TLDR: Yes. Yes it is.
Sitting on the corner (obviously) at 475 West Broadway is The Corner Store; nothing looks less impressive from the outside if I’m being honest, but inside is a gorgeous space (designed by the Rockwell Group) filled with gaggles of attractive people sipping their Sour Cream & Onion Martinis (more to come on that) and eating some of the most talked-about food this year.
The chic vibe combined with nostalgic American fare has people absolutely CLAMORING for a reservation, and let me tell you, those ain’t easy to come by. The only reason I was able to get one is because I have friends who are important in the restaurant industry. Otherwise, even me, a relatively well known food blogger here in NYC with a strong-ish Instagram presence would probably be laughed at by the doorman outside. Yes, they have a doorman. Like a club. He was actually incredibly nice, even to the people who didn’t have a reservation, so maybe he wouldn’t have laughed at me, but you get my point.
The Allure of The Corner Store
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an interior that marries retro charm with modern elegance. Reminiscent of a bygone era, yet undeniably contemporary, the central dining area features chevron-patterned wood floors and plush banquette seating upholstered in green velvet and leather with diamond tufting. Read more about that here on hospitalitydesign.com.
Culinary Highlights
The menu is a playful nod to classic American dishes (because #nostalgia is life these days), each with a sophisticated twist. Here’s a glimpse of some of my favorite offerings:
- Sour Cream & Onion Martini: A unique concoction served with a side of sour cream & onion chips. For those seeking a different twist, the tomato martini was excellent as well.
- Bluefin Tuna Tartare: Fresh, delicate, and very flavorful, but not something you need to order.
- Lobster Rolls with Caviar: Decadent mini lobster rolls topped with luxurious caviar – a must-try. I’m not the world’s biggest lobster fan but I love a good lobster roll, and this was a GREAT one.
- Caesar Salad with Everything Bagel Croutons and Crispy Cream Cheese: This salad was incredible and “crispy cream cheese” needs to be on more things. It was like taking a tiny ball of cream cheese and lightly crisping it up on the outside so the inside is warm and gooey.
- Pizza Rolls: Nostalgia at it’s finest but these don’t burn the inside of your mouth and have an amazing burst of pepperoni flavor in each bite.
- Shrimp Cocktail: Classic, fresh, and perfectly jumbo.
- The French Dip: This tender prime rib sandwich is served with a rich jus for dipping, and I’d go so far as to say it rivals the one at 4 Charles. Fight me.
- Disco Steak Frites: Juicy steak accompanied by fries drizzled with cheese sauce. Perfectly cooked (medium rare) indulgence at its finest.
- The Samoas Sundae: A dessert masterpiece that blew me away. I don’t eat a lot of ice cream because it messed with my stomach, but the texture of this was insane. I don’t even know how to describe it – almost like a custard – topped with coconut and chocolate, it was creamy and SO delicious.
- Apple Pie: A classic dessert done right, though if you must choose, the sundae is absolutely the move. Please see below for a fun side by side photo of me and Sydney Sweeney. She was apparently there the night before and took a similar photo with her dessert. Also funny that I’m wearing a black mock neck and she’s wearing a white mock neck. Who did it better? You decide.
The Reservation Dilemma
Securing a reservation at The Corner Store has become a Herculean task. Reservations are released exclusively via Resy, typically 14 days in advance at 10 a.m. SHARP. However, these slots are often snatched up within minutes, leading many to believe that the restaurant is holding tables/curating its clientele to maintain its exclusive atmosphere. Now that I’ve been inside, I can safely say that I buy that story. I’ve also heard (but can’t confirm if it’s true) that you might get turned away based on how you’re dressed. Safe to say the guy in my photo with the green baseball cap didn’t get in, but then again, who knows? I’m sure if you’re a celeb you can get away with anything.
Tips for Securing a Table at The Corner Store
While knowing someone on the inside is the best way, here are a few strategies to improve your chances if you don’t:
- Set a Reminder: Mark your calendar and set an alarm for the exact moment (or 5 mins before) reservations open on Resy. Speed is crucial.
- Use Resy’s Notify function: Sign up for notifications to be alerted if a reservation becomes available due to cancellations. This happens more often than you’d think.
- Try for Bar Seating: The restaurant has a 13-seat bar that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you go early, especially before opening, you might get lucky!
- Be Flexible: Consider dining during off-peak hours or weekdays when competition for tables might be less fierce.
Final Thoughts
The Corner Store DOES live up to the hype. The food was fun, creative, and delicious, and the ambiance is perfect for a birthday dinner in NYC, girls night out, date night, or pretty much anything in between. THAT SAID, I truly do not like when restaurants make it near-impossible for people to dine at their establishment. Not for nothing, but you wouldn’t exist without your customers? Why does it have to be THAT hard?! Like anything else in NYC, I’m sure the hype will die down eventually, but until it does, I certainly have no regrets about going and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great meal.
Contact Info:
Address: 475 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Website: thecornerstoresoho.com
Phone: (212) 271-9240
