After the succulent dinner we had at Black Barn, north of Madison Square Park, we were really excited to go back there for brunch. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned, the food being good but the service horrible: my drink took forever to come and we had to wait 45 minutes between the moment we finished our appetizer and the entrees, inquiring twice about our order without any feedback from the staff who never checked with us if everything was ok or if we needed anything. And it was not just for us as the tables nearby seemed to have had the same issue. No, it seems the staff was more occupied with taking care of a private party and setting up a large table than with the people seated. For sure having an open kitchen is nice but not when you can see the food sitting there, under the warming lamps; I would not be surprised in fact that my dish, a waffle croque-madame sat for a bit as the waffle was a bit soggy. Too bad, because it was original and promising.

Waffle croque madame at Black Barn in NYC

Jodi was luckier with her frittata that had spinach and mushroom but too little of goat cheese.

Fortunately the appetizer was awesome: it was the chocolate babka coffee cake that they make in house. Chocolatey, flakey and buttery, it is so good, perfect to share. They also brought us some delicious corn muffins, on the house (not because of the issues with the service: everyone had them).

With our meal, we got some drinks: tea for Jodi and for me, I do not recall what it had besides cold brew and whisky.

So yes, we were really disappointed. I do not know if it is because they were short in staff or had too many large tables, but it was a striking difference with the dinner we had there. Maybe in fact I should stick to dinner there...

Enjoy (...)!

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Black Barn- 19 East 26th Street, NY 10010

Disappointing brunch at Black Barn

Jean-Philippe Gerbi