The Barrel NYC

We were so bummed when Ippudo told us they had a 1 hour 45 minute wait which actually translates to 2+ hours. Parched, starved and weak, we were tricked into the outside patio seating at The Barrel, just a block over from Ippudo.

We were thirsty, very thirsty, and stoked to find such a charming outdoor table. It started off okay with an attentive waitress, clean dripless pours and a gorgeous outdoor seating...before it went straight downhill :'(

Tuna Slider with Wasabi Mayo.  Yes, these dark brown tuna patties were suspect from the very beginning. Awful taste and nasty aftertaste. How can something this photo-ready and adorable be so wrong?  The meaty beefy looking sliders threw us off as we were expecting Ahi.

Hanger Steak with Arugula.  Flavorless and oddly sour. So sad. How can something so colorful and fresh taste absolutely blah?

Shrimp Scampi, $8.  We thought these jumbo prawns would surely redeem the meal. Yet, another bummer, ugh. How can you possibly mess up shrimp scampi?!

Blue Shell Mussels, $12.  They were supposed to be in a white wine tomato fennel but I don't think we ever found the broth?!

Assorted Mushrooms, $7.  The mushrooms were actually decent. Croutons were not edible.

Eggplant Lasagna, $8.  I was pretty amazed that hubby continued to order more! He was determined to find something salvageable. Verdict: gooey and slimey...

;'(