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La Cava
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Cava
7.5
This rustic wine bar has anchored Midtown East since 2010 with an inviting blend of Old World and California wines alongside Italian small plates. The happy hour deals and bottomless brunch make it a neighborhood favorite for casual gatherings and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Burrata, Salmon Tartare, Vodka Pasta
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Neighborhood wine bar since 2010 with exceptional happy hour and bottomless brunch
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and friends seeking casual Italian bites
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm daily or bottomless brunch weekends 11am-4pm
What to order: Cheese and charcuterie plate, truffle cheese, La Crema wines
Insider tip: The $25 bottomless brunch includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - difficult in Midtown East. No valet. Subway (E, M to Lexington Ave/53rd or 6 to 51st St) recommended.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and nice tops perfectly appropriate. The rustic wine bar vibe is relaxed, though some lean slightly dressier for date night.
Noise level: Can get loud - small space amplifies conversation, especially during happy hour rush. Quieter during off-peak afternoon hours.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min possible without reservation. Only 7 tables total (just 2 for couples). Book via Resy or arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Prix fixe lunch Mon-Fri typically seats immediately. Not open weekdays until 4pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese plates, salads, avocado toast, bruschetta, and pasta dishes available. Menu has solid meatless options.
Vegan options: Limited - salads can be modified. Heavy emphasis on cheese and charcuterie means fewer vegan-friendly choices.
Gluten-free options: Informal accommodations - cheese plates, salads work naturally. No dedicated GF menu; ask server about specific dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the warm, rustic atmosphere with exposed brick and dim lighting creates natural romance without pressure. Share a cheese board and split a bottle. Just know the space is intimate and can get lively, so early evening (right at 4pm) offers more quiet conversation. Bar seating works well for casual first-date energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but risky on weekends. With only 7 tables (two for couples), it fills fast during happy hour and weekend brunch. Bar seating is always first-come-first-serve. Reservations now available through Resy for guaranteed seating, especially smart for groups of 4+.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - this is primarily a wine bar with adult ambiance. The tight space, late hours, and focus on wine/cocktails make it better suited for date nights and friends' gatherings. No kids menu or accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional happy hour value ($8 wines, $5 beers daily 4-6pm) and bottomless brunch deal ($25 for 90 minutes). The worn hardwood and exposed brick feel like an Old World tavern updated for modern tastes. La Crema wines by the glass are hard to find elsewhere. Great for hosting private events with flexible, responsive management.
Skip if: You're a serious wine enthusiast expecting sommelier-level curation - some reviews note inconsistent wine quality. Also skip if you need a quiet conversation spot on busy nights, or want a full-service restaurant experience. The small space means table turnover pressure during peak hours.
La Cava
8.0
La Cava is a cozy wine bar on 2nd Avenue pouring a broad by-the-glass list alongside Mediterranean-leaning small plates until late. It’s tight and lively rather than plush, but works well for post-dinner drinks, shareable tapas, and a quieter late-night option than the nearby pubs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & burrata, Seared salmon, Grilled lamb chops
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Intimate, wine-first spot where late-night tapas and conversation are the focus.
Who should go: Couples and small groups who prioritize wine and snacks.
When to visit: Later evenings for a mellow cap to the night.
What to order: Prosciutto & burrata, seared salmon, grilled lamb chops.
Insider tip: Bar seats give the best access to staff wine recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 2nd Avenue; expect difficulty after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is a paid garage on E 54th–55th St, typically $20–$30 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual. Dark jeans and a polished top are standard; slightly dressy works best for the date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate. Music and chatter create energy, but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for two if walking in after 9pm; earlier prime hours may see 45+ minutes. Bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — La Cava opens later and functions as an evening/night spot, so no lunch service or wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection including burrata, roasted vegetables, and several Mediterranean small plates.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 vegetable-forward plates; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Several plates are naturally gluten-free (seafood, meats, cheeses). Cross-contact is possible due to small kitchen, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — intimate lighting, approachable wines, and shareable plates make it ideal for a low-pressure, conversational first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. It’s walk-in friendly, especially after 9pm. For prime weekend hours, expect a short wait or opt for the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It’s designed for adults, with late-night hours, high-top seating, and a wine-centric menu. Suitable only for older teens comfortable in a bar-like environment.
Best For
Better for: Late-night wine, quieter tapas, and intimate conversation compared to louder Midtown pubs and larger Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You want full entrées, large-group seating, high energy, or extensive vegan options.
La Cava
8.3
La Cava is a wine-focused tapas and Italian small-plates spot with dim lighting and closely set tables, ideal for couples who like to graze and linger. The menu spans bruschette, seafood, and charcuterie, backed by a broad wine list and late hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cava salad with shrimp, goat cheese and balsamic, Prosciutto and melon, Meat and cheese boards with charcuterie
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A softly lit wine bar with Italian-accented tapas, strong pours, and late-night hours.
Who should go: Couples who prefer grazing, sharing plates, and lingering over wine
When to visit: Late evenings after 9pm when the bar fills in
What to order: Cava salad, prosciutto and melon, meat-and-cheese board
Insider tip: Start at the bar for a glass and snack; move to a table when one opens.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Closest reliable option is nearby garage parking within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—think date-night tops, button-downs, and clean sneakers or boots.
Noise level: Moderate. Low, warm chatter with dim lighting—intimate but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; bar seats often open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—bruschette, salads, and several small plates can be made meatless.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items naturally vegan; others may require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly dishes (seafood, salads, charcuterie), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, shareable plates, and relaxed pacing create an easy, intimate environment without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you're flexible. The bar fills early, but tables turn regularly—your best bet is arriving before 7pm or after 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The space is dim, tightly spaced, and geared toward adults. Teens who enjoy tapas-style dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Late-night grazing, cozy dates, and wine-forward evenings with a more intimate feel than bigger Midtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You want large entrées, a quiet family meal, or strict dietary accommodations like dedicated gluten-free prep.