We love that Joe's Shanghai! Our favorite after going to MoMA.
With some of the group landing in the afternoon from cross country flights we prefer something nearby to 1st and 42, 6th and 44th.Thanks everyone who gave suggestions.

Have you considered 2nd Avenue Deli? It's on 33rd and Lex. We really liked it. You might check reviews to confirm as it's been several years since I've been there.

Osteria Avra on 48th street between Lexington and Third.

Imdonehere: Hong Kong. The chef who took us on a food tour in Hong Kong ( Little Adventures in Hong Kong) recommended Yixin for dim sum in Wan Chai and it was a wonderful experience, delicious. He also recommended The Chairman (pricey), and Hollee Fook which were both excellent.
Walking down Wellington Street we spotted a sign with Anthony Bourdain's name in the window of a noodle shop stating the he had eaten there. We paid approximately $5.00 for shrimp dumplings in broth with noodles, so good! Mak's Noodles.

Update: We ate at Cravebar and Sam’s Place and had great experiences at both. Thanks to the posters who recommended these and several other places which I will save for future trips back to NY.. We also went to Grand Central Oyster Bar for chowder at lunchtime on a very cold day. Always good.
Sam’s Place is old school neighborhood Italian. Our meals, all veal dishes, were delicious.

Thanks for the update. I’ve walked by Sam’s many times and always wondered about it. Pictures of their veal dishes on Yelp look delicious. Will definitely consider it next time in NY as our hotel is just around the corner.

Another nearby neighborhood place we like is the Park Avenue Tavern for basic American fare.