Why cheese churros are not mainstream yet, we just don’t know. This combination is almost life-changing, so hats off to Crown Shy. But how is the rest of the food? What’s the scene like? And is it worth the expensive Uber ride to the Financial District? Let’s find out.
Overview
With a team pedigree of Eleven Madison and the now-closed Del Posto, you know Crown Shy will have service and food locked down. The place is the first solo project of Chef James Kent, who most recently was at the Nomad. The restaurant is American; it’s the best of comfort dishes, elevated and taken to the next level. Bread isn’t just bread, fish isn’t merely grilled though; each dish has complexity and nuance while being true to what it is. The execution is what makes you want to treat Crown Shy like your neighborhood restaurant, even if it’s totally out of your way.
Atmosphere
On any given night, especially when Omicron isn’t rampant, the dining room of Crown Shy is full. Work dinners, friends catching up, date night — Crown Shy has something for everyone. The atmosphere is comfortable and warm, and the décor is elegant. The restaurant feels New American like those it joins in this hot genre in NYC. Flattering lighting and a buzzy dining room make for a good vibe. But the star of the show is the food.
Food
We said it before: we don’t know how cheese churros hasn’t yet become a national dish. And while the cheese churros is a highlight of the menu, it’s one of many. When you arrive, a warm loaf of olive pull-apart bread arrives, so come ready to carb it up. The dishes on the menu are meant to be shared family style. That means that while Crown Shy is a good spot for two people, it’s even better for a group. Lettuce is a treat here. There’s a delicious romaine tossed with radishes, herbs and breadcrumbs that could be a meal. The chicories are also given the special treatment with roasted quince, almonds, and gouda cheese.
On the mains, the pork chop with cabbage and apples and the short ribs are a must. The chicken is known as one of the best in the city (which shouldn’t surprise as Nomad had the best roast chicken in its day). Vegetables can be a meal in themselves. The carrots are a Crown Shy mainstay, dressed according to the season. There are also not-so-common sunchokes with hazelnut and cheddar that are a wonderful share.
Service
It’s professional from start to finish: an pleasant host to greet you, tables generally run on time for reservations, and casual yet efficient waitstaff. Verdict is out on whether you’ll be welcomed like a regular with frequent visits. We’ll keep you posted, as it’s a place we’d like to return for future visits. Yes, plural.
Overall
8/10. Worth the expensive Uber ride (as most people don’t live that far downtown).
FAQs
Q: What makes Crown Shy unique?
A: Crown Shy’s prize dish is the cheese churros, but the rest of the food is impressive, facilitating a well-rounded menu of options. It needs multiple visits to experience it all.
Q: Does it take reservations?
A: Reservations are required at Crown Shy.
Q: Does it accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, Crown Shy accommodates all dietary restrictions. Please disclose any restrictions or preferences when you book a table.
Q: What is the rating of Crown Shy as per Galavante?
A: Galavante rates this restaurant 8/10, even suggesting it is worth the extra travel to the Financial District. The professionalism, atmosphere, and food are all that spectacular.
Crown Shy Information
Address: 70 Pine Street Ground Floor, New York, NY 10005
Opening hours:
Sunday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Monday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Tuesday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Wednesday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Thursday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Friday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Saturday 5:30p.m.-12a.m.
Phone number: 212-517-1932
