we arrive in NYC late afternoon Friday (11th Sept) so im thinking by the time we get to our hotel (The Excelsior - UWS ) it will be around 7pm
can anyone recommend any cafe style eateries in the UWS - do you need reservations for a Friday night or will we be able to find somewhere to have a quick bite with no problem?
Coming from Sydney its a 20+ hour flight so we'll be tired.....i dont really want to walk around looking for somewhere to eat so thought Id ask for some recommendations that way we know where we can try to find a table?

Cafe Luxembourg, west 70th (french - brasserie)
right next door, Compass
Nice Matin (think around west 79th)
Isabellas
Ocean Grill (think around 80th)
Cesca

That neighborhood is full of restaurants. If you walk a block or so along Broadway or Amsterdam you will find 3 or 4 on every block. Those above are fine and before 8 or 8:30 you shouldn't need a reservation.

Shake Shack - burgers
Mughli Indian

Plenty of choices - I think you'll enjoy reading menus looking inside and just picking one

Bistro Citron
Hi Life Bar & Grill (Unlike the name, the food is great. Eat outside)
Nice Matin

I live in UWS and also recommend Nice Matin. It's just 3 blocks or so from your hotel- a very easy walk. I think Cesca is just a bit too far from your hotel- thinking of your jet lag.

ohhh thanks everyone! seems like there are some great choices in the area!

so u think we shouldnt attempt to walk to Times Square after dinner to see the crazy lights??

What about Thai in the area?

Assuming you are going to at least one show - and every visitor to NYC should there's no need to got Times Square another time. You'll see all you want/need to when heading to the show.