The Clocktower

Very delicious food in an incredible space. The owners have clearly put a lot of time and money into the décor and it shows, as the space is very refined and very detailed. The pool room next to the dining area is a nice plus as it is free to play. Three rounds of pool post lunch was a nice addition. The only negative is It is a bit hard to find (have to climb the winding staircase which doesn’t have a sign).
The sourdough bread to start (free) was delicious. It comes to the table still warm with soft butter. I had the burger which was solid — not the best burger I have ever had but still worth the money.
Dessert was a bit pricey (most were around $ 16) so we skipped it. I’m sure it would have been good but just not worth it when the mains were around $ 25.

A nice experience that I would return to if clients or friends were in town. The bar areas have a great design to them and the restaurant ambience is interesting too. Add on excellent service, good food, fun cocktails and a decent selection of wine and you have found a place to treat yourself and others. Plus, it has a British theme to it, which we all know is a bonus.

Came here with my fiancés parents around Christmas time. They immediately noted that it was a young crowd– we’re young so it didn’t bother me but I thought they wouldn’t like the place because of it. We the dinner changed everything for them! They were so impressed with everything and raving about it — we all were. Phenomenal food, décor, service– everything! Highly recommend!

The cheeseburger is epic — without a doubt one of the very best in NYC right now. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the sharp service. The kitchen was a little slow on the lunch hour today but the staff was more than apologetic. The cheeseburger was more than worth the wait. Just delicious.
The table bread and butter is also ridiculously good.

Definitely not cheap, but can’t complain! I had the risotto, skirt steak, and pistachio soufflé, and they were all fantastic. The real standout, though, was the «Dill or No Dill» cocktail. Lots of bars have a variation of this, but this is BY FAR my favorite in New York.
Service was excellent and the atmosphere was beautiful and quiet. Makes a great date spot!

Inside the Edition hotel, it’s a beautiful place, very tastefully decorated and relatively quiet. We came here for brunch, although the menu isn’t very comprehensive, it’s fairly good with buttermilk, not amazing but good enough for a brunch. There’s also a bar and pool table next to the dining room, looks very nice.

We had a nice dinner here last night– it reminds me a lot of the Nomad.
The décor is romantic: dark wood and low lighting. It smells delicious in the lobby! Would be a nice date spot.
We started at the bar (I was so excited to try the Cereal Killer after reading all the Unilocal reviews). It was very good but the traditional Old Fashioned was one of the best I’ve ever had. Bar service was pretty quick given the mixology involved.
For appetizers we had: Steak Tartare & Market Salad (salads were big enough to be an entrée) Dinner: Pork and Burger (my husband thought it was the best burger he’s had in the city… I think Minetta’s is a little better)
We skipped dessert and I’m glad we did, because the check came in a box filled with cookies and dark chocolate bark (delicious!)
The service left something to be desired in the dining room, starting from the snooty hostess. Our waiter looked like he was a cast member of Sleep No More and kept asking if «everything was up to snuff» which made for an interesting dining experience. Would definitely go back and sit at the bar!

Came here with my family after a matinée for my birthday. The place is beautiful and professionally managed. Excellent service and quiet rooms so you could hear and talk. After playing a game of pool in their pool room (a great idea!) we enjoyed one of my most memorable New York meals. Everything was delicious.
As it was my birthday, I sprung for the steak, which is for two people and costs $ 135, a price usually off my budget. But it was my birthday, and my wife split it with me, even though she usually does not like steak. It was simply the best steak I ever had, and I have had them everywhere. Perfectly done and a great piece of aged beef. The sides were perfect and our companions loved all of their choices.
I ordered a bottle of Sicilian red for only $ 68, which is very reasonable in a fine restaurant, and it was delicious; actually comparable to a wine at twice the price.
This is a memorable restaurant, suitable for celebrations, business and family.

Love this place. Great cocktails, beautiful rooms, pool table, delicious food. Skip the awful bar on the ground floor and make your way up to Clocktower, and you won’t be disappointed.

Had an amazing experience this evening.
We ordered the burger and the venison. After we ordered, the hostess informed us an unfortunate incident in the kitchen meant we would have to choose an alternative, and we ordered the duck. It did not disappoint.
They told us they would take care of us, so we assumed we would get a round of drinks or an entrée on the house, but they comped the entire meal. Impeccable, friendly service!
The ipa bread is addictive and delicious — great wines by the glass.

My girlfriends and I visited for Sunday brunch and we had a great experience from the moment we entered the building. Our server, Shawn, was very attentive and our food was AMAZING!!! We ate a number of dishes (mac and cheese, French toast, fish and chips, eggs Benedict, istachio soufflé, etc.) and they all were AMAZING – full of flavor and presented wonderfully.
We will be back to taste other menu items and shoot some pool!

Right as this place opened in the spring, we visited. The space was so new that the photos were just being taken.
The bar scene is very swank, hip, and lively. Multiple rooms with a huge bar as the centerpiece. This is Manhattan, so a $ 16 – 18 cocktail can be found though I’m still not convinced is worth it.
The dining area reminded me of a library with many small rooms. The food was very good, but the portions were very small. My halibut and the accompaniments took up ¼ of my plate. It looked empty, as was my stomach after paying just shy of $ 40.
The complimentary bread they serve is fantastic.

Went on ¹¹⁄₁₅. Hot damn. This is definitely a destination for… essentially 1 star Michelin dining (fine dining at a reasonable price). Possibly one of the best places I’ve been all year.
First off, do not mistake the downstairs bar for the Clocktower’s bar, at your peril. The downstairs bar is, I believe, called Edition. I accidentally thought it was the Clocktower bar, due to the similar unique names of the drinks, but once the bartender had to look at a book to figure out how to make the FIRST cocktail listed, I knew there was something wrong.
The Clocktower bar is upstairs, adjoining the restaurant. The cocktails are clever (particularly the Cereal Killer, using momo milk-​style cereal milk and bourbon), and the non-​alcoholic ones (like the Ps and Qs) are interesting enough to satisfy your loser teetotaling friend (kidding, buddy!). May want to consider sticking with cocktails for your meal, because there were less than 10 or so wines under $ 100, which is an issue.
The restaurant arrangements are going to be my only major quibble. We definitely got seated in «dammit this is a three top taking up a four top» zone, right in front of the fireplace. Meaning it was HOT. Very hot. Sweaty hot. I get the need to jam as many tables as possible, but c’mon.
Oysters — definitely east coast oysters, though they weren’t identified by name. Slightly overpriced, but large, juicy, and perfect for slurping while making eyes at your date… or at your two married companions where they have like, «a problem» with you wearing a nametag that says «Third Wheel» on it.
Lobster on Half Shell — perfectly cooked cold lobster, apples, fennel, little touch of some emulsion, perfect seasoning. Gonna go ahead and say a must order.
Risotto — I’m not going to lie, I think I missed out a bit given the uni is no longer on the risotto menu (I get it, but still). The risotto was highly flavorful, though a tad overcooked (not toothsome and soupy like I prefer), but that was a minor issue. The fried sweetbreads were fantastic, and as usual, an utter surprise to the non-​organ folks who think they’re eating sublime chicken nuggest. This is why you need Third Wheel. He’ll show you his thymus gland.
Pigeon Pie — I think the restaurant misses out on not making this an entrée. It should be three times the size, with a full lobe of foie and a full filet of game bird. It’s hard to discern the flavors because it’s so small, and I would 100% order an entrée-​size of this. It’s game bird, crust, and foie. The only thing anyone could want is more.
Duck A l’Orange — Intense portion of perfectly cooked duck, thick demi glacé orange coating that means Third Wheel is going to lick your plate clean. Second only to Le Philosophe in recent memory.
Roast — The other sign, besides the pigeon, the the chef is British. It’s a well-​cooked roast, with a delightful yorkshire pudding, and then a large pile of throwaway cabbage (eat only the crispy outer coating). The box around this item makes me feel like this is a very cheap moneymaker for the restaurant. Skip. Instead, get
Burger — Holy crap, bruh, this burger is unctuous as FAAAAHCK. Edges out Bowery Meat for best new high end burger. Mineral finish, cheddar so sharp I’d use it to cut my enemies, powerful kick of bacon, and I don’t know what Churchill sauce is, but I bet it would sober Churchill up immediately. Get this. Get two.
Pistachio Soufflé — intense as F soufflé, double the size of the ramekin, with a strong eggy component that most places cook right out of the dish. Fantastic.
Concord Grape and Goat Cheese gelato — Get this if you want super strong flavors. I’d have a spoonful goat cheese ice cream every night before bed. I’m going to buy a goat for this purpose, and also so I can bring it along instead of being Third Wheel next time.
Petit Fours are nothing special (some cookies, some brittle), but totally enjoyable and a nice bonus.
I can see this being a big hit for the corporate Eleven Madison Park spillover lunch crowd, but it’s definitely a date spot, a Mom’s birthday spot, and, you know it, an ideal place to bring your Third Wheel.

Easily a top 5 meal in NYC. Food, cocktails, service, and ambiance all top notch.
Ambiance is great. The Clocktower is located in the former executive office suite for MetLife. Love the separate dining rooms and bar area.
Cocktails are magnificent and creative. American Cereal Killer (Michter’s, Cheerios Milk, Madagascan Vanilla syrup and bitters) is unlike any cocktail ever had, and that doesn’t even include the fact that it’s served in a glass milk carton. Great presentation and tastes even better.
Meal was impeccable. For starters, wife and I split the poached and smoked salmon and the mac ‘n cheese. Salmon was a beautiful piece of fish. Great smokiness paired perfectly with grapes, walnut and celeriac. Mac ‘n cheese was the most elevated Mac ‘n cheese you’ll find. Thick cut pasta, creamy cheese, mushrooms and ox cheek. Delish. Oh, and the IPA Beer bread — insanely good.
For mains, we split the venison and the duck. Can’t say I eat venison often, but this was far and away the best I’ve had. Perfectly cooked. The spiced plum sauce was delicious, and all paired perfectly with the cabbage and carrots. The granola balls were a tad tough on the teeth, but once cracked open, added another layer of texture and complexity to the dish.
The duck was also perfectly cooked and the sauce l’orange, turnips, fennel and endive all came together wonderfully.
For dessert, had the chocolate mousse. Very, very good. And oh, that Cold Fashioned cocktail. Cold brewed coffee and bourbon — heavenly.
Service was fantastic. Warm, friendly, not overly formal.
Can’t wait to go back!

I came here with my boyfriend last night and we had a great experience. We were excited to try this restaurant since we heard it had the same owner as our other favorite restaurants, Buddakan and Morimoto.
We started with the poached then smoked salmon and big eye tuna tataki appetizers. Both of these apps were great but the salmon dish is the reason why I might have to come back to The Clocktower! Really exceptional.
Then I had the scallops app for my main dish since I wasn’t very hungry and my boyfriend got the North African spiced Colorado lamb. Both of these dishes were tasty but so small. The small portions was a theme the entire night, which is why I had to deduct one star.
For dessert we had the chocolate cremeux which reminded me of a ferrero rocher– delicious!
I definitely recommend trying this restaurant if you’re in the area. The plating could not be more beautiful. But be prepared– you’re not actually sitting where the clock is, even though the name of the restaurant leads you to believe so!

I’ve caught the Clocktower for drinks a few times, mostly because out-​of-​towners want to check out the Edition. The crowd is stuffy. For instance this past Thursday the pool table was surrounded by four guys wearing Yale baseball caps who probably pay $ 8 for a cup of coffee.
The space is very cool, I have to admit. I love the photography, both the images and how they layered it throughout all the spaces. Definitely well executed design.
The cocktail menu is overpriced, but not really too different from other establishments of this nature. The drinks are obnoxiously crafted with stupid add-​ons like a mini clothespin holding on a garnish. Busy bar + slow drinks = points deducted.
The actual menu is promising to look at, executed decently, and served at the pace of a snail. If you want to have the longest dinner of your life, definitely choose Clocktower. The things we tried:
— Dressed crab, crispy uni, apple batons, lemon purée (could have been canned crab)
— Diver scallop and hamachi tartare, seaweed pesto, pink grapefruit (pesto overwhelms)
— Hand chopped steak tartare, roasted bone marrow, sourdough, pickled artichokes, mustard leaves (not bad, not special)
— Tomato salad, tomato gelée, Lioni burrata, basil granita (gelee consistency not for me)
— Braised halibut, pink peppercorn sauce, seaweed, chanterelles, carrot purée (pretty good, could go further with the seasoning)
— Fries (awesome)
My buddy and I agreed that there wasn’t a single thing we would order again other than the fries. I repeat, the fries. They also have this weird way of serving, where the food runner will come out with trays and stand there with your food and you’re thinking «just put it on the table, this is taking forever». It is bizarre.
Anyways, I can’t say I would go back. It is overpriced and underdelivered.

Sexy Trendy Delicious… Clocktower promises a delightful evening.
Reservations were pretty straightforward minus the typical NYC «new restaurant drama». Conveniently located with minimal parking hassles.
The interior surprised us with cozy nooks fireplaces, two large candlelit bar areas and a pool room.
The speciality cocktails –food-​dessert was all very good. They did run out of the roast and duck… which is not so unusual for a new restaurant on a Sunday night. The tart was big enough for four. We would have skipped dessert for the delicious short bread cookies and hand rolled caramel toffee served with the check.
Overall…Clocktower currently ranks amongst New Yorks best restaurants.

