Todd’s Mill

tl; dr — Todd’s Mill provides you with a near-​perfect brunch experience.
Walked in after noticing how skimpy the omelets at Café Marma were. Sat at the window counter and instantly got obsessed with the familiar rustic décor.
The bread plate is a MUST. Comes with a variety of delicious baked goods to get your head in the brunch game.
Pork hash is easily a five-​star option — huge chunks of meat mixed with delicious roasted potatoes. Would have preferred the poached egg to be warmer, but it was toasty out, so everything balanced out perfectly.
Chorizo and egg burrito is another masterpiece — have been testing many a brunch eatery in search of the perfect breakfast wrap, but many have failed miserably due to being too watery (salsa will do that to you…). Todd’s hits the spot.
Overall, great experience, great food, great décor. Will return!

This place needs to get busier. I came for brunch on a Saturday and it was practically empty. But the thing is, this place is actually pretty good.
The burger was pretty damn good, and the mimosas were practically free. I won’t deny the fact that this restaurant is hidden amongst many, many restaurants in the area, but this one is definitely worth a checking out if all you want is simple American food.

First, I want to mention the review that complains about Monday service is clearly fraudulent. I came here on Monday to make a reservation… the place was closed. It’s ALWAYS closed on Mondays, says the Manager. Unilocal!Please shift that review to NOT RECOMMENDED.
Second, the service was great. Matt, the manager, held a table for the 8 of us and and it was ready and waiting when we arrived at 9:30. (To be honest, the place was quite empty.) The bartender took care of our food and drink in the beginning, and when the bar section got crowded– about 11PM– the waiter took over.
The only fault of the night were the small portions. The chips neither nachos nor fries (thin sliced potatoes fried but not too crispy), were tasty, but served in an ashtray-​sized dish. The cheese platter had a fair amount of very good cheese. It could serve 3, if there were more than the 5 slices of crisp bread that came with it. We ordered more bread… several times. I don’t know if we were charged for it, but the menu lists «bread and butter» as a side for $ 3.
The beer selection was excellent. I had a session beer– actually 4 of ‘em– that just hit the spot. The rest of us also liked the beer. The waiter (was his name Anthony?) was really helpful– and friendly. (We heard about his music background… and shared YouTube info.), The other customers too were extremely friendly.
I’ll be back… but next time after a snack first. –Drink Club is a roving group of NYC drinkers, a different bar every week

I was anticipating trying Todd’s Mill out when I found out we were going here for a birthday of a good friend. The menu seemed to be intricate and simple at the same time, and exactly in that New American category I very much enjoy. While the night was great and we had a good time at dinner, the food was a big flop and I don’t see a return in the cards.
I’ll start with the good. The drink list is pretty decent, albeit overpriced especially for a lot of the whiskeys; $ 12 a shot when true-​to-​life pubs and bars have the same for $ 7 – 9. The chicken liver toast was a hit that really impressed and was full of taste, texture and everything a great appetizer should be. The cheese plate was nice but lacking in substance, but it’s also just a cheese plate; there’s little space to do wrong. And that’s where the positive aspect of the dining experience ends. We shared a good deal of dishes amongst ourselves so there was room to try new items.
WARNING: You might see the word ‘bland’ a lot, but it did flash in my head about 300x during this meal, at least when I wasn’t dehydrated from the salt overdose.
The duck rolled tacos were decent; not necessarily a letdown but on the bland side. Same for my Now, one could only wish the rest of the meal was bland. The gnocchi was not only lacking in actual gnocchi (unacceptable for a $ 20 pasta dish) but was also lacking in flavor as well. Both salads we ordered (not brussel salad which somehow was also lacking in any flavor or bitterness… they found a way to pull flavor out of a brussel sprout) were disastrously salty rendering them almost inedible. And yes, another round of them came out equally salty. My girlfriend ordered the flank steak medium, it came out damn near bloody. Another couple on the other side of the table ordered a flank steak medium and it came out a very chewy ultra-​well-​done. So the lesson with the steak here is that regardless of how you order it, it’s a toss-​up. The French fries, in all their limp sogginess, were the biggest letdown. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE FRENCH FRIES. I’ve thrown together French fries black out drunk that had more appeal than what we had on the table
In summation, I wouldn’t return here because it doesn’t seem that the effort in the kitchen is quite there, especially at the premium they charge. There is overall better competition with way more value all around NYC. We had a party of 10 but we got there early when the restaurant was empty therefore there was no mayhem for the staff to work with. Service was alright, our waitress got a bit flustered at times and was openly irritated when we asked to see the drink menu again. Seeing as how we never asked her to take it away, and we don’t have photographic memories, this was unreasonable. It’s overpriced, oversalted and underwhelming, a no-​go in every way.

