20 East

20 East Restaurant Review:

About the décor: The Talbott Hotel’s 20 East gets a fresh look in a modern palette of gray, black and white running throughout the bar, salon and lounge area. Texture adds elegance, from the dark green velvet banquettes to the mohair sofas next to tea-level tables. An ample bar utilizes a bullnose ebonized walnut top with a metal cuff and a clean, solid-slab Nero Marquina bar front. Above: a modernist track light fixture for more drama.

Likes: Solid, approachable, all-day menu; a luxe dining room; and a comfortable, 76-seat patio on picturesque Delaware Avenue.
Dislikes: Layout lends itself for smaller groups, making it most suitable for date nights, happy hours and business lunches.

Food & Drinks: Talbott guests and locals flock to this friendly, ground-level restaurant for American fare and refreshing cocktails. Featuring sandwiches, salads, shareable sides and entrées, the menu favors tavern cuisine. Think juicy, crispy brick chicken and a hearty American cheeseburger. Standout sides include elote-style cream corn with chili, aïoli, lime and cilantro, plus baked truffle mac ‘n cheese made with cavatappi pasta and aged cheddar. The lobster po’ boy is layered with hunky pieces served in a buttery roll. For simple flavor, try the cacio e pepe, which strikes the ideal balance of garlic, pecorino, Parmigiano, toasted peppercorn and parsley. Generous options for wines by the glass include a bold Laronde Desormes and a Quilt Cab. Make Aperol Spritz (Aperol, spritz and sparkling water) your choice for the night for lighter drinking. Service is attentive yet not overbearing.