Seemor
SAINT RESTAURANT BAR & SPEAKEASYB-Worth Trying
136 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
· New American restaurant, American restaurant, Banquet hall
· 4.5/5 Google (1053 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Striking East Village restaurant-bar with event spaces: memorable vibe and some standout dishes, but inconsistent service and event pop-ups draw mixed feedback; plan for higher prices and verify reservations.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Saint Restaurant Bar & Speakeasy delivers an exceptional setting with its multi-room design and speakeasy appeal that genuinely justifies its destination draw, and food quality shows real strength with standout dishes like Brussels sprouts and dry-aged burger. However, inconsistent execution across visits—variable seasoning, staggered courses, and service gaps during busy events—prevents a higher grade; the restaurant performs best on quieter nights but falters under event pressure, making it a solid choice for celebrations when conditions align but requiring realistic expectations about reliability.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels sleek and atmospheric, with chandelier sparkle and a tucked-away speakeasy that guests describe as a vibe. Service moments swing from warm and attentive to stretched during big nights. "Decor is stunning and perfect for celebrations" captures the draw. The cooking leans contemporary New American with Mediterranean and raw bar touches—think burrata, octopus with guajillo, and a dry-aged burger—an approach that feels elevated but familiar. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: modern cues and polished plating rather than theatrics. On good nights it shines; on busy event nights, timing and seasoning can be uneven. For families, earlier seatings work best. Kids can land on mac and cheese, fries, and the burger; salmon or chicken suit less adventurous eaters. Late-night energy and pop-ups can be loud; there is no clear kids menu, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Striking multi-room setting with speakeasy and chandelier room
- Contemporary New American menu with crowd-pleasing hits like Brussels and burger
- Service and pacing can falter during events and large parties
- Reservations sometimes bumped for private events; verify before arrival
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- multi-room_event_spaces
- secret_garden_area
- chandelier_room_ambiance
What People Love
- Beautiful, photogenic rooms and lighting
- Friendly managers who help plan events
- Solid raw bar and seafood starters
- Cocktails that feel crafted and fun
Points of Concern
- Service delays and staggered courses reported on busy nights
- Occasional last-minute reservation cancellations due to private events
- Some dishes land bland or inconsistent relative to price
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff-name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-82 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair octopus with broccolini for a lighter entree-plus-side route under $50 before drinks
- Burger plus truffle croquettes is a flavorful, shareable combo
Perfect For
- Celebration dinners that roll into cocktails downstairs
- Date nights seeking stylish ambiance
- Company or wedding-related private events
- Friends night out with lively music
Location Insights
Area: Lively East Village corridor with nightlife, bars, and destination dining; mixes students, young professionals, and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical late-night urban dynamics; no persistent safety red flags in reviews.
Nearby: Near theaters, music venues, and other bars; event-driven crowds and weekend nightlife.
East VillageThe East Village offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from casual eateries and ethnic restaurants to trendy bars and innovative culinary spots. The social atmosphere is energetic and diverse, with a strong emphasis on creativity and community, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking unique dining experiences.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its bohemian vibe, affordable dining options, and vibrant nightlife. It has a slightly edgier feel compared to the rest of East Village, with many small bars, music venues, and casual restaurants attracting a hip and youthful demographic.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–00:00
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday15:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–18:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →