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GENE'S RESTURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 675-2048

Address: 73 WEST 11 STREET 10011

TLDR

Old-school Italian vibes w/ classic dishes. A genuine, family-friendly Village staple.

Reddit Sentiment for GENE'S RESTURANT(based on 70 Reddit opinions)

69% Positive19% Neutral13% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 28italian-american 3italian 13italian-american 5red-sauce-italian 4View All

Neighborhoods

Greenwich Village

Details

Gene's Restaurant in Manhattan's Greenwich Village is a well-regarded, old-school Italian establishment known for its classic dishes and low-key atmosphere [1]. It's often recommended as a family-friendly option and a genuine taste of traditional Italian-American cuisine [2]. The restaurant maintains a timeless feel with a menu that has remained consistent over the years [3].

Food Overview

Gene's offers a classic Italian-American dining experience with a menu that has largely stayed the same over the years [1]. Dishes like manicotti [2] and Spaghetti Bolognese [3] have been highlighted positively, with some noting the Shrimp Francese as a particular favorite [4]. However, there are differing opinions on food quality, with some finding it to be just 'okay' or even 'awful' [5], while others describe it as solid but not exceptional [6]. The restaurant also offers a weekly prime rib dinner [7].

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers have specifically praised the manicotti and Spaghetti Bolognese, with the Shrimp Francese also being a noted favorite. The restaurant also offers a prime rib dinner on select occasions."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • spaghetti bolognese(2)
  • shrimp francese(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customers view Gene's as a dependable, old-school Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere. While some find the food decent to good, a minority consider it to be subpar or outdated [1].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About GENE'S RESTURANT

This thread contains a lively discussion about Gene's, with many praising its old-school atmosphere and solid food, while others are critical of the quality. It offers a good overview of varied customer opinions.
Several commenters recommend Gene's as an excellent old-school Italian option, with one specifically praising the Spaghetti Bolognese as 'out of this world'.
Gene's on 11th street is recommended for its old-school vibes and the Shrimp Francese is specifically highlighted as a delightful dish.
This discussion compares Gene's to another restaurant, with opinions ranging from calling Gene's a 'geriatric tomb' to a good restaurant with fine-to-good food and old-school vibes. The Clams Casino is noted as enjoyable.
Gene's is mentioned as a longtime Village staple with a great, old-school, low-key atmosphere and classic Italian food.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"While both restaurants are considered subpar, the Clams Casino at Gene's is enjoyable."

Positive
Jun 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"A Father's Day lunch at Gene's was slow and quiet, with the restaurant not having prime rib despite menu indications. The food was only 'alright' and the experience lacked charm."

Neutral
Jun 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"Gene's was not a good Italian restaurant even in the 1970s, with patrons seemingly content with basic dishes like 'spaghetti with ketchup'."

Negative
Jun 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"The food preparation at Gene's is considered outdated and was not good even in the 1970s."

Negative
Jun 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"Gene's is described as a 'Geriatric tomb' with microwavish food, unsuitable for a fine dining experience."

Negative
Jun 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Johns Or Genes Ive Been To Both But Im On The

"Gene's is a good restaurant that leans formal but isn't stuffy, suitable for enjoying cocktails. The food is rated as fine-to-good."

Positive
Jun 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For A Good Prime Rib Spot In Manhattan

"This commenter recommended Gene's in Greenwich Village, an old-school spot that offers prime rib once a week. They highlighted the nice staff and old-school vibes."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"Gene's is described as dependable and old-school, perhaps not flashy, but known for a prime rib dinner that a friend adored."

Positive
Jun 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"The commenter went to Gene's once and did not think it was good."

Negative
Jun 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This user shared a positive memory of having a 'fun guys night' at Gene's in the past."

Positive
Jun 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This commenter describes Gene's as an old-school, red sauce restaurant they've visited many times. They also recall John Leguizamo doing a promo for it, though they can't find it online."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This restaurant is considered good, offering fine-to-good red sauce Italian food and old-school vibes that aren't a mere imitation. The commenter recounts a successful 'guys night' there involving drinks, chicken parm, and an early bedtime."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"Responding to a previous comment, this user believes that solid food combined with an awesome vibe nowadays is exceptional, as finding reliably good food is rare."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This user suggests that one should simply try the restaurant to find out if it's good."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This user suggests sticking with Jack's Wife Frieda instead of Gene's."

Negative
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This commenter, a third-generation New Yorker, strongly criticizes Gene's as the worst Italian-American restaurant in Manhattan, deeming it 'goddawful' and aimed at an older, less discerning clientele."

Negative
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"While the food seems serviceable, this commenter is very impressed with Gene's website."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"This commenter found Gene's to be just okay. They used to frequent it about once a month but concluded that for the quality of food, they'd rather make their own pasta and salad."

Negative
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"The food is decent, but the overall spot is great. The commenter enjoys sitting at the bar and highlights the bartender Franco for his attentiveness."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Genes Restaurant Any Good 73 West 11th St

"Gene's is described as fantastic, a solid red sauce joint with strong drinks and a clientele of regulars, making it feel authentic."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →