Circolo45

This review is not about my meal — I never even ate here! It is about TRYING to eat here! I bought a Groupon and numerous times tried to call to make a reservation. They NEVER pick up the phone. I tried early in the day and during working hours — never once did anyone answer. The phone rings and finally picks up to an electronic message asking to enter your access code.
So I went to their website and there are 2 email addresses to contact them, one for «info» and one for reservations. I sent messages to both and never got a response from either.
Strange way to run a business!
I asked Groupon for a refund and got it.

I had a great experience here last night when I attended a James Bond LARP event downstairs. The bartenders were so charming both upstairs and downstairs, and I experienced the most refreshing and delightful cocktail: the Basil Martini. I recommend going here just for that.
The space is sleek and sophisticated. Although heavy hors d’oeuvres were served, I only sampled the lasagna (very heavy – but tasty! – indeed), so I can’t really vouch for the food. I am sure I’ll return to see if it’s on par with the bar.

food? eh
drinks? lovely!
the ambiance is beautiful, sexy, sleek/​but still natural*, and very calming**
go for a drink. don’t go to eat. The food kept leaving me hangin’… Basically, if I feel like I could’ve whipped up something similar*** in my lower east side 2 by 2ft kitchen thats also equipped still with college hand me down crockery (it has been a loonng time since college finished). The food wasn’t worth it.
The presentation was lovely, however the food wasnt imaginative.
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*when compared to something more along the lines of W hotel. the W is more like sexy sleek titanium sex-​bot, where as… Circolo45 is more like… a modern renovated chelsea penthouse with a fireplace and wood stack.
**I was going in on a blustery cold cold winter evening. walking into a candle lit beauty of a restaurant filled with warmth and serenity did the trick
***thats a REALLY bad sign… even on my BEST night of cooking, where I am so proud of it i’ll even post up a facebook food porn pic… that food does not deserve to be in a restaurant, let alone a semi expensivo one

Came here with the lady and friends on a Saturday night. (4 total in party)
Getting in:
— Reservations were easy to come by
Atmosphere:
— Italian music, dim lighting, open charcuterie and cheese area
— Bar up front
— Private room downstairs with a bar (potential good work party place)
Service:
— Service at the bar was good
— Service started out very very bad: Got there, waitress came over, took wine order and then disappeared for 40 minutes — had to flag down the manager (explained that we have been waiting for 40 mins with no water, wine, haven’t even placed our apps order) — manager gets the waitress and says «here she is» — I had to re-​explain what was going on — it was very very awkward and embarrassing for all parties. This manager needs a little more training
— We were seated at a table that was very uncomfortable, after a little back and forth we were able to move
— Service got remarkably better at this point. Our waitress (still the same one) was much better and friendly and I think she realized that we had a rough start. In the end we gave her a good tip — got to reward people for improvements
Drinks:
— Drinks at bar were good; Lady initially received some flat Lambrusco which was re-​poured with no issues; I liked the spagliato ($ 12)
— Wine was great — the Lianti at $ 50/​bottle was a good deal
Food:
Apps: Started off strong
— Mozz w/​prosciutto, beetroot salad and the meat balls — all very very good.
— They were out of the octopus, or else we would have given it a try
Main course: I was pretty unimpressed with this course. As a whole it lacked seasoning
–The Wild Boar was ok — could have been stewed longer (b/​c that is essentially what it is, a stew with potatoes). It really should have been served over some noodles or something — this dish didn’t feel complete to me
— Agnolotti with veal shoulder was a real let down. The veal shoulder had the consistency of bean paste, and the sauce just was not flavorful enough
Sides: Again, I was unimpressed and disappointed. Overall lacked seasoning
— Brussels sprouts were nicely browned but were overcooked (mushy) and lacked seasoning
— Mushrooms — beautifully cooked down and browned, but again lacked seasoning
Other:
— Overall the place had a strange vibe to it
— I will likely not be back for the food, but the bar was enjoyable

Very unassuming storefront and sleek interior. I know several people who live or work in this neighborhood and never knew it existed.
I have still never been there for dinner but I love their quiet bar for its quiet, practiced service, and excellent little wine and beer list. It’s the only place I know of that carries the Italian Pink Peppercorn IPA which is wonderful in a very chilled glass at the Circolo45 bar.

Randomly stopped in for a drink and immediately felt at ease with the ambience and overall energy if the place. There weren’t many people there at the time so its a good thing their health inspection was happening at the same time. I can’t blame them for ignoring my party.
My only gripe is that they should measure their drinks. I’m use to having a martini and Negroni measured with exact proportions instead I get way to much gin and not enough dry vermouth. End result is a real boozy martini and not a whole lot of balance.
Will return