Instrinsically NYC Restaurants
 

I hope this isn't a bad question, I'm on overload again after looking at and reading so many restaurant reviews. I'm looking for something special for our last night in NYC (Wed Jul 8). We love food, and love dining out as an experience in itself. What we're looking for here is a restaurant that would be a unique New York experience (but not ridiculously expensive), although I know it won't be cheap. Any opinions? Thanks, Lissa

Are you looking for something fancy, like Tavern On the Green (which would be expensive), some an old-school "New York institution" that wouldn't cost a ton, like one of the famous delis (Katz's, Carnegie, 2nd Ave., Stage) or pizza places (Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Patsy's) or steakhouses (Smith & Wollensky, Peter Luger's), which would not be cheap?

I don't suppose Outback Steakhouse with it's traditional Australian blooming onion (at something like 40k calories) counts.


Suggested tongue in cheek, of course.

Is there a type of cousine that you don't you get at home?

Is the rainbow room/grill at the top of the Rock still open? It might classify as ridiculously expensive, but you can't dine with a 65th floor view of Manhattan anywhere else.

Hmmm... I've never had a blooming onion!!! But I like the sentiment. We're going to go to Grimaldi's and Katz's earlier in our trip, I guess what i'm looking for is something that is unique in atmosphere and location rather than food (as long as it's yummy). I just want it to be something I can't do or get at home (especially if we are going to spend a bit. Neither of us are drinkers so the wine list doesn't matter). Will have a look and talk to DH re Tavern on the Green and Rainbow Room/Grill. Please keep any suggestions coming. THanks so much, LIssa

Please do not go to Tavern ot Rainbow room if you like food. Here some of the older restaurants in NYC. Please look at the sites, the prices are from very high to inexpensive.

Keen's
http://www.keens.com/

Delmonico's
http://www.delmonicosny.com/

Landmark Tavern
http://www.thelandmarktavern.org/

Fraunce's Tavern
(Not great but interesting)
http://www.frauncestavern.com/index2.htm

Maybe there are some who have been to the following lately: Chumley's (an old speakeasy that reportedly will be re-opened by your trip), Bridge Cafe (haven't eaten there in over three years), Ear Inn (Supposedly the oldest bar with pub grub)

A few more oldies that I have not been to recently that maybe others have:

Sardi's, Fanelli's, Baabetta's, Minetta Tacern, Old Town Tavern?

I know everyone has their favorite NY restaurant, but one of the things I love when we visit, is eating in the little local places on the Upper East or Upper West Side. They are usually on the ground level of a beautiful brownstone and have just a few tables. You can always tell the good ones from the bad ones, because of the local diners. It is just such a NY thing to do -- walking down the street or around the corner to dine where you are known on the day's specials in a place never mentioned in any guide book.

Remember that New York City doesn't really mean only Manhattan. You'll still find some authentic NYC experiences in the boroughs.

Uncle Jack's in Astoria is a quintessential NYC Greek restaurant, though I think it still doesn't take credit cards.

Junior's in Brooklyn (not the one at Times Square or Grand Central) is a real NYC institution and easily reachable by subway. A good time to go is in the morning for breakfast/brunch.

The original Nathan's is in Coney Island (also on the subway, though a long ride), and you could go to the NY Aquarium after. Or if you want something else, there are still a few seafood and red-sauce Italian restaurants out there that have a real NYC vibe you won't find anywhere else.

I just want to be clear. Aside from traditional bagels, New York pizza, and real deli, there's not that much food you can get only in NYC anymore. Pick a place for New York atmosphere and tradition, but don't be surprised if you can find the same food at home. I think you'd have a better time if you expand your taste buds and go for some kind of ethnic cuisine that you can't get easily at home. Whether you want Tibetan or Vietnamese or Peruvian or Filipino, there's a place in NYC that does it really well.

Ihawan, for example, in Woodside is a great and cheap Filipino restaurant. If you stick to something simple like barbecue and get a more exotic dish on the side (try lechon kawali), you might expand your horizons.

And the quintessential fancy New York restaurant is a real tradition here. I particularly like The Modern (bar room), where you can certainly dine for less than $50 per person if you choose carefully. In NYC, that's considered a mid-range upscale meal. I just want to be clear that the vast majority of restaurants in NYC are not going to have Outback-style prices.

Sorry, I just wrote something stupid and then pressed "Submit" before I realized it. It's Uncle George's in Astoria, not Uncle Jack's.