Amazing place! I came across this place randomly so decided to give a try as I did not have many experience dining in a British restaurant; it did not let me down!
Inside decoration was actually a combination of casual and formal. Drawings on the wall with candles lightened on the table and fireplace. However the music was fast-​paced and people around were chatting pretty casually.
Food was for sure, great. We started with oyster platter and beef tartare, followed by lamp chop and grilled duck, finished with a apple tart for two to share. Beef tartare was absolutely delicious, accompanied by the bone marrow and soured artichoke. Tart was indeed even too large to share; however I do recommend dip it into the vanilla ice cream, fantastic!

This is a tough review to write as there are some great positive’s but alas there were a few negatives as well .
Firstly the space is amazing, I love the fact they have a bar scene separated from the dining scene so you can pick and choose which suits you and have a civilized conversation whilst eating .
LOVE the décor, especially the purple pool room, the lighting and art is spot on .
The cocktails are great, they all have a playful twist on everything and taste delish, I recommend ’ the cereal killer ’ before you start and ‘the cold fashioned ’ further in.
Now down to the food which really was hit and miss.
Complimentary bread and butter, hmmmm the butter. Nice touch.
For starters we had the scallops and the steak tartar which were both great but the Pigeon and foie gras pie might be trying a little to hard .
For entrée I ordered the spiced Colorado lamb. Dam you lamb in America why is it such a challenge. At $ 43 for 2 small lamb chops you better be good. Sadly they were a little chewy and tasted more fatty than spiced .
Now the Dry Aged burger, be a bit rude not to after reading the amazing reviews.
Ordered medium rare but sadly it was served well done .Of course it was whisked away with an apology and then served again to perfection but to add insult they even charged me for new fries even though I sent them away and they were given to another table next to us .
The dessert of strawberries and cream is must, oh and those little berries are frozen blackberries broken down to mini berries. 100% my highlight of the meal .
Still I see this place being a winner as its a much a scene as it is a restaurant .
Oh don’t be put off if you call up for a reservation and cant get one, I went straight on open table and got it after a negative telephone conversation with someone that assured me there wasn’t any available .
I will be back even if its for a cheeky burger and a cereal killer !

So, I read a lot of reviews and had somewhat high expectations going in, so already that is a recipe for disappointment. But none the less, I was still blown away. This is only my second 5 star rating for a restaurant.
The restaurant is on the second floor above the lobby of the hip Edition Hotel, so we entered the building to a cool lobby bar scene before heading up the spiral staircase to the restaurant.
The second floor is the former executive floor for the Metropolitan CEO back from the Mad Med era with beautiful dark wood detail and fireplaces in several rooms, all with hundreds of nouveau framed photographs to bring it to modern hip.
Our night started with a few signature drinks at the bar. I had the Cold Fashioned which was an interesting adaptation of an old fashioned with coffee and really good. My wife and friend had the Cobblerplolitan, which tasted nothing like a traditional Cosmo, but was delish.
We were seated and given the obligatory bread, and while the bread was good (way better than average) the butter was like a drug. I could not get enough.
We ordered an assortment of appetizers and main courses and every dish delivered. Of course we tried tar tar, how could we not, and as reported, it was excellent. For a main, I had the lamb chops which were tender and had an excellent sauce. My buddy got the burger (I was a little jealous) and reported it was one on the best 5 burgers he had ever had. I got a taste of the fries, and despite some negative reviews, we all thought they were great.
Moving on to desert, we ordered the apple tarte tatin and it was amazing. We were all served an individual portion of vanilla ice cream to go along. There was not a bite left, I made sure of that. And then, of course, the cookies that were served at the end. This is a nice touch, even if they are just ok, but the shortbread cookies melted in your mouth… and the caramel /​toffee candies with sea salt (I am guessing) were amazing. And finally, not that some will think it is s big deal, the coffee was amazing, even for a Starbucks snob like me. So often restaurants fail here and at such a critical part of the meal.
As far as service goes, it does not get much better. Bryn, who is also a sommelier in training, was engaging and at our beckon call, and made some excellent recommendations. As a plus, we were by chance seated next to an A-​list celeb, so that put a little icing on an already legendary night. I have to come back, if for nothing else, to try that burger.
It is a bit pricy, especially the cocktails, but you are getting what you pay for, unlike so many overpriced average hip but not-​so-​hip places. Come and enjoy!!!