Walked in here because it was empty on a Monday night so that we could chat and hear each other. There was an ok selection of cocktails. After ordering a couple of drinks, we decided we needed to munch on something and naturally ordered french fries. The fries came out soggy. I shouldn’t have been surprised since the kitchen didn’t seem like it was really open because there were NO other customers.
The bill came out surprisingly high for a few drinks and an order of fries. Not to mention that they declined the open table reservation we had made before walking in. This is not a friendly place to social media savvy people, I caution all Unilocalers to avoid this place unless you really really need a quiet place.

I was looking for a quiet, delicious place to take my parents out to dinner, and we stumbled on this perfect, perfect spot. The food: some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavors that the chef captured in the chicken dish, bringing pickled vegetables into creamy harmoniousness with the tender, crisp chicken was outrageous. My steak was perfectly done, with a rich depth of flavor I’ve only experienced a couple times before — the kind that you forget beef is capable of. And the trout my dad had, moist, flaky and well balanced. There was actually a moment in their Minnesota/​Lutheran-​ness that they stopped eating, saying «We don’t deserve food this good» — straight out of a Garrison Keillor skit.
I was back twice in the next two weeks — and I can’t wait to go again next time I’m back in the city.

It was said that this place was a pretty good restaurant. But alas, this place was surely lacking in the food department. The hanger steak that I order was tough to chew. While I understand hangar steak is not a very good cut, it can be done well. And this place was not it. And for the price, I expect at least filet mignon tenderness.
The ambiance is nice though and the servers were very friendly. But that can not help the food. The kale chips that came with our fish dish was wayyy over salted. I felt like I had just swallowed a fist full of salt. Someone in the back needs to ease up on the salt…
But yea… i was really disappointed. This place had so much potential.

Following the foiled happy hour at The Malt House (see previous review), my friend and I headed to Todd’s Mill to meet a couple more friends for drinks.
I ordered The Red Neck, purportedly a mix of tequila, comb white, watermelon, jalapeño, and thyme. However, it tasted overwhelmingly of watermelon– watermelon bubble gum?- and not enough of the other ingredients. Furthermore, it was served with a lonely-​looking jalapeño, and a tiny sprig of thyme.
Round two. I ordered The Red Neck again– yes, I still believed that it had the makings for a good drink– and asked for less «watermelon.» Sadly though, it just tasted of watermelon gum that was losing its flavor.
And since I hadn’t had a proper dinner, and had given up on the prospect of one for the evening, I also ordered the duck rolled tacos. I don’t know what these were– taquitos?- but they certainly weren’t tacos. And the filling remained a mystery. However, the salsa was good– and spicy!
Run of the mill.

MEHHHHHH. everything about my experience screamed mediocre. We walked in at 9pm on a Saturday night when every other restaurant in the area didn’t have available reservations, which should have warned me from the start. I started out optimistic because the ambiance was pretty nice: dim lighting, rustic décor.
After we were given menus I noticed that mine must be outdated because all the vegetables paired with each dish were incorrect. The epic-​ly frowning waitress simply told me to look off of my friend’s. I asked what seasonings were used for the pork chop, she bluntly informed me she didn’t know. When we asked to place orders for appetizers first she refused and barked that she needs us to place apps with entrees all at once to make it easier for HER.
She left us with a bad taste in our mouths even before we started eating. We had duck rolled tacos (bland), hanger steak (okay), and pork chop (dry). I would have given this place a 3 based on food and ambiance but the service was unacceptable.

