NYCReview
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Clay
Included In
Clay is an upscale spot in Harlem where you can have a special-but-not-too-formal meal. The menu here is full of New American staples like pork belly with apple, radicchio with walnut and pears, and strip steak with potatoes—but just because you’ve seen these combinations before doesn’t mean you should skip them.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
We particularly enjoy Clay’s pastas like the perfectly al dente garganelli (usually mixed with some sort of meat or mushroom), the crisped and toasted gnocchi, and the chewy bucatini with short rib and parmesan. Prepare to feel the same sort of unconditional commitment to these dishes that Dance Moms feel toward their 6-year-old tap stars—but don’t neglect the other entrees. The rotating fish, whatever variety it may be, is always a memorable main course. One night we had crispy black bass in a sour black garlic sauce that was illogically good. We’re still trying to figure out what was in it.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Clay operates on two floors, and we like the downstairs one slightly more. That space has low ceilings, a big patterned banquette, and a mural with pastel blue abstract shapes (kind of like a mood board for Picasso’s Blue Period). Overall, it’s a bit more intimate than the upstairs. That said, if you’re just having a weeknight dinner or a solo meal at the bar, the first floor will still have music playing just loud enough that you can hear your dining companion and lighting just dim enough to necessitate the occasional phone flashlight. Wherever you’re sitting, you’ll notice the staff greeting regulars, asking about things like which schools their children finally decided on.
Clay may not have a seven-course tasting menu representing every continent on Earth or a flight of truffle-infused foams for you to spend too much money on, but we can confidently say that a meal here will improve your night (and your dining life in general). So use this place as often as possible for special occasions, dates, or especially exciting Wednesdays.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Pork Belly
Roasted Beets
Steak Tartare
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Short Rib Bucatini
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Garganelli
Gnocchi
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Strip Steak
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Confit Duck Leg
Market Fish
photo credit: Teddy Wolff