Seemor
BacaroA-Worth Trying
136 Division St, New York, NY 10002
· Italian restaurant, Bar, Event venue
· 4.4/5 Google (393 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Atmospheric Venetian-style spot with strong pastas and an excellent Italian wine list in a romantic cellar; food generally impresses but service inconsistency and tight seating can undercut the experience.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Bacaro delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional pasta and antipasti execution paired with a genuinely atmospheric cellar setting that justifies its destination appeal for dates and celebrations. However, inconsistent service pacing and tight seating during peak hours prevent the higher consistency needed for grade A territory, making it a reliable but occasionally uneven neighborhood gem.
Restaurant Summary
Down a set of stairs on Division Street, Bacaro opens into a warren of candlelit brick rooms that feel like a Venetian cellar, equal parts romantic and cozy. Servers can be charming and wine-savvy, and one guest raved that the team "kept our glasses topped without asking." However, expect occasional service hiccups and tight tables that trend lively when the room fills. The cooking leans elevated traditional—think squid ink spaghetti, duck ragu on cavatelli, and fried zucchini blossoms—more produce-driven Italian than theatrical. Pastas and antipasti are the safe bets, and the classic Italian wine list is a highlight for those tired of the natural-only trend. Prices match the scene and quality, with a steak splurge on the menu and happy hour pasta that delivers flavor in a small portion. Families will find a few kid-friendly anchors like spaghetti pomodoro, chicken milanese, crispy potatoes, and gelato, but the cellar ambiance reads adult/date-night. Portions skew moderate, and picky eaters may prefer simpler dishes from the menu rather than the bolder squid ink or bitter greens.
At a Glance
- Gorgeous cellar ambiance ideal for dates and celebrations
- Strong Italian wine list with helpful guidance
- Standout pastas and reliable antipasti
- Service inconsistency and pacing issues at peak
- Tight seating and loud room upstairs at busy times
What Sets It Apart
- candlelit_cellar_ambiance
- deep_italian_wine_list
- venetian_pasta_specialties
- private_event_spaces
What People Love
- The candlelit, cave-like cellar vibe
- Squid ink spaghetti and duck ragu pastas
- Thoughtful Italian wine selections
- Sharing antipasti like fritto misto and burrata
Points of Concern
- Service can be curt or slow under pressure; some reports of attitude toward gratuity
- Course pacing can be off, with mains landing too early
- Seating can be cramped and noisy at peak times
- Review patterns show authentic variety but include extreme service anecdotes; interpret service expectations accordingly
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable start: burrata ($20) + fritto misto ($21)
- Choose one rich pasta (duck cavatelli $27) and one bright option (pea salad $19)
- Finish with tiramisu or a sorbet trio ($12)
Perfect For
- A romantic pasta-and-wine date night
- Celebrating with a group in a moody cellar
- Italian wine enthusiasts seeking classics
- Locals craving elevated Venetian staples
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Lower East Side block with nightlife, bars, and intimate restaurants; draws locals and date-night crowds.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic at night; typical urban awareness advised.
Nearby: Near LES galleries, bars, and Chinatown border; convenient to nightlife and casual exploring.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of classic delis, innovative restaurants, and casual bars. The social atmosphere is lively and eclectic, attracting a diverse crowd interested in culture, nightlife, and culinary exploration.
East Village (border area)Close to the East Village, this micro-area blends the Lower East Side’s historic grit with the East Village’s bohemian vibe, featuring casual eateries, music venues, and a youthful, artsy crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–00:00
Tuesday17:00–00:00
Wednesday17:00–00:00
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday17:00–00:00
Saturday17:00–00:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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