Seemor
Kurant Wine BarBWorth Trying
1091 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
· Restaurant, American restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (374 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Midtown East wine bar with generous happy hour and solid comfort-food menu; service is warm, but food can be uneven and auto-gratuity transparency has caused friction.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Kurant Wine Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional service attentiveness and strong happy hour value, but inconsistent food execution—ranging from praised branzino and brussels sprouts to overcooked steaks and underwhelming brunch—prevents a higher grade. The warm, unpretentious setting and welcoming vibe make it a reliable local favorite rather than a destination, positioning it competitively among Midtown East neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
On Second Avenue, Kurant reads as a neighborhood hub—warm lighting, shelves of bottles, and a low-key thrum that feels welcoming and unpretentious. Guests highlight servers who go the extra mile—one table even received extra pours when a dish ran late—and note it is quiet enough to talk. Value comes through at happy hour, where $8 glasses pull in after-work crowds without the crush. The cooking leans bistro comfort with Mediterranean accents rather than flash: branzino, short rib ragu, and brussels sprouts show up in praise, while brunch and the occasional steak draw mixed notes. Expect elevated traditional more than culinary fireworks—good ingredients, straightforward execution, and a wine-first mindset. Families will find it approachable thanks to burger-and-pasta staples, fries, and simple seafood. There is no dedicated kids menu, but options like The Burger, pasta primavera, and chicken sandwich fit younger palates. Portions are generally satisfying, though a few lunch specials felt light, so order an extra side if feeding hungry teens.
At a Glance
- Friendly, attentive service with proactive fixes when issues arise
- Strong happy hour value (notably $8 wines) and neighborhood vibe
- Solid comfort-food hits like branzino, brussels sprouts, burgers
- Food can be uneven (steak overcooked, brunch underwhelming)
- Auto-gratuity policy communication has caused misunderstandings
What Sets It Apart
- robust_happy_hour_wine_list
- neighborhood_hospitality
- balanced_menu_for_groups
What People Love
- Feeling like a neighborhood regular even on first visit
- Happy hour pricing that stretches the budget
- Comforting mains that pair easily with wine
- Servers who resolve small hiccups gracefully
Points of Concern
- Occasional execution misses on steak and brunch items (isolated but notable)
- Cocktails get mixed feedback; wine is the safer bet
- Auto-gratuity applied at times without clear upfront notice per a 2024 review
- Review patterns show natural variety; no strong manipulation signals but a few ultra-brief ratings add noise
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the Kurant Plate with a crisp white by the glass for an affordable mini-feast
- Choose branzino or chicken marsala if you want safer savory mains
- For kids, consider The Burger or pasta primavera; add fries for heartier portions
Perfect For
- After-work wine and small plates
- Casual date that is conversation-friendly
- Group meetups with mixed tastes
- Solo bar bite with a good pour
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown East corridor serving office workers and residents; after-work drinks and casual dates.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady evening foot traffic typical of Midtown East.
Nearby: Near offices, apartments, and Second Ave bar-restaurant strip; convenient to multiple subway lines a few blocks away.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a refined dining atmosphere with a variety of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and international cuisine. The area is characterized by a quieter, more residential feel compared to the core Midtown, attracting diners looking for quality and sophistication in a convenient location.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–01:00
Wednesday12:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–01:00
Friday12:00–01:00
Saturday11:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →