Le 421 - New York

So I made a reservation for 2 on Wednesday 1/10 for a first date. I even called to confirm that 8:30 wouldn’t be too busy so we could talk and not have to yell. When I arrive to the restaurant...it was complete closed. All the lights were off and the door was locked. There was no signage saying that they were going to be closed early. It was incredibly embarrassing showing up for a first date and the restaurant was closed. We found somewhere else to eat but would’ve at least expected a call or an email saying they would be closed...sadly won’t be going back.

This place is clearly going down hill. Food it cheap and cheap tasting. I bet they are not going to last much longer.

Every good restaurant has an off-night. We've had a dozen meals at Barley and Grain and finally had a bad one. The Sazeracs were unduly acid (I doubt that they used the usual rye. and the martinis didn't have the elderflower garnish. The guacamole was incredibly spicy and the steakbits, usually great, were tough and chewy. The waiter never realized that he spilled my sister's salad's dressing on me. The hamburger meat was unusually fatty. I think this was just an off-night and we'll be back soon.

I met an old friend for a long and leisurely lunch on a Thursday afternoon. The food was great. A burger for my friend and a chicken club pita for me. But each was prepared with care and skill. They were each a real meal and an excellent meal. Service was wonderful. Espresso was great. The bar is superior. It's a real neighborhood gem.

We showed up at 7:30 on a Wednesday and they were basically out of food. They have a limited menu to begin with and out of 4 main course they were out of 2 both fish options) ! The big items on the menu include burgers and salmon burgers. They were out of the salmon burgers! We ended up leaving because not everyone in our party could find something to eat!