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Little Owl
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Little Owl
8.5
Little Owl brings thoughtful, seasonal Mediterranean‑American brunch and breakfast to a cozy West Village corner, balancing creative dishes with reliable service and a friendly neighborhood vibe. Its brunch menu — from beignets to smoked‑salmon scrambles — draws a consistent local following. For a casual but well‑crafted breakfast in 10014, it’s a dependable choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beignets with Nutella & Raspberry Sauce, Smoked Salmon & Egg White Scramble, Mushroom Omelette
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seasonal Mediterranean‑American brunch from a neighborhood‑loved kitchen
Who should go: Locals, couples, brunch lovers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday breakfast
What to order: Beignets, smoked‑salmon scramble, mushroom omelette
Insider tip: Reservations recommended — weekend brunch fills up fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be challenging during peak hours; no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but aim for a more polished look for a cozy yet chic vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy, but can get busier and louder during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes without a reservation during brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — there are vegetarian options, including the mushroom omelette and seasonal dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegan-friendly options are available, including certain salads and veggie-based dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free options are available, and there's a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Little Owl is perfect for a cozy, intimate first date. The atmosphere is casual yet charming, making it a great setting for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While walk-ins are welcome, it can be difficult to secure a table, especially on weekends. It's best to make a reservation ahead of time to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Little Owl is not specifically geared toward young children, but older kids and families will enjoy the casual atmosphere. The menu offers kid-friendly options like scrambled eggs and pancakes.
Best For
Better for: Little Owl excels in offering a unique Mediterranean-American brunch experience with a cozy neighborhood vibe. It's ideal for a relaxed yet refined meal in the West Village.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quick, casual breakfast or more typical diner fare, there are faster options nearby. It can also get crowded, so if you're in a hurry, consider alternatives.
Little Owl
8.5
A beloved neighborhood gem serving Mediterranean-inspired brunch with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Known for its thoughtful menu and cozy ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beignets, Smoked-salmon scramble, Mushroom omelette
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A cozy corner offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a seasonal twist.
Who should go: Locals and couples seeking a relaxed but refined brunch spot.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday breakfast for a quieter experience.
What to order: Beignets, smoked-salmon scramble, mushroom omelette.
Insider tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when it fills up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be challenging during peak hours. Valet services are not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but it leans towards a more dressy, refined vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - the ambiance is cozy, but you can still hear your date without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, making it a good option for a quieter experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a variety of Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian options are available.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan-friendly options on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen takes care to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's perfect for a relaxed yet intimate setting with a menu that caters to various tastes, making it a great choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While you might find a table during weekday mornings, reservations are highly recommended on weekends as it fills up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? It is suitable for older children, but younger kids may find the ambiance a bit too quiet. High chairs are available, and there’s a kid-friendly menu.
Best For
Better for: Little Owl excels in offering a refined yet cozy brunch experience with a Mediterranean twist that sets it apart from more traditional brunch spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual, no-frills brunch or a place with a wider range of kid-friendly activities, you might want to consider alternatives.
Little Owl
8.6
Tucked beneath the famous Bedford Street corner, Little Owl channels a farm-to-table bistro sensibility with Mediterranean-leaning, seasonal dishes and a famously generous pork chop. The tight, warmly lit room feels neighborhood-first but draws destination diners for its long-running consistency and thoughtful cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gravy meatball sliders, Famous pork chop with seasonal sides, Crispy artichokes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A long-running, farm-to-table bistro where seasonal Mediterranean plates and an iconic pork chop anchor a tiny, charming dining room.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of the scene who still love intimate neighborhood dining
When to visit: Early dinner or brunch to dodge peak crush in the tiny room
What to order: Meatball sliders, signature pork chop, seasonal pasta or fish
Insider tip: Bar and perimeter seats can be easier to snag and feel especially cozy for solo or duo dining.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Bedford and adjacent blocks; expect difficulty after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is paid garages along Hudson Street (5–7 minute walk). No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans, knits, and simple dresses fit the room’s intimate, date-night tone.
Noise level: Moderate—tables are close together, but you can hold a relaxed conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins, depending on party size; the room is very small and turns slowly.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, with occasional short delays during peak brunch-adjacent hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—seasonal vegetable starters, salads, and occasional pasta or grain dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but the menu leans heavily on dairy and meat.
Gluten-free options: Several options available, including salads, proteins, and some sides; staff is accustomed to gluten-free requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the candlelit, close-quarters dining room creates an intimate, low-noise atmosphere ideal for conversation. It feels special without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly for solo diners or pairs, especially at early dinner or late brunch. Walk-in waits can be long at peak times, but bar and perimeter seats are your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle a quiet, tight dining room; no dedicated kids menu, stroller space, or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, consistent farm-to-table cooking with a warm neighborhood feel—especially strong for couples, solo diners, and brunch loyalists.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, large group tables, or a menu with extensive vegan accommodations; consider a larger, more flexible spot instead.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm