Houseman Reviews

4.1

2,456 of 13,361 Restaurants in New York City


Reviews

Phenomenal

By AndreLexulois |

Trendy place with nice atmosphere and phenomenal food. Our table shared a seafood salad (best ever), a roasted eggplant (fantastic) and a delicious roast chicken. The service by Allison was to perfection. on a critical note, I did not care much for the wine list that emphasized Spanish wines, as Spain is not one of my favorite wine countries.

Delicious, friendly and great wine list

By Martin E |

We first found Houseman when it opened over two years ago and, as we lived close by, went four or more times in their first 6 months and grew to love the food and ambience. Moving to Brooklyn took us out of their immediate orbit and we returned with friends for dinner last week. The food for us revolves around a series of wonderful fresh vegetable based ‘side’ dishes and appetizers with delicious and imaginative pairing of ingredients.. avocado, feta and soft-boiled egg, and cauliflower, carrots, pistachios and harissa were so memorable this time. The fava bean purée is a constantly wondrous thing every time we go.. all these come with the best grilled sourdough bread. Entrees are fewer but also great. We ordered the burger and it is the softest, most tender and moist burger we’ve ever found in NYC. Given that it comes with the freshest and crunchiest fries ever. this is worth returning for again and again. We also had the duck and the quality of meat was perfect medium rare. Great wine, beer and cocktails too. We are not dessert people, but if we have one tiny disappointment, it is that the imagination and inspiration of the main menu tends to falter there. We’ll keep going back, fantastic value for great food and the staff are also just so kind, helpful and attentive?..

Strange Location, Great Burgers

By tippykarp |

Went here with a friend for dinner. Located at 508 Greenwich St. Nice place, service was very good but menu is very limited and unexciting. Had the Houseman burger which was one of the best burgers that I have had in a long time but ordered the burger because there was nothing on the menu which really interested me.

Wonderful anniversary dinner

By Kathy P |

My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary here with our daughter and son-in-law and had a truly memorable experience. The food and service were first-rate. All was also nicely paced. Can’t wait to go back!!

Everyday food with twists

By Paul M |

Lives up to its mission of "clear-headed food" with sometimes subtle surprises. Good bar, relaxed and friendly, chicken and sausage dishes delight.

Last day in NY

By GrandTour20569518385 |

A pleasant place, good and genuine food. Typlical dishes well presented. Good wine and beer .Kind and gentle people. Excellent service.

Intersting and tasty dishes

By foodlovergirlny |

This was an awesome Tasting Collective dining club event we attended. It was a 6-course Elevated Seasonal Dinner Series. The inside is a bit small, long and narrow with a beautiful bar. The Chef of Houseman, Chef Baldwin came out to greet us with interesting background and history. We got to try Preserved Blue Fish, Greek Salad, Fried Whitebait, Grilled Tuna, Pork & Clam, and Malt Ice Cream. They were all very good in quality, some more interesting than other, and all very tasty. I especially enjoyed the grilled tuna, fried whitebait, and Pork & Clam dishes. They don't try to offer something super fancy, but more "everyday food" that are homey with comfy flavors. I wish if we got to try their popular burgers and fries, but they were not part of the course meal. We had a nice dinner here, we were blessed with really fun people at our table. Having dinner with a great company always makes the food taste better, thanks guys! The staffs were efficient and polite, they did a nice job taking care of us as a whole. Their regular menu seems simple yet interesting, just like the ones we got to try during this event. I would like to go back and try some other dishes in a future.

Uneven Affair

By ManhattanWilliam |

Craving steak frites, we decided to venture to the far West Village to try what NY Mag called the city’s best version of the menu staple. Ok, the space is charming, the service very good and the quality overall fine. The steak frites were delicious that we all ordered. Fries yummy and plentiful and meat flavorful (if a little light on the portion). The problem was that the appetizers are ill-conceived. Squid with XO sauce is a dish that doesn’t want to be eaten without rice and merely by the spoonful! Tasty yes, but way overpriced and odd served stand-alone. The clams on toast was good but not for the price charged. The peanut pie was ok for dessert but somehow missed the mark. Cheapest wine was a white Gruner at $48. I disliked paying for one type of bread (whole grain) and butter- that really irked me. So while the main course was good and fairly priced and the service very good, the overall meal lacked balance and was most definitely over-priced. IF I’m going to pay for bread and butter, it had better be the greatest since sliced white, and it was not.

Delivers Again!

By drehery |

Unless it is out of pure convenience, getting on the subway to revisit a restaurant in NYC that brings you back, is a feat in itself. Houseman is Scandinavian of a sort, maybe Norwegian, but they did something last week that is truly memorable - they had a special appetizer on the menu that jumped to my top ten list of all time apps! They were serving squash blossoms with anchovy. Now I found that odd. I 'LOVE' squash blossoms and 'like' anchovy. My husband does not like anchovy but he decided to indulge me and agreed we could order it. My God, unless you knew there was anchovy in it, you would not know it! The anchovy was "laced" in the silkiness of the blossom. He loved it too. I told him, "Who would think to add anchovy to a squash blossom!?" He replied, "he's the chef (gender unknown, sorry) you're not." OK. Then I recalled on our first visit I was slightly irritated there was no organic, bio-dynamic, or natural wine on the menu and wrote it odd that a restaurant of such high quality would be deficient here. This time, FIXED! Lovely natural rose. And they put a little candle in their nice bathroom! Jeez did I have that much influence? (I am really not that presumptuous). Everything else, just dandy!!

warm and friendly place with fantastic food.

By Anne |

Houseman was a great fit for our group. The food was outstanding, options for all, and the farm to table quality and detail of flavors was outstanding. The staff was very friendly and professional.

Autumn Lunch at Houseman, Greenwich Street, Manhattan

By Peter R |

This was the last meal my partner and I had in Manhattan at the end of a three-week vacation. We stayed at the Hotel Hugo, literally just a block further north along Greenwich Street. We primarily chose Houseman because it was near the hotel and once we’’d eaten lunch we could walk back to the hotel; change and then leave for JFK and our flight home. We also liked the look of the menu. It was a beautiful warm sunny Autumnal day and the front of the restaurant was open and warm light was flooding in. Inside, low easy background music and the contented conversation of fellow diners made for a great first impression. We drank a vodka martini and a vegan bloody Mary while we waited for our food. We started with some plates of dressed egg; pickles, olives and cheese and Cicerchie beans. We followed this with a Houseman burger and avocado salad and a large plate of fries. We washed all of this down with an absolutely delicious bottle of Txakolina from Spain. This wine was a revelation and I can’t wait to try it back in the UK. We finished with two double espressos. The bill cam to $157, incl. service. Pretty good value and one of the cheapest meals we’d enjoyed in Manhattan. Service was friendly and completely unobtrusive. We were both so glad we chose Houseman as the place to eat our final meal of the vacation. We would definitely return. BTW, it gets very busy in the evenings so it’s worth reserving a table.

Meaty meat and delicious

By Sinakil1 |

Houseman opened several months ago and at first I thought the menu too eclectic and limited. The fact that it replaced my favorite neighborhood hang out, 508 cafe might have affected my feelings. But the kitchen has really found itself. A terrific mix of new twists on old standards, and new creations. They make farm to table interesting in a way many restaurants don't. And they have the best burger in the neighborhood. Saving me a trip to LA for a double double at in and out. The chicken and cheese sausage are both dishes you'll want to come back for. But wait, you'll want the burger. Enjoy

Good food and environment

By HKM1 |

Was visiting New York from overseas. Walked past the restaurant whilst walking the city. Read the reviews online and decided to visit, a decision I did not regret. Not a huge menu but interesting and varied. Some fairly unique side dishes and we selected a number of these as sharing plates. All dishes were tasty and fresh. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Thoroughly enjoyable environment and meal. Highly recommended.

tasteful food in an intimate setting

By Sue T |

Houseman has been open a year and is definitely worth a tasteful meal. The appetizers were a good beginning, artfully presented. we especially enjoyed the hummus made from fava beans. he roast chicken had been fried before baked and had a tasty crunchy coating. my husband enjoyed the pork sausage and found half very filling The peanut tart was very tasty like pecan pie only much better and the lime and coconut sorbets very full of flavor. We enjoyed the Muscadet and the Domaine Sequin.By the time we left every seat was taken.

