Chat’n’Chew
10 E 16th St [map]
Chat’n’Chew, the comfort food champion of Manhattan located close to Union Square, exhibits none of the fauncy airs, which imbue the area. A low-key establishment, which works for groups of four to fourteen – yes, we brought a group of fourteen to a Manhattan restaurant – Chat’n’Chew relies on good, starchy foods. On weekends expect the usual wait time, but even the group of fourteen only waited forty minutes for a table.
Feeling the need for extra starch, I decided to take on the legendary “Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf”, complete with mashed potatoes and gravy for $11. Herself, who will make an appearance from time to time here at eat nyc dot org, recommends the Macaroni and Cheese, which will fill you up, and not deflate your wallet at $8. I do have to admit, I don’t like to order food I can cook easily at home – such as grilled cheese or Mac & Cheese. When I want to go out to eat, I don’t want to ruin the night (or my taste buds) with foods I can prepare myself. The Midwesterner in me firmly believe that eating out should be a special event, an event with friends and family, not for simple foods. But I have to say that Chat’n’Chew might just change my mind, the Macaroni and Cheese was excellent.
With a large group or small, Chat’n’Chew serves up a wonderful dinner. I will be back soon to try out their Thanksgiving on a Roll, which is exactly what you think it is – Fresh roast breast of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo on ciabatta bread. Excellence on a roll.