Walking to and from my favorite New York restaurant, Odeon in TriBeCa, I’ve noticed this magical little spot close by, appropriately named Tiny’s.
Perfect for on a winter night, Tiny’s is Waverly Inn meets Smith and Mills. Waverly-esque in the positioning of the front bar and entry seating area, as well as for its back room with fireplace. And like Smith and Mills in its painstaking coolness. The interiors are appropriately distressed for the perfect run-down chic. As the name suggests, the seating is intimate (also like Smith and Mills, but thankfully with more available) and diners can overflow to- literally- The Bar Upstairs. The name marks a literal delineation, not really a thematic shift. The music is the same (if just a bit louder), the lighting just slightly brighter and a little more elbow room.
Speaking of music, for all the casual-yet-totally-planned elements of the restaurant- like intentionally worn walls and mix-matched china and chairs- the music was apparently not planned in the least. It was just going rogue. Likely it was someone’s ipod…someone who likes Foster the People, Peter Bjorn and John, as well as some serious classic rock (Pumped Up Kicks? Check. Stairway to Heaven? Check.)
And on to the meatier subject: Food. This was one of those depressing occasions when there was nothing on the menu that I was particularly excited by, other than the side of mashed potatoes- which I resisted as my entree, opting instead for decadent and delicious gnocchi. From the unofficial poll taken by sampling off of friends’ plates, the other (somewhat typical) dishes were savory, satisfying and seasonal, chock full of usual winter suspects- beets, kale, butternut squash.
…But there was nothing typical of the dessert menu, which was completely inventive, original and fun. Chocolate Pretzel Tart? Yes please.
Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
135 West Broadway b/w Thomas and Duane St.
New York, New York, 10013
Reservations: (212) 374-1135
Oh, by the way: Indulge in a classic Cosmo at nearby Odeon. Passe you say? Not when you’re sipping one at the bar that originated the sweet drink.
Let’s be honest: It’s not about the food at Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs, it’s about the scene. And what a lovely one it is.
Accessorize: With a Tiny clutch, of course. All available through ShopStyle.
Kate Spade “Travel Mag” Clutch
Dylan Pochette Two-tone Zip Clutch
