A Celebration of The City: The Marriage of History And Modernity. Housed within what was once the historic Nabisco Factory, Willow Road is a celebration of both a building and a city that so gracefully blend together a rich history with modern sensibilities. Serving up classic American dishes with contemporary culinary technique and time-honored cocktails with a twist, all in an intimate setting, Willow Road offers the perfect place to meet for good food, good drinks, and good conversation.
"Came here for a group lunch and they did not seem very prepared at all. The menus were left on the table after our orders were taken. When the food was finally ready the waitress gave out the wrong plates to everyone and actually put a sandwich in the middle of the table for us to figure out who it goes to. No dessert menus were given out so we just ordered coffee which we thought they ran out to Starbucks to get since it took so long.
We had to get up to ask for the check since the waitress had her back turned to us while she was speaking with the chef. The food was good but did not enjoy the overall experience."
Dined on 5/20/2013
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"I was here Saturday night with a few girlfriends for just a catch up sesh and we had made reservations for 9:45. When we got there our table wasn't ready, grant it, it was a super cute trendy and packed considering it was a Saturday night in the meatpacking. Nonetheless, we would have typically been super annoyed with the fact that we had to wait for a table w rezy BUT the hosts, managers, and even bartenders went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of in the interim. They were all beyond nice and hospitable, which is unfounded in the meatpacking generally. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant based on service alone, not to mention the food was DELISH. (Try the fried chicken and mac n cheese) Cocktail of choice: Cool Cumber."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"We were really looking forward to trying Willow Lane and I couldn't have been happier! Of the dishes we tried the mussels, skirt steak, lamb burgers and fried chicken were the stand out stars. I could have lived without the Kale Salad (needed more dressing) and the mac and cheese (this was a bummer I was looking forward to it but it tasted more like Italian bread sticks from a pizza joint that a yummy mac and cheese) . I'm excited to return to try more. Oh and the cocktail menu is fantastic!!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I took my boyfriend here for his birthday along with two family members who came in from out of town, so it was a special occasion. The mussels and cocktails were good, but the entrees were disappointing to say the least. The lamb chops were completely overcooked and hard with not a hint of pink in the center. The fried chicken was over-fried, so the batter was dark dark brown, my aunt ended up removing the batter completely. The mac and cheese was so salty, it was clear no one had taste tested it in the kitchen. The server took away my boyfriend's utensils, dropped off his entree and took several minutes to return with a new set. The bussers and runners, on the other hand, were totally on top of their game and were very attentive."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"We were very delighted to enjoy another great time at Willow Road. This time we had a party of four and the food and service were excellent given what the restaurant is setting out to achieve, e.g. a fun and lively vibe with very good food. The menu is focused on fewer options that cover a good range of tastes and preferences. You must try the mussels that are served on the table in a fashion similar to "sizzling fajitas"! We scored the food as outstanding, given the value to price reward we experienced. The bar also serves up great cocktails and was busy even when we arrived before 7:00 for our reservations. Don't miss this place (literally) as its entrance door is underneath a "Bar" sign with no indication of Willow Road."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Amazing service and the food is absolutely delicious. Fun energetic. Highly recommended."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"After reading some good reviews and received a few recommendations from friends, I have to say that I was expecting more. The food is pretty small and fairly pricey, but then it is in the meatpacking district, so what can you expect. The food was good but not great. We had the pork cutlet, which was appetizer size but at a price of $33, we also had the buttermilk fried chicken. The chicken was good, but nothing to write home about. The drinks and atmosphere though are awesome. I probably wont eat here again but will definitely stop by to hang out by the bar and order a few Willow Frescas."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"Best Fried chicken in the City, HANDS DOWN!! We had a wonderful time. Service was excellent, food was off the charts, and it was a fun environment without being invasive. Top 5 spots in the city..."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Better than expected food quality. Brooklyn cuisine in trendy Manhattan. What is this world coming to? Thought the place was going to be mediocre but it was actually very good."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I can now say I'm a regular here. No joke, one of the best restaurants overall in the city. The food, service, energy, ambiance is all well put together. They also have a seasonal menu that changes and specials every night that are unique and appetizing to my foodie sensibility."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"I have now been back three times, and each time it keeps getting better. This place is here to stay!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Had a fantastic dinner at Willow Road - definitely enjoyed everything we ordered. Highlights: Artichoke Fregula Sarda and the Wild Mushroom Pumpkin, unforgettable dishes!! We found the service rather slow, but it was prime time on a Thursday evening and the restaurant was packed. Will definitely be back asap!!