GOOD American fare LUNCH restaurant NYC
 

Around 600s Third Avenue, zip code 10164, NYC....looking for 2-3 good American fare lunch restaurants to take a special friend. THANKS!!!

how does one define 'american fare?"

It may not be anything at all you are interested in, but a special place for a special friend -
http://www.oysterbarny.com/
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Mostly seafood and can be pricey but a wonderful space -
http://cdnob.responsiveny.com/pdf/dailymenu.pdf
The sandwiches are more moderately priced -
http://cdnob.responsiveny.com/pdf/sandwich.pdf

Opposed to Mexican, French, Italian, Thai, Chinese, etc etc..... Seafood, Chicken, fish, beef dishes , salads, sandwiches,

The Oyster Bar does have a great space, but the food is hit or miss at best. (The chowder and raw oysters are good.)

Quite nearby is an outlet of a very well-regarded local chain, Luke's Lobster. http://lukeslobster.com/midtowneast. Suggest you check it out. Decor is very informal -- certainly not as grand as the Oyster Bar -- but the food is better. And cheaper.

We had a very good lunch at The National. I liked the atmosphere and service and food were good. I believe we had a burger, fries, and maybe an eggplant risotto.

I haven't been there but Vitae looks special and gets good reviews.

The National is good, but it's also pretty expensive ... as in about $35 or $40 per person. How much are you looking to spend? I'd probably choose either 1) Hudson Place (36th/Third Ave); 2) Docks (40th/Third ... but only if you want seafood, and it's still fairly pricey); 3) Sarge's (if you want a more simple deli place with good corned beef); or 4) 2nd Avenue Deli (33rd near Third Ave.) if you want a step up on the deli quality; 5) Rare (39th/Lexington ... in the Shelburne Hotel) if you want burgers and only burgers, but good ones in a sit-down atmosphere.