Sometimes while walking the streets in this city you can still be surprised by what you will find when going down a block rarely visited. Such was the case not too long ago when I was on my way to a wine tasting event at a local store. As I was hurrying down 78th street towards York Ave I noticed this quaint little storefront with an old set of table and chairs having flowers and lights adorning them. I did a double take as I walked by, stopped in my path, and walked a few steps backwards to take a peek inside. Turns out, it was a very small wine bar. I grabbed a business card from the table outside and went to the event.
Heidi’s House By The Side Of The Road. I had not seen anything like this spot up here on the UES / Yorkville area I live in.
As we were finishing up the wine tasting I mentioned we should maybe extend our evening and hit this place up. When we arrived there it was packed wall to wall with people. As I was standing in the doorway looking around the owner Heidi came over and would not let us leave until she got my number and said she would call when a spot became available for the three of us. We walked around the area for about 20 minutes when the call came to come over. She offered us a great spot near the end of the bar overlooking the whole place. It was then that you could really see how small this bar/restaurant really is. Almost shoe box sized, but with a very cozy and homey type feel, and everyone around seemed genuinely happy to be there.
As we had pre-gamed during the wine tasting event we were set for more wine, and Heidi’s did not disappoint. They have a really nice selection of wines by the glass and bottle at reasonable prices. I had a Cotes du Rhone that was fantastic and consumed three glasses of it. Dummy! I should have just bought the whole bottle. There is also a diverse selection of craft bottled beers and sodas here too if wine is not your speed. The drinks went down easy all evening, almost too easy, while enjoying constant banter with Heidi at the bar. She is lovely and fun, and really seems to enjoy owning this place and taking care of the patrons. It’s good to see a small business owner thriving in this part of town.
Now for the food. Oh My God! The food here is just awesome. It is basically comfort food tapas style. To start we ordered the hummus made with organic garbonzo beans and warm pita slices. It was pureed into a tasty creamy consistency. We also ordered the guacamole with homemade corn chips and it was terrific. I could not stop eating those chips. Being the starving ravenous animals we are we also ordered the mac and cheese, and the pasta special gnocchi of the day. The mac and cheese came in a bowl with a crunchy top and was made with white cheddar and rotini pasta. Just. Simply. Terrific. The gnocchi was melt in your mouth delicious and was made a little different than usual with tomato, seasoning, and shredded cheese on top. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Yes, this place is a food orgasm. As I said, even though the menu is limited, what they do offer is beyond the normal wine bar small plates. Some serious love and thought went into this menu. Plus, there are daily specials on the board placed outside. The gnocchi ran out right after we ordered ours, so get there early if you don’t want to miss out. I also noticed the fantastic looking burgers they offer here that others were digging into. Mental note to get that on my next visit.
Now dessert is another story, and is crazy good on another level. Only two on the menu – chocolate souffle and date pudding. Now, the souffle was wonderful and creamy made with dark chocolate, but the date pudding was unreal! It is hard to describe, but was served hot with a spicy wonderfulness that actually made us fight over it. Yes, we ordered another immediately!
Food. Orgasm. For. Sure.
I tell you, this place is simply a terrific gem on the UES. Nothing fancy. Nothing large and obnoxious. Just right. The owner is a super fun person and already knows many of the patrons here. Charming and cozy is an accurate way to describe it. Great service, wonderful food, and terrific wine choices. I almost did not want to write this review for fear that more people will find out about it and make it impossible to get a seat there! At the time we were there she told us it had only been open for about four months, and the crowd had found it now. Good to see a small business doing well in NYC.
The things you can still stumble upon in this city amazes me to this day. Just by chance walking down a street we never take. We fell in lust with this place and will be back for sure! Many times too!
FYI –
Definitely call for reservations, or get there really early. As there is limited seating, and it is small, you might be placed at the bar, so be aware if that is something that will bother you. We loved being at the bar.
The bathroom is nice and clean, with dried roses hanging from the ceiling, peppermint scented soap, and small fresh towels to dry your hands. You just don’t see that in many restaurant bathrooms! Nice touch!
Heidi’s House – http://www.heidishouse.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/heidis-house-new-york
Boy Heidi, that looks great!
Hey Fearless!
They certainly serve up some tasty morsals!
Oh my. So much YUM. Plus i love the store front–it looks so charming!!!
Hey Coleen!
I bet you would like this place. Charming spot with some tasty eats!
