Bright Food Shop

You may have a hard time getting into the place (as I waited for a table, I watched several patrons momentarily struggle to figure out which way the door opened...in or out). Once you manage to get inside though, you'll notice that the place isn't much to look at. Ignore the decor. Grab a seat, take a moment to look over the menu as a courtesy to the kitchen staff, and order the griddlecakes. My brunch date had it right when she recommended I try them. Although the 3 or 4 griddlecakes look pretty ordinary, they're actually as far from ordinary as you can get; they're made of buttery cornbread with fresh, whole blueberries inside. I made the mistake of topping them with maple syrup; don't waste the time or calories. These babies don't need it. Order them and see for yourself. Pros: griddlecakes, low cost Cons: iffy service, decor, no separate waiting area more

The food once again floored me. The flavors are new, fresh exciting. The combinations - flavors, textures - wonderful!! Take a Californian here - a Bay Area foodie - and show them how truly creative Asian/Mexican food can be. Fresh ingredients, unusual combinations and strong selection of small batch sodas and juices. Pros: Delicious, Innovative, Fantastic Value more

I discoeverd the Bright about 2 years ago and have been hooked ever since. The Mexican French toast are scrumptious, the pancakes are hands down the best pancakes I ever had, and to top it off it's one of the few places I can drink a Chicha Morada (Peruvian beverage made of purple corn). The staff is super friendly and you never feel like your being rushed through your meal. more

I highly suggest the sweet potato quesadillas. Absolutley delicious. I was so full when I finished them that I couldn't even partake of the side dish of fresh-looking greens. We were promptly seated and served on a Friday night. The service was cordial but not overbearing. The atmosphere is that of a candlelit, chic diner. Pros: good food, great atmosphere more

I had dinner with my friend here and it was the worst dining experience I've ever had in NYC. I have to admit the food was ok, not "really good" though. But the service was just terrible. The waiter didn't pay attention to out table at all - chips and dip (no cooking required, I think) took about 20 min, and it took about 45 min to get our entree, after I asked if we could leave cuz we'd waited too long. There was no apology or anything. DONT order chilli here. It's just too spicy without flavor. Fish seems ok here... Tables are so cramped that when a server is taking orders from the talbe next to us, his butt was "over" our table. Overall dishes are overpriced, and service is horrible. I wouldn't recommand this place at all. Pros: easy to find Cons: Horrible service, overpriced, small portion more

It is a little pricey at dinner--at least, more than I would expect for a neighborhood place that seems to aim to cater to locals. BUT, the food is certainly yummy--flavorful, bold, imaginative, with definite Asian and Latino undertones, as advertised. Ambience is low-key, casual, but still fun. Good for a small group of friends or a date. I LOVED the catfish taco appetizers and could make a meal of a couple of servings and be very happy. I'd come back just for those. The drinks are offbeat and interesting. And the mexican 5 spice chocolate fudge cake with the blackberry ginger salsa and white chocolate thai basil mousse was DELISH!!! Pros: food with bold flavor, funky, nice change of pace Cons: pricey--, the food adds up more

I've been to Bright for both breakfast and dinner and every time I enjoy the food, but also every time I'm unpleasantly surprised by the check. Entrees run a bit high for an everyday neighborhood place - but its worth it as a treat every once in a while. Pros: Delicious, Different Cons: Too expensive more

I only wish that the prices at dinner were closer to those at lunch. Food is lovely and creative, tasty and hearty. Very friendly diner feel and decent service. For a taste of the place for a much cheaper tab, try grabbing a burrito next door at Chelsea Kitchen Market - same kitchen, so same pozole, etc.! Pros: Funky decor, Satisfying food, Friendly feel Cons: Pricey for what it is, Wobbly chairs more

This place looks like a diner from the outside, but it's really trying to be something much trendier. The menu here isn't very extensive and contains a lot of things that seem geared toward a more adventurous palate, but everything we ordered was fantastic, especially the quesadillas with black bean and fennel. (The oddball soda selections, including Mexican coke, are worth the trip!) Pros: nice neighborhood, friendly service, tasty food Cons: limited menu more

Great, innovative food -- interesting (but interesting in a good way) taste combos and ingredient choices, beautiful preparation. Wonderful services and good prices. Space is cute and clean, but too small for the demand, which is sure to keep growing.... more