0 Followers
Minetta Tavern
Master Critic Review
Minetta Tavern
8.8
Keith McNally’s Greenwich Village tavern is famous for its Black Label Burger, a dry-aged beef blend crowned with caramelized onions and pommes frites. It’s a splurge, but the steakhouse-level depth of flavor and clubby, red-leather room make it one of the city’s most serious burger experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Label Burger, Minetta Burger, Pommes Frites
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A dry-aged, steakhouse-caliber burger served in one of the Village’s most iconic dining rooms.
Who should go: Burger obsessives willing to spend steakhouse prices for flavor.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room hums but isn’t chaotic.
What to order: Black Label Burger, extra pommes frites, a martini.
Insider tip: Commit to the Black Label over the regular burger if you’re visiting once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Greenwich Village is challenging, especially after 5pm; rely on nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most diners opt for elevated basics or business-casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; you can hold a conversation, but the classic tavern hum is constant during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime brunch-to-dinner transition.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the dining room can fill during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and a few non-meat starters, but entrées skew heavily beef-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan mains; expect to rely on sides or salads only.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—burgers can be served without the bun and several dishes are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim lighting, vintage charm, and polished service create an intimate, slightly upscale setting that impresses without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the bar or during off-peak hours, but reservations are strongly advised for evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens may enjoy it, but the space is tight, the atmosphere adult-leaning, and there are few child-friendly menu items.
Best For
Better for: Best for high-end burger purists seeking deep dry-aged flavor in a classic, clubby Village dining room.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer casual, inexpensive burgers, need robust vegetarian/vegan options, or want a quieter, family-oriented meal.