I’ve been cutting back on Restaurant Week lately and have been choosing to do just one or two dinners to not go too overboard with my wallet. This week, my
friend and I tried Yerba Buena in the East Village, a restaurant featuring Latin cuisine. Wish I could tell you how we ended up here but I had my friend Yael in charge of the reservations.
The service was great at Yerba Buena, considering it was Restaurant Week. A friend forgot about the reservation and we didn’t receive any attitude for having less than the number in our party – instead the manager commented he was glad we made it. We also were presented with the special Restaurant Week menu immediately, so no awkward interaction where I had to request the menu.
The cocktail list was extensive and everything sounded delicious. I went with a Dark ‘n  Stormy – ginger beer and black rum – and this was spot on. Provably one of the better ones I’ve had in the city. Cocktails were $12 – which isn’t cheap if you are broke but standard at a nice place.
Yael and I shared our appetizers. The tilapia tacos with a mango slaw were very light and refreshing. The arepas (which are little sandwiches) were short ribs and had a great sweet BBQ type sauce. Both were so good that I can’t even name my favorite.
For dinner, I had the skirt steak. It was in a sauce and was cooked well. Someone next to me said their steak was chewy, but mine was fine - I ordered medium rare. The avocado and tomato salad had a strong citrus flavor, but it was welcomed on a hot summer night. Accompanying the dinner was crunchy yucca balls, which tasted like they were in a panko coating. While the sides were small, I got two good pieces of steak, and I left feeling full.
For dessert, I went with the chocolate flan. It tasted like a mousse but my favorite part was dipping it in the raspberry sauce-yum!
I haven’t been overly impressed with Restaurant Week in the past. But tonight at Yerba Buena, I may have become a Restaurant Week believer again.
 The Basics Name: Yerba Buena Location: 23 Ave A (near 2nd Street) Who to Bring: Date, Friends Price: $$$$ It’s Restaurant Week Overall: Fabulous experience. 5 Stars. Â
This year I tried David Burke’s Town House for lunch for restaurant week and it was delish. I had the watermelon salad (so-so), Cioppino (yum) and the carmel chocolate candy bar for dessert. I like it. The popovers are incredible as is the service and restaurant itself. My friend had the chicken under a brick, which I tried, and i thought it was spectacular.
I always also go to Rothman’s for dinner for Restaurant Week based on your previous review. I have never been disappointed. Havent done it this year but I do see they now have a prixe fixe menu for dinner that seems quite reasonable do I am going to try it. I love their food and service.
Also, the Water Club has a very good restaurant week menu and their regular prixe fixe menu is excellent as is the food itself. If you ever can splurge, go to their brunch.