Little Owl Introduce
Tucked away on a picturesque corner in the West Village, The Little Owl is a true New York City institution. Known to many as the restaurant at the base of the iconic "Friends" apartment building, it’s a destination for more than just tourists. It’s a beloved neighborhood spot that has consistently delivered a charming, intimate, and delicious dining experience for over a decade. The Little Owl masterfully blends classic American comfort food with a bold Mediterranean flair, creating a menu that is both familiar and exciting. The atmosphere is a key part of its appeal: cozy, historic, and romantic, it makes every meal feel special.
Despite its small size, which adds to its charm, The Little Owl has a big reputation for its high-quality food and friendly, professional service. The staff is known for being warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making guests feel well taken care of from the moment they walk in. The restaurant's popularity means that a wait is common and reservations are highly recommended, which is a testament to its consistent quality and a must-try status on every New Yorker's dining bucket list.
The Little Owl is located at 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA. Its prime spot at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets places it right in the heart of one of the city's most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. This location is part of its allure, as it is just steps away from many of the West Village’s notable spots. It is easily accessible via public transportation, making it a convenient destination for anyone in the city.
Despite its cozy interior, The Little Owl is committed to being an accessible space. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can get in and enjoy the dining experience. Once inside, the restaurant provides wheelchair-accessible seating, making the space comfortable for everyone. This dedication to inclusivity is part of the restaurant's welcoming and community-focused ethos.
The Little Owl offers a comprehensive set of services to accommodate its diners, from quick bites to leisurely meals.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the full, intimate experience within the restaurant’s charming interior.
- Delivery and Takeout: For those who want to enjoy the famous dishes at home, the restaurant offers convenient delivery and takeout services.
- Reservations: Given its small size and immense popularity, reservations are highly recommended for lunch, brunch, and dinner to secure your spot.
- Table and Counter Service: The restaurant provides both traditional table service and counter service, depending on where you are seated, offering a personalized touch.
- Catering: The Little Owl also offers catering services for special events, bringing its critically acclaimed cuisine to your desired venue.
The Little Owl is celebrated for a range of features that contribute to its status as a West Village institution.
- Fast Service: Known for its efficient and professional staff, the restaurant offers quick service without sacrificing quality.
- Great Drink Selection: The Little Owl boasts a great selection of beer, wine, and coffee, with a notable wine list that complements the menu perfectly.
- Great Dessert: Be sure to save room for dessert, as the dessert menu is highly praised, featuring items like the Cinnamon Sugar Spiced Beignets and Graham Cracker Cheesecake.
- Iconic Gravy Meatball Sliders: This dish is non-negotiable for many regulars and is considered a must-try, defining the restaurant's comfort food reputation.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The small, intimate space, complete with soft lighting and an old-world feel, makes it a top choice for a date night.
- Inclusive Vibe: The restaurant is family-friendly and also noted as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender-safe space, creating a truly welcoming environment for all.
To make a reservation or for more information, you can find The Little Owl at the following address and phone number.
Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Phone: (212) 741-4695
Mobile Phone: +1 212-741-4695
When you dine at The Little Owl, you're not just getting a meal; you're getting a slice of New York history and a taste of some of the city’s best comfort food. The single most-praised item on the menu, a true signature dish, is the Gravy Meatball Sliders. They are described as tender, perfectly seasoned, and a non-negotiable starter. The Gravy Meatball Sliders are a quintessential dish that perfectly embodies the restaurant's blend of American comfort food and Mediterranean flavors.
Another standout item is the Broiled Nova Scotia Halibut, which is consistently praised for its unique and simple preparation. This dish showcases the kitchen's ability to take a high-quality ingredient and prepare it in a way that highlights its natural flavor, making it a favorite among diners. For those visiting for brunch, the Skate Milanese Sandwich and the Pork Enchiladas are excellent, inventive takes on morning classics that go beyond the usual brunch fare. The Bacon Cheeseburger is also a solid, reliable choice for anyone looking for a classic and satisfying meal.
The Little Owl is worth choosing because of its incredible consistency and the overall experience it provides. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a major part of its allure, as it feels intimate and personal, a true escape from the city outside. The attentive and caring service makes you feel like a valued guest, which is a rare and welcome feeling in a city of millions. The curated menu, which focuses on a few key dishes and executes them perfectly, is another reason for its enduring appeal. It's the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again. Its blend of historic charm, exceptional food, and warm hospitality makes The Little Owl an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a truly special dining experience in New York City.
Little Owl Menu
dessert
ea.