3.5, rounded up to 4 because of the drinks and service.
There were six of us for the reservation but they seated us when only 5 of us where there, which was nice of them. The restaurant is dim and unassuming, not crammed or crowded.
Drinks are simple but well-​crafted– I had The Stand Off, which has a base of mezcal, with Black Grouse (yes, a bird, but also a blended scotch), chipotle and lime. I think you mostly get the scotch and chipotle until at the end, the smokiness of the mezcal hits you. I think a good way to describe it would be fun and multi-​layered.
Having been at the BK Flea all day eating brisket, I opted for the Tile Fish. The fish skin was grilled to a perfect crisp but the fish itself, while great texturally, was disappointingly bland. I loved the sauce with corn, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, pea shoots, and bacon. It’s a thick cut bacon that was insanely salty. So in the end, I got some of that meatiness I was trying to avoid, but it helped give the fish some flavor.
The rest of my party that got the Grilled Skirt Steak seemed to enjoy their dishes.

Came here with my friend on brunch a 1pm on a Sunday. I had a blackboard eats special for 30% off. We made a Rez but the place was empty– even that late. People started trickling in around 2 onward. Definitely more of a dinner joint given their brunch menu was more appetizers, soups and not, any hand crafted brunch items. Service was prompt, and our waters were always refilled.
My friend and I shared our items. She ordered the duck breast egg Benedict, which she got one without hollandaise because I hate hollandaise (it had foie grad on it too which I don’t eat). The breast itself could had been better cooked– it was truly dry (and I’ve had breast that wasn’t dry). The egg and muffin though was perfectly done. The side was salty fingerling potatoes which were good and filling.
I ordered the breakfast sandwich for us which was a sausage (kind of gritty, and sweet since it was maple), cheddar, fried eggs on a biscuit. Best part was the biscuit and even that was just ok. I’ve had fluffier biscuits before. My dish came with some pretty good lettuce though, In some kind of Caesar dressing. I think this was a mistake because I was supposed to get «chips» but no big deal. It was good to get some greens.
The housemate hot sauce was good– more like a chili.
We both got in on coffee which had free refills and was very strong. After our discount it was $ 12 per person. Not bad. But also not inventive or tasty enough to return.

3.5 stars. Dinner with a friend at around 6pm. We were the odd ones out since everyone else who was there was just wrapping up happy hour (I’ll have to try this another time)
Atmosphere: Kind of quiet, dim and nice with a rustic décor.
Food: Ordered the clam dip per everyone’s review. The house-​made potato chips are AMAZING. So yummy and crunchy. To be honest, the clam dip was good, but it left too much of a sour after-​taste (too clammy). So if you like clam, go for it. If you just think clam is okay (like I do), you could save your money to try another appetizers or maybe dessert.
I ordered the smoked potato gnocchi. It was quite delightful, I must say — just the right amount of smokey flavor to it. It was also pretty filling. My friend ordered the half roasted chicken. I tried a bit of it and that was tasty as well — very herbal.
I ordered The One that Got Away for my cocktail, and honestly it was a bit too strong and nothing else was very memorable about it. $ 12 too, so I’d skip it.
Service was great. Lady was really nice and checked up on us the appropriate amount of times.

I really loved Todd’s Mill! Friendly bartender. Came here on a Thursday at 6pm and had a glass of wine ($ 2 off during happy hour). Fun atmosphere, looks like it’d be a great casual but intimate dinner spot. I enjoyed sitting by the front window, drinking and people watching.

I’m dying to dine here — here’s why:
THE WHISKEY — Scotch, rye, bourbon, irish, they’ve got it all and know their stuff. All is fairly priced and high-​end :)
MENU — Any menu with beer-​basted ribs and over 30% vegetarian options is a seller. The only problem is that this spot rotates their menu, so I wont get to feast on the delectable entrees I was eying… However, I am sure when I do return it will be even better
AMBIANCE could be romantic or casual. This spot is welcome in my neighborhood, for sure!

