Graydon Carter’s Waverly Inn

When my girlfriend suggested we go to the Waverly Inn for a dark and stormy – her favorite fall drink, I had no idea what I was in for.    I had read about Graydon Carter‘s restaurant many of times, knew of all the hype and had chosen to pass.  Not because I wasn’t interested.  Of course I was.  I am obsessed with Vanity Fair, read it cover to cover every month and always love experiencing a cool spot in Manhattan.  It was the exclusivity and all the talk about no listed phone number that had me throwing it to the back burner.  There are just so many amazing points to spend your time in Manhattan that I couldn’t muster up the energy to figure it all out.  I imagined I would get to it at some point and here we were.

We arrived just at the perfect time – 6ish.  Thinking we were up for a cocktail and maybe a few bites turned into four hours of people watching, great conversation with various types and playing a little referee for the bartenders.  Waverly is a small place, but it continues to unfold the deeper you explore it.  With timing on our side we chose two perfect seats (of the six or so that exist) at the bar.  The bartenders weren’t too friendly but they were attentive and busy.   We never intended to get a table and I am still not exactly sure how one goes about making a reservation but I recommend going in for a drink to see if the atmosphere is for you before making the investment.

We enjoyed a few of the appetizers, tuna tartare, crabcakes and oysters…all were quite good.  The best part however, was the bourbon stormy.  I am not a hard alcohol drinker let alone a bourbon drinker but, a fan this drink made me.  It was delicious and refreshing.  (Subsequently, I discovered the dark and stormy has been categorized as a Spring/Summer rum concoction and the national drink of Bermuda…who knew?) The Waverly Inn’s take on this delightful cocktail includes, bourbon, ginger liquer and fresh lemon juice.  It was the third round which was gratis from the bartenders after another patron spilled their martini down my girlfriend’s back…told you it was a tight squeeze, that had us calling it quits.   It was packed and interesting and people were engaged in the experience of it.  The dining area was busy and vast compared to what you expect after entering onto the quaint bar through the front door.  It has a Ralph Lauren Home meets The Spotted Pig vibe and the burning fireplace draws you in to stay for a drink or two.  You might even be lucky enough to get a future reservation if you Facebook friend the reservationist…you never know?! 16 Bank Street at Waverly Place

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