evening or later in the night for the best chance at a high-top; peak hours may require a 30–60 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The narrow layout, high-top tables, and wine-bar atmosphere are better suited for adults or older teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Natural wine lovers, shareable small plates, and date-night spontaneity. Wildair excels at high-impact flavors in a casual-but-upscale setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want full entrées, quiet dining, or guaranteed reservations. Choose alternatives if you need vegan-friendly menus or traditional fine-dining structure.
Wildair
8.4
Wildair is a natural wine bar from the Contra team where high-top seating, inventive small plates, and a deep wine list have drawn crowds since 2015. It’s a downtown favorite for low-key birthdays and anniversaries that still feel special but not overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tartare, Potato darphin with uni, Seasonal dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Natural wine and intensely flavored plates in a casual but polished setting.
Who should go: Wine-focused diners celebrating without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Early evening to snag a high-top without long waits.
What to order: Beef tartare, potato darphin with uni, seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Treat Wildair as the second stop after a nearby dinner for a progressive celebration.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Orchard Street and usually tight after 6pm; plan for paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; outfits lean stylish downtown rather than formal. Jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at high-tops but the room hums during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Wildair operates primarily for dinner and evening service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid vegetarian options, including composed plates and rotating seasonal dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include dairy or eggs, though the kitchen can occasionally adjust simple plates.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free choices like crudos and certain vegetable dishes; cross-contamination is possible due to the small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its energetic but intimate room, high-top seating, and natural wine focus create an easy, conversational atmosphere without the pressure of a formal tasting menu.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early evenings or late nights; prime weekend hours fill quickly, so arrive early or be ready to wait at nearby bars.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the seating is mostly high-tops, the space is tight, and the menu skews adventurous. Teens comfortable with small plates and wine-bar energy may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for natural wine lovers and diners who appreciate bold, shareable plates in a lively, downtown setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want quiet conversation, spacious seating, or a traditional multi-course fine dining experience.