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"Great food! If you're two or more get the whole fish. I also loved the mussels. However, despite the excellent food, I found the scene to be a little pretentious for my taste."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"My friend Claire and I dined pre theatre on Monday. Our waiter served us delicious Riesling ad suggested the Spaetzel special. I wish I could remember our server's name because he was fantastic. Thanks for a lovely dinner."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"Dinner was sub par. The atmosphere is nice, well decorated spot but there were a few big disconnects. The pumpkin mushroom dish never came together to taste like a dish. While my chicken rocked ($16)- the option at add a side of potatoes ($14) left me thinking, wait what...?! Warning, don't go for a drink off menu without asking for a price, they overcharge. Worst for us, watch the extra pairings with the appetizers, they charge by person not by the order and don't clarify as such. If money is not an option maybe, but not somewhere I can recommend if you care about your wallet."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
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"Will probably go back down the road to see if what was not great is fixed. Service was so so. When the server was at our table he was great but often we were left hanging for long periods w empty glasses etc. An overall consensus of the table was that the starters and dessert were the better parts of the dinner. The main courses and sides were not enjoyed. Seemed that three out of four had a lack of seasoning and just no flavor. Could have been worse but nothing to remember."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2007
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"The first time i at there -- it was truly a memorable meal -- everything we ordered was prepared to perfection and very tasteful! One of there specials was an oven roasted Branzino -- filletted and served whole -- the outside was crispy the inside tender, juicy and beautifully seasoned -- one of the best Branzino dishes i remember ever having. The plancha mussels were also excellent -- fresh, clean and tasty! my dining partners were equally enamored with theirs! A week later i came again and everything was very good -- not quite as spectacular as the first time -- still very good, just not memorable! i plan to go again -- it has a "scene" buzz which can at times be too loud -- but keeps it energetic and interesting!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The food was absolutely unique and delicious. The wine list wasn't that great, and they didn't have the ones we wanted, but we found something else. Service was a little slow, especially from the bar, but our wait staff was wonderful."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
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"Overall the food was good. Not great, but good. I had the sea bass and it was a little bland. The appetizers and sides were better than my entree. I also think that $18 for a cocktail is a little steep for a place like this."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Small plates were really good, but large plates weren't as good. We would recommend this restaurant for its small plates, reasonable wine list with good selections, and the ambience. Large plates were just average compared to the lamb sliders and artichoke salad. Overall, we had a really good time, and would definitely go back. Thanks !"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: hot spot
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"What a surprise! So refreshing to have a real neighborhood spot on that block. A neighborhood spot that rivals any foodie experience... Fried Chicken was the best i have ever had no joke. The aesthetic of the place was funky but warm. ( photos do not do this justice )
I will be a regular!!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We had a really great time here. The only meal that wasn't excellent was the Black Bass. It was cooked really well but it seemed under-seasoned. Otherwise, the artichoke appetizer, the 20 green salad and the special entree with bay scallops, a slow cooked egg, crostini and caviar cream was delicious. The ambiance is fun; I went with a date but it would be great for a group. The cocktail/wine lists is fine and the decor is awesome if you're into simple without being boring and natural without being a cabin. I would definitely recommend."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Went for dinner with friends and will definitely go back. Don't miss the Mussels a la plancha. Also, the Hunk of aged cheddar (so worth it!), Charred bean salad, Artichoke fregola, and Fried chicken."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Arrived on time for a Friday night dinner with my husband. The host was busy texting and pretended that we weren't there until he was done typing away. It was incredibly loud in the narrow place that I had to almost scream my name for them to find my reservation. Even though we did have a reservation, the table was not ready and they asked us to wait at the bar. Like I mentioned the place is very narrow and there wasn't anywhere to stand without being crammed into passing customers and servers. After waiting a whle I checked back with the host and he told me that it was going to be 25 minutes longer. I wanted to leave at that point but where else could we go during prime time on a Friday night? The food was not worth the wait."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
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"What a great spot! The food was excellent comfort food. Very, very busy, especially on a Friday night. e did wait about 35 minutes to be seated with our reservation, but was worth the wait for a good table. Treated quite well, great server & everything we ate had layers and layers of flavors, some items the best we have had. Honey fried chicken was a real stand out and the Mac and Cheese, was very good and quite different then the run of the mill many restaurants seem to be serving these days.
