The Newly Opened 512 Bistro Restaurant and Bar in Briarcliff Manor

It’s Open!  But will it last?

The 512 Bistro in Briarcliff Manor is at 512 North State Road is Westchesters newest restaurant as it opened this week.  It’s the same location as where The Briars used to be.  Up untill this week, there was nothing on their website except a job application form and an email newsletter signup form.  Now there are reservation options, menu and more.

Was:

Is now:

I just stopped by for a beer and snack at the bar so I could check it out.  I’ve got to say, they did a really nice job with the interior.  It is clean and bright and inviting.  The space, previously known as The Briars has changed.  It was a dark wood old mens club looking kind of place but has completely changed.

It really is nice to look at on the inside.  The outside hasn’t changed much other than fixing a parking lot that was in total disrepair.  Yes, there is a lot that should be big enough for a full house, all newly paved.

There are 5-6 taps with mostly your regulars.  I didn’t see, nor ask for a bottle list.  I ordered a Freschester which was at a good temperature.  They also have what looks like a semi-decent wine list:

On my visit, I had the Fried Calimari and a couple of Captain Lawrence Freshchesters.  By the menu’s description, I expect the calimari to be a bit spicier but it had no bite at all. The calamari itself was very good. Not chewy, but meaty.  I thought it odd there were no leg portions.  It’s disapppointing when jalapenos have no bite and I wasn’t really a fan of their sweet chili dipping sauce which also had no bite.  The sauce was thin and watery though sweet. I think a dipping sauce should be thicker so it sticks to the food.  Just IMHO.  

I really like how my beer works with the place setting color scheme though!

The menu is a little eclectic ranging from steaks to seafood, pasta and salad entrees.  This is what partly concerns me for the longevity of 512 Bistro.  They haven’t really defined themselves and don’t stand out or differentiate as a restaurant or bar.  I would have liked to see a specific cuisine or theme for the restaurant.  

The Menu:

There was also a lunch specials menu:

Prices seem to be competitive for the dishes.  I will be back for dinner as it’s close to home. I’ll report back with more on the food.

Service at the bar wasn’t amazing. Seems the guys back there weren’t communicating with each other all that well.  Probably just need to work out some kinks which I’m sure will happen over time. 

UPDATE 1/28/24:

I went back to dinner with the wife on a Saturday night and MAN, it was busy.  There were only 2-3 tables available, but we got one.  I have to say, the service was just fine considering how busy it was. The wife got the Atlantic Salmon, and I got the big 512 Burger.  Both were really great, though a little overpriced.  I thought the ketchup in a little takeout plastic cup was odd for a more upscale kind of place, but the burger itself was cooked perfectly to my liking.

I started this original post with a comment on whether or not the 512 Bistro and Restaurant will last. I don’t see much difference in this restaurant that would make me a regular.  On the strip right here you’ve got Flames, a steakhouse, Maya Riviera, and Terra Rustica. Just a quarter mile further west, you have 105Ten and Squires. 105Ten is something of a comparable experience as far as the menu goes.  I just don’t see how the 512 Bistro is going to compete as it doesn’t offer up anything truly special.  All the luck in the world of course!

Cons

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