Jump to: Reviews | Flatbread: The New Pancake?

Human beings been forced to choose between aesthetically pleasing but tasteless wax fruit, and unappetizing but scientifically nutritious gray paste for too long. Today’s deal combines a setting that’s easy on the eyes with nourishment that’s rewarding on the stomach. For $20, you get $50 worth of cuisine and drinks at The Orchard on the Lower East Side.

Experimental fare, including an impressive list of unconventional flatbreads, gave The Orchard its reputation. Both the savory braised short rib ($14) and the flavorful steak tartare ($14) flatbreads are interesting takes on a typically straightforward dish. The grilled filet-mignon wraps encapsulate this prime cut of beef in butter lettuce, chimichurri pesto, and spicy mayo ($14). For drool-inducing fare outside the $14 price point, fork into the $13 drunken goat-cheese salad, which is a bevy of vegetables, greens, goat cheese, and red wine vinaigrette. Moderately priced dishes are followed by more fanciful offerings. Butternut squash ravioli ($24) and whole grilled striped bass ($28) are a few of the pricier selections off the “second course” menu. Chase your meal with desserts such as New York cheesecake and apple crumble ($10 each) or a glass of post-dinner wine to take the edge off when your cab driver starts showing you his maudlin self-portraits.

The restaurant is only open Tuesday through Saturday to offset leap years and ensure patrons don’t age faster than the outside world. Once inside, you’ll find a coolly lit atmosphere capable of turning mood rings to blue—a strong indication that the scent of relaxation is swirling throughout the confines. With cuisine as captivating as the ambiance surrounding it, The Orchard is a tranquil getaway from the traditional NYC bustle of pushy au pairs, and Gargoyles who come to life at night.

The stylish lighting and swanky décor subtly foster a blossoming romance. More than just a romantic escape, The Orchard is a central hub for socialization. Gather a few friends for an evening of wining, dining, and friendly arm-wrestling tournaments. Tables of four or more can use two Groupons, so welcome that person residing in the gray area between acquaintance and BFF into your clique’s inner circle—if only for the night.

Reviews

Citysearchers give The Orchard a perfect five stars, diners from MenuPages give it four stars, and Yelpers give it 3.5.

• I went to dinner with three of my girlfriends on a Friday night and had an above-average dinner for less than $50. In my opinion, this is not super expensive but not cheap either. We each had one or two drinks (beer, wine and liquor drinks), an entree, shared two appetizers and shared one dessert. The waiter was helpful and friendly, especially when my friend changed her order after the appetizers. – punky21, Citysearch
• We just went there thanks to Grupon [sic], and had a really delicious dinner. Steak Tartar Flatbread was mind-blowing, as well as the filet mignon wraps and tuna tartar... Highly recommended! – MWebster, MenuPages
• I definitely was not expecting to find such a cool vibe when I first saw this place. Very unassuming from the outside. Once you step in there is a beautiful amber glow throughout the place. Make sure you try the mushroom flatbread and the tuna tartare. They were the perfect size and were delicious. – Anonymous, MenuPages