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All Reader Reviews of...

The Red Cat

227 Tenth Ave., New York, NY, 10011
nr. 23rd St.
212-242-1122

Avg. Rating

8
Food: 9
Service: 8
Décor: 9
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

87% would go back.

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Looking forward to next time

By desmarc on 9/2/2010

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

Alright, I admit it was the BBE code that finally got me into Red Cat for something other than drinks. I will definitely be back. Cocktails were great - one of the better Manhattans I have had in a restaurant, with decent cured cherries rather than faux-red maraschinos. I smashed my glass on the ground when I was just about done (unintentionally, honest) and they couldn't have been nicer - cheerfully cleaning up and pouring me a whole new drink. I had an appetizer of soft-shell crab over papaya salad (very good); my friend Michael had asparagus risotto (Mikey liked it!). You might not like calf's liver but I do. And if you taste Red Cat's version you will be converted. Spectacular blend of flavors, with a leek tart, "melted tomatoes" (a thick paste of fresh-roasted fruit), and a balsamic reduction building a rich dish that made me remember the best rustic meals I have had in Italy and southern France. Michael had salmon, which sounded so boring to me I didn't even taste it, but he raved about it the rest of the night so I guess I missed something special. The pistachio semifredo, sweet and rich with a nice hit of salty crunch around each nut, was a sublime end to one of the better restaurant meals I have had in months. The waitress (tall and thin and always smiling - even though she knew I was on a coupon, even when she was mopping up my drink and broken glass) was so perfectly attentive, without ever rushing us, that I tipped her 25%.

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38 out of 69 people found this review helpful.

The neighborhood favorite....

By openroad75 on 12/16/2009

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

Always a treat! We go at least once a month and it never disappoints. Friendly faces and satisfying food. What more can I say!!!

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60 out of 117 people found this review helpful.

( I ) Chat Rouge

By RuthlessFood on 8/1/2009

  • Overall Rating: 3
  • Food: 3
  • Service: 2
  • Décor: 8
  • No, I would not go back!

As with any restaurant I ask: "Is it worth it? And would I go again?" Red Cat: NO x 2. The Good: Love the atmosphere. Warm touches and a nice lively crowd. Probably good for groups. The bad (buckle up). Well the food is totally uninspired and just slightly less than mediocre french. Started with the prosciutto Parmesan appetizer. Looked and tasted bland like something that came out of Moonstruck Diner with a ring of mayonnaise. Ordered the Shell Steak. Steak was good quality but served absoutely horribly on a disgusting mixture of overdone potatoes, some sort of vegetables and gobs of mayonnaise. Dessert was the peanut butter parfait, which was not bad, if not resembling something Bill Cosby might whip up. Service was fine but not great. The waiter was pleasantly annoyed by our patronage. In short you can do so so much better in NYC. In the end not worth the effort or $.

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68 out of 137 people found this review helpful.

Nice Place, Friendly People, Good Food

By larryW on 1/25/2009

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

i live in the area and love this place. Very cozy place. Service is attentive. Food is very good. Had the quail and saltimboca for apps. delish. went with lamb and skate for entree. no regrets here. overall not the greatest value in the world but u get get food and good service and is a place i find myself going back to again and again

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69 out of 138 people found this review helpful.

Best in NY

By estrings on 5/30/2008

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

We had the most outstanding meal at Red Cat during our last trip to NY. The atmosphere is chic and romantic, the staff made you feel warm and welcome, and the servers are knowledgeable on all subjects. We had a fabulous appetizer of perogis with lobster and white mushrooms. It was so good we wanted to just order a couple more and call it a night, but our entrees (shell steak for me and double pork chops for my husband) were every bit as delicious. The side dishes did not disappoint and were the perfect compliment to the entrees. We loved the wine that was suggested so much that I e-mailed after arriving home to ask about it, as it was not on the online menu. They returned the e-mail immediately with all the information. I believe well-behaved children are quite welcome, and the price was very reasonable. We live near DC and it would be very reasonably priced here, as well. We've eaten for much more $ with food half as good. Wish we lived in the neighborhood. We would become regulars!

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77 out of 143 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely excellent experience

By dwallack79 on 2/19/2008

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I went to the Red Cat for the first time this past weekend. I have heard very good things and I am happy to say that my expectations were exceeded by this fantastic little restaurant. The decor is completely romantic for a place that is decorated in barn colors. Our service was polite and attentive, and our food was EXCELLENT. Perogis with Lobster and white mushrooms were an excellent starter, full of flavor. I had the duck breast which was expertly prepared and delicious. My fiance had the salmon which she was very happy with as well. Dessert was a decent, but not spectacular, creme brulee and chocolate cake. Overall though, the Red Cat is one of the best places that I have been to in NYC to date.

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127 out of 244 people found this review helpful.

Great food without the formality

By subscriber1717 on 11/11/2007

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

Waited on with friendly but not overbearing attentiveness (thanks, Mitchell), we relaxed and enjoyed a dinner served at our tempo. The tempura string beans are a whole much greater than its parts. With every dish cooked to the requested degree, even my hard-to-please husband was delighted with his steak. My favorite dessert was the cholesterol special, a not-too-sweet cheesecake made with goat cheese. Great attention to detail--not a sour note to be had. Would definitely go back again for a satisfying if not memorable meal.

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210 out of 437 people found this review helpful.

amazingly sexy date place

By thismortalCoyle on 10/21/2007

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Best lighting for romance; great NewYork atmosphere- upscale casual elegance. Artsy but unpretentious. Amazing food and the bartender can make a Rob Roy. Some wondeful wines on hand and if you need help choosing between a Rioja, Malbec or syrah the staff is very knowledgable

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218 out of 469 people found this review helpful.

Don't Use Your Credit Card

By BklynGenius21 on 5/15/2007

  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Food: 6
  • Service: 3
  • Décor: 7
  • No, I would not go back!

We received the wrong bill, then the correct bill. I just so happened to check my bank statement online (I paid with my debit card) and I had two charges from the resturant, neither of which were the amount I paid. I have tried to contact the manager but surprisingly he is never available and is unable to return phone calls. With so many wonderful restaurants in this city, I would suggest going someplace else for dinner.

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263 out of 503 people found this review helpful.

Reliable

By MC10036 on 12/5/2006

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

I have been here for first dates, double dates, dinner w a girlfriend, dinner w out-of-town relatives, and Thanksgiving. The decor is calming, the service is gracious, the food is unfailingly excellent. I have never been let down. This place is one of my go-tos.

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349 out of 721 people found this review helpful.

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