I love a good Lower East Side bar. Really, if it were up to me I’d never go above 14th street. Give me some brick walls and dim lighting, I’m a happy girl. If you can manage to execute a decent bar food menu, I’m all yours. The Late Late did exactly that.
The bar is named after the Late Late Show; the world’s longest running TV talk show from Ireland. The location couldn’t be better, on the corner of Houston & Allen. The décor is “Irish inspired” but I think it’s more chabby-chic than any Irish pub I’ve ever visited. For drinks they have an expansive selection of beers and an astonishing 50+ collection of Irish whiskeys. You will often find live musical acts and djs in the space.
The Late Late launched brunch last month. I was impressed by the creativity and love that went into the food. For starters, they have $15 unlimited drinks at brunch. The menu items are mostly brunch classics entirely kicked up. I loved the addition of breakfast radishes and eggs on their avocado toast. The ricotta toast was extra special with sweet local honey comb and thyme. If you are in the mood for a burger, and you can find a way to fit their HUGE breakfast version in your mouth, I think you’ll be a satisfied customer. Im excited when a place that isn’t expected to have a killer menu puts so much care and attention into creating just that. I can’t wait to return, whiskey in hand. Here’s what we had:
Ricotta Toast - Whipped ricotta, local honey comb, fresh thyme, maldon salt, cracked black pepper, finished with olive oil & served with grilled bread
Avocado Toast - Smashed avocado, fresh breakfast radish, chili, atlantic sea salt, poached egg
Jameson Honey Butter French Toast with Fresh Fruit - French toast drizzled with jameson honey butter & fresh seasonal frui
Ballymaloe Breakfast Burger - 100% organic grass fed beef, Dubliner cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and Ballymaloe stout ketchup, served on a chive brioche bun with a fried egg
Address: 159 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Phone:(646) 861-3342
thelatelate.com/
