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Monte's Trattoria
Master Critic Review
Monte's Trattoria
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Operating on MacDougal Street since 1918, Monte’s Trattoria is a basement-level Italian-American classic where red-sauce favorites arrive in generous portions under wood-paneled ceilings. The warm, veteran staff are used to tourists and locals alike, and the hearty pastas and cutlets make it a forgiving, family-suited option near the Village comedy clubs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala, House tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A century-old Village trattoria with big portions, old-world servers, and a cozy, clubby dining room.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic red-sauce Italian comfort.
When to visit: Early evening before comedy-show crowds fill MacDougal Street.
What to order: Veal or chicken parmigiana, lasagna, tiramisu to share.
Insider tip: Book ahead and mention kids or a stroller so they can seat you at one of the easier-access corner tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on MacDougal, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on W 3rd and Thompson are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during weekend dinners; conversation is doable but expect a classic bustling trattoria vibe.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak comedy-show traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of meatless pastas, salads, and appetizers; several entrées can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on dairy; simple pasta with marinara is the safest option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF menu, but they can prepare some pasta dishes with gluten-free noodles upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a nostalgic, old-school Italian feel with warm service, though the lively basement setting is more charming than quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or early evenings; on weekends, walk-ins often face a wait due to foot traffic from nearby clubs and shows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accustomed to families, portions are shareable, and older kids especially enjoy the classic red-sauce dishes; note that stroller access is limited due to the basement entry.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce comfort, celebratory group meals, and friendly veteran service in a historic Village setting.
Skip if: You want modern Italian, quiet dining rooms, or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.