Community Chat

[catlover7777]

Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?

Looks so pretty.

[Bookplate]

In the distant past - the 1970's and 80's, and sometime into the early 90's.  It is a different Russian Tea Room now.

The decor was gorgeous - you felt you you were sitting inside a Faberge egg.

The food was rich, traditional Russian haute cuisine.  Great blinis. It has to have been lightened up by now.  You often saw performers and celebreties there but I think that is over.  I really think its time has past but I would also be interested to hear if anyone has been there recently.

[PA Mom-mom]

@catlover7777  Well, yes! Here I am with a friend:

Just kidding.  I can never think of that place without recalling Tootsie. I did peek inside in the mid 1970's when visiting NYC with my mom and SIL. It was empty - I guess because of the time of day. I'm sure some of the forum contributors have experiences to share.

[El from NJ]

Yes, many years ago, in the  early 1980s. Don't remember much a bout it, just I really thought i was "something".  Good food and good company. Then we went to the Empire State Building.

[Love my grandkids]

@PA Mom-mom "Michael, I begged you to get help."  Always wanted to go to NY and see this place.

[Tori3569]

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@catlover7777 wrote:

Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?

Looks so pretty.

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Yes, I've been there several times.  Most recently before a Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall last year.  I wish I could say it looks just like that picture, but it doesn't.  The best word I can use to describe it is "shopworn".  I wouldn't say it's dirty or dusty but not as vibrant or crisp as that picture.  Downstairs where the restrooms are is kind of dark and dingy.   The food is what it has been for years and years, which is good.  

[DSD2]

Yes, many years ago my dear mother took me for a treat.

I remember being impressed by the ambiance and while I can't remember what I ate, I enjoyed every moment, mostly because it is a cherished memory with my mother.

[ahoymate]

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@Tori3569 wrote:

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@catlover7777 wrote:

Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?

Looks so pretty.

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Yes, I've been there several times.  Most recently before a Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall last year.  I wish I could say it looks just like that picture, but it doesn't.  The best word I can use to describe it is "shopworn".  I wouldn't say it's dirty or dusty but not as vibrant or crisp as that picture.  Downstairs where the restrooms are is kind of dark and dingy.   The food is what it has been for years and years, which is good.  

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It's time has come & gone. It used to be "the place" for celebrities, politicans, ladies who lunch. No more as Tori3569 has commented.

[judy0330]

@Bookplate  Ditto to everything you said.  My mother used to take me when I was a child and the restaurant was in its heyday.  The last time I was there it was a totally different place.  A friend wanted to go for his birthday.  One of the worst meals I have ever had -- from start to finish.  I don't know how it stays open.

[Stray]

I loved it but haven’t been since the 90s. Really excellent food and ambience at that time. I think I read it was sold a way back & if it hasn’t been updated or as a poster stated “shop worn” it’s probably not the grand place it once was.