Le Grainne Cafe

Just, yes, go here. Great food, great prices, good service. One nice surprise, the large coffee is literally the size of a small bowl.

I visited this casual french bistro recently for a late supper. The ambiance and performer were delightful. But neither could make up for the over-​priced food and beverages. What a disappointment because I really wanted to enjoy the atmoshere AND the meal!
I had a glass of white wine (there are none under $ 12.00). Numerous sandwiches are in the $ 15 range. I ordered the warm lamb sausage sandwich and its ingredients were so meager (cut into skinny slivers) and the dijon mustard on it so overpowering that I could not taste a thing. As a matter of fact, the mustard was so stingingly strong that I had to interrupt my companion’s conversation several times just to gasp for air and drink water. I didn’t say anything to the waiter because I didn’t want my friend, who had suggested the place, to feel badly about my not enjoying the food. But with tax and tip my share was $ 34.00 and I left feeling hungry.
It seems people report well about the brunch menu so maybe that’s the meal to enjoy here. I definitely won’t have dinner in this establishment again.

I went here for a business brunch and it was fine. It was a little dark on the inside but in a charming, French bistro sort of way. The food was pretty standard and average to slightly below average, but the service was fine and they made an excellent cappuccino. All-​in-​all, considering the many other options not sure I’d make it a point to go back here.

It’s a small place that serves traditional brunch food. I think on a scale of 5 stars, 3 suits it perfectly. It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t amazing either. If I was in the area, and walked past, craving some brunch– I would go inside, but otherwise, if I were Unilocaling and planning my next brunch date with girlfriends, it may not be here again. Besides the food being pretty good, there wasn’t much else that really wow-​ed me. The service was decent, the environment was quaint and small (which to me is totally fine!), but since this is a review, I just don’t think the overall experience was anything that memorable for me to be pushed to visit again, considering all of the similar types of french locations that can serve just the same.

So doesn’t the bread usually come out right after you place your order? Apparently not, well at least not at Le Grainne Café. This is how it works.
Upon my friend’s arrival:
1) Stand near the front entrance where host is sure to see you.
2) Get ignored by host as he welcomes the couple standing behind you.
3) Catch the attention of the host and let him know that you were there before said couple. (Couple says, «Um I think she was here first.)
4) Get seated at a table near the wall as you wait for your friend.
Upon my arrival:
1) Friend grabs seat next to you in slightly tight area, with small tables.
2) Waitress comes to take your order and asks if you want drinks. Not quite ready you ask for more time.
3) She comes a second time and takes your orders.
4) You wait for ten, twenty, and then hirtyty minutes. You glance at waitress and see her look behind counter at cooking area.
5) She comes over to your table and lets you know the food is not ready. You ask for bread.
6) The bread comes and it is very good. Your food comes five minutes later.
7) The French toast is the best you’ve ever had. The ham that comes with it is like sliced ham from the deli but it tastes okay. The fruit salad that comes with the order is just okay also, but the potatoes are pretty good.
8) The place begins to empty as the brunch crowd departs. It feels slightly drafty and the restaurant is lacking the feeling of a café. It is s neither cozy, nor comfortable, nor warm.
9) You’ll come back but only if you have a strong craving for French toast. You’ll only recommend the place if someone request a great French toast spot.

After getting off the Highline pretty late and pretty hungry, we stopped by Le Grainne for some dinner. It’s a cute little café, not a lot of seating, but quaint.
We ordered some of their sandwiches. And I ordered the Papillotte (sole filet steamed in parchment with wine, capers, carrots, leaks, shallots, thyme, tarragon). The sole was not fresh and the dish had very little flavor. Especially given the high price, I was thoroughly disappointed. (They didn’t even open up the parchment paper! When I ordered at other restaurants, they typically open it up and present it to you on the dish.)
The sandwiches weren’t that good either. Overall was disappointing and won’t come back.

If you’re looking for French, this is one of my favorite places. It has a fantastic, rustic Parisian café vibe to it with live music, good wine selection, and some phenomenal food — ask for the pork cutlet special (if they have it)!
It’s my number one spot for reminiscing my times as a student in Paris.