- Pear Crisp $12.00
mascarpone gelato
- Carrot Cake $12.00
cream cheese, rum
- Graham Cracker Cheesecake $12.00
agave blueberry sauce
- Cinnamon Sugar Spiced Beignets $12.00
raspberry sauce, nutella
- Gelato $12.00
choice of three scoops
- Sorbet $12.00
choice of three scoops
Lunch & dinner menu - appetizers
- Caesar Salad $16.00
parmesan croutons
- Arugula & Pears $18.00
dried cherries, gorgonzola fettunta, balsamic vinaigrette
- Bibb & Beets $16.00
golden beets, squash, pepitas, parmesan, sherry vinaigrette
- Sliced L.I. Duck Breast $21.00
arugula, almonds, parmesan, blueberry truffle sauce
- Fried Calamari $7.00
marinara aioli
- Broccoli Soup $16.00
cheddar bacon croutons
- Tagliatelle Kale Pesto
pine nuts, parmesan, basil, garlic
- Mussels Red $19.00
sa ron marinara, spinach, fregola, juicy bread
- Ziti Patricia
sweet sausage, zucchini, spicy cherry tomato, basil
- Bucatini all’Amatriciana
guanciale, spicy tomato sauce, pecorino, parsley
- Gravy Meatball Sliders $15.00
three little owl originals
Lunch & dinner menu - entrées
- Broiled Nova Scotia Halibut $39.00
chive mashed potatoes, lemon crème fraiche
- Faroe Island Salmon $33.00
lemon pepper broccoli, avocado crema, roasted tomato
- Skate Milanese Sandwich $26.00
seeded bun, chinoise slaw, lemon, french fries
- Grilled & Filleted Daily Fish $39.00
toasted lobster paella
- Bacon Cheeseburger $21,000.00
8 oz. American cheese, pickle, french fries
- Tender Lamb Shank $38.00
warm potato salad, giardiniera, natural jus
- Crispy Bell & Evans Chicken $32.00
brussels sprout home fries, lemon, dijon, garlic, sherry
- Petit Filet Mignon $39.00
crunchy montrachet potatoes, spinach, red wine
- Pork Chop & Butter Beans $38.00
parmesan, wild dandelion
brunch
- the Beignets $12.00
nutella and raspberry sauce
- Brioche French Toast $14.00
stewed berry sauce
- Whole Wheat Pancakes $12.00
New York maple syrup
- Pork Enchiladas $22.00
tomatillo salsa, bean salad, poached egg
- Skate Milanese Sandwich $26.00
seeded bun, chinoise slaw, lemon, french fries
- Chilaquiles $15.00
eggs over easy, spicy tortillas and guacamole
- Smoked Salmon Scramble $18.00
egg, spinach, leeks, everything spice
- Skirt Steak & Eggs $27.00
french fries and two fried eggs
- Mushroom Omelette $15.00
fontina, leeks, green salad
- Caesar Salad $16.00
parmesan croutons
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich & Fries $19.00
kale pesto, zucchini, fontina, aioli
- Bibb & Beets $16.00
golden beets, squash, pepitas, parmesan, sherry vinaigrette
- Poached Eggs $14.00
fontina biscuits, pork breakfast patties, greens & hollandaise
- Arugula & Pears $18.00
dried cherries, gorgonzola fettunta, balsamic vinaigrette
- Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries $21.00
8 oz. American cheese, pickle, sesame seed bun
- Surf & Turf Tacos $23.00
refritos, salsa ranchera, guacamole, arroz
- Gravy Meatball Sliders $15.00
three little owl originals
Little Owl Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
Little Owl Photos










Little Owl Location
Little Owl Reviews
the meatballbuildingfriendsbeignetsapartmenthalibutmeatball sliderspoached eggstelevision serieschilaquiles
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I had an incredible experience at Little Owl. Suggested to me by a friend‘s mother. It did not disappoint. If you’re going, definitely get the halibut. A very unique yet simple way of cooking the fish. The story goes that it used to be grilled until the grill went out in the first week and they’ve decided to broil ever since. They really go over and above to make sure you’re comfortable as well. It was very nice to feel well taken care of.
August 15 · Hannah ClarkLittle Owl — tucked right under the iconic "Friends" apartment building — is a must-stop in the West Village. Cozy, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. The meatball is non-negotiable: tender, perfectly seasoned, and sauced just right. Service is friendly, the vibe is intimate, and every plate feels thoughtfully made. Come hungry, order the meatball first, and grab a quick photo outside afterward. Perfect NYC spot!
August 16 · S.H. MIt was good for what it was - if that makes sense. Very quick, friendly and attentive service. The food was definitely good but not exceptional. Perfect for a quick bite.
September 09 · NickWhere do I even start… I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical walking in. My reservation was at 2 PM and the restaurant closes at 2:30 PM to reset for dinner service. Usually, when you catch a spot right before closing, the quality can slip. But let me tell you—boy, was I wrong.From the moment we sat down, our server Adrian was a sweetheart. She swore every dish I asked about was good. Normally, I take that with a grain of salt—but the chef took that grain of salt and seasoned every single plate to absolute perfection.The steak? Juicy and flawlessly seasoned. The fries? Golden, crisp, and salted just right. The corn? A straight-up 10000/10. The bibb lettuce salad literally melted in my mouth, the eggs were cooked exactly how I like them, and the drinks? Bomb.Special shoutout to Jordan, who was just as amazing and attentive. Between the food and the service, this was hands down an amazing dining experience. I cannot wait to come back for dinner service.You’ve got a forever customer in me.
July 28 · Lee Allen-TrammellWe wanted to visit the famous apartment building from Friends 🏙️✨. Of course, you can’t actually go inside – it’s a private building where people live – but just standing in front of it feels so special for fans of the show. 💫📺The whole neighborhood around it is really charming, full of little cafés, restaurants, and cool spots to explore ☕🍴. Even though we couldn’t step inside, we didn’t mind – at the end of the day, it’s all about business and real life 💼, and the true magic is simply being there and soaking in the atmosphere.If you’re planning a visit, bring your camera 📸, your excitement 😍, and enjoy the iconic vibes of this legendary spot. ✨You can’t just go in for a coffee – you also need to order some food 🍴. The café is quite small with limited seating, so I understand the owner’s concept of not wanting people to sit inside with only a coffee.Since we had already eaten earlier and weren’t hungry, we had to go somewhere else. We didn’t mind – nowadays everything is about making money and business 💼💡.If you plan to go inside, make sure to bring your appetite 😋 and enjoy the unique atmosphere. 🏙️✨
August 25 · vedran mikulek
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