Have you ever longed to escape the vibrant smorgasbord of culture, diversity and creativity that is synonymous with the New York City dining scene? Now you can finally tell your friends you're "trying out a new restaurant in the West Village" without uttering the words "trattoria" or "Groupon." IHOP has extended its greasy tentacles to the corner of Carmine and Varick Streets, and it's the only place in the neighborhood you can eat brunch and be certain that no one in the kitchen has a farting problem.
The corner location is surprisingly cavernous, a large twisting dining room on the main floor, and a giant, Guy-Fieri-like basement for when the kid's birthday parties start streaming in. The newness was palpable, both in the physical appearance of the place and the awkwardness of the wait staff (of whom there were plenty). The kitchen seemed to still be working out some kinks—a table nearby was complaining about food taking over thirty minutes, and our order did not come out as requested—but the limitless coffee, the American Graffiti-esque soundtrack, and the nostalgic suburban ambiance softened the frustration. (The laudanum syrup we never leave home without also helped).
Though a server noted that business has been slow to start since the January 1st opening, especially for dinner, when we visited for lunch today the place was packed. IHOP is, after all, one of the neighborhood's only chain restaurants, besides the nearby McDonald's (oh, and Starbucks, Chipotle, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts). And it's open 24/7. You know you'll go crawling there sooner or later. Better get there before its haunted by pancake poltergeists and their olfactory emissions!
