When Gothamist first visited Tribeca's Devin Tavern, home of the rustic American fare offered by the purveyors of nearby steakhouse Dylan Prime, we left our dinner dreaming of a memorable corn souffle and pepper basil caipirinhas. Devin recently added Sunday brunch to their repetoire so Gothamist decided to drop by and see how the menu compared to the dinner cuisine.
The menu is a succint two pages: one of beverages and one of food, with half a dozen a la carte sides, a smattering of egg dishes, and a lone waffle option for those craving sweets. We arrived at 1 p.m. to the spacious, cozy dining room, fireplace rearing and poinsettas set around the room for holiday décor. Hot chocolate (made with real milk chocolate) was made upon request-- it's not on the regular brunch menu. Fresh squeezed juice, tea with housemade syrups, good, strong coffee, and breakfast cocktails ($12) designed by the master mixologist and co-owner Michael Waterhouse also adorn the menu (the bloody mary is the house specialty).
Servers first arrived with a big basket of complimentary bread--croissants, mini blueberry muffins, wholewheat, or sourdough--a selection accompanied by mini pots of raspberry jam, orange marmelade, butter, and honey that we munched on as noticeably attentive servers refilled our water glasses and checked for coffee refills. Gothamist's dining companion opted for the recommended waffles with strawberry butter, three squares of slightly over-done, but otherwise moist waffles accompanied a ramekin full of macerated fresh strawberries and real maple syrup. A fresh fruit salad replete with mangos, pineapple, blackberries, and grapes highlighted the other half of the plate. The "Devin Hash," a house specialty of roasted pearl onions, tomato, yukon gold potatoes, bacon, and parsley comes, at a range of prices ($12-16) with mixed vegatbles, shrimp & scallop, duck confit, or braised short rib--and is topped with two eggs cooked as ordered. Best described as a fusion between high end homefries and an omelette, the dish recombines brunch favorites with an original twist.
Fresh fruit, bacon, and maple pork sausage, and biscuits with gravy are all available as sides for $4 so diners can mix and match with their entrees. Cozy-but-upscale decor and comfortably attentive service help round out a leisurely Sunday brunch, to which Gothamist would happily return.
Devin Tavern is located at 363 Greenwich Street (at Harrison) and open for brunch on Sundays, 10:30 - 3:30 and 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. (212) 334-7337
