I'm looking for a restaurant around the Times Square vicinity for dinner the first night we're in New York next week. My husband and I plus our 12 and 9 year olds want to celebrate my birthday somewhere fairly special but not super pricey or stuffy. Definitely don't want to do the theme restaurant thing that night. I tried to make reservations at Union Square Cafe (not in Times Square but that's okay)but could only get in at 9:30 pm. That's probably too late for our group--any suggestions on somewhere a little special that we can get into at this late date? Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Foley's Fish House, which is in the Renaissance Hotel, has good seafood and great views. It overlooks Times Square from the third floor and my experiences there have been that the service was good, and sometimes really impressive. Most the dinner entrees range in the low to mid $20 range, and there is a pre-dinner theatre menu. We've taken out of state family there, and they've loved it. I strongly recommend reservations though, or you may not get a table. It's a little more upscale than Union Square Cafe, but not stuffy. I believe that Marriott Marquis has a restaurant with a view that overlooks Times Square as well.

What about Chez Josephine, right on 42nd Street? Owned by the adopted son of Josephine Baker, who is often the host, it has a French-American, menu, lots of character, and you're not going to find anything like it back home.

My former English teachers would never forgive me if I didn't correct that. The owner, adopted son of Josephine Baker, is often the host....

Another endorsement for Chez Josephine. And, Jean-Claude (the adopted son and host) definitely adds to your enjoyment of the experience. He is charm personified. And, oh yes, the food is excellent. Call right away for reservations (212-594-1925).

I completely agrees with the Foley's Fish House suggestion. It has a beautiful view, excellent service and great food....But definitely call in advance..they are big on reservations.

We used to live in New York and tried to go there whenever people came to visit. Very memorable and very impressive. Have fun!

Just checked out Foley's fish house web site, They have a great menu and the picture shows a great view. I will add it to my list of places to get to this fall. Check out there site at www.foleysfishhouse.com. If you look under www.citysearch.com you can search by location and get some pictures and menus of restaurants. I use it almost every weekend and have never been disappointed.