I Got Lost Finding The Astor NYC. The Martinis Found Me.

I almost went to the wrong Astor. Of course I did.

If you know me, you know I get lost anytime two places share a name. Astor Place. The Astor building. The Astor restaurant. My brain saw three Astors and quietly left the chat. So here is my one piece of real advice before we talk food: The Astor NYC lives inside The Public Theater on Lafayette. Look for The Public, walk in, and go up the stairs or take the elevator if you need it. Do not freestyle it. You will end up somewhere else. Trust me. I did.

The Room: An Old Library That Knows How to Pour

Once you find it, the place is gorgeous. The building used to be the Astor Library, and the restaurant leans all the way into it. Cherry wood everywhere. Cherry red leather. It feels like 1950s New York put on its good suit. Little lounge corners tucked all over the space. It is the kind of room that makes you sit up straighter, at least until the second martini.

I went solo and grabbed a seat at the bar, because that is how you actually learn a place. The crowd is a real mix. Some people are there just to eat. Some are fueling up before a show. Everybody was chill. Nobody said anything stupid, which in Manhattan is basically a miracle. Just people having a drink and relaxing.

The bartenders were awesome. I did not get their names, because I am a horrible person and I drank way too much. Not their first time dealing with a guy like me. Probably not their last. Getting lost and getting over-served are both kind of my brand at this point.

The Butter Is a Problem

Let’s start with the most dangerous thing on the table. The butter. It is crack. I am not exaggerating for the blog. Super smooth, super rich, super creamy, with a little salt on top that makes it impossible to stop. You have to get it. You will not be able to act normal about it.

The Martini Report

The martinis were flowing and they were ice cold. Colder than my ex’s heart. That is the bar they cleared, and that is not a low bar. Clean, cold, dangerous. Exactly how I like them. You will notice the martini count climbing as this post goes on. That is not a coincidence.

Crown Daisy Caesar: Close, Not Quite

I started with the Crown Daisy Caesar. Snowy cheese on top, anchovies that were nearly perfect. It is an okay Caesar. For me it ran a little dry. That is a me thing, not a them thing. I like my Caesar dressed like it has somewhere to be. Everything else around it was great, and it did not change how I feel about the place.

The Steak Tartare Is the Move

The steak tartare was awesome. Rich, creamy, and it comes with a little sidecar of those baby toasts. Not full slices. The half-size little guys. You know the ones. I just kept eating. By that point I had two more martinis in me, so we all know how that goes. Great dish. Order it.

The Tavern Burger: Good Burger, One Catch

Last savory stop was the Tavern Burger. That is the official name. Double patty, super solid, with caramelized onion, bacon, and cheddar. Smooth, well built, not a bad burger at all. I would order it again.

Here is the catch. You can get it medium or well done. That’s it. I am a medium rare guy, sometimes rare if I am feeling brave. So I am not holding it against the kitchen. The chef likes it one way, I like it another. No hard feelings. It is still a nice burger. It just does not get to compete with the burgers that let me live my truth.

Basque Chocolate Cheesecake: Order It Without Thinking

Now the most important part. Dessert.

I am normally a staunch traditionalist when it comes to cheesecake. Plain. Classic. Don’t touch it. But I went with the Basque chocolate cheesecake, and I have no regrets. That is a damn good cheesecake. Rich but not too sweet. Perfectly on point. I would order it again without thinking twice. It might be the single best reason to climb those stairs.

The Verdict

I like The Astor. A lot. Beautiful room, fun crowd, great bartenders, cold martinis, butter that should be regulated. The Caesar was a little dry and the burger temps are not my style, but nothing here is something I would not order again. There is more on the menu I want to try, and I am definitely coming back. The cheesecake alone guarantees it.

Pro tip: if you have a show at The Public, come early and eat at the bar. If you do not have a show, come anyway. Just leave extra time to get lost.

As always, what do I know? I am just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. Looking for more NYC restaurant reviews? Check out my Best Steakhouses in NYC, Best Burgers in NYC, and Best Restaurants in NYC lists.