Early Terrible

Woodstock’s favorite wine bar, Early Terrible , is just as fun on the Lower East Side. Unlike the original, which feels like a rager in the woods, the second location of this Croatian-owned spot ditches the exclusive focus on wine and adds dinner and a downstairs club. The Adriatic-inspired menu is substantial enough for Early Terrible to qualify as a restaurant, but some dishes fall flat. Instead, treat this place like a bar with a few great snacks.

We like Early Terrible best for cocktails outside after work, or whenever a date suggests the Lower East Side but doesn't follow up with any ideas. The outdoor dining shed operates like a makeshift garden party with reliable drinks and a super social crowd. Potted plants and antique lights are reminiscent of the original’s fairy woodland look, and there’s a big TV plastered on one side for afternoons spent watching Croatian football matches before French house music hits the speakers all night. If you want more than a bowl of fantastic ricotta gnudi, or chicken liver and rhubarb terrine, just head somewhere else in the neighborhood .

Food Rundown

Drinks

Early Terrible's excellent cocktail menu is the key to a long, leisurely hang here. They mostly focus on bright, fruity juices and purees, without anything tasting syrupy sweet. Try Smoke Signals made with mezcal, amaro, tamarind puree and pineapple. It's got a little bit of spice, like the tamarind candies you might get from a Mexican supermarket. As far as wine goes, don't expect the varied selection of the original location. Early Terrible has a handful of options, but you have to ask to hear about them because they're not listed on the menu.

photo credit: Early Terrible

Chicken Liver & Rhubarb Terrine

This terrine reminds us of Thanksgiving, with the rhubarb acting as a cranberry sauce. It’s their best drinking snack, and works well if you want to pick at something over the course of an hour.

photo credit: Early Terrible

Ricotta Gnudi

If you’re looking for more than a slab of snacking liver, this is it. The fluffy ricotta dumplings are lighter than gnocchi, with a bright pea puree sauce and dried Croatian pancetta.

photo credit: Early Terrible

Fried Calamari

These don’t have the flavor or crispiness we need from our fried calamari. Skip.

Nova Scotian Halibut

The foamy oyster sauce is a nice touch, but the texture of this fish is as chewy as chicken.