508 Restaurant and Bar is tucked away far off on the west side offering small plates and a large selection of beer and wines. The microbrewery was just named one of the most outstanding Micro Microbrews in New York Magazine’s Best of Issue. The off-the-beaten-path restaurant doesn’t feel like a typical New York hot spot, but it’s ideal for big groups and sharing that won’t break the bank. The English host/waiter is delightful and so passionate about the menu which is very meat heavy. He convinced us to get the new Thai ‘Sweet N’ Sour’ Crispy Tongue. When someone says they dream about a dish nightly, it’s hard to pass…even when it’s tongue. To our dismay, it was delicious and reminded me slightly of Chinese food aka Sweet N’ Sour Chicken. The sauce and fried oyster on the deviled egg was a great match, not too creamy and something I’ve never really seen. There are cute and comical books lining the wall behind the booths titled “Baking and Pastry,” “Eat to Win,” and even “Fountain Pens.” The place clears out pretty early around 11 or 11:30 p.m. on the weekend, but the jovial and up beat staff sticks around entertaining and dancing around to jams like Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. While I wish the small plates offered more seafood options, 508 is the perfect place to go when you want to relax, move slowly and just enjoy a few bites and beverages with some friends. There is also a large and high-raised communal table in the back for big groups.
508 GastroBrewery