Solid, Unfussy Fare

By Tom L |

We wandered into Houseman on a Tuesday night and immediately found a couple chairs at the bar. Within moments we had a couple beers in our hands and started to peruse the menu. The space has clean lines, nothing fussy. Lots of room for groups who want table seating and maybe a dozen seats at the bar. The place strikes me as a popular neighbourhood destination. The bartender knew some of his regulars. Music throughout was chilled an unobtrusive. We settled on a fava bean puree with almonds, chilli & orange (packed with flavour), stracciatella with roasted tomatoes and basil (silky smooth cheese) and a steak frites (beef was a tad chewy but that's what you get with this item). Our three dishes garnered favourable reviews. We accompanied our food with Bandol rose & Bandol red wine. The gentleman behind the bar was efficient, knowledgeable on his wines are warmed up considerably as the evening wore on. This is not a destination restaurant (unless you live in the 'hood) but rather one that will satisfy you with competent food, drink and service.

Splendid!

By mayhewd |

This was recommended to us by the personal chef of a very famous composer. She knows her food and she got it right. Houseman is a lovely, intimate place. It was our first time there and we were greeted by host Cory as though we were long lost friends. The dinner menu changes daily, we had plenty of time, so we took our time, starting with snacks (fried fava beans, "dressed" egg, etc.) that were absolutely delicious. Never having seen lambs tongue on a menu before we had to share that as an appetizer along with preserved swordfish. Perfection again and I cannot wait to encounter lambs tongue again! For entrees we selected lamb sausage and a mussels and sausage dish. Both superb. I'll definitely revisit this place on a future trip to New York City.

great local restaurant

By DanielleX79 |

Great addition to the neighborhood. Very high quality and creative food and great atmosphere. Loved all the desserts.

Nice spot to eat a good meal and relax with friends

By CPWNYC2015 |

Finally making it to Houseman, I was not disappointed by the wait. Set in a quiet neighborhood relative to the rest of downtown, the decor and vibe is very pleasing--clean fresh decor with subtle details. The menu is at first seemingly spare and a bit hard to make sense of--I am not a huge fan of the small, medium and entree size portions or plates-- but the staff is very cheerful and helpful in guiding one through. My friends and I had salads, beet or anchovy, to start and the chicken for our entree. The salads were very good but the chicken was amazing. Desserts were also good. We sampled a variety. All to say, a very nice spot to eat a good meal and relax with friends.

Consistently Great / Severely Underrated

By Shures |

Houseman is my neighborhood restaurant, so I've been more than 10 times in the past year. Every visit is wonderful. The staff is warm and professional. The setting is stylish but cozy and welcoming. The food is always top notch. Houseman isn't hip and of the moment, but its quality shows thought every time.

Very nice dinner

By worldtraveledSeattle |

The service, food and ambiance is very good. Great service in a small quiet restaurant . Located in the west village, a little tough to get to but worth the effort.

Beer is Good

By Max D |

Their draft Kölsch beer served in a chilled glass is really the only reason why I keep coming back. That’s got to be the best beer that I ever tasted. That and maybe their chicken which is a young hen so quite tasty and tender. Their other stuff, I’m not too impressed. I’ve been here a few times and I must say their menu is quite enticing even though it’s small. From the cod to the beef tongue to the steak, I want to try them all. They all sound great. However, of all the dishes that I tried, the chicken was the only one that was actually good. The pork chops were not bad but not the best that I ever tasted and I did not like the sides which had a sour flavor. The burger was a huge disappointment because you would expect a place called Houseman would have an amazing burger but it wasn’t and even Shake Shack would be better. They do try and the ingredients and cooking are nventive but a bit too oily. The chicken was literally sitting in a pool of oil with a piece of bread underneath. This was true of the clams appetizer as well, just too much oil. This is a busy place and it seems they are booked every night so reservations are needed for prime hours. I am impressed at the crowd they get even on a Monday night when most restaurants would be empty at even popular spots in the city except here is practically nowhere. There are only residential buildings here and so I believe most of their clientele are locals from the neighborhood. The restaurant is located only blocks from the Holland Tunnel and Dept of Sanitation. This area is quite desolate so to be able to have this amount of business is quite an achievement when I’ve seen many restaurants in the area closed permanently. Safe to say, you might enjoy the food here more than me.

Cozy Neighborhood Restaurant, Nice Focused Menu

By c Kano |

Houseman is the kind of restaurant you'd want in your neighborhood. Cozy, warm environment. Clean, simple design. Nice people. Families and couples enjoying their time there.

Great food, intimate setting

By Paige N |

Went to Houseman with a friend the last time I was in NYC and it is a keeper. The setting is casual and intimate, the staff very friendly. We had the roasted chicken and the squash dish which was recommended by our waitress. I have to say that the yellow squash dish was one of the best restaurant dishes I have ever had, bar none. I can see why neighborhood New Yorkers make this place one of their regular haunts.

Outstanding Food and Service

By EMT_Chris |

Friday Night party of six and were treated like Kings. Everything that came to the table was delicious. Mussels, salami and cheese, hummus, ham and blue cheese, brussel sprouts, steak, chicken, striped bass was well presented and plentiful. Something for everyone. Order the menu items or daily specials. You will not be disappointed. The service was impeccable. Reservations are recommended. We will be back. Enjoy

Awful food; very rude owner

By Broca410 |

I came in to enjoy a quick bite between seeing patients in the area. The owner/manager was constantly speaking under his breath about the chef/wait staff. He made repeated disparaging remarks about perceived insufficiencies. The food was greasy. $20 for a tasteless burger (frozen) and very overcooked fries.

Delicious and trendy

By Sigma1994 |

We were lucky to dine here with friends one week night while in the city. My kids enjoyed steak while I enjoyed the renowned chicken. It was all delicious! I also had delicious beer that was made with blueberries. We were all treated so well! Great place! We can see why it's so popular!

Best Steak Frites

By therealbmayer |

We read an article that Houseman serves the best Steak Frites in NYC. I was skeptical but must admit, they to it right. The steak was perfect and the fries were salty and delish. We also tried the fried favas, cucumbers with sunflower seeds (surprisingly awesome), unique Hakurei turnips and sensational desserts (pound cake and sundaes). The molten Crescendo Cheese is among the most unique dishes I have seen in a while. The neighborhood is hip, so is the staff. Can't wait to go back.

Great New Restaurant in West Soho

By jay paul m |

I live in Atlanta but have visited here three times since it opened. I have never been disappointed in either the food or quality of service. In fact I'm always surprised by the absolute goodness of the dishes as well as the innovation of preparation, particularly the veggies. The menu, though fairly limited, is very well balanced: meat, (tonight rack of goat), fish, shellfish, roasted chicken (amazing), a homemade sausage dish (goat this evening), lots and lots of small plates and an fantastic burger as well. We had the goat rack served on a bed of sautéed cherry tomatoes and zucchini with fresh herbs and a tangy yogurt sauce. While the goat was a tad under done for my taste the dish was nonetheless superb. We also thoroughly enjoyed the dressed eggs, roasted peaches with pancetta, hazelnuts and feta, and little neck clams with cranberry beans and fried leeks in beautifully seasoned broth. Lots of grilled crusty bread helped us clean the bowl. For dessert, the incredible peanut tart with a scoop of malted ice cream was just the perfect way to finish. (We enjoyed a bottle of Txakolina Rose which was a fine accompaniment to our dishes. The wine list is good. I'd like to see a wider selection of whites. On another note, I had the roast chicken on a previous visit. Crispy well seasoned outside, wonderfully juicy inside). Definitely worth the trip!!

Great tastes on Greewich Street

By Balaramjohn |

Had a delightful dinner, that consisted of freshly roasted chicken done to my wife's specifications, pork sausage with white beans, and wonderful entrees featuring fava beans and olives. Service was excellent and wine choices superb.

Soooooo disappointed!