Crowd is mostly comprised of 20 and 30 somethings, expected in the Meat Packing district. Only negative was the amount of people and the acoustics made it a bit difficult to hear your party, go with that in mind and you will be very glad you did."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The food was amazing. Had the Lamb Sliders, Chickpeas & Chorizo, Fried Chicken, the cheese bite - all of which were excellent. Seriously, the fried chicken was the best that I have ever had - moist, sweet, and spicy - delicious!! We also had the scallops which were good but weren't as unique and as inspiring of a dish as the others. My date said it was the best meal that he had since moving to NYC, which made me very happy as I planned the evening. I would highly recommend this place!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Willow Road is very close to our apartment and we've had very high hopes for it. So far, no disappointments, outside of, perhaps a limited menu. Yes, it's a #gastropub but one or two more healthy options would go a long way toward making my wife more comfortable eating there. The kale salad is amazingly delicious and adding some options like that would be amazing. 9/10 so far with this notable exception."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Willow Road has a great, lively atmosphere. The dining room is a tall ceilinged warehouse like space. Food was delicious and service friendly. We were a group of 4 friends and it was perfect to catch up in a funky space. My only criticism would be a tiny area they call the bar, but which is not really suitable for having a drink while you wait as it's tiny and you're constantly moving around to dodge waiters coming from the kitchen to tables. Best to arrive at the right time for your reservation."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We came here for dinner and had a member of our party show up 45 minutes late for the reservation. They were very accommodating and we hung out at the bar until she arrived. The food was excellent, particularly the fried chicken. The vibe was great and we had a fun time. It's a relaxed atmosphere."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"All the food here was great. The fried chicken was the best fried chicken I've ever had. My only complaint was the table we were seated at. We had a reservation but we were seated on bar stools next to each other at a table next to the windows and not an actual table. Since we were next to the windows it's was very cold. Made the meal a little less enjoyable. Thankfully the food was so good to make up for it."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"The only negative was the hostess that called to confirm my reservation. I was planning on changing my reservation time from 630 to 730 (which open table had listed as available) And she said that just because open table has availability doesn't mean the restaurant actually doesAnd if I changed it they would not be able to honor my reservation."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find
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"Have been hearing so much of this place since it opened and it's sandwiched between two of my favorite restaurants in the city..what could go wrong? Beautifu space but food a big disappointment. We started with duck fat crips (too greasy, need more draining), jalapeños (good, pb filling was interesting), aged cheddar (cheddar was served too cold but toasted raisn bread was nice). Moved on to the duck confit salad, which was overly salty and over dressed, although the duck itself was tasty. The mini lamb burgers, which are good but I've had better. Brussel spouts w/ hazelnuts, which I didn't eat but my husband loved. The aligote potatoes, which were ok. Sticky Toffee Pudding was amazing. Overall, Overhyped"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2007
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