Reserve now:

Counter Reservations

Restaurant Reviews List > New York / Tri-State Area Restaurant Reviews > Manhattan Restaurant Reviews > East Village Restaurant Reviews > Mediterranean Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Counter

Counter

105 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Counter serves elegant Mediterranean inspired dishes in which local, organic ingredients take center stage. It is the only organic bar of its kind in NYC serving over 300 organic and biodynamic wines and every organic beer and spirit available.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $31 to $50
Parking: Street Parking
Cross Street: Between 6th and 7th Streets

See more Counter details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		3.6 out of 5 (90 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies (45)
notable wine list (23)
good for groups (18)
neighborhood gem (17)
special occasion (17)
romantic (13)
great for brunch (8)
hot spot (8)
kid-friendly (8)
great for lunch (6)
vibrant bar scene (5)

+ see more special features/tags

Counter Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Service and food was outstanding. This was my first visit back in a year or so (even though I love the place, I'm rarely in the neighborhood), and I was totally impressed. Counter was one of the first restaurants in NYC to focus on local, sustainable, slow food, and they have really learned to execute impeccably. I was surprised that they added eggs and cheese to the menu, which means I can take my boyfriend here who won't touch veggies! Also can't wait to try the brunch menu, which looks awesome."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/12/2010

(review submitted 03/18/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 2 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had a great dinner at Counter. The menu features several small plates, designed to share. We had the chick pea saute and quinoa with broccoli and both were good. We also had the frites and the mushroom slider. The only disappointment was the mushroom slider. For $9, we got one teeny-tiny slider. While the flavor was really good, it was about 2 bites worth. I think for the price, they should include 3 sliders. Other than that, everything was really good and the service was friendly and attentive. It was busy and the tables are close but still enjoyable."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/12/2010

(review submitted 03/17/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 3 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My second time back, delicious!! The winter kale and speghetti squash have been our favorites. We must have a 10 minute convo about how great the chickpea popcorn is each time. The service is excellent and very friendly. We will definately be back with more friends."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/09/2010

(review submitted 03/11/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 4 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"It was so good that I went back the next night as well! Some of the best vegan food that I have ever had in a restaurant... everything was just great..."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 5 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The food was surprisingly bland, which was really disappointing. Organic vegetarian food doesn't have to be so tasteless. It was really loud, hard to hear one another. Wasn't a special experience, which would have been fine if it hadn't cost so much."

Special Features: hot spot

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/05/2010

(review submitted 03/07/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 6 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I just love this place. Amazing food. Amazing staff."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/19/2010

(review submitted 02/23/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 7 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"GREAT vegetarian dining.... a wonderful selection!"

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/17/2010

(review submitted 02/23/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 8 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This place is awesome! So good-we ordered all the apps three times and had a tapas party!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/17/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 9 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Some of the portions were startlingly small for the price, but such is the way with high quality organic restuarants a lot of the time. The gnocchi was incredible and delicate. The service was friendly and competent. I will definitely be back, and it is a great place for a treat or a special occasion. I just wish there was something like this that was more accessible for everyday dining!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/16/2010

(review submitted 02/19/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 10 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"We agreed we wouldn't care to go back for brunch. Perhaps dinner to try the menu. It simply wasn't an outstanding experience."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 11 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"great, great meal, waitor a little over whelemed and confused but very nice."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 12 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"We were hoping for something a little more special -- we went here a couple of years ago and remembered liking it better..."

Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, special occasion

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 13 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I went here with a Vegan friend for Brunch. As I am a meat lover I was unsure if I would like anything on the menu . . . boy, was I wrong! The brunch was delicious! From the homemade Vegan Nutella to the lentil and walnut panini I was pleasantly suprised and satisfied! $3.50 Mimosas didn't hurt either :-)"

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 14 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I wasn't told there was a prix fixe menu when I made reservations, probably should have asked. Menu was nonexistant really, just one selection with a wine pairing. Overall it was pretty good, but the full menu would have been nice."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 15 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"A bit more formal than it should be. The food is superb but there is a slight joylessness to how it is presented. The burger is better than most beef burgers in the city."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 02/14/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 16 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The food is good here--and interesting. No need at all to miss non-vegetarian food, although later we were very thirsty and we added no additional seasoning to the food. The restaurant was almost empty and yet we had to call the server over for everything, I mean everything. I wonder if the owner, someone I saw interviewed on Mike Colemeco's tv show (which is how I came to try the restaurant because I am not a vegetarian), knows about the service."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/08/2010

(review submitted 02/10/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 17 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The service was less than ideal--quite slow. Also, when we asked for an extra empty teacup, the server seemed to be taken totally aback and hesitated before finally agreeing."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/10/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 18 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a nice ambiance. One of the most exensive organic wine lists in NYC. It does not tend towards "mock meat" dishes like some other veggie places, but focuses instead on designing creative dishes with delicious, seasonal vegetables. A serious carnivore would probably not be happy here, but vegetarians and open-minded omnivores should be very pleased with the food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/08/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 19 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Good veggie dishes. I'd say go for the small plates more than the entrees, but be advised many are served cold."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/08/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 20 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"One of the best, if not *the* best, vegetarian restaurant in NYC."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/03/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 21 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Heard about restaurant on Colemeco (sp) on PBS....
but very disappointing. Plus dishes are VERY small...got VERY pricey for moderate quality food!
we tried!"

