0 Followers
BLACKBARN
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
BLACKBARN
8.1
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A big, modern American room near Madison Square Park where ribs are a long-cook special: beef ribs with a sweet-heat rub and steakhouse-adjacent sides. The best experience is treating it like a composed entrée—ribs plus one crisp counterbalance—rather than stacking heavy add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eight-Hour BBQ Beef Ribs, BLACKBARN Burger, Mushroom Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Slow-cooked beef ribs with a chipotle-orange rub in a big-room setting.
Who should go: Groups who want ribs in a polished room
When to visit: Early dinner for calmer energy
What to order: BBQ beef ribs, burger, one vegetable side
Insider tip: Pair the ribs with something acidic or crisp to cut the richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; metered street parking is limited. Several paid garages within 1–2 blocks near Madison Square Park.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—jeans are fine, but the room leans polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation at lunch, louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or 10–15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple composed vegetable sides and a few vegetarian mains or starters.
Vegan options: Limited—select vegetable sides can be adapted; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free dishes and sides; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want energy and polish rather than intimacy—the room is attractive and buzzy, but it’s not quiet or candlelit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at lunch or early dinner; evenings near peak hours are easier with a reservation, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning, but older kids are fine—big tables and familiar American dishes help; no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: A polished, big-room American experience where ribs feel like a composed entrée rather than a BBQ joint staple.
Skip if: You want classic pit-style ribs, a quiet date-night vibe, or budget-friendly BBQ—there are better smokehouse-focused options.
BLACKBARN
7.7
A rustic-modern American room that works for romance when you treat it as a comfortable, candlelit catch-up rather than a formal occasion. Go for one slow-cook centerpiece and one bright side to keep the meal from getting heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef ribs, Seasonal vegetables, One warm dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Rustic American cooking in a Madison Square Park-adjacent room.
Who should go: Couples who want cozy comfort over formality
When to visit: Early dinner for the most relaxed atmosphere
What to order: Rib entrée, one vegetable, one shareable starter
Insider tip: Order one centerpiece—don’t stack heavy sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in NoMad; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to polished casual—nice jeans are fine, but lean a bit dressier for dinner dates.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but generally easy to hold a conversation, especially earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward mains and sides that can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be adapted, but not a fully vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free dishes are available; staff can guide, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something relaxed and comfortable—the warm room and familiar flavors lower the pressure without feeling boring.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are tougher, so a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—older kids who can handle a sit-down meal fit best, but it’s more date-night oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, unfussy American comfort cooking in a stylish room that still feels approachable.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, ultra-romantic fine-dining experience or highly experimental cuisine.
BLACKBARN
8.1
A Madison Square Park-adjacent farm-to-table room that shines when the patio is in play: rustic polish, seasonal plates, and a strong cocktail cadence. Order for satisfaction over sampling—one hearty starter, one shareable main, and a dessert—so the outdoor hang stays relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal farm-driven starter, Wood-fired or roast main, Seasonal dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A park-side patio with seasonal, farm-driven cooking and polish.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups
When to visit: Golden hour into early evening
What to order: One starter, one main to share, one dessert
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that night—seasonal is the point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive near Madison Square Park; nearby garages on 26th–28th St are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—especially for date nights on the patio.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors—lively energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak patio season
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several seasonal vegetable-forward starters and mains
Vegan options: Limited – usually 1–2 adaptable options depending on the menu
Gluten-free options: Some options available; staff can guide substitutions but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially outdoors. The patio feels relaxed but intentional, with enough polish to impress without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly earlier in the evening or for lunch, but patio tables fill fast on nice nights—arrive early or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Kids are welcome during daytime meals, but the evening patio crowd skews date-night and social.
Best For
Better for: Park-adjacent outdoor dining with a farm-to-table feel and a strong cocktail rhythm—more relaxed than white-tablecloth NoMad spots.
Skip if: You want a high-energy scene or a chef-driven tasting experience; choose a louder brasserie or a more experimental kitchen instead.
BLACKBARN
8.1
A Madison Square Park-adjacent farm-to-table room with rustic polish and a social, celebratory dining rhythm. The menu rewards satisfaction over sampling—pick one hearty starter, one shareable main, and a dessert to keep the night relaxed and cohesive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Biscuit service, Seasonal vegetable starter, Shareable main (chef’s cut or roast)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rustic NYC polish with seasonal cooking and a party-ready room.
Who should go: Dates and small-group dinners
When to visit: Early evening for best pacing
What to order: Biscuits, one seasonal starter, one shareable main
Insider tip: Order for fullness, not variety—two lanes is enough.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby garages around Madison Square Park; street parking is limited and tough after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if paired with polished shoes and a jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, gets louder as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward starters and pastas, plus seasonal specials.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes if you flag it to the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes – multiple naturally gluten-free mains and sides; staff is accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want energy without chaos. It feels polished and social, with enough buzz to avoid awkward silences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but expect a wait at dinner. Bar seating and early arrival improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Older kids are fine at lunch, but the dinner crowd and pacing skew grown-up.
