Ernesto's

Side notes- Prices aren't online, and the menu changes frequently. In general, as of a few months ago, the pintxos/bites are $14 to $16, the entradas/appetizers are mostly in the low or mid-$20s, and the platos/entrees are mostly in the $30s and $40s. Anyway, I was at this dimly lit Basque restaurant a while back with a small group. The place got pretty loud eventually, and the service was friendly. As we were waiting, I had some time to kill and ordered a tasty vermut. In this case, it was the Lustao Blanco for $16 on the rocks with an olive. In terms of small bites/Pintxos, someone ordered the Gildas for $14 while waiting, and another person enjoyed the similarly tiny Croquetas de Jamón for the same price point. Speaking of prices, I am unsure exactly how much everything cost, and I can

This is a typical trendy Manhattan restaurant. Charming interior, great mixed drinks, delicious food but like all Manhattan restaurants expensive. You’ll drop $100 per person if you include drinks. That being said the food and mixed drinks were delicious so absolutely no complaints. We walked in early and had no problems getting seating but I would recommend getting a reservation if you plan to eat later. The restaurant was quickly filling up.

had the chance to sit down at the chef's counter for a great meal last night. service was spectacular. tried most of the menu and cant recommend the counter experience more. favorites included the short rib stuffed peppers, jamon croquetas, pintxo matrimonio (!!!!), bikini hemingway, and the duck confit.

All style, no substance" describes this place best. The service has some great aspects—attentive water refills, napkin folding, smiling food delivery—but the true Basque hospitality is missing. You have to flag down the indifferent waitress, and their policy of ordering everything at once for immediate coursing screams "get 'em in and out." Some dishes were rushed, like the crab tarts that went soggy quickly. The standout dishes were the incredible octopus with crispy peppers and tender meat, and the simple yet elevated artichokes with almond sauce (highly recommend getting bread to mop it up). The bland morcilla was disappointing, but they did graciously take it off the bill. Overall, a "meh" experience in a city with far better options.

Sat at the Chef’s counter in the smaller dining room. Very large and interesting wine menu with lots of Spanish wines! Love the smaller bites, I think the traditional options to start such as the tortilla, croquetas, and jamón are the best options over the mains. I would definitely come back to sit outside and enjoy some wine and smaller bites!