By AZJZ |

After reading the Pete Wells NY Times review of Houseman we immediately made a reservation. We usually concur with his views and we absolutely LOVE roast chicken (the signature dish at Houseman). We counted the days until our visit. But boy were we disappointed. We began with the pork terrine which was absolutely delicious (wish it had been served with some bread or crackers ) but it was downhill from there. Usually when we hear that portions are small, we never agree since we have no need for huge amounts of food on our plates. However, the $12 portions of the sides that we received were laughable. I would have taken a photo but would have need a telescopic lens! 4 or 5 small slices of tomato in the salad with herbed yogurt dressing, one tiny eggplant with sesame sauce (about 2 tablespoons) and a slightly larger portion of the bland fried cauliflower. They all tasted average and memorable only for the miniscule amount. The chicken was fine (too salty for my taste) but again far from the orgasmic experience we were anticipating. The peanut tart was also just okay. Very few wine selections under $60 also did not sit well with us. All in all, Houseman is definitely not a place that we would return to. So sad!

Excellent!

By NYCTZ |

Delicious food, fabulous ambience, beautiful setting. Perfect. Try the peanut tart! The interior design is elegant yet simple and cozy. We love this restaurant.

High expectations not met

By Robert B |

I was so looking forward to visiting Houseman after reading the great NY Times review and having heard great things from friends. This restaurant is in my neighborhood and I was such a big fan of its predecessor 508, I was expected to be wowed. We ordered the fried fava beans, the eggs to start followed by the Brussels sprouts and the famous chicken and burgers as the main courses. Food took forever to arrive and when it did, Food taste was good but I would say the common element was that the food was consistently too salty. This was a Monday so maybe it was an off nite but I don't expect to become a regular at this place with so many good restaurants in the area to choose from.

Nice dinner

By Gary T |

We were a large party (8) with a reservation and were running late. We called and they adjusted to accommodate us. Once we arrived and were seated the service was quite good. We tried three appetizers and all were very good. Everyone also enjoyed their mains courses and the desert courses. It's a bit pricey but it's NYC so grin and bear it.

Friday Lunch

By Mark C |

Was here with friends for lunch on a Friday. Not busy around 130 which was perfect. The Avocado Salad was good as was the Plate Salad. The challenge was the Chicken. It came out partially uncooked. Rebecca our waitress was offended when we asked for it to be fully cooked. The entire exchange and poor handling without an apology turned us off. Was not aware there are multiple ways to serve chicken like beef or perhaps Tuna.

Only ok

By susano206 |

Took my college age sons for their birthday. (Which I mentioned when I booked on Open Table). Not only no recognition of the special occasion we were greeted in a lackluster way, the service was inconsistent, and the food was wildly overpriced for what it was. Would not return.

Simple Clean Food

By Gayle R |

I thought the food was GOOD, why is there nothing between Average and Very Good Trip Advisor? , I have no complaint with basic but good! I had Monkfish with Clams and fingerling potatoes in a hearty broth, The Tongue was appreciated by my friend. I thought the salad was too simple for my tastes! The restaurant is more like a bistro with everyone packed in tight. The server was attentive and friendly. It is pricey in my opinion but hey, it's NY...

Good standard, good menu, price coherent to SOHO New York

By KITER57 |

The title says it all; the place is located in a quiet area of SOHO, well furnished, trendy and hip, as the area requires. The menu is proudly less than minimal but the dishes are good, tasty, well executed; I was particularly surprised, in the positive way by the lamb sausage. Wines, beers, and all you could ask for. Staff is attentive and friendly for being New York. Three persons, 2 appetizers, 3 mains, 3 deserts, no spirits 226 dollars, maybe not expensive for a New Yorker wealthy and eager to have fun out but for a European/Italian with a weak euro a bloodshed. Be warned.