I agree with Adu: Avoid Tavern on the Green and The Rainbow Room at all costs. They're scenic places, but that's all. Food and service are truly mediocre.

Many of New York's really high-end restaurants offer very attractive three-course prix-fixe menus in the $35 to $40 range (not including beverages, tax or tip), usually at pre-theater time, say, 5:30 to 6:30, but not necessarily anywhere near the theater district. They may not be quintessentially New York experiences (whatever that means these days, as mentioned earlier), but you might find yourself in a place that is unequaled elsewhere in the world, just what you might want for that "something special" occasion.

If this interests you, come back for more specific advice.

Not sure what you mean by intrinsic - restaurants that have been in NY for decades or food you can only find in New York?

Not sure what reviews you have read - if they are from magazines, Zagats (ptooey, spit) or books, you might be better off looking in chowhound.com, yelp.com, newyork.seriouseats.com, gothamist.com, etc....

Not sure what you mean by intrinsic - restaurants that have been in NY for decades or food you can only find in New York?

Not sure what reviews you have read - if they are from magazines, Zagats (ptooey, spit) or books, you might be better off looking in chowhound.com, yelp.com, newyork.seriouseats.com, gothamist.com, etc....

There are probably hundreds of "intrinsically New York restaurants, so give us some more clues as to what you're looking for. Also, keep in mind that because it's "intrinsically New York" doesn't necessary means it's recommended. Three cases of this last comment in point: Tavern on the Green, Sardi's and Carmine's.

I'll have to take issue with HowardR on this one. Carmine's is very tourist, but it's also a great deal (if you have 4 people or more because of the huge portions) and pretty good. I prefer the Upper West Side location myself, and for me, it's a strong recommendation.

Tavern on the Green is awful - avoid at all costs. And the Rainbow room/gril is closed I beleive.

For a touristy New York expereince with very good foos try theRiver Cafe (incredible views of the NYC skyline across the river and they still feature buffalo I believe) or the Sea Grill - with great views of Rock Center. Neither is cheap - but no more than TOG and tons better.

You can check out actual menus with prices on menupages.com.

It would help if you said your price range, what kind of cuisine you like and what you mean by "intrinsically" New York. Trendy places? NY establishments? Tourists? Gimmicky? If you tell me what you're looking for I can help you.

La Esquina is a Mexican restaurant in Soho. It is a small taco stand upstairs, but the stairs behind a random door lead to a larger restaurant (that turns into a lounge/club later on) downstairs.

Pipa is a tapas place with good food a little north of Union Square.

There are the more expensive restaurants like Buddakhan (chinese), Morimoto (sushi), Del Posto (Mario Batali's restaurant) and Craft (new American) in the meat packing district.

I also have to co-sign about Tavern on the Green. Horrible. I've been to a wedding and work parties at the Rainbow Room, and the views are beautiful! I can't comment on the food since they were special functions.

Here's a thought. Gotham Bar and Grill -- often praised for its great food, nice atmosphere, and skilled but not overbearing service. It set the standard for the idea of "towering" or stacked food, and keeps up its quality. I find it consistently one of the best but not super expensive restaurants in NYC. And how intrinsically New York -- it has a Statue of Liberty in the dining room -- how can you beat that? (Please don't tell me, anyone, if they have taken that away).

Gramercy Tavern!

Union Square Cafe

Sorry we disagree, Doug, but I don't consider "a great deal" as a criterion for "intrinsically New York." And, I'd hardly put Carmine's as an A-list restaurant stop for anyone visiting New York.

<i>It set the standard for the idea of "towering" or stacked food</i>


NP, what is "towering" or "stacked" food?

Do you know anyone who knows anyone who has a table at Rao's?

Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn.

Back in the 1980s Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar and Grill sort of invented the idea of different foods stacked up on a plate, instead of the usual side by side. I'm sure you've seen this done many, many places since. It is sometimes called "vertical food". I guess the idea really is that all the foods on the plate are meant to go together and to be eaten together, so why separate them out.

I did a bit of googling. While this is a sort of odd review, I think, it does show some typical "stacked" foods.

http://ebweng.blogspot.com/2008/02/a...es-gotham.html

If you want old school steak, NY style, Peter Lugers in Brooklyn wins. No pretenses, just great food, good service and the old NY favorite porterhouse steak.

I'll second Gramercy Tavern. Not just the best of what NY can offer but the warmth that reflects the best of refined American food/American service at its finest.

