By Kitty Jay
FoodConnect New York
myhusbandhatesveggies@yahoo.com

In a City of celebrity chefs, $18 martinis, and local restaurants opening and closing faster than you can say “gentrification”, sometimes I ache for a little bit of dependability. You know what I mean. A place where they may not always know my name, but I know I can always get some “pukka” grub and a friendly smile, or at least make my own smiles at a perfectly stocked 40 foot mahogany and marble bar.

The place is the East Village’s Telephone Bar & Grill. You may know it, cause not only is this place the one with the charming red English telephone booths lining the entryway, but this British-style pub has been serving up high-end comfort food for nearly 20 years. How many places can say that in NYC? Regulars return for the combination of predictable & unexpected pub grub, like the English Stilton Cheese Fritters w/ Cranberry Orange Relish ($9), or the generously portioned Shepherd’s Pie, a bargain at $13. Other stand-outs include the “scrummy” New York Times Fish & Chips ($14), served in, you guessed it, a New York Times paper sailor cap. Lighter fare like sandwiches and salads are also on offer from the well-rounded menu, and be sure to save room for “afters”, like the warmed fudge cake w/ hazelnut ice cream ($7).

So stop in some night for a “bevvie”, served under the watchful eye of the rugby players that decorate the painted murals which stretch the length of the long dining room. Telephone offers an excellent selection of beers on tap, all fairly priced at $5 for a true 20oz pint. With perks like that, my money is on Telephone Bar & Grill holding strong for at least another 20 years to come. And Bob’s your Uncle.

Telephone Bar & Grill
149 2nd Ave, Manhattan
212-529-5000
telebar.com