Okay, I've done my search on "Gotham" in New York to see what's already been written here on the boards. It's ranked (according to Zagat) the Number 4 most popular restaurant currently in NYC.

BUT, I am reading MANY mixed reviews about the place - that the food and service are not up to par.

We are going to be in NY for Thanksgiving and we currently have dinner reservations at Gotham on Turkey Day.

We are looking for a warm atmosphere, great food (must be serving Turkey as one of the main course options), wonderful service, and money is not an issue.

We are staying in midtown but can travel by cab to other places in Manhattan.

Gramercy Tavern is closed on Thankgsiving, which was another thought. Tavern (yes, cheesy atmosphere and food mediocre, but very festive!!) is totally booked.

Can you give me your thoughts on Gotham Bar and Grill and help me understand if it's really just so-so, why do you think it's so "popular".

THANKS in advance!

You have reservations for the 4th most popular restaurant in a city that has at least 10,000 and you want more confirmation that the "food and service is up to par." Come on!!!

Aries: I have been twice, and both times our experiences were wonderful. I don't see how you can go wrong. We've had delightful and helpful waiters and excellent meals.

For something a bit more authentic, try Fraunces Tavern. Serves a great traditional TG dinner.

Thanks everyone! It was just annoying that they started taking reservations at 9 AM today for Thanksgiving. I called at 8:58 and was on hold. At 9:00 the lady answered and I tried to make a reservation for 4:30. She said that 4:30 and 5:00 were not available only 4:00 or 5:30. I'm thinking, this is a "reservation only evening", right...so how at 9 AM, the very time and date that they start taking reservations, are 2 time slots for the entire restaurant already booked?

Anyway, Mike, the reason I am asking is b/c more than one person has posted that the service was not great and the food was not that special. I can pull up specific trip reports and posts if you want. So I feel that my question to confirm is very appropriate.

(off topic) Now I'm pissed at my brother b/c I asked everyone LAST week what time I should book it for. He said 4 or 5 (we usually eat Turkey dinner much earlier, which is why we did not book later in the evening). So they had 4:00 open and now my brother is saying 5:30 would be better. Well, now of course that time is gone and 7:30 is the next latest. Sorry for the vent, but this is exactly why I friggen asked everyone. Geez.

Also, Frank, I have heard that the food is very mediocre there??

Aries13: Had TG dinner at Fraunces several years ago, and really enjoyed it. I understand it is under new management so I can't comment on the food, but the ambiance just seemed to fit the day. I'm sure it is up to Tavern on the Green Quality. Another favorite of mine is the Judson Grill for special occasions.

Speaking about Gotham, your story made me chuckle, I had a similar experience a couple of years ago for Valentine's day. Called at the stroke of 9AM on the prescribed day and was told only 5:30 or 9PM dinner reservations were available. It's a total joke, they hold all the prime times for the "beautiful people" who frequently don't even pay. The schlunks pay through the nose and eat at off hours. I told the reservationist exactly what of thought of their shoddy business practices and although I didn't get an offer for a better time, I felt better about not making a reservation at all and have boycotted the restaurant ever since. I generally find that a restaurant that aggravates me taking a reservation will usually turn out to be an overall unpleasant experience.

WHO CARES!!! Can't you just appreciate the fact that you are spending Thanksgiving in New York City with your loved ones? If the reservation is that big a deal, maybe YOU need to re-evaluate your priorities.

Frank - Thanks for sharing your input and experiences!

XXX - you are right. I will perform my priority re-evaluation tonight after work.

Thought I'd add my New York perspective also.

Gotham Bar and Grill is really great. It has consistently ranked high in Zagats and other restaurant reviews for years. I personally enjoyed the service and food the times I went. The only thing I do not like about the restaurant is the close proximity of tables...

Re: the frustrations with the reservations dept. Of course, you know that the top restaurants save the best seats and times for "important people" celebrities; the wealthy...etc

Enjoy your dinner! I'm sure everything will turn out perfect!

Gotham is an excellent restaurant. Food and service are great, ambiance is good. I've eaten there at least 10 times and haven't been disappointed. Check out there Tuna as a main course.

Aries13:
I hope you kept that 4PM reservation. By the time everyone is seated and had a drink and gets ready to enjoy dinner, it will be 5:30!!
Enjoy Thanksgiving!

barb, steve, annie - thanks!! We kept the 4 PM. I think the issue was timing on when my brother would get into the City that day, but I'm not sure. My parents are coming from San Diego, brother from PA, me from Connecticut (work) and fiance from Atlanta (where we live). So I have been very concerned about getting a reservation ANYWHERE....it's not like we will have the option to eat in!

A coworker who lives in NYC told me her experience did not live up to expecations which is why I got worried.

But I'll just leave everything as-is and I'm sure we'll have a fantastic time!

Thanks again!

I've eaten at Gotham several times, and think it's a must-do for New York. The first time I was wowed; the next two not so blown-away. But I think you'll enjoy it. The trend for architecturally-arrnaged (towers, especially) food originated there. It's fun. Are there better places in the city? Yes. But Gotham is very, very good.

On a side note: actually, the "pretty people", celebrities, wealthy, tend to eat LATER, not earlier. 9 o'clock is a pretty prime dinner time in NYC; my fiance and I rarely eat earlier. 7 is extremely early for that kind of crowd! NOT that we're part of that crowd...

To Aries 13 & Frank: There was an off broadway show about a year or so ago called "fully committed" which dealt with making restaurant reservations & was very funny. Sounds like your experiences were taken from the show.

That play is in Philadelphia at the moment starring Craig Swartz; it is hilarious.

Do you know the name of that play? I'd love to see it! HA!

It's "Fully Committed." I think it's already been in NYC, off-Broadway.