TLDR
Trendy Williamsburg spot serving a highly-praised 9-course tasting menu at an unbeatable price. Famous for its playful, non-kosher pork and shellfish-forward American cuisine.
Details
Known for its unique non-kosher theme, this Williamsburg staple offers an approachable nine-course tasting menu that has become a local favorite for its exceptional price-to-quality ratio [6], [17]. Diners frequently celebrate the menu's creative use of pork and shellfish, often highlighting the natural wine pairings as a standout addition [15], [17]. While many long-time patrons consider it a reliable go-to for a fun, high-value night out, some recent visitors have expressed mixed opinions regarding the restaurant's contemporary relevance and consistency [20], [26].
Food Overview
The kitchen focuses on an American-style nine-course tasting menu that is widely lauded for its affordability and creativity [6], [17], [33]. While pork and shellfish dishes are central to the menu, the staff is noted for their ability to accommodate dietary restrictions like dairy-free requests [17], [39]. A classic key lime pie is also cited by some as a hidden gem on the menu [14].
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is generally positive, with many guests praising the restaurant as a go-to destination for great value, while a vocal subset of recent diners has questioned its current consistency and relevance [20], [26]. Service is largely described as great and accommodating, though the mandatory 20% gratuity remains a point of contention for some [20], [25].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TRAIF
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: My 1 Year Anniversary Is Coming Up And I Want To
"More casual than other options, but the chef's selection and pairing fit well within the budget."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants That Focus On Nose To Tailfull Animal
"The author visited a long time ago and enjoyed the tasting menu, though they feel this style of restaurant is less sustainable in the current economy."
PositiveFrom post: Help Need Something Filling And Affordable For
"Offers a 9-course tasting menu focused on non-kosher products for $58, described as good value."
PositiveFrom post: Tasting Menufine Dining With Minimal
"The commenter successfully took their parents to Traif, and the restaurant was able to work with their mother's dairy-free dietary restrictions."
PositiveFrom post: Tapas Barsharable Bite Restaurant Reccomendations
"Traif Brooklyn was recommended as an awesome tasting menu option with a great price."
PositiveFrom post: Graduation Dinner Recommendations Nyc Williamsburg
"This commenter suggested Traif for an affordable and delicious tasting menu experience."
PositiveFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"The commenter expressed strong interest in Traif based on the provided information."
PositiveFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"The commenter questions if Traif has improved in the last 20 years, stating it was good but not great and had old-fashioned plating even then."
NeutralFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"Traif in Williamsburg is recommended for its non-kosher theme and a 9-course tasting menu. The commenter notes that it's owned by a Jewish person and features many pork products."
PositiveFrom post: Coming To Nyc Not For Work For The First Time In
"Traif is mentioned as a much-loved place offering affordable tasting menus or à la carte options."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Recc For A Celebratory But Not Stuffy Or
"Traif is always a good time and has great food, making it a solid recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Great Tasting Menu
"The commenter visited Traif years ago and found its concept great but disliked the food."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Great Tasting Menu
"Traif is mentioned as a potential restaurant to consider."
NeutralFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Traif, located in Williamsburg, offers a 9-course tasting menu focused on non-Kosher items for $75 per person (inclusive of tax and tip). The base price is $58, with an additional 20% auto-gratuity."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"Traif is considered great and delicious, though not on the same level as 63 Clinton. The commenter defends 63 Clinton's price increase due to rising costs."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"The commenter questions if Traif is still relevant, implying it's not a great restaurant."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"The commenter feels Traif is dated and reflects a past trend, suggesting that recommendations might be based on outdated experiences or hearsay rather than recent visits."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"This commenter agrees with a previous negative assessment of Traif, describing it as a 'weird experience'."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"Regarding a previous visit to Traif about 6 months ago, the commenter was disappointed that the scallops were off the menu, as it was tied as their favorite dish with the snapper."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"This commenter strongly dislikes Traif, calling the food 'comically bad' and viewing the affordable tasting menu as a money grab. They also criticize the automatic 20% gratuity."
Negative