Dining Out: The Breslin And Stumptown

While in New York City I stayed at the Ace Hotel. Though the Ace has a restaurant and a coffee bar, I didn't check out either spot until my very last day.

Saturday at 11:30am my friend met me for brunch at the Ace's restaurant called the Breslin. The Breslin has a European pub vibe. It reminds me of the Irish bars around Boston - the Thirsty Scholar, the Druid, the Skellig.

The front of the restaurant is a bar with high top, communal tables and the back room is the dining room.

We were seated beneath a huge mirror that listed the specials in neon colored markers.

Our waiter brought over menus which were tacked to a cork board.

When it came time to order drinks, I asked for a hot chocolate. Our waiter said in a very dismissive tone, "We don't have hot chocolate." I was perplexed because the hotel's coffee place, Stumptown, has hot chocolate, so I just assumed the restaurant would too. Apparently not.

My friend ordered a cup of English Breakfast tea and when it arrived, she received a tea pot, a saucer, a cup and a spoon in a vertical presentation.

To add to the tea? Real sugar!

We spent a while looking over the menu, having a tough time deciding between the breakfast and the lunch offerings.

I went with the pumpkin pecan pancakes. I'm normally into omelettes, but this sounded too good to pass up.

The pancakes arrived and I couldn't believe how small the portion size was. The plate had three pancakes, each smaller than the palm of my hand.

Though the pancakes were tiny, they were super delicious! The pumpkin flavor was superb and the spiced pecans added an extra zing.

My friend ordered the full English breakfast which was two eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes. She asked if the plate came with any kind of toast and the waiter said, "Nope. You can add toast for $3." Three dollars for two pieces of white bread? Dear lord! That is ridiculous.

When the plate arrived, my friend was thrilled with every single item and cheerily spread her sunny side up eggs across her $3 toast.

We sat for nearly 90 minutes and not once did our waiter try to rush us, which I really appreciated.

Since my pancake plate was so small and since I didn't get the hot chocolate I was craving, after paying our bill at the Breslin, we walked ten feet across the hotel lobby to the hotel's coffee shop, Stumptown.

Stumptown is gorgeous.

I love the antiques that line the shelves on the wall.

I ordered a hot chocolate and while I was paying I noticed Stumptown has custom chocolate bars! They are so beautifully wrapped.

My hot chocolate arrived in a stunning presentation. How do they do this? I'm amazed every time.

The hot chocolate was very bitter, which was disappointing. I hate to admit it, but the best hot chocolate is at Dunkin Donuts.

Most of the Stumptown customers hang at the counter in the front window to sip their java.

Unless you're already at the Ace, I don't see any reason why you need to dine or drink at the Breslin or Stumptown. I was disappointed in both places. What can I say? You can't win 'em all.

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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