Caviarteria

The last time I entered this space was a few years ago when it operated as Silver Lining. Caviarteria uses the exact same bar and table layout. The live music stage has moved. Based on my experience, the ownership and /​or management has changed as well. Funny (as in strange) that it could capture my attention as my (then) favorite mixology concept and turn it into a dressed up attempt at a first class experience.
Going with the «theme» we ordered Vespers (James Bond’s and my favorite form of Martini). It’s so easy to make this drink well and somehow She Who Must Be Obeyed and myself were disappointed. I suspect that the bartender skipped the step of chilling the glass with ice prior to pouring the drink from the shaker (the Vesper is «shaken not stirred»). Or perhaps they use low end gin and vodka. Unlike many high-​end cocktail menus, this one does not identify the brand of spirits. I know the drink also lacked the twist of lemon. I should give them credit for the size of the drink. It was full size! We decided to NOT order FOOD.
The SERVICE was not good. Not rude or dismissive but certainly distracted. The drinks here cost $ 15 and the food items range from about $ 20 to $ 300. Based on the price range, one would expect reasonably prompt attention. It wasn’t that it was bad service, it was more that the service was clearly stressed — possibly explains the weak attempt at my favorite martini. There were only about 30 people in the room.
Back to the DECOR. I really like the space. Downstairs (below street level) in an original lower Manhattan ornate style building gives it that speakeasy feel. The bar is like one from an old hotel. The room is fairly dark and quite spacious.
If you’ve read this far, you can get another negative review from Lana T from a year ago. She said it well.
I’m really curious about the closing of Silver Lining. In addition to being very close to home, it was a great place for drinks. As a quasi-​speakeasy with live music, it was usually pretty crowded. I recall that it was operated by the same group that runs Lower Branch in the West Village. I would be surprised if this is the same ownership group.

LOVE THIS PLACE! Great, cozy environment, and was a great place to spend my Saturday night. Jerry the manager was such a nice guy and the bartender Ryan made me the best drinks! First time I had caviar and I am HOOKED! All around great time!

I purchased a groupon because I wanted to take my mom out when she came to visit me in NYC. I First called to make a reservation and they told me to come at 7pm because that’s when the music starts. We arrived at 7pm and found out the music doesn’t start until 9pm!!! We were the only people in there. Being we were already there we decided to stay and just enjoy our time. Service was horrible and took forever. Then they brought out warm caviar with warm cream cheese on it. Once my mom and started to eat it. We found a long dark hair across the plate!!! (We are both blondes) It was disgusting. I hope we don’t get food poisoning. When we asked the waitress to come back she ignored us. So we got up and left when we were walking out. She came over and we said there was a hair in our food. She rolled her eyes. Horrible and disgusting place do not go here!!!

Love this place! Great atmosphere, good service, delicious food. It’s a little pricey, so I wouldn’t go on a first date here unless you’re willing to impress, but I really liked everything about it. It’s much different from your normal bar lounge scene. It looks like they have live music occasionally so I’d love to go back and check it out. A great ladies night out or a romantic fancy date, you can’t go wrong.

I was looking forward to check out this venue and indulge with amazing Unilocal discounts on luxury goods. The pictures sold me and I quickly visited on a Friday night. VERY disappointed to say the least.
Venue: (¹⁄₅) gorgeous and luxurious space. White tables, crystal chandeliers, furniture was beautiful. As my friend and I sat down, we noticed we were the only two people in the restaurant. EMPTY. Then around 8pm in walks a band (a rock band) which spends 30 minutes doing sound checks, video taping themselves (unsure why), and sitting and talking very loudly. So now my friend and I are waiting for out food with the ambiance of a dive bar (the type that serves 5 shots for 5 dollars)
Food (³⁄₅) we tried the caviar sampler and the fois gras. Both were great considering the coupon, however with the band rehearsing and videoing themselves and soon the masses of their groupies pouring in and drinking beer from the bottle. I would suggest the restaurant serve beer and wings.
Service (³⁄₅) our waitress was nice and asked the band to stop until we finished our dinner.
This restaurant is having an identity crisis. Caviar bar is not its current identity. Dive bar with the ability to have caviar is a better description.

Wonder why there are so few reviews?
Came with a friend a few weeks ago. Place is kinda hard to find. There is a doorbell NEXT to the entrance. Then you go downstairs. We were really early and it was a cold day so after shopping around the area we wanted in! We actually called the venue and the Owner answered. Told us he was sending someone to open the door for us. (Nice)
Place is what I imagine a Russian speakeasy (did they have speakeasies in Russia?) would look like. While we were there the place got busy.
Service was very good. Competent in explanation of different champagnes and caviar. He didn’t just recommended the most expensive! Friendly and prompt too. That being said this is not an inexpensive place.
We split a bottle of champagne (icy cold very good) and a sampler plate of 4 different caviars. We were still hungry so we then ordered a foie gras to share. All was delicious! There was a small band and good singer started around 7:30 that night. (music not every night).
Enjoyed myself and will be back.

Not entirely sure why this place is always empty — it’s a beautiful, comfortable space complete with white leather, semi-​enclosed booths and sexy lighting; and it’s right up the road from BNY mellon, goldman, deloitte and the wfc etc etc. It’s literally 5 mins from the PATH.
The first evening I went was right after it opened and they were handing out fliers for a free first glass of champagne. We enjoyed those, and then another and another and although we ordered blinis we weren’t actually there for the caviar, we were there for the atmosphere.
The second time was with a girlfriend and we got there late on a Tuesday night and were literally the only people there. The beautiful russian hostess looked bored and kind of pissed, but it only added to the experience in my opinon. We had 4 glasses of champagne between us and when it came to paying the bill, the manager told us if we spread the good word he’d comp us the whole thing.
So I’m telling everyone I know. What a beautiful place for happy hour, a date, or a relaxed sexy evening. Don’t let the fact that it’s hidden away under a church put you off… it adds to the speakeasy ambience!

Love this place, kind of exclusive and speak easy feel, really fun. The champagne selection is wonderful and the caviar and food selection is amazing. Best quality.

I’m so excited about their opening! We’ve been waiting for a long time since this place closed down few years ago. Now they’re open! If you’re a caviar lover or just want to enjoy a glass of champagne, a good cocktail or any other spirit in a pleasant atmosphere, this place is for you! Plus they have live music. Love their smooth jazz combined with a chic décor! Coming back for sure.

It’s called the «Caviarteria».
Need I say more?