0 Followers
Corner Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Corner Bistro
8.7
Corner Bistro is a classic West Village burger bar where griddled ½-lb patties, draft beer, and very late hours draw industry folks and neighborhood regulars. The Bistro Burger with bacon and American cheese is the move after midnight, when the room tilts toward standing-room-only but the kitchen keeps burgers coming until 4am on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bistro Burger, Cheeseburger, Chili Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A bohemian-era tavern turning out hefty ½-lb burgers until 4am.
Who should go: Night owls who want a classic no-frills burger and beer.
When to visit: Midnight to 2am Thursday–Saturday for peak late-night energy.
What to order: Bistro Burger, cheeseburger, fries.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster burgers and a better shot at a seat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally difficult after 7pm and extremely limited late at night.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and bar attire are all normal.
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours; bar chatter dominates and conversation may require raised voices.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes, typically standing-room-only after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—grilled cheese or fries only.
Vegan options: Effectively no vegan entrées; fries may be acceptable depending on fryer sensitivity.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—no dedicated GF buns; patties can be served without a bun but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date appreciates dive-bar charm—it's loud, crowded, and casual, better for low-pressure meetups than romantic occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Corner Bistro does not take reservations; expect to wait during peak hours and be ready to grab the first open seat or bar stool.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. It's a bar-focused environment with late-night crowds; early daytime visits are fine for older kids, but evenings are strictly adult-leaning.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, no-frills burgers with West Village history and a true bar atmosphere—it excels at classic flavor, value, and staying open later than competitors.
Skip if: You want a quieter room, robust dietary accommodations, modern cocktails, or a broader menu—other burger spots or gastropubs will suit those needs better.
Corner Bistro
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
In business since the early 1960s, Corner Bistro is a no-frills West Village bar turning out half-pound burgers and fries at prices that still undercut many newer spots. With thousands of reviews and decades of burger press, it’s one of the few sit-down options in the neighborhood that still qualifies as real cheap eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bistro Burger with bacon and cheese, Cheeseburger and fries, Draft beer and burger combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A 1960s-era burger bar where hefty patties and beer stay relatively affordable.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists happy with crowded, old-school tavern vibes.
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening before peak burger rush.
What to order: Bistro Burger, cheeseburger, fries with a draft beer.
Insider tip: Go solo and grab a bar seat; tables can wait much longer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Jane St. and W. 4th are limited and difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and winter layers are all standard.
Noise level: Loud; conversation is possible at the bar but tougher at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during peak (7–10pm), longer for tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—grilled cheese and fries are the only reliable options.
Vegan options: Not vegan-friendly—no dedicated vegan dishes and limited customization.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free buns; burgers can be served bunless but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual, classic, and chaotic. The bar is crowded and loud, but the vibe can work for low-pressure, burger-and-beer dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Corner Bistro doesn’t take reservations. Expect a bar seat first; tables have longer queues, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids and teens during the day, but the bar-forward environment and noise make late evenings less suitable.
Best For
Better for: Classic, oversized burgers at true cheap-eats pricing in a historic tavern setting.
Skip if: You need a quiet meal, vegetarian/vegan options, or a polished dining room—nearby gastropubs and modern burger shops suit those needs better.