The Spotted Pig

This past weekend my cousin came in town for a visit. Friday night I took her to one of my FAVOURITE places in NYC. The first time I went to this place, five or so years ago, we were seated next to Mike Meyers and ever since then it has held a place on my top five list. The combination of awesome food and a  super cool west village vibe, which is exacerbated by the fact that they do not take reservations, makes the Spotted Pig a winner in my book. So be ready to post up and one of the two bars and wait for a table. Generally the wait is about an hour and a half but can be worse, but you know if hoards of people are waiting that long the food must be great. 
The restaurant is two floors, neither much bigger than a one bedroom apartment. The lights are low, and the walls are cluttered with various pigs and trinkets. All of the staff looks like they probably play in ultra hip bands in their time off, and their only uniform requirement is some form of body art. They service is always superb, and they seem to feed off of the upbeat vibe of the throngs of people waiting for prized seat at one mis-matched stools nestled around small tables. 
While I have never had a bite of food at this restaurant that was disappointing there are a few menu items that are major stand outs. The first would be their "Devils on Horseback" which is a date wrapped in bacon and served warm. The bacon creates a gooey glaze on the date and the product is a perfect combination of sweet and salty. The perfect thing to grab from the bar while waiting on a table!
Crispy pig's ear salad is another home run. Now before the thought of eating a pig'e ear send you running for the door, imagine the most succulent piece of bacon you have ever had and multiply that by 50, then you have the taste of pigs ear. It is absolutely delectable. Composed of various lettuces, citrus, and caper lemon dressing, it's a fantastic combination of light lemon and citrus alongside the decadence of the pigs ear. Since the restaurant is very small, a group bigger than 4 or 5 is too much for this place. So this salad is a great thing for the table to split if your not dining with too many people! 
Finally the burger. While you are waiting for your table you will see at least a dozen of these go by, it would not surprise me if half the diners every night ordered the burger. It is simple, cooked to your request and topped with Roquefort cheese. No fuss or frills and this is the only way it is served, no substitutions. It is also accompanied by the best fries I have ever had, no competition. They are shoe-string fries with bits of fried garlic and rosemary littered in. They are phenomenal, and the pile is so big, I have never seen someone finish off this whole plate. 

They will give you ketchup and mustard at the table, and while anyone who knows me will attest I adore ketchup, you hardly need it here! While this place is super fun, and lends itself to late night dining, afterwards your going to want to go lie down. It's that good, you just cant stop! I will say that a burger is more than enough to split with someone, especially if you start off with an app! 
I never leave the Spotted Pig disappointed. Its fun, filling, and relatively easy one the wallet. The drinks are where they will get you! I would recommend it without reservations to anyone. So next time you looking for a great Friday night burger, indulge in the Spotted Pig. It will be worth the wait!


The Spotted Pig 
314 West 11th
212-620-0393