Hill and Bay, named after its home neighborhoods of Murray Hill and Kips Bay, sits close to the boarder, is a very welcome addition to this area, NOT really known as a destination for great drinking or dining. In fact it was only by chance that we discovered it, I usually only drive this street on my way to the East Village or Lower Eastside. Looking for a place for a quick drink and dining with nearby parking, not far from Madison and 34th we sited this very nice looking place. We will be back. Started off with some great beer and this fabulous “Chef’s Board” of one of Hill and Bay’s specialties, artisanal American Cured Meats and cheeses.
We sat at the comfortable bar and had a great conversation with the knowledgeable bartender, Charles, talking about the restaurants, open for just 5 days now, trips to Italy, the very interesting wine list and more.
We also enjoyed a very creamy chicken liver mouse, my brother hates liver, but he did love this. And that is a well browned stick of tasty bacon there. Served with perfect baguette croutons.
On tap is a nice selection of nine American craft brews. We enjoyed the Smutty Nose Pumpkin, there is something in most every major category as well standards in bottled for the les adventuresome, as well as two cans for the utter purists.
The small but well selected wine list is designed to expand your wine experience with deliberately interesting bottles of grapes you may have never heard of but will enjoy. I had a sip of something new Blue Franc, Shooting Star Blue Franc by Jed Steel of Steele Wines in Kelseyville, CA, Lake County. Very nice, turns out that it was not really new, but another name for Austria’s very popular red grape, Blaufränkisch.
The menu at Hill and Bay offers many dining pleasures from “Little Delights” to “To Share” as well “Big Plates” and some very tempting Burgers, Sliders and Salads. They are all well priced. This is a casual, comfortable place that does not skimp on quality of food or service. It is the second restaurant of Eric Perlmutter and Eddie Bergman, who are know for the well reviewed by critics and diners E & E Grill House, as well as David Pogrebin, another seasoned, no pun intended, NY restaurant pro. They know how to do it right.
Their goal? “Hill and Bay is a neighborhood place where friends, family and colleagues gather to eat, drink and socialize…. The fairly priced menus offer great value and viable dining options…only the freshest …soothing comfort food… a place our neighbors enjoy visiting several times a week… a range of seasonal, innovative and classic cocktails, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic offerings beyond the norm, that are sure to tempt your palate.” I can say they live up to this.
Hill and Bay
www.hillandbay.com
581 2nd Avenue
Corner of 32nd St & 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10016
212-245-5554
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