We're going a matinee of Chicago on Broadway at the Ambassador Theater (215 w 49th Street). I would love a suggestion of good place for lunch. I wouldnt say price is NO object but I'm just more concerned with having something kind of special. Any suggestions welcomed!

Gosh, there are so many possibilities in every direction. Could you be more specific as to what you have in mind by "something kind of special"? Note that most of the more formal/fancy restaurants are not open for lunch on Saturdays.

Also, there may be a terrific spot between your hotel and the theater. Where are you staying?

I love Marseille on Ninth Ave and 44th Street. I've never had lunch there on a Saturday but they do have lunch and brunch menus so I would think they're open... By the way, it's wonderful, tasty, not cheap Mediterranean food - meze plate, bouillabaise, etc.

If you are going to the Sunday matinee, I would suggest brunch at The View which is a revolving restaurant on the 47th floor of the Marriott Marquis. Unfortunately if you are going on Saturday, the restaurant doesn't open until 4 pm.

Oh sorry. I just re-read the title of your post and you are going on Saturday.

Hi- by "special" (sorry I guess pretty vague!) I was thinking something not like "cafe Europa" which I hear is "Cafe ripyouoff" - so-so food but brings in plenty of tourist money. I want to avoid the places that I might normally wander into being a tourist and having no idea what the food is like.

So really- I just looking for a great meal!

Thanks so much..

(And I'm not staying- just driving in for the day from Massachusetts).

For just good American food, Joe Allen's on 46th between 8th & 9th Aves. (restaurant row with lots of options). Hamburgers, salads etc. A theater people hang out.

For ethnic food- Ruby Foo's on Broadway for Chinese, Pan asian. For good Cuban, Victor's Cafe on 52nd between Broadway & 8th Ave. Thai, Siam Inn on 8th Ave. between 51-52.

For special & expensive, 21 Club 52nd between 5th & 6th, Le Bernadin (fish/French) 51st between 6th & 7th (not sure whether they're open for lunch on Sat.), Michael's on 55th betw. 5th & 6th (Calif. cuisine), Aquavit (Scandinavian) 54th betw 5th & 6th.

McLaurie's list is really tops!!! And by the way, although I haven't been there for a couple of years, they used to knock you over at 21 when they brought the alacarte menu. Then if you knew about you'd ask for the special menu, which was always three courses (and about three very nice choices for each course) for $21. Do they still do that?? Anyone? Eating in the quaint "saloon" or bar at 21 is a great experience in my opinion. And if money is "practically" no object, you couldn't do better than LeBernadin, but I too suspect that they are not open on Saturday for lunch.

And although I don't call the food at Joe Allen great, it is one of my favorite places. But again I have a question. All these years I've never known about it being open for lunch, but this is the second time it has been recommended very recently for lunch. Does Joe Allen serve lunch??

I can't believe I never knew it. I just Googled Joe Allen's and found that yes they are open for lunch every day (Sunday brunch, included). I'm in real trouble now. I'm "sharing" a year's apartment rental with friends who have moved to Florida and still have their apartment on 45th -- literally back to back with Joe Allen's. I'll first be using it for a month mid Sept. to mid Oct. Guess where I'll be having lunch a LOT!!!