Being from
Harlem, I get extremely skeptical when new restaurants/bars just
randomly pop up. I don't know why, but for some reason I went against my
better judgement and decided to try out Corner Social.
So what's the problem with new restaurants in Harlem?
Technically...nothing.
The issue I have with them is that there is usually sooooooo much hype
that surrounds them. Then when you get around to trying the place out you find
that it's overpriced, overrated, and just a waste of time. But, like I
mentioned before I went against my better judgement and decided to give
it a try.
OK. Was it as bad as you envisioned it?
Not really. Nice ambiance, no crowd, decent music, service was pleasant. I must say that I had a really nice lunch outing.
2 questions in and you haven't mentioned anything about the food...guess it wasn't that good huh?
Uhh...so
I figured I would take the healthier approach and get the fish tacos (I
mean who doesn't love a nice fish taco right?) with an Angry Orchard
beer. Sad to say that the beer turned out to be the highlight of my
lunch. The tacos were small, bland, and falling apart as soon as I
picked them up. Thought the little salsa that they give you would have
done it some justice...WRONG! Definitely, wasn't a wise decision on my behalf.
Damn. That sucks. Why didn't try something else while you were there or send the food back?
As
much as they try to get you to believe that nothing is done to the food
of the customer that sends his/her plate back...I'm not buying it! And I
didn't buy something else because I'm not in the habit of buying
multiple meals during one sitting (especially since I'm there solo). On
top of that, why would I invest more money in a place that has already
let me down? But yet somehow, the following day I managed to find myself
there again for dinner -_-
So disappointed with your encounter and yet you go back? Why?
Aside
from the food, the place is actually very nice when it comes to social
atmosphere. So my hunger and lack of wanting to be in the house is what
drove me back over there. Needless to say, I DID NOT get the fish tacos!
How was the second time around?
MUCH BETTER! Was with a buddy of mine and we decided to start out with the chicken nachos which were...SLAMMING!
Not necessarily the healthiest choice, but they were sooooo good! As an
entree I got the turkey burger and salad. Not for nothing, this may
have been one of, if not the best, turkey burger I've ever had. Huge
patty, great flavor, the fix'ns weren't overbearing...everything was put
together very nicely. Hell, even the salad was good! Experience overall
was a complete upgrade from the day before.
Glad to hear your second experience was better then your first...anything else I should know about this place?
Keep
in mind that this place is a lounge/bar. Don't go into it expecting to
get the best meal you ever had. Also, understand that this place is
still fairly new so I'm sure they're in the process of playing with
items on the menu to see what works and what doesn't.
Recommendations?
Yeah....STAY AWAY FROM THE FISH TACOS! This place is nothing worth traveling far and wide for, but if you're in the area I'd say give it a try
Corner Social
321 Lenox Ave
New York, NY 10027
My usual instinct is to avoid going to bars for lunch. Not that there's anything wrong with it but, it's pretty much understood that when you go to a bar for lunch beer and maybe some wings will be the main options (usually it's the only things worth having). But in the case of Nelly Spellane's...I'm definitely going there for the food first.
Bar for lunch eh? What made you come here?
So I came here a while back (when I started my new job) randomly to meet one of my new coworkers. He was there eating and watching some sports, so I figured I would tag along. I think I got something basic like the wings or a burger. Nothing special, but I was definitely satisfied with my choice. As time went on I found myself coming here more frequently. One thing lead to another and I found myself going there a few times out the week for lunch.
I doubt that some wings or a burger was enough to make you go there so frequently...what turned this place from a regular bar to a top choice for lunch?
So, after work I came here with a friend strictly for beer (Guinness to be exact). 1 beer, 2 beer, 3 beers, bathroom run, 4 beers, and I got a little hungry. I wasn't starving but I definitely wanted to eat something before it got too late. Searching the menu, I chose the chilli and maaaaaaaaaaan was I not disappointed. That chilli (w/ cheese and onions) damn near change my life. It was to the point where whenever I went there I would go for the beers but I HAD TO get the chilli. After recommendations about some of the other items on the menu, I decided to start venturing around.
What are some of the items you would recommend?
FIRST AND FOREMOST...the chilli! It's what keeps me going there. Honestly, if they no longer served beer...I would still go for the chilli (no bullshit!). Coming in a very close second, the steak stir fry. Normally, stir fry is the last on my list of choices only because most have waaaaaay too much tangy ass sauce. But the stir fry at Nelly's is nothing short of perfect. Steak, peppers, onions, carrots, broccoli, sauteed in light oil, with a scoop of white rice....I'm seriously getting hungry just talking about it! After you've tried those 2, you should be sold and confident enough to try anything on their menu.
Stir fry? At a bar? That just doesn't sound right!
Agreed! And I honestly can't say what made me try it that one day, but I've been endorsing it ever since. TRUST ME! This stir fry is how it should be done! And I'm not even joking right now!
What's the ambiance like?
Typical bar. TV's, stools, table seating, sports banners, jukebox. Nothing out of the ordinary. To be honest, from the look of it you wouldn't even expect the food they make to be so good.
Sounds good. Anything else I should know?
Good food, $10 lunch specials, AMAZING staff (super friendly and after 2-3 trips you'll feel like family), great location, perfect for all events. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Nelly Spellane's
18 E. 33rd Street
NY, NY 10016
(212) 792-9673
