Restaurant Spotlight - The Waverly Inn

I recently was treated to a nice surprise on a business trip to New York City – dinner at The Waverly Inn.

This cozy restaurant is located on a side street in The West Village and occupies the ground floor of two adjacent brownstones and a garden area in the rear area.

The restaurant is owned by Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair magazine and I confirmed the hard way that they don’t allow photographs inside the restaurant. Huh? Yes – that’s right. It’s an establishment that is frequented by celebrities and others whose pictures are sought out, so NO PICTURES is a house rule of this restaurant.

When I asked my waiter if I could just take a picture of my plate (thinking it was understood that I was not a paparazzo), he politely but firmly informed me that pictures were not allowed in the restaurant.

As you might imagine, the photograph prohibition became a discussion topic at our table that inevitably led to (you guessed it) picture taking. Well, I forgot to turn the flash off on my iPhone, so taking a picture of my plate caught the attention of the maitre d' and his response was swift and sure. So, I responded with an apology and told him I'd delete the pictures, which I proceeded to do.

I can’t even remember anymore what was on the plate,

but I do remember getting my hand slapped for taking a picture of my food.

From there, we continued to enjoy the good food and wine, and one discussion theme became the way I immediately deleted the photos.  I joked that the dim lights and picture phobia surely meant the restaurant barely passed the latest restaurant inspection.  Comments around the table varied between “you shouldn’t have deleted the picture - who are THEY to tell you that you can’t have a picture of your food” to “Wow – that was admirable. It really says a lot about you, John.”

On that last comment, I just have to publicly admit right now that I am an incurable and unabashed rule-bender. So my deleting the picture was not so much due to my being “a man of honor” per se, it’s that I was being respectful of my hosts and a well-known author who was also at the table with us. And yes, it just so happens that the VP of my division was also at the table and I like (and need) my job.

Naturally, the next thing that happened was more picture-taking and giggling about it, but with our flashes off. Having to snap the pictures surreptitiously, only a few of them came out clearly. But we had a good time being reckless. So I’m pleased to share a few of the purloined pictures in this post.

My name doesn't figure anywhere in the world of food writing. I am just a guy in North Carolina who likes food and enjoys a good restaurant experience.  So I share my recipes and food experiences with my friends on this little blog.


And aside from the whole picture taking thing, dinner at The Waverly Inn was really nice. It has a cozy, clubby atmosphere with low ceilings and dim lights, attentive waiters and good food. I had a nice roasted chicken with perfectly cooked green beans. Some of the shared appetizers included a truly delicious truffled mac and cheese. Other folks ordered salmon or a steak and everyone was very pleased with their meal.

For a special occasion, I’d recommend the Waverly Inn. It’s fun and different. I think part of their cachet is that they’re even secretive about their menu, so don’t expect to find the full menu online anywhere.

 

The Waverly Inn website is unexpected for a restaurant’s site because it’s basic and informative but there’s no evidence that they’re trying to entice you to stop by or make a reservation - for instance, the site has no photographs and the “reserve now” button doesn’t actually let you make a resevation (I’m more amused than offended by that). Zagat’s publishes a Waverly Inn menu on their site, but notably missing from the menu is that amazing truffled mac and cheese. 

So come to this place intent on having a good meal and a nice time and you will - but do your best to follow the rules. And then on the way out, please do me a HUGE favor:

Shout "SAY CHEESE!" at the maitre d'.

Then snap a picture of him and run like hell.

It will be an unforgettable evening for all involved.

My experience at The Waverly Inn was unforgettable because I particularly remember thoroughly enjoying myself. And for that I thank my gracious hosts, Gail, Angelia, Maria and MaryAlice at Harvard Business Review.