We went to Tiny’s Tribeca twice prior to posting a review. I had begun writing, but never added the photos. My impression changed slightly after a meal and I was able to take some of my own pics, so it was good I waited.  We’ve now been back a third time and started frequenting another bar owned by the same group called Smith & Mills, also in Tribeca.

10/19/2011

Tiny’s is a new bi-level restaurant/bar in Tribeca. The building was built in 1810 and restored to perfection. While they were at it they made it super hip. It was absolutely gorgeous. So were the people. Certainly, the crowd was not hipster in any way, but quite chic and young. The place is billed as Tiny’s and ‘The Bar Upstairs’, so we went right for the second level. The bar has no stools save for a couple along the staircase. That makes it either a place where you need to get a reservation and eat with your cocktails or a spot to stop for only one drink. It is kind of a shame and I hope they modify that, as the cocktails are nicely done. They are planning a ‘private dining area’ on the third floor, which is as yet incomplete.

It is a supposedly a soup and sandwich place, but we need to sample the menu. The smells in there were very complex, which leads me to believe they either make a hell of a soup or the sandwiches are far from average. At this point it is difficult to fully asses the joint. I can tell you we are interested enough to check it out again. As I understand it is quite the hot spot, so we thought about really trying the FOOD for lunch. Our plan is to hit it this weekend, so I will update this post soon.

Tiny’s is owned by the Matt Abramcyk and his siblings. I have no clue who this guy is, but his sister states in a New York Magazine interview that ‘this restaurant will be less exclusive’ than some of her brother’s past and present projects. He also owns the Beatrice Inn and the Bunker. Having no idea what either was, I looked up the first. Apparently it closed because they opened it as a ‘private club’. So that’s bullshit. The Bunker is in meatpacking and is another restoration project, apparently also rather ‘exclusive’. This isn’t giving me a good vibe. But judgement remains neutral until trying the food!

We followed with a second visit for a late lunch.  We were between the bar menu and full dinner menu time by 1/2 an hour.  We decided to order a snack and take a look at the dinner menu.  We were so uninspired we opted to order burgers from the bar menu.  We began with burata, one of our favorites.  It was rather disappointing.  Our portion had more mozzarella shell and a small amount of creamy center.  It was served with arugula and tomatoes in a bowl.  Eh.  Mediocre. The burgers were  quite good.  Like everyone else, they’ve created a ‘special sauce.’  We enjoyed them, but seriously everybody has a good burger these days.

Our service wasn’t great either.  Two different people waited our table, as one kept noticing we weren’t getting attention.

And finally, in the light of day the decor was less impressive than we originally thought.  Further, the table and chair sets are mis-matched antique pieces.  The chairs are the metal artist/kitchen stools as shown in the photos and they are not only uncomfortable, but also too high for the tables, which are oddly low.

4/15/2013

We actually did return for a third visit with a friend for cocktails.  Stools had been added to the bar area, which helped a great deal.  We had a fun time and the cocktails are very nicelyn done.  The small space is challenging for sure at the bar, but we did notice groups with reservations at the tables for drinks and snacks.

We’ve since visited their other ‘tiny’ location called Smith & Mills, which we rather enjoy.  Since they are similar, I’d say we might not have been fair to Tiny’s and we’ll probably go back yet a fourth time.  It has been quite some time since opening!

http://www.tinysnyc.com/
135 West Broadway – Tribeca