Macelleria

[Pan]

A friend of mine has some paintings up in a nice group show of cityscapes of the Meat-Packing District at this attractive eatery. I went to the opening today, and did we have good food and drink for such an occasion. Whereas most art openings feature some middling cheese and crackers plus fair-to-awful wine, this one was serving excellent prosciutto with grana padana and little gougeres, and I had a pleasant, light Cabernet. I enjoyed my experience and am seriously considering going back to this place for a normal sit-down meal one of these days, as the place doesn't price me out, I think.

The only mention of having eaten anything in this restaurant is by Fat Guy in this thread: click

Has anyone else eaten there?

[MichaelZ]

I have, although it was a number of months ago. I'd describe it as "pleasant, but not compelling" The room and service were welcoming. We were in a group, so they suggested a menu of antipasti, pasta and then Beef Steak Florentine style. Prosciutto (and other meats) and cheeses were excellent. Pasta was good - a kind of Carbonara - but a little ordinary. The steak was huge, to the point that quantity kind of overwhelmed quality. We had the house wine and, importantly, a good time was had by all. Nevertheless, I haven't felt the desire/need to return yet. Don't know about the menu prices, but we paid about $50 pp, including drinks, wine and tips.

[Pan]

Thanks, Michael. If no-one else says they were excited, I'll put Macelleria on the back burner indefinitely.

[Fat Guy]

Macelleria serves excellent steak. The advantage of dining there is that you get a steakhouse-quality piece of meat with restaurant-quality apps and sides. The owners are super-friendly. Expect to pay what you'd pay for a meal at a top-flight steakhouse, and to get similar value foodwise but with better service and ambience.

[Pan]

Thanks for giving me your take on the place, FG.

I met one of the owners, who not only is hosting the exhibition but also painted a piece on display. He was indeed friendly.

[Suzanne F]

I ate there a few times back in 2000, when I worked nearby. I loved the food, especially the chicken livers on soft polenta. However, back then the service ranked at the bottom of the worst I've ever had -- and NOT because I was a woman eating along; those waiters were just totally clueless with everyone. So it's great to hear from FG that the service is good now.

Macellaria opened around the same time as Chingiale -- but must be doing something much more right!

BTW, the space is really cool -- a former meat locker that still looks like one. Love the brick and massive doors.

[Fat Guy]

So it's great to hear from FG that the service is good now.

My information is at least a year old, maybe older.

[Suzanne F]

That may be, but if the service improved (and MichealZ said: "'pleasant, but not compelling' The room and service were welcoming."), is it that likely to have gone back to cluelessness again as before your visit?

[Fat Guy]

No no. I just didn't want to mislead anyone into thinking I've dined there very recently.

[Fat Guy]

A couple of photos here.

[fresco]

Did you ever see the Meat Dress on its travels? A steak house that displays art is certainly an improvement over an art gallery that displays steak.

[Pan]

Did you ever see the Meat Dress on its travels? A steak house that displays art is certainly an improvement over an art gallery that displays steak.

You ain't kidding!

I haven't seen the "Meat Dress," but I doubt I'm missing anything.

[elyse]

The meat dress is cool!