Cheese.

One of the most important words in the English language. Definitely more important than the word “Vegan”.

I’m having trouble trying to think of some any disorder or ailment that couldn’t be cured simply by the act of watching cheese get scraped off of a cheese wheel. I honestly can’t. I bet it could help someone stop biting their nails or quit smoking, as it would cause someone to instantly fall into a hypnotic state.

The only side effect would be one’s instant obsession with all things cheese. Which would be totes worth it.

I had to make a reservation months in advance to get into Raclette, but when I arrived on a Sunday at noon, the place had moved to a much larger space and we were the first ones there. Looks like walk ins, at least for brunch, are ok now!

I had read some reviews that previous guests thought their cheese was a bit on the bland side. Here’s the thing: there are three cheese options. Standard, Premium ($2 extra) and Raw Milk ($4 extra) (not pasteurized).

Since we wanted the cheesiest one possible (and to avoid any mozzarella comparisons) we upgraded our Cheesexperience to the Raw option and was not disappointed.

Totally nutty and flavorful, I couldn’t think of any complaints. And when you pull out your phone to videotape the server scraping the cheese gratuitously, your life will never be the same. Nor will your cholesterol.

The Savoyarde and Suisse options are basically the same, except the Suisse one adds your choice of French meats but if I were to come back, I would definitely try the Mediterranee, as well.

To be honest, they could have brought out a platter of old erasers, pen caps and used sponges and it all would have been made right by pouring a ton of cheese everywhere.

We ordered the large (which is recommended if you’re sharing) and also includes three “scrapes”, all at different intervals of your meal. Just when you’re about to cry because the cheese is all gone but you’ve still got some baguette left, she’ll swoop in and save the say with luscious, glorious cheese.

511 E 12th St
New York, NY 10009
b/t Avenue B & Avenue A
East Village, Alphabet City
(917) 853-5377
raclette.nyc

Havana
$11.00
Pulled pork, dijon mustard, housemade bread-and-butter pickles, & French raclette cheese on toasted Cuban roll

Suisse
$18.00/Regular
$23.00/Large
Add $4 for Raw Cheese
Raclette cheese, melted and scraped tableside; choice of viande séchée, prosciutto di Parma OR jambon de Paris; roasted potatoes; cornichons; pickled white pearl onions; sliced baguette; arugula salad with champagne vinaigrette