The Classy York Grill

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Just two blocks north of the old German Broadway, 86th Street and York Avenue, is York Grill, a classy American eatery offering New American cuisine to its patrons. York Grill is steeped in elegance, charm, and warmth, providing its diners a comfortable and cozy setting.

The furniture is a mixture of traditional and contemporary with inviting, warm colors. Chic fabrics are used as covering for the unusually designed banquettes and chairs. Modigliani-inspired paintings adorn the walls and French-style windows open for the diners to enjoy outdoor dining. The effect is comfortable, and the setting is cozy and appealing.

The restaurant features New American cuisine brought to you by chef Matt Creeson, formerly of Jane Restaurant, and the owners, two brothers, Tony and Charlie Greco.

Although York Grill is in a quiet neighborhood, the place is buzzing, frequented by local diners and celebrities alike. The service is efficient. The fare is New American with top-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. York Grill is not only a dining place, but also is a family and neighborhood place for young and old to enjoy.

As you enter, you are immediately greeted by the full-service, 40-foot long curved custom-made bar and a creative bartender mixing White Cosmopolitans (cranberry-infused “Aquavit” Vodka, triple sec, and white cranberry juice with dried cranberry garnish), and pear martinis (Absolut Pears Vodka with a dash of sour apple chilled and served martini style) among other tasty cocktails.

If you are not in the mood for a cocktail, there is an almost unlimited selection of global wines and beers to choose from while listening to a nice variety of eclectic music: from contemporary pop, jazz, and blues to New Orleans bluegrass and oldies.

The New American menu is as much about comfort as it is about creativity. The dishes combine a tantalizing mix of flavors and ingredients. Appetizers like the house-made gnocchi topped with Gorgonzola cheese and blistered grape tomatoes or the Nola Calamari with Cajun spices and York remoulade are a good way to start.

Entrees comprise a daring mix of perfectly prepared ingredients. From the Grilled Atlantic Salmon over crispy Idaho potatoes to the perfectly executed Pan Roasted Diver Sea Scallops over diced Yukon gold potatoes, frizzled with Black truffle sauce. The scallops hand picked off the coast of Maine were superb, sweet and tender.

The Chile Glazed Grilled pork loin was surprisingly moist and flavorful: subtle flavors and the right amount of spice. Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak served baby carrots and caramelized onions and garlic-mashed potatoes is comfort food taken to another level. The meat, which comes from Canada is marinated in teriyaki and soy sauces, honey, garlic and apricot brandy and is delicious.

The desserts, classics prepared by the same chef in house, are a nice way to end a delicious meal. Go for the cheesecake topped with fresh berries. It appears to be simple presentation of a New York classic but is incredible.

York Grill also offers a Sunday Brunch with a prix fixe for $19.95. You will have a choice of the classics, such as eggs Benedict and omelets. You may also try the new: the skirt steak. Complimentary champagne, mimosa, or Bloody Mary are standard.

Monday special: lobster and clam bake dinner

York Grill is located at 1690 York Avenue, (between 88th and 89th Streets), New York, NY 10128, (212) 772-0261

Dinner: Monday through Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Brunch: Monday through Thursday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Price Points:
Appetizers: $6.95 to $12.95
Main Course: $18.95 to $33.95
Lobster Mondays: $27.95
(Stuffed lobster in fall/winter:
Lobster clam bake in spring/summer)
Chef’s table 3-course prix fixe dinner: Starting at $19.95
Monday through Thursday
Prix fixe brunch menu with champagne, mimosa, or Bloody Mary: $19.95
Dress code: casual to formal
Major credit cards accepted