Inventive Aussie-leaning brunch and casual dinner with great cocktails, but service speed and consistency issues plus occasional cleanliness concerns mean experiences vary widely.
Hole In The Wall delivers creative brunch with stylish modern design and confident cocktails, but serious health concerns including multiple mouse sightings and inconsistent food execution—cold dishes, variable fry quality—prevent a higher grade. Service delays of 30–50 minutes during peak times further undermine reliability, making this a worthwhile neighborhood spot on good days but unreliable for important occasions.
Set on a busy Flatiron block, this spot delivers a lively brunch scene with a stylish, modern look and a bar that turns out confident cocktails. Reviews describe warm staff on good days and a menu that reads comfort-first with inventive twists. One diner summed it up: "Great burger and pasta, but the fries were cold on our second visit." Expect energy, not hush; seating near the door can feel drafty in winter. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven with Asian accents: think gochujang-glazed chicken, kimchi scrambles, miso ranch, and a cacio e pepe smashburger next to shrimp vodka rigatoni. When the kitchen is on, plates feel bright and satisfying; on off days, seasoning and temperature slip. Value tracks Midtown norms—reasonable if you want creative comfort and a cocktail. Families fare fine here thanks to kid-friendly standbys like burgers, fries, waffles, and pasta, though there is no explicit kids menu noted. Portions are generous, but peak brunch can be noisy and slow. If you have picky eaters, steer them to simpler choices; adventurous specials suit curious teens more than cautious palates.
Area vibe: Busy Flatiron block near Madison Square Park; office crowds weekdays, leisure and brunch traffic on weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and lighting; typical Midtown/Flatiron urban feel.
What's nearby: Near Madison Square Park, Fifth Ave retail, offices, hotels; strong brunch and cocktail competition nearby.