Category: | Restaurant, |
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Address: | 243 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560, USA |
Zip code: | 28560 |
Website: | https://harrysblindtiger.com/ |
Opening hours (Edit) | |
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Monday: | Closed |
Tuesday: | Closed |
Wednesday: | 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Thursday: | 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Friday: | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
Saturday: | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
Sunday: | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
I made it a point to stop in today to see if Harry’s was still as good as it was on my first two visits. I’m happy to say that it continues to be a great spot for a casual meal with an upscale feel. The entire service staff stays attentive, present, and friendly. Whether inside or outside, the dining atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. My only knock on this visit is the chicken sandwich was reduced to half the size as the one I enjoyed on my first visit. The bun appears to have been downsized, as has the chicken portion. It was not a large sandwich to begin with, which I why I order it. But, today it was slider size. I hope it’s just an anomaly. Otherwise, the menu items are consistently good. Highly recommend!
We’ve been here several times now and gotten to try a little bit of everything. As is the case at their sister restaurant Cypress Hall, the cocktails are fantastic. We are also big fans of the fritto misto and accompanying lemon aioli.
Recently came back for pizzas and loved the variety of meats and the olive tapenade on the Muffuletta, but we were sorely let down by the lack of clams on the Vongole (photo attached). When you’re paying $60 for 2 pizzas, the least you can ask for is every slice to have some clam on it, right? Instead, it was like eating garlic bread doused in Parmesan with the occasional random clam. I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed (and expected better from an establishment with an otherwise impressive menu).
I will say the staff here are exceptionally nice and friendly. The post-Prohibition remodel is a much-needed facelift and the new outside bar is gorgeous. Just please fix the one annoying crooked 2-top against the wall!
UPDATE 6/23: We came by again and were blown away by the casarecce pasta! Loved the broth and flavors + the added bonus of being served in quality dinnerware that kept the pasta hot throughout the meal. They were trialing soft shell crab on Fridays or something so we got a full crab added to the pasta and I have to say — this is the BEST soft shell crab in town!!! The crab was on the smaller side but the batter was fantastic — just the right amount, lightly seasoned, and fried to a perfect crisp. They’ve really nailed it. Their take on tiramisu is a bit untraditional but it is amazing nonetheless. You’ll be on cloud 9 until the last bit of perfectly sweetened cream!! Highly recommend treating yourself to the tiramisu after!
So enjoyed my first experience at Harry’s Blind Tiger. We usually eat at Cypress Hall, but I’m so happy we gave Harry’s a try. We will definitely go back. The drinks were ON POINT - an old fashioned with a smoky mezcal twist - sign me up! You have to try the fried burrata - it’s like and adult mozzarella stick. DELICIOUS. I had the Casarecce - an original take on rigatoni with broccoli and sausage. The fresh fennel put it over the top. The rigatoni with bolognese was my hubs dish, and I have to say - bolognese should always be made with short ribs! Super happy with our experience at Harry’s Blind Tiger and can’t wait to go back.
I have to agree with the previous reviewer, the last time we were at Harry's the food was overly salty, especially the carbonara which had country ham and cheese in it to begin with. Then I tasted my husband's pizza and it was also very salty. We have been twice before and loved it, and are long time fans of sister restaurant Cypress Hall. It just seemed that the chef that night (it was a Sunday) wanted to add more salt to dishes that didn't need it. Hope this message finds Harry's still fun, great bar and cocktails, best outdoor restaurant in New Bern, best service, best bartenders. Just a little less salt, please?