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 22 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food was good, but pricey. The "large" plate was certainly not large and the small plates were quite small. I liked that the menu was not soy heavy as many vegetarian restaurants tend to be. The staff were friendly. If you are not on a budget, I definitely recommend."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/29/2010

(review submitted 01/31/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 23 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The person who greeted us wasn't very welcoming, the ambiance was poor, and the room fairly noisy. The server was attentive and very nice (though it seemed she had too many tables to deal with). As for the food: the dishes are creative and potentially interesting, but I had the feeling what once may have been great has fallen to just okay. I felt the food wasn't prepared by people who cared about how it came out. Perhaps it was an off night, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/20/2010

(review submitted 01/25/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 24 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"My comments on Food are not relevant. I did not eat any food. I had made a reservation at 7:30 and arrived before this time and had a drink at teh bar waiting for my friends to arrive. I was not asked whether I had booked a table - I assumed that this would be assumed. When my friends arrive after about 20 minutes there were no tables left. OK - I should have made more of an effort to explain that my friends were running later - but I assumed that a person waiting at the bar at 7:30 on a weekday night presumably was waiting for someone for a table. I ended up having to leave - and find another restaurant. It was disappointing service."

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/21/2010

(review submitted 01/25/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 25 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I would go back for a drink and snack but not dinner. The food was good but not very good or unique. Seems more like a place you would go for a
drink before dinner. They brought our food really quickly (almost too fast) and then ignored us the rest of the night. I probably wouldn't mind all that of it wasn't also pricey!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/22/2010

(review submitted 01/24/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 26 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Tiny portions, expensive, very very slow service. We left starving and later ordered pizza!"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/09/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

Share this Review:

Review 27 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"It was unfortunately quiet for the duration of our time here with only another couple of tables occupied. Although one of the dishes we asked for wasn't available, my vegetarian partner was very pleased with the choices and dishes ordered. The service was flawless and the different vegan and vegetarian wine available was also impressive. My only issue was with how quiet it was (5 days before Christmas) because you could see with more people it would have been a very nice place indeed and made the whole experience that much better."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/21/2009

(review submitted 12/29/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 28 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Counter is getting a little run down, and the attitude towards customers is fading into the mediocre realm. That is sad, because this place once had class, and the food was superb. Now it is merely passable, and overpriced."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/23/2009

(review submitted 12/27/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 29 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Went for Thanksgiving and had fixed px menu. Food was very nice, although presentation of the main course was poor - looked like it had all just been thrown onto one side of the plate. Service was best described as "perfunctory" - no sooner had you put down your fork than your plate was whisked away and the next course arrived...by wait staff who had either been banned from talking, or didn't speak a single word of English. Food was nice, but service and presentation and prices mean I am unlikely to return."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 30 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The Best Thanksgiving dinner for a vegetarian or vegan. Each course was better than the next and I was even more impressed this time around than when I went 2 years ago. I will definitely be back in 2010! The seitan, gravy, cornbread stuffing, yams, and even the brussel sprouts (that's just the entree...) was out of this world."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 31 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I came here for the Thanksgiving dinner. Everything was delicious, especially the pumpkin soup. My only complaint is the price: a seitan dinner should not cost $50, even if it is prepared well. I would have been much happier spending $35-$40."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 32 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Beautiful vegetable beautifully prepared. Everything was delicious and I really like the option of having small plates. The service seemed indifferent and our table wasn't particularly comfortable but I'd still want to try everything on the menu."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/21/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 33 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Awesome quality vegetarian cuisine. Great organic / sustainable wine list. Attentive service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/22/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 34 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I go once a year to celebrate my birthday and my daughter's birthdays. They bring friends and of course I pay but it's so worth it!
We love Counter and will keep going."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/18/2009

(review submitted 11/20/2009)

Share this Review:

Review 35 for Counter

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I don't know what the range of options is like in NYC (since I live in DC) but I thought this was on par or better than the DC-equivalent, Vegetate. A good range of food options to satisfy even the non-vegetarian."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/18/2009

(review submitted 11/20/2009)

Share this Review:

Ratings-Only Reviews for Counter

Based on the average of (55) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Counter

Counter Reviews List

Review 1 for Counter

Review 2 for Counter

Review 3 for Counter

Review 4 for Counter

Review 5 for Counter

Review 6 for Counter

Review 7 for Counter

Review 8 for Counter

Review 9 for Counter

Review 10 for Counter

Review 11 for Counter

Review 12 for Counter

Review 13 for Counter

Review 14 for Counter

Review 15 for Counter

Review 16 for Counter

Review 17 for Counter

Review 18 for Counter

Review 19 for Counter

Review 20 for Counter

Review 21 for Counter

Review 22 for Counter

Review 23 for Counter

Review 24 for Counter

Review 25 for Counter

Review 26 for Counter

Review 27 for Counter

Review 28 for Counter

Review 29 for Counter

Review 30 for Counter

Review 31 for Counter

Review 32 for Counter

Review 33 for Counter

Review 34 for Counter

Review 35 for Counter