Dorrian’s Red Hand is a bar made popular by the Upper East Side’s preppiest and young college elites. I had been to Dorrian’s a few times in my younger years for its famous preppy bar scene, but I had never been for food until Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. Like thousands of others, I was without power and food, and sought refuge on the Upper East side. Dorrian’s provided power, shelter, food, and a thriving social scene for all affected by the storm, and quickly became the hottest bar for “surviving Sandy”.
Although I was entering day 5 of bar/fried food, I immediately ordered the sweet potato fries… and they were incredible. I then proceeded to order several more orders of sweet potato fries for the table (and a few orders of the regular fries so that I could have more sweet potato to myself). These french fries great; however, they ARE subject to cross contamination in the fryers so if you are sensitive to this be careful. Other #nobread approved orders include hummus nopita, nachos, any burger or sandwich nobread, chicken tacos corntortilla, any of the salads #nocroutons, and the steak frites.
I also recommend going to Dorrian’s for brunch (especially on a sunday if you are a Redskins fan). Not only do they serve additional #nobread items including a three egg omelette and steak & eggs, but a 2 hour all you can drink brunch is offered for an extra $15. Dorrian’s is fun, serves solid pub food, and well worth the trip to the Upper East Side (even if there is no hurricane!)