Sweet Revenge

Every neighborhood needs a Sweet Revenge. The concept of a bakery that doubles as a bar is incredible. First and foremost, the options are endless - both for reasons to go there and things to eat there. I think this restaurant has just solved the issue for the fighting couple. On a night when the typical girl is craving a dessert, but the typical boy is just wanting a drink, Sweet Revenge is the solution - providing a full bar with signature beer, wine, and liquor cocktails as well as sinfully good cupcakes among other pastries. On another night, perhaps you have just been arguing over endless bills to pay - and you are searching for a full, yet cheap meal - again, Sweet Revenge is the answer. Despite the name, there are plenty of savory options ranging from salads to savory cakes to sandwiches. On yet another evening, you may be needing a night out of the apartment with just a close friend. You are craving a glass of wine, but your friend has just been the gym and could go for a coffee and maybe a sweet - this scenario is known to many girls as the "gym date." And, again, you can turn to Sweet Revenge. Here, it is possible for both of you to blend in - neither the coffee nor the wine and not even the gym clothes stand out. I could go and on and on, but I think you get the point. No matter the time of day, your mood, or craving, you can most definitely find something to suit your needs at this tiny restaurant.

Last week, I met up with a friend at Sweet Revenge - I was looking for dinner and she, just dessert. For both lunch and dinner, they offer a prix fixe of $11. This includes a sandwich or savory cake, a large arugula salad, and a choice of lemonade, coffee, or tea. I was intrigued by the savory cakes and ordered the Seville - chorizo and manchego served with zesty romesco (almonds, roasted garlic, olive oil, and dried red peppers) dipping sauce. These cakes are basically like scones, but not sweet- an entirely new, yet great concept to me. Sometimes you really do want breakfast food for dinner and it's even better when it is actually not completely sweet. The combination of the savory cake and the arugula salad with spiced pecans, dried cranberries, oil and vinegar made for a perfect sized meal. I nervously opted for their homemade lemonade since I am often disappointed when I order this simple beverage. However, they were right on - nearly rounding out my meal. But, what really did it was sampling my friend's cupcake. She ordered the Sweet Revenge - their signature sweet - a peanut butter cake with a chocolate ganache filling and peanut buttercream on top.

Not only is the food great, but the setting really is too. Sweet Revenge truly takes on the persona of both a bar and a bakery. Look to the right, it is a very chill cafe scene. Glance left, you could be sitting at the counter at any new trendy wine bar. This is definitely not a destination, but rather a great meet-up spot. No need to reserve in advance or get dressed up. Just plan on sipping on whatever you fancy and having your favorite treat to go with it. Revenge really does not always have to be a bad thing - especially if it's sweet!






Sweet Revenge
62 Carmine St
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-2240
website