Seemor
PoppyB+Worth Trying
505 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
· American restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.9/5 Google (117 reviews)
Reservations
Chic East Village cocktail-forward bistro with live jazz, creative small plates, and standout roast chicken and sliders; lively vibe, tight tables, and premium pricing.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Poppy delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional food quality featuring polished comfort dishes and attentive, warm service that creates genuine hospitality. While reliable execution and a charming East Village setting with live jazz appeal support the grade, moderate uncertainty in review authenticity patterns prevents full confidence in the assessment, and the tight tables and premium pricing limit broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with live jazz some nights and a cozy two-part layout of bar and lounge. Service reads as hands-on and welcoming, with owners checking tables. The cooking leans elevated comfort with polished touches: roast chicken with green peppercorn sauce, oxtail sliders, truffle arancini, cod with beurre blanc. The culinary approach feels contemporary and ingredient-driven: modern riffs on familiar plates supported by an inventive cocktail list. For families, it is reasonably kid-accommodating if children like simple flavors: fries, grilled cheese, sliders, and sweets like molten cake. No explicit kids menu, and some plates skew rich or bold; brunch sweets (Dutch baby) help, but options for picky eaters can be limited.
At a Glance
- Roast chicken, sliders, and arancini earn consistent praise
- Creative cocktail program with live jazz vibe
- Tight tables and lively noise levels on busy/jazz nights
- Premium pricing for the neighborhood
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- live_jazz_evenings
- owner_present_hospitality
- creative_cocktail_program
What People Love
- Warm, present owners and welcoming staff
- Consistently delicious roast chicken and cod
- Inventive cocktails like Ciao Bella and espresso martini riffs
- Live jazz adding character without club-level volume
- Cozy lounge-bar layout that feels intimate
Points of Concern
- Tables run small; space can feel tight during peak times
- One-off complaints about loud music and decor taste clashes
- Premium pricing and some smaller portions compared with expectations
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For innovation near 7, some dishes may challenge conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians: Roasted Cauliflower Steak with couscous, plus Brussels sprouts and mushrooms
- Gluten-sensitive: Cauliflower steak and sides marked gluten-free
- Rich dish balance: Pair gnocchi with grilled cabbage or a veggie side
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and small plates
- Friends catching up before or after a show
- Neighborhood regulars seeking a cozy jazz night
- Small celebrations with shared plates
Location Insights
Area: Lively East Village block with bars, small restaurants, and night-time foot traffic; draws locals and destination cocktail seekers.
Safety: Generally safe with active streets; late-night crowds typical; standard urban awareness recommended.
Nearby: Close to Avenue A/B nightlife, Tompkins Square Park vicinity, dense residential with many independent eateries.
East VillageThe East Village offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries and ethnic restaurants to trendy bars and upscale dining. The social atmosphere is energetic and creative, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking unique culinary experiences and nightlife.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its bohemian vibe, with many bars, music venues, and innovative restaurants. It has undergone significant gentrification but retains an edgy, artistic character.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–23:00
Wednesday17:00–23:00
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday17:00–02:00
Saturday11:00–02:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations
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