Casa Mono

Price guide: Mid-range

52 Irving Place, Union Square East, New York City, New York, 10003

Price guide: Mid-range

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Casa Mono

By Shandana A. Durrani, your New York City expert

I write for GoodLifeReport.com, .... Read more
#17 of 80
expert-rated restaurants in New York City
Expert overall rating:4.5 out of 5
Food and drink:
4.8
4.8
Ambience:
4.2
4.2
Service:
3
3.0
Location:
4.7
4.7
Value for money:
3
3.0
Recommended for:
Foodies, Celebrity spotting, Nightlife, Trendiness

Expert review of Casa Mono

Last updated 28 February 2011

A not to be missed tapas spot with an excellent wine list.

One of my top 10 for all of New York, this tapas-style restaurant right off Union Square brings a slice of Catalan magic to Manhattan.

Food and drink: 

Among the tastiest small plates are pumpkin and goat's cheese croquettes (I never go there without getting an order of these) and razor clams a la plancha, plus more substantial dishes like skirt steak with onion marmalade and lamb chops with garbanzos and harissa. There is also an encyclopedic wine list with 600 vintages on offer.

Ambience: 

It’s a tiny space, so expect to be elbow to elbow in the tightly-packed tables.

Service: 

The staff are friendly but a bit harried, especially when it's crowded, which is always.

Location: 

I guess you could call it the lower Flatiron, or the upper part of the East Village...either way, it’s just a block from Union Square, and a great central place to meet up when coming from different neighborhoods.

Price advice: 

Tapas dishes are small, and sharing many plates does add up, so be careful. Tapas from US$5 with a three-course meal without wine for about US$40 per person.

Tables to book: 

Avoid the tables by the door if you can...but they don’t take reservations. In any case, while you are waiting, don’t miss its sister bar next door, Bar Jamon, where paper thin slices of Iberian ham and a glass of Tempranillo are the perfect appetizer. It’s small and romantic and often the launch pad for a new relationship.

Other useful branches: 

Bar Jamon is situated next door at 125 East 17th Street, Union Square East, NYC 10003 - see the website below for details.

More information on Casa Mono:

Price guide:
Mid-range
Type:
Café, Restaurant, Wine bar
Food:
Spanish
Address:
52 Irving Place, Union Square East, New York City, New York, 10003
Telephone:
212-253-2773
Website:
http://www.casamononyc.com
Serves:
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Opening times:
Daily, noon-midnight.
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Reservations:
Not possible
Free tags / Keywords:
Quick bites

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