Good food and drink, terrible experience with manager

By Andrew M |

My friend and I, coming from a work event in a dress/heels and suit (respectively), walked into Houseman at 6:15pm on a Friday with no reservation. There were 5 open seats at the bar and half the tables were free. The hostess was very nice and offered to sit us either at an outside or inside table but cautioned that we’d only have until 7:30 (because of other reservations) to dine, or said we could sit at the bar which had no time restrictions. So we opted for the bar knowing we usually get dinner and a few drinks. We sat ourselves at the bar and the bartender was very friendly and talked to us about some specials. My friend got the halibut special and a white negroni and I got the steak frites and a draft beer. We also shared an appetizer. My dish was wonderful; the hangar steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned and the French fries were exceptionally crispy. The atmosphere was nice so we proceeded to have 2 more glasses of wine while having a nice conversation at the bar. I wish this review ended here which would have been a 5 star experience. Around 8pm, in the middle of the 2nd glass of wine, the bartender slides the check in front of us without a word. We were a bit confused and said oh…I guess that’s our cue to leave? And the bartender seemed a bit taken aback and said oh sorry, did you want to order more? As we were debating whether to answer that, a gentleman who ended up being the manager, Mac, swoops in behind us and quickly explains that they have people waiting outside, that we’re taking up spots of people who want to dine, and that this is the only place people can get Houseman’s food but that we can get drinks anywhere. Still a bit shocked we said ok we understand, quickly paid our nearly $300 bill (leaving a 20% tip), and left as the bartender and hostess seemed uneasy about the whole thing, almost as if they knew what just happened was not ok. Outside, conversing on the sidewalk about what just happened, we still felt odd about how the interaction went and opted to go back to share some feedback with Mac, hoping it was some misunderstanding or miscommunication that just did not get presented well. We asked to speak with him outside so it would be a quiet and discreet conversation to share feedback. We explained that it was a very awkward and embarassing way of asking us to leave and furthermore the immediate defensive explanation from him was something we’d never experienced before. In any other restaurant, the manager would gently explain the situation and ask if there’s anything else you want which is essentially a nice way of saying please leave there are people waiting. Sometimes they even offer you to stand at the bar, and classy places will even offer you a round of drinks (which costs nothing) to vacate the table (note – we had no expectation or desire for free drinks). Hell, if Mac just came up and straight up said “hey there are 2 people who are ready to sit and eat and spend more money than you at this moment” I probably would have laughed and been ok with that. Mac was defensive the entire conversation. He went on to reiterate that we were taking up space that their “regulars” were waiting to dine at. Trying to remove any emotion out of it and make it about an objective business decision I attempted to defuse, telling him I get it and that it’s all business and not personal. He balked at the suggestion and said it wasn’t about business or money at all and he wanted to make as many people happy as possible serving Houseman’s food. I mentioned that in making two people happy sitting them, he made 2 people unhappy unceremoniously kicking them out. He shrugged. Sensing we weren’t really getting anywhere, we explained that we just wanted to provide constructive feedback for future interactions with guests, that’s all, and he immediately shot back that he’s been doing this a long time, he knows what he’s doing, and most guests “have the self-awareness” to know when a restaurant is busy and when to leave. Mind you, we weren’t nursing 1 app and 1 drink, we were continuing to order drinks after dinner which at ANY restaurant I’ve ever been at, gives you unspoken permission to keep your seat at a non-reserved place like a bar. We also mentioned how we were told the bar did not have a time limit. This would have been an easy out for Mac to say sorry you were told that but that’s not the case, but he kept being defensive and essentially put the blame back on us for not ‘knowing’ we couldn’t keep handing them $20 for glasses of wine. Finally, in an attempt to reach some common ground and end the conversation, I said that we had a lovely time and we just wanted to provide feedback and it did not seem that he was receiving what we were sharing. He immediately responded that he “did not have to receive what we say and he knows he’s not in the wrong here.” Again completely missing the point that it’s not about right or wrong, but the manner in which we were asked to leave. I initially did not even want to go back and share the feedback but my friend wanted to and I’m glad we spoke with Mac, because it just reconfirmed that the poor experience we had was not a miscommunication or misinterpretation of the interaction but a systemic way Mac the manager is running the restaurant. I’m sad to leave this review, because it was a nice night with good food and drinks up until that moment. I rarely if ever leave 1-star reviews but I felt compelled after this really poor experience with Mac, a manager whose self-anointed experience is not in sync with how he engages guests. Perhaps the talk about accommodating neighborhood “regulars” was coded language and I can read between the lines, but Mac does not have to worry about me returning to Houseman.