Also consider the Four Seasons restaurant, not to be confused with restaurants at the Four Seasons hotel. Expensive but if you're not having drinks, it may still be possible. Very NY, in my opinion.
All of these are somewhat expensive, but I suppose you were looking for something a lil more special on your last night.

<i>Back in the 1980s Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar and Grill sort of invented the idea of different foods stacked up on a plate, instead of the usual side by side. I'm sure you've seen this done many, many places since. It is sometimes called "vertical food". I guess the idea really is that all the foods on the plate are meant to go together and to be eaten together, so why separate them out.</i>

Actually, I don't think I've ever seen that. I guess I don't get out much!

Rao's: Not worth the effort or the money. Mediocre red-sauce Italian. Ridiculously expensive. Impossible reservation. You have to know Frankie. A late friend was his dentist. Big deal.

Wow... Now I'm confused :) Will do a bit more research and look at the options suggested here. I really liked TC's input above and also the Gotham Bar and grill sounds interesting too. A good steak is hard to beat :)

Here's another poster who says - avoid Tavern on the Green and Carmine's. For something that is first rate New York: Chanterelle, Felidia, Bouley, Beacon, I Trulli.

<< I really liked TC's input above and also the Gotham Bar and grill sounds interesting too. A good steak is hard to beat>>

Gotham Bar and Grill is not really a bar and grill, not really a steak house. Take a look at its menu and you'll begin to understand.

http://www.gothambarandgrill.com/content/view/14/

No matter the place, it's best to choose one with a history you appreciate, atmosphere that's to your preference, and a very appealing menu (with excellent reviews for the food and service).

Pearl Oyster Bar-18 Cornelia St. off Bleecker

"Dining out as an experience in itself", reminds me of my first New York meal at Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIg1K34fUxE The link is to a YouTube video, and I learned that the current owner won the restaurant from Sammy in a poker ame 35 years ago.

Another restaurant with an intrinsic New York feeling with its incredible sunset view of Central Park is Dizzy's CocaCola Jazz Club. The food is not so great (but I think it's fine) but the view and music are memorable. http://www.jalc.org/DCCC/

I do not think of Union Square, Gramercy, and Gotham as particularly New York. Good American crative or pretentious can be found throughout the country these days. And although we like Gotham the best out of the lot, there is nothing that screams NYC.

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that there's no more "intrinsically New York dining experience" than the cafe at Rockefeller Center. In the summer, you'll can dine atop of the area that's used for skating in the colder seasons. The food is decent and the ambiance screams "New York City"!

"And although we like Gotham the best out of the lot, there is nothing that screams NYC."

Ouch. So you ARE telling me they took away the Statue of Liberty in the Gotham? Boo. Hiss. It always made me smile, and nothing says New York like a Statue of Liberty!

Lissa, Although we haven't been for quite some time, one of our favorite local spots is Vince and Eddies. I'm sure it is mentioned in someone's guide book, but is hardly one of the "IN" spots. I even recall seeing Carrie standing in front of V&Es in one episode of Sex and the City. We adore the lamb with cherry sauce and they make a marvelous Cosmo. It is quite convenient to Lincoln Center if you are attending a performance there. While not 5 star, it always feels very NY to me. I'm sure NYers on this forum have many such places that they frequent.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants...page=2#reviews

We just got back from NY and were so luck to get a table at Babbo! Have to say.. this was the best dining experience of my life and we have traveled a lot!

"And although we like Gotham the best out of the lot, there is nothing that screams NYC."

Ouch. So you ARE telling me they took away the Statue of Liberty in the Gotham? Boo. Hiss. It always made me smile, and nothing says New York like a Statue of Liberty!

Neo-

How about all the tourists with the green spongey Statue of Liberty head dresses?

I thought you would like my comment since it is complimentary about the rest fo America.

Re Adu's comment that Union Square, Gramercy, and Gotham do not "scream" NY. Must differ.One needs to have some sense of restaurant history in NY going back over 30 or so years ago. Back in those days NY was a desert as far as restaurant dining was concerned. Craig Clairborne of the NY times was one of those who changed all that and a new breed of restaurants started appearing in town. One of the leaders of that movement was Danny Meyer who opened Union Square and it was a new breath of fresh air in service, food, et al. He followed up with Gramercy Park and we were off and running. Gotham came on a bit later - but it comes out of this movement of innovative chefs, new cuisines. So - yes - in this context I would say that Union Square et al are quintessentially New York.