On a picturesque strip of Hudson Street sits the latest iteration of a classic restaurant space. Most recently known as Harwood on Hudson, The Leroy House occupies the ground floor of a quaint West Village townhouse. It’s one of those places that checks all of the boxes, and would be perfect for a dinner with your parents, a first date, or drinks with colleagues.
The menu showcases a delightful array of both house and classic cocktails, and on the night we went, were expertly crafted by what appeared to be a veteran bartender, who held down the bar by herself in a calm and professional manner despite the onslaught of humans pouring into the restaurant.
On the specialty cocktails list, we especially loved The Short Goodbye, a straight-forward mix of gin, lime juice, and roasted rosemary, which is carefully lit right before your eyes and stimulates your olfactory senses immediately. For you tequila lovers out there, La Nina features both tequila and mezcal, some fresno chilis, and a mix of both cucumber and pineapple to give it a citrus-y, refreshing feel.
Chef de Cuisine David Werner helms the kitchen, where an ambitious menu hones in on seasonal ingredients, and churns out dishes that are as playful and innovative as they are executed. Favorites include Spicy Crab Gratin, which is the most decadent version of a spinach and artichoke dip you’ll come across today, served with extra-extra-crispy potato chips that are made in house. Deviled Eggs, riding high on the coattails of their resurgence among New American restaurants in Manhattan, are garnished with pickled mustard seeds and pearls of caviar, making them the most resplendent eggs I’ve had in ages. Werner shows restraint when necessary, like with the Shishito peppers that are pan fried and served simply, with a lemon wedge and lots of salt and pepper on the side.
Every element of my interaction with the staff was filled with warmth, and while the restaurant was bustling, multiple servers and managers checked in to make sure I was enjoying everything (I was).
From 4:30-7pm, you can snag a seat at the bar and enjoy a multitude of snacks and drinks at happy hour prices, which means I will definitely be returning to The Leroy House sooner rather than later.