Relaxed ambience, fired up cuisine

By janeaustinNY |

I read a review last autumn of this restaurant tucked away in Hudson Square. I was thrilled to find such sophisticated cuisine, rising to the challenge of packing flavor into every mouthful! Three of us ordered diverse selections from their thoughtful menu ....Moroccan-inspired lamb, homemade beef and cheese sausage, and their signature roast chicken-succulent and surrounded by interesting nuts and seasonings. We began with a delicious lobster appetizer-chunks of lobster with a minimal coating, and a luke warm-tiede- pork terrine. We finished with malt ice cream and cherry sauce-a simply divine taste treat. We sampled a range of beverages. It was the first time we had ever heard of sparkling Grüner Vetliner! It was refreshing. Then we enjoyed glasses of Cahors which were mellow and smooth. All their drinks are very fairly priced. The wait staff is genteel and helpful, unassuming and warm. Their description of dishes really makes one want to sample everything. We noticed many tables of folks cheerfully meeting friends and enjoying the atmosphere. The vegetarian dishes deserve the focus of our next time there. The charming gazette-type paper menu offers a variety of creative choices. One should definitely reserve. Houseman fills up quickly. Once you have tried it, you will want to return soon to sample other dishes. The bar seemed to attract both individuals and couples who prefer that setting for dining. The restaurant is an absolute gem. I feel lucky to live nearby. Go soon!

A most pleasant restaurant

By MrsPiket |

Houseman Restaurant is located just off the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan. Furnishings and decoration provide a pleasant atmosphere. Service is adequate and friendly. Houseman is a à-la-carte restaurant and offers lunch and dinner. Cuisine is American with a Scandinavian touch. We came on a weekday recommended by family and the restaurant was busy, but not overloaded, a good sign. Food is very well presented and tasty and the wine was nice. Houseman restaurant is fine for anyone who seeks tasty good food at a reasonable price. The restaurant deserves a Bib Gourmand. Recommended.

Very good food, unpretentious and friendly

By Valdemar M |

Chef Ned Baldwin served me for lunch what must be a serious contender for the best burger and fries on Manhattan! Lunch was so memorable I went back for an early dinner. Exciting beers. Fantastic Alaskan salmon salad and very tasteful stake! Houseman uses high quality ingredients and serves them without fuss but clearly with a well thought out plan.

Westward pioneer

By david r |

In a section of the city that I never new existed just past the rush of traffic for the Holland Tunnel, there is an oasis of civilization with a restaurant to match. Fine bar and decent beer on tap followed by appetizers incl. goat cheese with radish and really flavorful grilled asparagus. Wife and I ordered the signature roast chicken that did not disapppint.

Great small plates and perfectly done entrees

By Stuart R |

Four of us shared four scrumptious appetizers (small plates) - they were all great but the standout was the eggplant with the best hummus ever made. The 1/2 chicken dinner (not something I'd usually order in a restaurant) was perfect. Done to perfection and tasty and moist - easy to see why the NY Times gave it a rave. Save room for dessert - the peanut pie was also perfection - not overly sweet and just perfect with a cream topping. The malted ice cream with preserved cherries was also terrific.

Truly a Neighborhood Gem

By Richard R |

I read elsewhere that this place was a quiet gem waiting to be discovered and served the best burger in NYC. Neither of these statements are quite true. It was pretty busy given its out of the way location, I imagine soon it'll be impossible to get in too. The burger was ok, however the other two dishes we ordered were outstanding. There was a peach and prosciutto starter that was full of flavor, inventive and light. The roast chicken dish was probably the best roast chicken I have ever tasted. It was full of flavor and very moist, served with a full on flavored garlic toast. These two dishes totally blew my mind. That along with a cocktail called a bicycle, a perfect meal. Add an incredibly light vibrant venue and great staff and good pricing. Just a great night out. If this is your neighborhood local, well lucky you. If not get here before you can't get in.

Forget it

By CherHorowitz |

Reservations mean nothing at Houseman. You will show up for a reserved table only to be told by a dysthymic hostess that if you wait 20 minutes, you may get a seat at the bar. The food may be good (the place was crowded), but they treat patrons like cattle (prior to serving them burgers). No thanks.

perfect. really.

