Tini Wine Bar Cafe

06/26/08

excellent brunch

by calliopenyc at Citysearch

I made brunch reservations at Tini for my birthday sight unseen because Hope & Anchor couldn't reserve a table for a large group (14) for brunch, and Tini would. Turns out it was the best luck I could have had. The brunch was fantastic, and the people there (the owners?) were so accommodating and helpful. They had me order a buffet style brunch in advance, which worked out perfectly: there was absolutely no wait for food. We had three of the "scrambles," a salad, a plateful of toast, and the most delicious potatoes I have ever had, bar none. Although I normally like French press coffee, my only complaint about this restaurant is they make theirs way too strong. I had to send back one of the pots because it came out so thick. But everything else was perfect and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. I loved the atmosphere, and all my friends had a great time. Highly, highly recommended!

06/24/08

Not worth the trip to Red Hook...

by StrayKitty at Citysearch

While never amazing, Tini has always been at least decent. Tonight I thought I would take my partner there to show off one of my local joints. Much to my dismay, Tini hardly lived up to even my mild expectations.

The bartender, a bizzaro out of towner who seemed to think living in Carroll Gardens was living in the neighborhood, was not happy to see us. She greeted us by telling us "the kitchen is closed" even though it was 10pm and their website states that they serve dinner until 11pm on Tuesdays. The bartender then proceeded hover over my partner. Seeing it was a wine bar, I was shocked when she slapped down a clipboard with a menu attached and made no attempt at conversation regarding the different wines, etc. Not only was there no conversation, but we were subject to a heavy stare the entirety of our short stay.

Furthermore, seated at the group table was someone who appeared to be a police officer (as he was wearing a suit and his gun clearly showing) with his girlfriend and the two owners/managers. At no time did the owners acknowledge our presence and when it came time for the officer and his girlfriend to leave, the owners proudly presented the couple with a "to go" cup of beverage from the bar. They then proceeded to mingle behind the bar for a few moments with the bartender, never saying a word to either of us seated at the bar (there were two of us and three of them).

Between the overall hostility of the bartender, the unwelcoming attitude of the owners and their service (of alcohol) to a Police Office who was apparently on the job (he was clearly and unnecessarily displaying a gun, making for a hostile environment) I have no intention of ever returning to Tini Bar.

As much as I would like to support local business, this is obviously an establishment that believes it can alienate the local population and still stay afloat.

• Pros: Local, quiet, never crowded
• Cons: Service

11/08/07

Zen Hideaway in Red Hook

by caroster at Citysearch

Stopped in for brunch one brisk Sunday morning. Small room with mixed and matched chairs and sofas. Great coffee. Fantastic eggs. Superb sausage. Just the sort of place you hope to discover on Van Brunt Street. Nice assortment of desserts. I'll be back.