#InauguralReview #WhiskeyRoxx Since 2023 by #BrendanCullinan #TonyCullinan and #CaraCullinan #239ParkAvenueSouth Between 19th and 20th Streets #GramercyPark #Manhattan
Every sip of Whiskey is better with Fish and Chips! And for a more exotic take, try the Blackened Tuna Tacos:
Founder and Owner of Whiskey Roxx, Brendan Cullinan with Jameson Whiskey
It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know the Cullinan family, owners of five fab venues in Manhattan, two of which serve culinary pursuits. Hot on the heels of an inaugural review of The Tipsy Nomad, today we present the second food venue of the Cullinan family: Whiskey Roxx, opened on February 16, 2023. They have over thirty whiskey choices and have high quality bar bites. This is our first visit! Peachy sipped Jameson Whiskey, Irish of course. There are two salad choices: above, please meet the Cobb Salad, which we preferred because Peachy is a classicist. Chicken, Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Egg, and Cucumber team up for a nutritious goal in your stomach. Note that this usually has Bleu Cheese Crumble and we asked them to hold that aspect because you know who doesn't care for it anywhere. The minute we arrived at Whiskey Roxx, Brendan graciously greeted us and it's clear that this family takes tremendous pride in their vocation. Brendan tells us that the salad dressing is always on the side which we really like because we think it is a great idea for everyone, not just Peachy, to apply their own salad dressing. Balsamic is on the side in this case.
Taco Salad is an inventive, hearty number with beef, romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, corn, avocado, Monterey Jack Cheese which we really liked, tortilla chips, and a stylish drizzle of sour cream. That drizzle is what they call dressing and we liked it!
We adored the Fish and Chips and they reminded us of the mother country. (Obviously Ireland, but if you are reading for the first time, that's it. Tony is from Tipperary.) Battered cod served with tartar sauce hits the spot and of course the ketchup is for the chips, i.e. french fries for those that do not speak Irish lingo. Note that as always, pictures are unedited and the truth is the food looks this fantastic. Next, the Chicken Caesar Sandwich is another light touch on a hot summer day. Fried chicken with romano cheese and creamy Caesar dressing presents a savory option that has the right amount of flavor and tanginess to impress upon your palate.
All successful venues in Manhattan, casual or formal, must have an outstanding burger! This is America! Brendan tells us all burgers here at Whiskey Roxx are prime smash burgers, and we count three burger choices on the menu plus sliders. Peachy chose the NYC Burger on her first visit: Prime Burger, Pepper Jack Cheese, Crispy Onion Ring, Pickled Jalapeno and Chipotle Mayo combine for a totally terrific burger. Brendan also tells us that Whiskey Roxx is amenable to burger modification according to whatever your little burger-loving heart desires. As you can see, the burger was perfectly medium rare as Peachy ordered it and she liked the truffle fries the best and we suggest that fry upgrade.
Peachy is not a big taco person, but she really liked THESE TACOS. We think you ought to try them and there are four choices. We present the classic beef, above. Shells are soft and they are either corn or flour. Lettuce, tomato, onion, Monterey jack cheese and cilantro crema elevate the satisfying beef. Shishito Peppers are not only a nutritious option as it is a grilled vegetable, but it is also totally unique, setting Whiskey Roxx apart. We don't recall seeing anyone anywhere serving this and it's a lovely addition to whatever you are dining upon. They were super fresh and we are advocates of produce incorporation, particularly at more casual venues where we don't see them done this well as often.
Of course the name, Whiskey Roxx, is a play on words for Whiskey on the Rocks...and when one drinks, especially hard liquor, one should absolutely be eating! Finally, a summery hit: say enchante to the Blackened Tuna Tacos! We were impressed with the tropical mango salsa and wasabi sauce which was flavorful but not off-putting or aggressive like lesser sauces of lesser venues. The tuna itself was fresh.
Bravo to the Cullinan family again and Whiskey Roxx impressed us.
We look forward to seeing what they do next.
