Brunch ! Minetta Tavern !

Minetta Tavern is one of New York's prime dining institutions that I've never before visited.  Their black label burger that rings in at $28, with its dry-aged beef blend procured from Pat LaFreida, is declared by most as the best burger they've ever had, but man, for twenty. eight. dollars.  You'd hope so, right?

So we joined a few friends for brunch at the Tavern recently just to check out what you can buy for crazy amounts of dollars.

The french toast, at $19, is probably one of the most expensive french toasts you will ever get for toasted, regular-looking bread.  Although it looks pretty plain and sad, it actually tastes okay - not too dry, and with nice, citrusy flavor.  It comes with fresh ricotta and real maple syrup.

The duck hash, at $9, is a hearty side, full of thick flavorful potato chunks and bits of duck.  If it wasn't over salted, it might actually be pretty tasty.  I especially enjoyed the strands of sweet, caramelized onions.  If you added a couple poached eggs over the top, it'd make an okay meal in itself if you don't already suffer from hypertension.  

The boy ordered the Minetta burger, the $19  bargain compared to the black label burger.  It's made with a similar blend of beef, topped with caramelized onions and cheddar.  It's definitely a tasty burger, the meat well-ground and a bit loose and juicy, and the fries are perfection.

The boy's friend ordered the black label, and thought it also tasted good, but wasn't sure if it was the best he's ever had.  I think spending $30 on a burger makes you question a lot of things.  I guess no one really knows what to believe when they are spending $30 on a burger.  

A popular favorite at the brunch table was the Pasta ZaZa dish.  The fried egg's clearly a beauty and the bits of sage and pancetta is just an irresistible combination.  Overall, a surprisingly light and creamy plate of goodness.

Han's Nonsensical Rating: New York institutions are usually pricy affairs, and Minetta Tavern is no exception.  Can't say I'd return back for anything soon, but the burgers didn't disappoint.  (I'd still prefer Whitman's or Brindle Room any day.)

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St., New York, NY 10012