What do you think of when you think of «French food»? It’s a harder question than you think at first. Italian food is pasta and pizza, American food is burgers and fries and wings, Chinese food is dumplings and chicken, Mexican food is burritos and quesadillas and tacos… but what is FRENCH food? I’ve been to France a few times, and I still wasn’t quite sure until I got here.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the inside is pretty French. As in, the signs are in French, and you immediately start speaking French, whether or not you knew how to ahead of time. It’s got that magique (see it’s happening again).
We started with coffee, then I ordered a Croque Madame (which means «Croque Ma’am» in English) with home fries. It’s a delicious sandwich with ham, cheese, egg, and delicious buttery bread. I’ve never gone wrong with a Croque Madame, and that record continued here. The home fries that came with were ok, but nothing to rave about.
The girlfriend got a crêpe (that means «crêpe» in English) with goat cheese, ratatouille, and mushrooms. It was quite delicious, although you’re probably thinking to yourself (as I was) that this is a ridiculous combination for a crêpe, or any meal for that matter. Well, we’re both wrong, because as it turns out it was a great combination for a meal, so you watch your tongue.
All in all, a great little bistro in Chelsea, and a great way to relive and revive your French heritage, whether you have any or not. Recommended for brunch!

Nice neighborhood place for lunch/​brunch. I always get a cup of coffee with one of the many tasty salads they have on the menu.

Went there already twice, as it’s close to our home. It’s a nice place, with that touch of «slightly run down», and «French», cozy, intimate, which is perfect for that kind of restaurant.
Both times we had the amazing French Toast and we ordered also the very good Croque Monsieur and their tasty quiche (a bit small, but the price is right!)
Perfect for breakfast or a bite!

Stopped in for an afternoon snack and tea. The ambiance was lovely… Very charming and comfortable, with wonderful music, and friendly service.
One of the servers went so far as to wipe the entire highchair down when he brought it to our table, which I genuine appreciated considering how rare it is to receive a clean highchair at restaurants nowadays.
The fruit salad we ordered left a little something to be desired, as it consisted mainly of cantaloupe. There was one grape, barely an entire strawberry, and a small assortment of some other cheap fruits. Hardly worthwhile, but it satisfied. Their tea is loose leaf and I quite enjoyable… The croissant was delightful, too.
They do have a $ 15 minimum for credit card charges, FYI.

A good place to sit with a friend or two and have a glass of wine and talk. You can take your time and linger. This has always been a great corner café. Used to be «Le Gamin» — not too much has changed except prices have gone up up up. $ 14 a glass of Malbec. $ 8.99 Badoit sparkling water. The crepes and espresso are all good. The pasta Bolognese is great.

I’ve been coming to Le Grainne off and on for seven or eight years because of the food, the ambience and the prices. This is really what bistro or café food should be: simple, delicious and unfussy. The savory crepes are delicious and satisfying; the espresso drinks are delicious, generous, and beautifully presented; the salads are perfectly dressed and portioned. No complaints about the food.
What keeps me from giving this place a fifth star is the consistently slow service. The wait staff seem to intentionally cultivate an air of indifference. On my last visit — about two weeks ago — we asked for a jug of water not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES before we got one. No one ever checked in with us, despite it being a slow afternoon with about five or six tables and two wait staff on duty. Is this their attempt to seem «French?» I often think to myself. If so, they are way off base. I’ve never been ignored to this extent in a restaurant in France. On the contrary, the service there is generally courteous, professional and polite. Not so at Le Grainne, alas.
I’m writing this in the hope that things will improve. I hope it isn’t intentional, and I plan on returning next week. If I have the same experience, however, I’m not sure I’ll be back.

I loved this place. We went with friends a long time ago. The food is so fresh and tasty, and the place has a nice french touch. The dishes also french style are a great brunch option. The ratatouille and salmon dishes were delicious. Crepes, croques, quiches made to perfection. Of course the bread makes the difference too.
Time to go back in the near future.

Another great experience! My friend and I were seated in a front corner with access to a socket, which every New Yorker knows is valuable real estate. My phone charged as I ate delicious food — it was basically the dream.
I had the oeuf maison (poached egg) over ratatouille and my friend had a fruits frais (fresh fruit) crêpe. We shared, which I definitely recommend because then you can enjoy a mix of sweet and savory. The service was a little spotty but considering we got to sit down almost right away during prime brunch time on a Saturday, I can’t really complain. Did I mention I got to charge my phone?
The crepes are definitely the standout here, and I’ll probably get one again next time (see my other review). A great little spot!

After walking around the high line, my friends and I decided to find a place to grab a quick dinner and sit down. Let’s just say it was not the easiest place to find meals under 15 here. We weren’t feeling a loud bar ether so luckily we stumbled upon this cute café and ate outside.
The tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto sandwich was everything I wanted it to be. The baguette was toasted perfectly, one of my food peeves is if bread is burnt, and the mozzarella was still bubbling and gooey (just take a look at the pictures, I’m getting hungry looking at it!) The salad on the other hand was meh. It tasted a little bitter and the stems were hard/​I had to cut them off. I didn’t finish the salad since I hate the feeling of food getting stuck down my throat. The glass of wine for $ 8 was reasonably priced for the area though.
The service was a little slow too. Our waitress visited us once to give us our food. We had to go inside to get the check (mind you we were there for nearly 2 hours).
While I didn’t try any of their entrees, I might stop by again if I’m in the area and feeling hungrier/​more spendy.

Le Grainne Café was very similar to cafes I visited in Paris. Carefree and easy going atmosphere.
I ordered a cappuccino while the boyfriend and friend ordered a Café Au Lait and regular coffee. My cappuccino was bomb-​diggity, not so much the café au lait though. Service was average and food arrived at a reasonable time.
I had the French Toast which was a massive plate of two large french toast, ham, home fries and a small cup of fruit. The portions are insanely big and quite good. I wouldn’t say it’s the best and nothing there exactly stood out but it’s a good neighborhood spot for brunch or lunch.

This place has a nice outdoor dining area. I only ordered a crêpe because I didn’t have much time to get food. The crêpe was great; I liked it. The waiter was very friendly, and the menu was half in French, which was a nice touch.
My only complaint is that the service was pretty slow. It took a while for the waiter to take our orders, and to refill our waters. After the meal, he took so long to bring the bill, that we had to step inside to pay it. Although this doesn’t phase me, it’s not good practice.
Overall, it’s a nice little place.

Oh I am such a fan of this little Parisian like bistro. I have to say I have only been here for brunch, but every time it is just as good as the first time. Consistency is key and this place always delivers!
I love sitting outside here and people watching in the beautiful weather.
I had the escargot and the Niçoise salad. Both were awesome. The tuna was perfectly cooked– med rare and was really well seasoned and good quality.
I also had a latte, or truth be told. Several. I
Think by the time we got up my hands were shaking! Kidding, but seriously the coffee was really great here!
It can definitely get crowded here so be prepared for tight spaces! But totally worth it!

This brunch place isn’t bad, but the food isn’t too stellar either. I came at around 11AM on a Saturday. I ordered the spinach quiche, was really quite small and ‘meh’ at best. It seemed heated up from earlier, and the salad was good but small. A friend ordered the almond croissant, which looked more like an almond fritter, lol! It was alright despite being completely coated in powdered sugar (or maybe because it was coated in powdered sugar)? The sausage sandwich didn’t seem to be super meaty or filling. A friend who ordered the omelette seemed to have the most satisfying meal out of all of us, haha. Another friend who decided on the Croque Madame seemed pretty satisfied too, although he ended up ordering a baguette on the side for more ‘substance.‘
Service is fine, ambiance is nice and laid-​back, but next time I’m in Chelsea I’ll grab brunch elsewhere.

Au petit matin, dans le quartier calme de Chelsea, un lieu cool accueille les estomacs en mal de petit déj sympa. Ici, les serveurs sont sympas, les murs sont orange, les affiches sont françaises, le petit déj est américano-​français, avec une touché de fruits et de décor sympa, et le client est artiste-​peintre, journaliste, commerçant habitant le coin et fidèle à l’adresse.
Tout le monde connaît tout le monde, c’est chaleureux, très bon, et ça fait du bien de commencer la journée comme ça.