janette

Myself and a friend will be visiting NYC for a few days – depart day will be Tuesday, September 9. We're meeting up with a couple friends from Australia for lunch before my friend and I head to the airport. We'll be flying from JFK – flight departure 3:59 pm.

I was thinking to reserve at the Lakeside Restaurant (because of the iconic setting) but they don't open until noon on Tuesdays. Can anyone offer advice regarding the following:

Would a reservation at noon give us enough time for a pleasant lunch and to still get to JFK in time – I expect we should be there around 3?

Will it be easy to hail a cab to take us to JFK at that time/location in the day?

Will they allow us to take a suitcase each into the restaurant (I've emailed the restaurant but have not heard back) to save the time in returning to our hotel?

Or – should we look at eating closer to our hotel (Salisbury, 7th and 57th)?

Many thanks for any suggestions.

nytraveler

OK - you need to find out from your airline what time you have to check in - and allow for the security line.

If your flight leaves at 4 pm I would be AT the airport by 2 pm at the latest meaning leaving Manhattan by 1 pm. So you really need a place that will serve brunch instead of lunch.

But I would check with your airline to see what their requirements are. (I have seen security lines at AA of more than 400 people at times with people begging to go to the front and refused - and told they had checked in too late and it was their problem.)

nytraveler

Oh - and I would not go looking for a cab with luggage at any time. Instead call one of the car services (Carmel, Dial 7 etc) and reserve the exact time and place that you want. You can get coupons online and the cost will be no more than a cab - and you won't have the angst of searching for one.

DebitNM

Is this an international flight? More time needed at airport. I personally would be a nervous wreck calling it that close. Go out for breakfast, save yourself a lot of angst.

doug_stallings

I'm sorry, but that's not enough time.

janette

Thanks all – much appreciated. Odd - I thought I had replied already to say thank you but I don't see it. My gut feeling was that time was too tight - your replies have helped me finalize the decisions that it is indeed.

Any suggestions for a breakfast/brunch place near our hotel 7th and 57th would be greatly appreciated. I'd prefer it to be a sit-down place - a little quiet so we can have a nice "farewell" meal together.

alysenyc

Sarabeth's on Central Park South is a bit overpriced/touristy (not my have of the three locations), but I think the food is so good and nice spot for a farewell lunch in the area you are looking for.

Bottega del Vino is not too far on 59th between 5th and Madison.

I'm sure others have recommendations closer to 7th.

spring212

Norma's in the Parker Meridien Hotel - on 57th between 6th & 7th. Expensive but good. They serve breakfast/brunch from early morning until mid-afternoon.

HappyTrvlr

Too bad, not enough time. Eat at The Boathouse on your next visit. They serve a wonderful brunch(menu) on weekends.

janette

Thanks for your suggestions - much appreciated. I'll check over the menus with the others and make a choice. I remember going to Norma's years ago - very much enjoyed it and it was pricey then as well but - yikes! It looks like it's even more expensive than I remember. Maybe worth a splurge on our last day in the city though.

kenav

Well, if you're not prejudiced against diners, here's a good one:
Astro Diner

http://www.astrorestaurant.com/

Hardly Sarabeths or the Boathouse, but the food is really good. On 6th Ave and 55th Street. And you surely won't be paying too much!

kenav

I just looked at Norma's menu. $25 for pancakes? You've got to be kidding! What about a $14 grapefruit!

janette

LOL I know - CRAZY prices for Norma's kenav - think we'll steer clear. Sarabeth's looks good - some "special" breakfast foods - nice treats for our last morning in the city. Thanks for the Astro restaurant info - will definately keep that in mind for another meal.

I usually don't plan restaurants at all when visiting NYC – hate to be held down to being somewhere at a particular time but always good to have recommendations for when we do need to grab a bite.

Really want a nice send off breakfast though for our last day - I so appreciate all the Fodorite helpers. ;~) We met an Aussie couple on a trip a decade ago and have stayed in touch by email/Skype. They're touring Canada and the USA and asked if we could meet up in my fave city. OH YAH we can. LOL Can't wait. We heading down from just west of Toronto.