Best For
Better for: A celebratory, comfort-driven night near Madison Square Park with a lively but controlled dining room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a menu built for lots of small-plate sampling.
BLACKBARN
8.4
A Madison Square Park-adjacent American room that leans rustic in look but precise in execution, with seasonal plates that read clearly as farm-to-table. The best version is focused: one composed starter, one signature protein, then a clean dessert finish so the table doesn’t drift into “ordered everything” mode.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Skin Amish Chicken, Dry Aged NY Strip, Apple Cider Doughnuts
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seasonal, locally sourced American cooking in a big-night setting.
Who should go: Business lunches and celebratory dinner groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing
What to order: Amish chicken, NY strip, cider doughnuts
Insider tip: Commit to one main protein—add-ons snowball fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages around Madison Square Park are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine, but most guests opt for polished business or date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate. Energetic but controlled—easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait before noon; short waits possible during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several vegetable-forward starters and mains rotate seasonally.
Vegan options: Limited. Usually one or two adaptable dishes; best to ask the server about off-menu adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Many proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can accommodate with guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels upscale but not stiff, the menu is approachable, and the noise level allows for easy conversation without awkward silences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Weekday lunches and early dinners are manageable, but peak weekend nights are risky—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens than young children. There’s space for groups, but the menu and pacing skew adult and celebratory.
Best For
Better for: Polished farm-to-table cooking in a large, versatile room that works equally well for business lunches, group dinners, and celebratory nights.
Skip if: You’re looking for an intimate, ultra-quiet date spot or cutting-edge experimentation—smaller, more chef-driven rooms will feel more distinctive.
BLACKBARN
8.4
A rustic-leaning American room that’s built for hosted meals—big tables, familiar flavors done with polish, and enough menu range to keep groups happy. The private-dining play is to anchor the night with one signature protein, then let sides and a clean dessert finish do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amish Chicken, NY Strip, Cider Doughnuts
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A private-dining-capable American room that keeps groups comfortable and fed.
Who should go: Work dinners and celebratory groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing
What to order: Amish chicken, NY strip, cider doughnuts
Insider tip: Commit to one main protein—add-ons snowball fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Metered street parking is limited; nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jackets aren’t required, but clean, polished looks fit the room—especially for business dinners.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold conversations at the table, especially in private rooms.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward starters, salads, and sides can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable with advance notice; staff can guide plant-based substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—multiple naturally gluten-free mains and sides; staff is accommodating with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want relaxed polish. The room feels warm and confident without being stiff, making conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner—especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle a sit-down meal. It’s more comfortable for teens than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Hosted meals, business-friendly group dinners, and private events where familiarity and polish matter more than trend-chasing.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-concept tasting menu or a buzzy, late-night scene—this is about comfort and execution, not theatrics.
BLACKBARN
8.1
A barn-modern American room built for lingering, where the burger lane works best when you want something rich and composed rather than fast and messy. It’s a stronger pick for a late sit-down with cocktails than a pure burger mission—order with intention and finish clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
House burger, Seasonal tavern sides, Dessert finish
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A design-forward room where the burger fits a full night out.
Who should go: Cocktail diners who still want a real meal
When to visit: Late dinner when you want a long sit
What to order: Burger, one seasonal side, one dessert
Insider tip: Treat it like a composed meal—avoid turning it into a share-plate pileup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby on 26th–27th St ($25–$35 evenings). Rideshare recommended late.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—this is a date-forward room.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if sitting at the bar
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable-forward starters and mains; veggie burger or non-meat options available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several naturally gluten-free dishes and gluten-free modifications available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a polished, sit-down vibe. The room feels intentional and grown-up, which helps conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Late evenings are easier at the bar; for prime dinner hours, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. This is more of an adult, date-night room—better for teens than younger kids, but still not designed for families.
Best For
Better for: A composed late-night burger paired with cocktails in a design-forward, linger-worthy setting.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual burger or a loud, high-energy late-night scene—there are better grab-and-go options nearby.
BLACKBARN
8.1
A polished NoMad dining room that doubles as a strong happy hour move when you want real food with your drinks. The best play is to treat it like a focused snack-and-cocktail stop—pick one or two bar bites, then keep the night moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini, Lamb meatballs, Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Restaurant-grade bar bites with a dedicated weekday happy hour window.
Who should go: Cocktail crews who want food
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6 pm happy hour
What to order: Arancini, lamb meatballs, one cocktail
Insider tip: Split 2–3 HH bites instead of ordering full mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages in NoMad. Street parking is limited and tough after work hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but dress it up a bit for cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk early, gets louder as happy hour fills in.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation during peak dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward bar bites and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with small adjustments, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options; staff can guide you, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for an early evening drink. The room feels polished and social without being stiff, and sharing a couple of bar bites keeps it light.
Can I get a table without a reservation? During weekday happy hour, usually yes—especially if you’re flexible on seating or open to the bar. Dinner hours are much tougher without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Kids are fine at lunch or early dinner, but the happy hour crowd and energy skew grown-up.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour guests who want real, restaurant-level food with cocktails in a stylish setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a cheap-drinks-only happy hour or a quiet, intimate wine-bar vibe.