Everything I ate at the Corner Store

If you know how big of a deal this is...then you KNOW how big of a deal this is.

The Corner Store is debatably one of the hardest reservations to get in NYC. In fact, it was proving to be so much of a challenge that I had given up on the idea of ever going.

And then my friend texted me that she had magically scored a table for 2.

How that was possible, we still aren't totally sure...but we knew this was our chance and we HAD to take it.

Our reservation was for 9pm on a Wednesday and we pulled up right on time.

We were seated in a booth and presented the menu...but there was no real need for it. We came prepared.

This was an instance where luck was simply on our side. And we took FULL advantage.

Without further ado, I present to you: everything we ate, drank, sipped and savored at the Corner Store:

Drink: Sour Cream & Onion Martini

They had lots of fun options to choose from, including a tomato martini and a "Cap'n Crunch Milk Punch." I settled on a savory option.

The martini consisted of "cream-washed condesa, gin, vermouth, dill, and spring onion," all served with a side of sour cream & onion potato chips.

What I thought of it:

I'm not actually a big martini girl, but the dill and spring onion added enough flavoring to it that it was enjoyable to sip on. You definitely have to be a savory girl to like this, but it does genuinely taste like a sour cream and onion potato chip.

Rating: 8/10 loved it being served with a snack

Starter: Five Cheese Pizza Rolls

Basically exactly what you'd imagine, these pizza rolls are a gourmet Tostino's. The five cheeses in question are ricotta, raclette, parmesan, taleggio, and mozzarella. They also include esposito pepperoni, 'nduja, and jalapeño, all served with a side of ranch and calabrian honey to drizzle on top.

What I thought of it:

I mean...you can't really go wrong with a pizza roll. It's the perfect mix of acidic, cheesey, and packs a punch. These felt so nostalgic and fun to eat!

Rating: 8/10 feels silly and fun to be all glammed up eating pizza rolls with your hands

Starter #2: Lobster & Caviar Roll

Admittedly, this is a small bite for a pretty penny. At $20/piece, these are 3-4 bites worth of a pillowy "roll," stuffed with Maine lobster salad, a celery remoulade, and topped with a dollop of caviar. I had never actually had caviar, so was doubly excited to try.

What I thought of it:

Was exactly as I expected it to be. The bread was SO soft and fluffy and ever so slightly sweet, and the saltiness of the caviar perfectly paired with the creamy lobster salad.

Rating: 9/10 a pricey bite, but a perfect bite

Salad: The Corner Store Caesar

What sets this caesar apart from the classic? Probably the everything bagel croutons and the fried cream cheese balls. Yes, you read that right. Other than that, it is the pretty typical gem lettuce, caesar dressing, and a showering of parmesan cheese.

What I thought of it:

I'll admit, I was skeptical of this. I sometimes feel as though the "everythingification" of classic dishes is oversaturated. However, this won me over. The cream cheese had a crisp exterior and a warm, gooey center. The everything bagel croutons were ever so slightly soft with a crisp outer shell, and has inspired me to make bagel croutons of my own at home. This was admittedly a fabulous salad that was worth every penny.

Rating: 9/10 you've done it again everything bagels

The Butcher's Counter: Wagyu French Dip

(Not the best quality photo...it was dark in there)

I don't often have french dip, but when I do, I want it to be quality. The Corner Store absolutely promises quality with this dip: it's made with "72 hour Westholme Australian ribeye," served with a side of hot au jus and horseradish aioli.

What I thought of it:

Wow. This was my favorite savory bite of the night. The meat was SO tender, the bread was both crispy and soft, and the au jus added the PERFECT level of depth. The horseradish aioli? The perfect little punch on top.

Rating: 10/10 absolutely no notes

Sides: Hand-Cut French Fries with "The Works"

(not pictured...but just imagine beautifully crispy fries)

These are really hyped up as "Picked in Idaho, Hand-cut in Soho," which is both clever and silly. They flavor the potatoes before and after frying with plenty of salt. The "works" are a trio of sauces: Avocado Ranch, Secret Sauce, and Horseradish Aioli.

What I thought of it:

I deeply appreciate having multiple dipping sauces to choose from when enjoying my fries. Other than that, these are pretty much just classically good fries.

Rating: 7/10 just fries, but delicious

Dessert: Samoa Sundae

Again, blurry...but I mean...YUM right

I had seen pictures of this online and was told it was a "must try." The sundae is composed of a coconut soft serve, brown butter caramel, Valrhona chocolate fudge, salted shortbread crumble, and toasted coconut.

What I thought of it:

My other favorite of the night! The coconut was perfectly sweet without being overwhelming, and the layers of caramel and fudge were so decadent. I would have polished this off if I wasn't already so full. I will dream about this for many days to come (and I'm not even that big of a coconut fan).

Rating: 10/10 fabulous

Vibes, Overall Experience

While hard to come by, if you can snag a reservation, this place is well worth the experience. The best way I can describe the vibe is similar to when you dress up fancy to have a "tea party" as a kid, except now your grown up, the "tea" is a martini, and all the food has been "gourmet-ified." The lights are dim, the waiters are professional yet so friendly, and the vibes are just high.

Your best bet for a reservation: Doordash! Doordash recently started doing reservations, and they have a notify option for if a last-minute res opened up. We got our reservation day of through this!

Have you tried the Corner Store? Would you if granted the opportunity? Comment below!