Clay

- 553 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10027

Introduction / Overview

Clay is a distinguished New American restaurant that has established itself as a true culinary gem in New York City. More than just a place to eat, it is a destination for those who appreciate a dining experience that combines sophisticated flavors with a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in a commitment to quality, as evidenced by its menu of thoughtfully prepared dishes and an exceptional beverage program. As a New American restaurant, Clay takes classic American and international culinary traditions and reimagines them with modern techniques and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu is a testament to this approach, featuring everything from delicate appetizers like the "Burrata, Heirloom Tomato" to hearty entrees such as the "Confit Duck Leg" and the "Grass Fed Strip Steak." It is a place that strikes a balance between being upscale and approachable, making it a perfect spot for both special occasions and a memorable weeknight dinner. The ambiance is described as romantic, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including groups, couples, and solo diners. The fact that the business is identified as women-owned adds another layer to its unique character, highlighting a commitment to a diverse and inclusive approach. The restaurant's highlights extend beyond the food to its exceptional cocktail and wine lists, which are curated with a high level of expertise. One customer even described the wine list as "bonkers good," noting its highly curated nature and excellent pairing suggestions. Clay is a place that feels both refined and relaxed, offering a high-quality dining experience without the stuffiness, a combination that truly makes it stand out in the competitive New York restaurant scene.

Location and Accessibility

Clay is conveniently situated at 553 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA. This address places it in a prime, accessible location that is central to the neighborhood and easy to reach for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's presence on Manhattan Avenue ensures it is visible and simple to find. For those who enjoy outdoor dining, the availability of **outdoor seating** is a major plus, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal in a relaxed, open-air setting. A key feature of Clay's commitment to accessibility is its **wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating**. These amenities ensure that all guests can enjoy a comfortable and convenient dining experience, which is an important consideration for a truly inclusive establishment. For those driving to the restaurant, **free street parking** is available, which is a significant and highly valued amenity in New York City. While parking can sometimes be challenging in a dense urban environment, the availability of a free option is a definite advantage. In addition to dine-in and outdoor seating, the restaurant offers **curbside pickup** and **delivery**, providing flexible options for enjoying their food. The combination of a desirable location, a variety of service options, and a strong emphasis on accessibility makes Clay a practical and welcoming choice for anyone in the New York area looking for a premium dining experience.

Services Offered

• Outdoor seating: Enjoy your meal in a comfortable and inviting open-air setting.
• Curbside pickup: For a quick and easy experience, you can place your order and pick it up without leaving your car.
• No-contact delivery: Get your food delivered with a contactless option for maximum safety and convenience.
• Delivery: The restaurant provides a standard delivery service for a relaxed meal at home.
• Takeout: Pick up your order and enjoy Clay's food wherever you choose.
• Dine-in: Experience the cozy and romantic atmosphere of the restaurant with a full dining service.
• Catering: Clay offers catering services for events, bringing its unique menu to your special occasion.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure a seamless dining experience.

Features / Highlights

• **Great cocktails, wine list, and beer**: Clay is praised for its exceptional and highly curated selection of beverages, which includes a wide range of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails.
• **Upscale, yet cozy atmosphere**: The ambiance is described as a perfect blend of romantic and casual, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.
• **Accommodating to kids**: The restaurant is noted as being good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a family-friendly destination.
• **Happy hour specials**: A dedicated menu for happy hour offers discounted food, cocktails, wine, and beer, providing a great way to try the restaurant’s offerings.
• **Private dining room**: For more intimate gatherings or special events, a private dining room is available.
• **Women-owned business**: The restaurant identifies as a women-owned business, which is a notable and positive aspect of its identity.
• **Excellent food execution**: Customer reviews highlight the perfect technique and balanced flavors of the dishes, from the pastas to the mains like the confit duck leg.
• **Wheelchair accessible**: The restaurant is fully accessible, with an accessible entrance, restroom, and seating.
• **Serves local specialty**: The menu features ingredients that highlight local specialties, such as the New York State Cheddar used in the burgers.
• **Accepts reservations**: For a guaranteed dining spot, it is recommended to make a reservation, particularly for dinner.

Contact Information

Address: 553 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA

Phone: (212) 729-1850

What is worth choosing

Choosing Clay is an investment in a truly elevated and memorable dining experience that goes beyond the average New York restaurant. What makes it a standout choice is the remarkable balance it strikes between high-quality, expertly prepared food and a welcoming, romantic atmosphere. A customer review perfectly encapsulates this, highlighting the "perfect technique with flavors that ensure balance of power" and the "bonkers good" wine list that is "highly curated rather than being a book." This speaks to the restaurant's commitment to excellence in every detail. While a single, negative customer service experience was noted in a review, it’s important to weigh that against the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the food, the ambiance, and the overall quality of the establishment. The fact that the reviewer still praised the food and the rest of the staff underscores that the issue was an isolated incident, not a reflection of the restaurant as a whole. The menu is a feast for the senses, with standout dishes like the **confit duck leg** and the various pastas that are lauded for their perfect execution. The presence of both vegetarian and healthy options on the menu, as well as an emphasis on organic dishes and locally sourced ingredients, shows a commitment to diverse palates and conscientious dining. Furthermore, the extensive beverage program, featuring a wide range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers, provides the perfect complement to the food. The amenities, such as a private dining room and the option for outdoor seating, make it a versatile venue for any occasion, from a casual date night to a large group gathering. The accessibility features, including a **wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom**, and the convenience of free street parking, make it an easy and practical choice. In a city full of dining options, Clay is worth choosing for its exceptional food, its carefully crafted beverage list, and its upscale-yet-cozy atmosphere that promises a high-quality experience every time.

Clay

553 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA