There is a cafe in Manhattan that looks like it belongs just off the water in Seattle. Confession: I've never been to Seattle, so maybe that last sentence was 100% false. It's just that there's a quaintness to The Grey Dog, which I'm associating with harbors and seaside towns, with friendly dispositions, and with a solid cup o' joe. Rumor has it Seattle boasts these qualities - thanks to The Grey Dog's three Manhattan locations, New York does too.
The Grey Dog is a casual eatery with hearty sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, and more. The sandwiches are made with thick cut bread and served with potato chips and pickles, the salads are portioned generously, the soups vary daily, the desserts are enormous, and the "more" includes many breakfast items, burgers, quesadillas, and fish tacos. Beverages include myriad coffee and tea options, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, beer, and wine. They even offer happy hour specials, which surprises me for no valid reason whenever I see the sign. Mayhaps it's just that I like their coffee so much, I can't fathom opting for reasonably priced booze instead? The world may never know.
So here's the rundown on how The Grey Dog works: You walk in. You stand on line at the counter. You ever-so-subtly pump your booty to the Otis Redding playing overhead. You read the menu on the back wall. You order from the super friendly person at the counter who prepares your drink and dessert order, takes your name, and rings you up at the register. You pay. You pick up silverware, napkins, and condiments from the hutch on the side of the room. You find a seat. If you struggle with that last bit, someone who works there may assist you. You sit. You scroll through your cell. You take a sip of your drink and glance at the pictures on the wall (photos at the Carmine location; comics in Chelsea). You hear your name called. You wave to the guy walking around with your entree and that lost puppy look. You smile at each other and say "Thank you." You eat. You enjoy.
The Grey Dog (also known as "The Grey Dog's Coffee") has three locations, but all offer the same quality food and service. Speaking of that service, it is laid-back to the point it is sometimes slow. However, when you are ordering at the counter and seeing how much individual attention each customer is given, you understand. and hopefully forgive.
All three locations have the same general look and feel - weathered wood, makeshift signs, exposed brick, knickknacks, and colorful tabletops (some with pictures of boats, some with maps, some with dogs - all cute). The difference between the three locations is size - Carmine Street is the smallest, University Place is somewhat larger, and Chelsea is the biggest.
Now, whether this is really the look and feel of Seattle is your call. Considering some of the menu items are designated "Michigan Sandwiches," maybe it's more reminiscent of that part of the country. I wouldn't know, as I haven't been there either. What I can say with absolute certainty, however, is that I like it.
The Grey Dog is a casual eatery with hearty sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, and more. The sandwiches are made with thick cut bread and served with potato chips and pickles, the salads are portioned generously, the soups vary daily, the desserts are enormous, and the "more" includes many breakfast items, burgers, quesadillas, and fish tacos. Beverages include myriad coffee and tea options, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, beer, and wine. They even offer happy hour specials, which surprises me for no valid reason whenever I see the sign. Mayhaps it's just that I like their coffee so much, I can't fathom opting for reasonably priced booze instead? The world may never know.
So here's the rundown on how The Grey Dog works: You walk in. You stand on line at the counter. You ever-so-subtly pump your booty to the Otis Redding playing overhead. You read the menu on the back wall. You order from the super friendly person at the counter who prepares your drink and dessert order, takes your name, and rings you up at the register. You pay. You pick up silverware, napkins, and condiments from the hutch on the side of the room. You find a seat. If you struggle with that last bit, someone who works there may assist you. You sit. You scroll through your cell. You take a sip of your drink and glance at the pictures on the wall (photos at the Carmine location; comics in Chelsea). You hear your name called. You wave to the guy walking around with your entree and that lost puppy look. You smile at each other and say "Thank you." You eat. You enjoy.
The Grey Dog (also known as "The Grey Dog's Coffee") has three locations, but all offer the same quality food and service. Speaking of that service, it is laid-back to the point it is sometimes slow. However, when you are ordering at the counter and seeing how much individual attention each customer is given, you understand. and hopefully forgive.
All three locations have the same general look and feel - weathered wood, makeshift signs, exposed brick, knickknacks, and colorful tabletops (some with pictures of boats, some with maps, some with dogs - all cute). The difference between the three locations is size - Carmine Street is the smallest, University Place is somewhat larger, and Chelsea is the biggest.
Now, whether this is really the look and feel of Seattle is your call. Considering some of the menu items are designated "Michigan Sandwiches," maybe it's more reminiscent of that part of the country. I wouldn't know, as I haven't been there either. What I can say with absolute certainty, however, is that I like it.
The Grey Dog's Coffee - 33 Carmine Street, between Bedford & Bleecker Streets
The Grey Dog's Coffee - 90 University Place, between East 11th & East 12th Streets
The Grey Dog Chelsea - 242 West 16th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues
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