Republic: A Welcome Oddity/Rarity in New York
Written: Oct 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, Wonderful Food, Fun Atmosphere
Cons: Very Loud (For Me This is a Pro, but Some May Not Appreciate It!)
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| m001's Full Review: Republic |
The Republic noodle house represents something quite odd and quite unusual in New York--a place serving up freshly-prepared, healthy, tasty food at cheap (by NY standards) prices. I grew up in New York and still get back from time-to-time, and am constantly looking for new and unusual places for a good meal, and I was recently introduced to this terrific spot.
The menu offers a wide range of dishes, generally divided into offerings which are based on a bowl-of-rice and those based on a bowl-of-noodles. Most Asian flavors are represented--there are hints of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese styles--and yet there is a synthesis of tastes and flavors that go a bit beyond the standard noodle-house fair. And if you're a vegetarian, this is a wonderful spot, as there are many great selections without meat.
The place is bustling, busy and very, very loud and boisterous, making it a fun stop and a great place (I'm sure) for NYU students. There's a large bar and a great selection of domestic and imported beers. Prices, as mentioned, are cheap, with the average entree ranging around 7-8 dollars.
Food:
I sampled the chicken udon noodles, which were excellent, prepared in a broth of lime and coconut flavors, giving it a true Thai finish. The chicken was cooked well and tender, and the noodles had the right density and shape. The portion was certainly enough for one.
Service:
We hit Republic on a Saturday night, for an early dinner (around 6:30) and it was packed. The service staff seemed to do a great job keeping things hopping, and they were pleasant enough. We were served quickly, and we didn't sense the bum-rush during our meal (which, perhaps more than anything, is my biggest gripe about restaurant service in general).
Decor:
Republic is long and deep, with a beatiful bar and long tables that seat multiple parties next to one another. It smacks a bit of a cafeteria (albeit one painted a very trendy blueish-greenish-aquamarine), without the bright lights (the lighting is just moderately dim, which I like, lending a nice touch to the experience). The place is filled with families and students, and it's extraordinarily loud!
Special Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations:
You can't go wrong when you get a healthy, tasty meal for under ten dollars in NYC. There's a second location, uptown, which I look forward to trying next time out. Republic should appeal to just about everyone. I'm not a gourmet, but I know what I like, and I like noodles. Ergo, I think Republic is just about perfect for a great, inexpensive bite. Highly recommended.
Enjoy...
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
m001
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Location: NYC, New York
Reviews written: 151
Trusted by: 43 members
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