By Alexandra J |

We ate at the bar. I often prefer it to tables. The bartender was friendly and attentive and patiently worked around my ridiculously long sentences so as not to interrupt the flow of conversation. Perfect rye manhattan. Followed by perfect chicken (I can't explain it. I had no idea chicken could be so memorable). Perfect steak and fries. Forgot to mention the perfect spinach with the chicken. I probably should have more varied adjectives for you, but really it was like that: the food was perfect. Dessert, too - something like malt ice cream and popcorn. Yeh - it was perfect. I should have thought to take photos, but I was too engrossed and relaxed to think of anything outside of the room. The room, it served us perfectly, too. :)

Interesting menu great food

By Mike P |

I heard about their roast chicken and it did not disappoint. A small casual restaurant with an innovative menu. Service was excellent. Try the malt ice cream for dessert.

Definitely get the chicken

By USCKaboom |

Really enjoyed houseman last night. Started with the ricotta crosinto. The ricotta was rich and creamy and the bread was excellent. The speck with cantaloupe was nice for a cool summer night. And the roasted chicken was awesome. Ended with a huckleberry cobbler which was new for me and I enjoyed. Definitely would come back here again.

Regularly Superb

By Jonathan L |

I first dined as Houseman pre-pandemic based on a New York Times recommendation: one of the best restaurants in New York City for roasted chicken. And boy did that recommendation bear out visit after visit. I'm especially pleased to note that on my most recent visit, Houseman did not disappoint. That's no small feat. Many restaurants have returned post-pandemic to be a ghost of what they once were. Not Houseman. The chicken was perfectly roasted: the skin crisp, the meat moist: the entire dish made me want to lick my fingers and lick the plate. My friend had the steak frites: the steak was done perfectly, the fries absolutely delicious. Crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside. and very hot! The only disappointment was the margarita: not up to snuff. But a small disappointment in light of the rest of the spectacular meal. The couple at the table directly across from us stared eyes abulging at our plates and ordered the same meals, expressing the same satisfaction.

Great burger

By Jeremy N |

Stopped here for a quick lunch after watching the Trump Inauguration on TV. Needed cheering up. Waiter recommended the burger which I ordered against my better judgement - glad I did. what a great choice. Best burger I have had in years. Juicy, tender and bursting with flavour. Good value, cool (Scandi style) decor and friendly staff. Would strongly recommend

Best Thanksgiving meal in a restaurant ever !!

By RonC44 |

When we realized that one of my daughters who works and lives in NYC, would not be able to join us un Boston for Thanksgiving dinner, my wife suggested that we have Thanksgiving in NYC. So my one of my other daughters, and her mom (my ex wife) my wife and I found ourselves at "Houseman" in Greenwich Village where we had made reservations weeks earlier. When we entered the place looked plain and simple but the food was definitely not. The chef prepared a prix-fixed menu with included very yummy staartersincluding toasted breads with a date butter, liver pate, a The chef prepared the turkey pate, fresh cucumber spears that are spiced , and boiled peanuts (fun ) The chef prepared the turkey leg as 'confit' moist and tasty. Spices butternut squash was the main vegetable, with collard greens under the thickly sliced white breast meat , very moist and flavorful. A wild rice dish with mushrooms , cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy were served. The service was as exceptional as the food. Dessert was an apple pie with many scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream. The server if we wanted more turkey breast, "No thanks" WE ate enough, not too much, but ate well. I asked our waiter to please inform the chef at this Thanksgiving meal was an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. I am looking forward to returning to " Houseman" on our next visit to NYC.

An absolute gem

By Mark A |

We had a fantastic meal here on a Sunday evening. The atmosphere was everything you could hope for on a trip to West Village / Soho. The staff are superb - super friendly, attentive and genuinely interesting to talk to. A cocktail at the bar is a must before heading to your table. The extra bitters the bar attendant puts in her Manhattan make all the difference. My daughter and I headed here having heard rave reviews about the burgers. In the end, having spied our neighbours plates we went for the Steak and the Chicken, both of which were superbly cooked. The sauce for the chicken was to die for. And the Pecan pie is out of this world. Houseman really is a gem, made by the outstanding service provided by the fun and lively staff. We'll be returning very soon!

Food Poisoned

By lazzgreglaw |

Served rotten hamburger meat. Sick all day. We heard the restaurant was good. Was very disappointed.

Fabulous

By skghum |

been here at least four times now. Everything on the menu is over the top delicious. great place for vegetarians or pescatarians try the burned baguette dessert also, any fish dish is delish Ned is the chef extraordinaire and aims to please