Basque-inspired coastal cuisine w/ unique pintxos & fried mussels. Cool, basement-like ambiance, extensive vermouth & wine list.
Eel Bar, a sister restaurant to Hart's, The Fly, and Cervo's, offers pintxos and fried mussels in a cool, basement-like setting on the Lower East Side.
This New American spot in the Lower East Side is a sister restaurant to Hart's, The Fly, and Cervo's, offering a menu inspired by Basque Country and Southern France. The interior creates a cool, intimate vibe reminiscent of an old basement den, complemented by an extensive selection of vermouths and wines with knowledgeable staff.
The restaurant specializes in Basque and Southern French-inspired cuisine, with a particular emphasis on seafood and innovative small plates like pintxos and fried mussels. Standout dishes include the bomba rice with raw red shrimp and the half chicken, showcasing the kitchen's ability to create complex flavors from simple ingredients. While most dishes are highly recommended, the burger is advised against by one reviewer.
"Standout dishes include the fried mussels, bay scallop skewers, mandarins with grilled squid, and the orange wine. The Basque classics and dirty martinis are also highly recommended."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant, highlighting exceptional food, innovative flavors, and a great ambiance. Service is also noted as outstanding, contributing to a highly recommended dining experience.
Important Note
The restaurant's operations, particularly its outdoor dining, may be affected by changes to the Canal Street Open Streets program.
"Eel Bar was recommended as a place to get a dirty martini."
Positive"Eel Bar is suggested as an alternative to Crevette for seafood, noted for being heavily Basque influenced."
Positive"Eel Bar is mentioned as potentially having a private room and being a vibey option for a group."
Positive"This user mentioned Eel Bar as a potential place to visit."
Neutral"This user stated they had a really good canele at Eel Bar."
Positive"This user mentioned Eel Bar as another good option alongside Wabi Nori."
Neutral"This user recommended Eel Bar as a dope restaurant with delicious and innovative food, in response to a comment criticizing the NYC food scene."
Positive"This commenter recommended Eel Bar, stating it offers a vibe where one can dress up a bit more."
Positive"The original poster secured a reservation at The Eel, which is related to Cervo's, after Cervo's was fully booked."
Neutral"Eel Bar is suggested as a fitting choice for the user's situation."
Positive"Eel bar is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Positive"The user mentioned they have been really into Eel Bar lately."
Positive"Eel Bar is suggested as a potential dining option."
Neutral"Eel bar is mentioned as a place for 'elevated seafood'."
Positive"Eel Bar, a sister restaurant to Cervo's, has a chilled vibe and good drink selection. Many dishes have Southern French or Basque influences, and they offer great steak and burger options."
Positive"The commenter had a positive solo dining experience at the bar at eel bar."
Positive"Eel Bar in LES is recommended for its great bar seating, underrated food and drinks, and good atmosphere for solo diners."
Positive"Eel Bar is described as a 'good time'."
Positive"The author declared Eel Bar as their favorite Spanish restaurant in NYC, stating everything is excellent ('slaps'), particularly praising its Basque classics and dirty martinis but advising against the burger."
Positive"The commenter lists Eel bar as a recommendation."
Neutral