Oh, man! I’ve wanted to go to this place for a while. Now I’ll definitely have to check it out. Great post!
Hey Maggie!
Definitely give them a shot! Nice owners and great food in a little hidden gem.
What a lovely cozy destination. The food and wine look superb. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Peggy!
It is a cozy spot. One of those out of the way places to sneak away to and avoid the touristy eateries.
Looks and sounds amazing! One of the things I loved about living in NYC was the chance to make little neighborhood places my own; for a huge city you can really create a homey feel no matter where you go!
Hey Jill!
That is so true. This is one of those neighborhood hot spots that only the locals know about. So good!
Looks and sounds amazing! One of the things I loved about living in NYC was the chance to make little neighborhood places my own; for a huge city you can really create a homey feel no matter where you go!
Hey Jill!
That is so true. This is one of those neighborhood hot spots that only the locals know about. So good!
Sounds like you’ve discovered a fab neighborhood spot! Gotta love those moments!
Cheers!
Hey Markeya!
I am sure you know what I mean as you find many spots like this. Hidden gem!
OK, so my list for my NYC trip is growing so big, I might as well move there! I love that the restroom had little towels. It’s the details, isn’t it?!
Hey Cowboys!
You better take a month long vacation here to even scratch the surface of bars and restaurants!
Small sweet quaint places like this are the best. I love reading about your restuarant discoveries! You had me at wine and mac n cheese at this place. Oh my!
Hey Holli!
The mac & cheese here is so good. Along with some wine it makes a great night here. Small, quaint, and gets busy!
you have me drooling this is a MUST try
Hey Kathy!
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and commenting!
If ever in this part of town drop in – you won’t be disappointed.
I adore a little hole-in-the-wall place that just knocks your socks off with ambiance and quality. This place is a gem! You did an outstanding job writing it up; I love the photos and food descriptions, Phil. Well done. Holy crap, that hummus looks amazing. I love me some pita and hummus!
Btw, I changed how I follow you. I wasn’t seeing your posts consistently enough so I switched to email notification. I hate missing your stuff!
Also, one of my friends is going to NY after the new year. I gave her your blog to look up places to eat!
Hey Beth!
This place was a terrific find! Thanks so much for the kind words on my review. All the foood here was great, as was the wine, but the date pudding dessert was awesome!
Thanks again for signing up by email to follow my blog. So glad you like it. Tell your friend to contact me and I’ll send her a list of places to try.
I don’t think there’s anything more fun than spending the evening with a business owner who truly loves their business. The joy is contagious.
Hey Karen!
That is so true! The owner here loves her business and it shines through in the food, friendliness, and ambiance.
What a cute entrance. I am totally jealous of everything you had. LOL at the three glasses of wine. Glad you went back and tried the place out.
Hey Kenya!
So glad we went back! My gal loved it as did I. It’s one of those spots that make you never want to leave!
I’m drooling… seriously drooling… this is my kind of place!
Hey Emily!
So glad I made you drool. From the response here it seems to be everyone’s kind of place!
The date pudding sounds delicious. I have not had anything like that before so I would try it if I ever went there 🙂
Hey Christy!
It’s all about the date pudding! Everything we have had here has been terrific!
What a fabulous little find. You really are spoilt for choice with great eateries and drinking holes in NYC.
It sounds like a great setting for a romantic night out, maybe on a week night when it is not so busy 😉
I wonder if the owner now has a dilemma. Do they expand because they are so popular or keep it small so there is always a queue outside?
By the way, I love your new Santa picture at the top of the site 🙂
Hey Guy!
Bad Santa is tha man!
Hey Guy!
Yes, we certainly are spoiled here in NYC with our bars and eateries!
It’s a nice spot. I wish they would build another closer to my apartment!
I seriously need to eat something before I come over to stalk your site. Why does Heidi’s House have to be so far away from me????
Hey Mother!
You can stalk my site any time! Just don’t come around on an empty stomach!
I just licked my computer screen. Delicious. I love foodgasms.
Hey Mandi!
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and commenting! Hope you will sign up to follow it. I love new stalkers, uh, blog friends.
This was another great place here in NYC. A little gem that can make me drool.
Awesome… (I am hungry now)…
Thanks for sharing, Phil…
Wishing you an ace weekend,
Aquileana 😉
Hey Aqileana!
Hope you have a good weekend too.
My blog makes me hungry. Thanks for reading!