The Basement Introduce
The Basement, located conveniently on Staten Island's North Shore, offers New York residents a sophisticated yet comfortably **Casual** dining and cocktail experience that manages to be both **Trendy** and **Romantic**. Operating as both a full-service **Restaurant** and a dedicated **Cocktail bar**, this establishment has successfully carved out a niche for itself by combining high-quality, inventive American tavern fare with an impressive selection of curated drinks.
The ambiance is frequently highlighted by customers as a key draw, praised for being **Cozy** and having a visually interesting design—specifically the mention of books all over—that contributes to a really cool, inviting, and **Upscale** feel without being pretentious. Even on a busy Saturday night, the staff is noted for being super kind, attentive, and actively working to accommodate guests, demonstrating a commitment to excellent service that enhances the entire dining experience.
The menu at The Basement is extensive and eclectic, blending classic comfort food with modern culinary touches. Diners can explore everything from gourmet sandwiches and burgers to premium seafood and pasta dishes. Highlights include appetizers like **Bison Meatballs** and signature entrees such as the **Short Beef Ribs** and **Seafood Pescatore**. This diversity ensures that whether you're looking for a quick, high-quality **Lunch** or a full, luxurious **Dinner**, The Basement provides an array of delicious, reasonably priced options. The experience is perfectly complemented by their acclaimed beverage program, which features a vast selection of wines, beers, and creative **Cocktail Specials** like 'The Gingerbread Man.'
The restaurant’s address is: 11 Schuyler St, Staten Island, NY 10301.
Accessibility is a key feature of The Basement. For customers driving, the venue provides the highly valued amenity of **Free street parking**—a significant advantage in the crowded New York area. Furthermore, the establishment demonstrates its commitment to accommodating all guests by providing a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**. Given its reputation and popularity, particularly on weekends, the ease of access combined with the convenience of having dedicated amenities makes The Basement a practical and appealing choice for planned outings and spontaneous visits.
- Dine-in and Takeout: The core service options are traditional **Dine-in** and convenient **Takeout**, catering to both relaxed evenings out and quick meals at home.
- Reservation Planning: The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to its popularity, allowing New Yorkers to secure a table for a planned meal.
- Full Meal Service: Provides service for all main meals: **Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**, ensuring a complete and satisfying dining experience, including full **Table service** and comfortable **Seating**.
- Bar and Lounge Service: Offers a full **Bar onsite**, serving **Late-night food**, **Happy hour drinks**, and a comprehensive list of **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**.
- Family Amenities: The restaurant is equipped with **High chairs** and offers a specific **Kids' menu**, making it a viable and welcoming option for families.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment options, including major **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**, for a smooth transaction process.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: A standout feature, noted for its **Great cocktails**, including signature specials like 'The Gingerbread Man' and 'Banana Foster alcoholic beverage,' a **Great beer selection**, and a truly **Great wine list** that spans from affordable house choices to premium bottles.
- High-Quality Comfort Food: The menu offers high-end comfort food classics and inventive dishes. Signature items include the **Bison Meatballs**, **Short Beef Ribs** pasta, a hearty **Tavern Burger**, and excellent seafood options like **Seafood Pescatore** and **Octopus**.
- Atmosphere and Design: The atmosphere is a blend of **Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale**, creating a versatile setting suitable for a group dinner or an intimate date night. The unique decor, featuring books and cool styling, contributes significantly to the vibe.
- Attentive and Fast Service: Praised by customers for its **Fast service** without rushing patrons, and an attentive, kind wait staff, ensuring a leisurely and enjoyable meal.
- Comprehensive Menu: Offers diverse categories including an extensive **Seafood Bar** (Oysters, Clams, Shrimp Cocktail), Appetizers (Sweet Potato Fritters, Baked Clams), Sandwiches (Reuben, Steak & Cheese), and several **Small plates**.
- Appeals to All Crowds: Popular for **Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining**, making it a great spot for **Groups** as well, and ensuring it can handle various party sizes and occasions.
Contact information is as follows:
- Address: 11 Schuyler St, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Phone: (718) 791-0027
- Mobile Phone: +1 718-791-0027
- Type: Restaurant and Cocktail bar
- Parking: Free street parking available
What truly makes The Basement worth choosing is the balanced excellence across all categories. It’s a reliable local hub known for serving great food that is consistently described as "very delicious," while the pricing remains reasonable for the quality and portion size offered in the NYC area. The dual identity as a destination **Cocktail bar** with a **Great wine list** and a dedicated **Bar onsite** makes it an ideal spot where you can easily transition from a sophisticated dinner to a relaxed evening drink. Furthermore, the attentive, kind service, even during busy periods, ensures guests are well-cared for, a critical factor for a pleasant night out. The convenience of **Free street parking** and the recommendation to make **Dinner reservations** confirm it is a popular, well-run, and accessible local favorite that should be at the top of the list for a truly satisfying Staten Island meal.
The Basement Menu
Appetizers
- Ginger Clams
- Baked Clams
- Bison Meatballs
- Billionaire Oysters
- Sweet Potato Fritters $16.00
- Octopus $19.50
- Scallop Francese $18.00
- Tavern Wings $16.00
- Calamari $18.00
Seafood
- 5 Spice Tuna $17.50
- Teriyaki Salmon $18.00
Pasta
- Truffle Chicken $25.95
- Short Beef Ribs $31.95
- Shrimp Carbonara Rossa $28.00
Entrees
- Chicken Martini $24.00
- Tavern Burger $19.95
- Chicken Artichoke $24.95
- Pork Chops $29.95
- Rustic Chicken Parm $23.95
- Seafood Pescatore $34.95
- Chicken & Brie Panini $17.95
- Spring Tuna $29.95
- Salmon Miso $28.50
- Halibut Piccata
Cocktail Specials
- The Gingerbread Man $14.00
- Killsboro Matte Black $7.00
- Flight Of The Week $16.00
Seafood Bar
- Oysters $18.00
- Clams
- Shrimp Cocktail $18.00
- Seafood Salad $18.00
- Spice Tuna $17.50
- Teriyaki Salmon $18.00
Salads
- Frisse Salad $15.95
- Caesar Salad $16.50
- Citrus & Beet Salad $17.95
- Spring Mix & Fruit Salad $14.50
Soups
- French Onion
- Lobster Bisque
Side 10 Dishes
- Asparagus
- Mashed Potatoes
- Pecorino Fries
- Mac & Cheese
- Cheese Risotto
- Sauteed Bok Choy
- Sauteed Veggies
- Creamed Spinach
Sandwiches
- Reuben $16.50
- Hot Pastrami $16.50
- Turkey Blt Club $15.50
- Turkey Avocado Wrap $15.50
- Italian Hero $16.50
- Chicken St. George $15.50
- Chicken Caesar Wrap $15.50
- Chicken & Brie Panini $15.50
- Hicken Parm Hero $15.50
- Bbq Pulled Pork $15.95
- Steak & Cheese $19.95
- Bison Meatball Hero $19.95
- Tuna Club $15.50
- Buffalo Shrimp Wrap $17.95
- Portabello Melt $14.95
Cabernet Sauvignons
- Sterling
- Rock & Vine
- Katherine
- Jordan
- Caymus
- Abstract
- Cakebread
- Stags Leap
- Bound & Determined
Merlot
- Trig Point
Montepulciano
- Bajo $42.00
- Podere Costarani $48.00
- Tre Saggi $65.00
Pinot Noir
- Terrebone $42.00
- Benton Lane $58.00
- Meiomi Ca $56.00
Malbec
- Susana Balboa $58.00
- Battle Axe $48.00
- El Origen
Chianti
- Ruffino $95.00
- Straccali $42.00
- Casaloste $60.00
Chardonnay
- William Hill
- Vallianti $70.00
- Stags Leap $75.00
- Pam's $50.00
Sauvignon Blanc
- Little Sheep $42.00
- Seresin $50.00
- Matua $45.00
Pinot Grigio
- Santa Margherita $52.00
- Barone Fini $42.00
- Kris $46.00
Reisling
- Willm $42.00
Tes Cocktails
- Cosmopolitan $14.00
From The Grill
- Burger $15.00
- Tavern Burger $19.95
- Buffalo Burger $18.50
- Steak Louie $35.00
Others
- Citrus & Beet Salad $17.95
- Spring Mix & Fruit Salad $14.50
- French Onion $9.00
- Lobster Bisque $11.00
- Asparagus
- Mashed Potatoes
- Pecorino Fries
- Mac & Cheese
- Cheese Risotto
- Sauteed Bok Choy
- Sauteed Veggies
- Creamed Spinac
- Buffalo Shrimp $16.50
- Chicken Caesar $16.50
- Shrimp Caprese $17.50
- Steak Salad $19.95
- Mediterranean Lamb $19.95
- Reuben $16.50
- Hot Pastrami $16.50
- Turkey Blt Club $15.50
- Turkey Avocado Wrap $15.50
- Italian Hero $16.50
- Chicken St. George $15.50
- Chicken Caesar Wrap $15.50
- Chicken Parm Hero $15.50
- Bbq Pulled Pork $15.95
- Steak & Cheese $19.95
- Bison Meatball Hero $19.95
- Tuna Club $15.50
- Buffalo Shrimp Wrap $17.95
- Portabello Melt $14.95
- Prosecco
- Bolognese
- Burrata Pomodoro $18.50
- Chicken Alfred
- Pasta Primave
The Basement Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Parking
The Basement Photos










The Basement Location
The Basement
11 Schuyler St, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA
The Basement Reviews
atmosphereinterior designcocktailsbookdinnerselectiondesserthappy hourappetizersferry
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great food, service and atmosphere. Reasonably priced, great cocktails. It was a busy Saturday night and they were super kind and worked to find a table for us. Waiter was great and attentive. We shared 3 entrees and an appetizer. Perfect amount of food for a family of 5. We were full at the end, I wish I wasn’t, because their desert menu looked good, especially the cocktails. Planning on going back to try it.
June 22 · Vincent ValderramaWonderful spot! Really cool place. Loved the books all over & the food - oh my - very delicious! The drinks were excellent too! I had a white sangria & the Banana Foster alcoholic beverage. Thanks so much for a wonderful time!
July 07 · Taylor Rae BoylanThe Basement is a hidden gem across the street from the Staten Island Ferry terminal.The food and service are wonderful! We started with great cocktails, followed by steak and swordfish, and for the finale, a delicious crème brûlée!We had a toddler with us and they kindly gave us a booth on the end with a banquette so she could nap!By the time we left at 8pm, the place was packed.
August 15 · Francine LauraWhat a cute place. Books & Booze theme. We came here because the hubs was looking for a dive bar he used to frequent. Bar still exists, but not so much a dive anymore. I had the Southern Waffle Brunch Plate and it did not disappoint, Lord, Two Pork Short Ribs, Three Chicken Wings, Two Waffles drizzled w/Hot Honey & I choose side salad, I could not finish it all. The meats and waffles were fabulous! Sorry but I am not a take pictures of my plate kind of girl, so I dug in before I took a Pic, but once I tasted everything I knew I had to. And I loved the decor and the genius placement of the (hidden) 😉 restrooms.
June 21 · Jessica LoonamThis restaurant is located where the old Beso used to be. But they changed decor so much and it looks good. The food was good. Service was good. Nothing really jumped out at me but I think maybe because it was busy. We’ll have to come again.
April 22 · Elizabeth “Liz” B
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