Chorizo egg burrito
Breakfast sandwich
this is one of those neighborhood places
a true gem that’s yet to become tarnished
unadultered by popularity and long waits.
emphasis on details and service evidenced
by a newly established spot.
dark and secluded on the outside
warm, spacious, inviting on the inside.
well executed dishes.
much exceeding any underlying,
otherwise underwhelmed NY brunch expectations.

Awesome discovery.
We only stayed for a drink (well, I had two…) but despite the short amount of time spent here, I dug everything about this place. The low-​key vibe, our chill bartender, the décor of the dining area, the delicious looking food menu, and the slew of Bourbon options.
The bourbon, food menu and vibe have ensured a second visit. Will update my review, hopefully sooner than later!

First stop of the night for what I was hoping would be well crafted cocktails and light fare. Very disappointed. The place itself is very warm with the perfect candle lighting to make you look almost photoshopped! Service was very welcoming & easy to wave down if you needed anything but not overly annoying every few minutes. I started with a cocktail & had to send it back because I didn’t like it and server was very nice to exchange for a ginger bourbon which again wasn’t any better but I dealt with it. They weren’t bad… they were just weird. So hard to explain but I know it wasn’t just me because my other 2 friends said the exact same thing! I can best describe mine almost like a dish-​soap aftertaste. I’ve never intentionally had dish-​soap but perhaps some residue left on a cup mixed with ginger-​ale and that’s what it felt like!
Moving on to the coconut mussels and short ribs… both were just ok. I may not go running back there for a drink or meal but I take a first date so I don’t have to worry about him seeing any enlarged pores or wrinkles!

REVIEW #200 (which I didn’t realize when I wrote it)
This is a pretty strong 4.5 in my book. I had a great dinner here but could see myself coming back for only drinks and bar snacks. Or brunch.
I pretty much stuck to the Unilocal reviews and was delighted with the razor clam dip, sweetbreads & waffle, and seared scallops. I got to try the short ribs and was pretty wowed by those as well. I really dug their wine list and had both a Spanish white and Bordeaux blend. I had pretty good service so hopefully some of the kinks from earlier reviews have been worked out.

Came here last night with a group of 8… I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and attribute the horendous service to them still being a very new restaurant, but man was the service bad.
Every drink order took 15 mins to come back to the table, the main course was also delayed about 30 minutes after they cleared the first course…
Overall, 4 stars for FOOD, 2 Stars for Service… At least they recognized their poor service and offered us a free round of drinks! That was the only redeeming moment. Otherwise, I’d be writing a 1 or 2 star review.
I’d go back in a couple months, hopefully by then they’ve worked out the kinks… THe food was good… The short ribs were memorable.

I’ve been living in the lower east side for over 2 years now and have yet to find a restaurant/​bar that I could frequent any day of the week and feel I was in my own living room surrounded by talented bar staff, neighborhood regulars and of course the welcomed visitor — where the music isn’t too loud (but I bet they’ll turn it up for you if you ask), the crowd just right and the food and drinks consistently delicious.
Definitely try the lamb ribs, razor clam dip, ketchup flavored fries, crispy sweet breads, razor clam dip, seared diver scallops, did I mention the razor clam dip! Their wine selection is also great, but I tend to go for the primitivo. It’s a great date and group dinner spot as it’s reasonably priced and although they take reservations, there’s not usually much of a wait.
It doesn’t hurt that the bar staff is super friendly, the owner will come say hello and the hostess… umm well, is gorgeous! Oh and don’t be surprised if you run into your favorite neighborhood chefs and bartenders, they all tend to swing by throughout the night. Oh darn, before I finish this essay I can’t forget about the daily late night burrito specials — when you see the red light go on in the window (usually at midnight), come hungry! I devoured the chipotle pineapple pork loin with black eyed peas and cheddar cheese last week. Nice change from the snack dragon.