Jim

I will be in NYC for nine days in
early June. If a person could choose one restaurant in the city for a
fine evening, which would it be. I've read some bad reviews about
Tavern On The Green,on the other hand I've read good things about
Union Cafe. Any help will be appreciated.

Beverly

The feedback you got on Tavern on the Green is about right. It is very much a tourist spot with shaky service and food. Location is very nice, though, right in Central Park West with white lights all over the trees and property (a bit much). What kind of evening are you looking for? Casual? Homey? Lively? Romantic? "Beautiful people" place? How many people and what kind of food do you like? Also, is budget a factor? There are many many to choose from.

Beverly

The feedback you got on Tavern on the Green is about right. It is very much a tourist spot with shaky service and food. Location is very nice, though, right in Central Park West with white lights all over the trees and property (a bit much). What kind of evening are you looking for? Casual? Homey? Lively? Romantic? "Beautiful people" place? How many people and what kind of food do you like? Also, is budget a factor? There are many many to choose from.

Chuck

The most romantic restaurant in NYC in by opinion is One if by Land located in the village. It is in a 1726 old home once owned by Aaron Burr. Piano music and firelight in the background - no noisy crowds just elegant couples dining. The beef Wellington is the specialty of the house and is to die for. Mny couples get engaged over dinner. Zagat's gives it great ratings also. We love it but expect to spend $150 to $200 depending on the wine.

Jeremy Feldman

Forget Tavern on the Green -- it's a tourist trap with nice lighting. Union Square Cafe is a great restaurant. It's one of the most popular in the city. However, getting reservations is difficult. I would call now and see if there's anything available. Nearby is Grammercy Tavern, which is another popular spot co-owned by the same owner as Union Square. I'd call there to see if they have your date open. Two of my other favorite New York spots are: Jo Jos (in the East 60s), which is Jean Georges Vonrichten's (sp?) first place. It's located in an Eastside townhouse. The fish there is excellent. And March, award-winning chef Wayne Nish's restaurant in the East 50s by the bridge. The menu here is a little unusual; instead of ordering the standard three course meal, you order a bunch of smaller dishes (I think they recommend four or seven), so that a meal there is a bit like eating from a tasting menu. The food is outstanding, the wine list superb and the service some of the best in the city. They have a small garden, so if the weather is good, you can sit outside (mention this when you make your reservations if it interests you). All of these restaurants are in the same, generally expensive, price range.

Bon apétit.

- Jeremy

john

For a good touristy meal have brunch on Sunday at the Windows on the World on top of the World Trade Center. The food is real good ($35) and the view is spectacular.
My favorite place to eat is Knickerbachers 33 Univesity (10th) near NYU in the village. the steaks and other food is good, not over priced and they have a great jaz combo.It is also open late so good for after theater dinner.
My new find in the village is The Tree House at 236 Hudson. It is french with a good food and small intimate atmosphere.

Rob

I second Jeremy's motion for the Union Square Cafe and/or Gramercy Tavern. Service is impeccable and the food, delicious. Give either a try.

linda

I agree with the others regarding Tavern on the Green, it's all hype. A nice place to go for a casual meal is Cucina Stagionale, located on Bleecker St. between 6th & 7th Ave. They're a "BYO" place (bring your own wine, beer, etc.), really good cheap Italian food in ample portions. The only thing is they don't accept credit cards.

Brian in Atlanta

Gotham Bar and Grill in the Village (12th St I think). Expensive, but worth it.

Zagat's has a 1999 guide for NYC. Check it out. Limited reviews on their web site.

linda

We visit NY once a year. Have done this for the last 15 years. Stay 5 days.
Tried many restruants. My favorite is called a Dish of Salt. It is near Times Square. The food is wonderful, the drinks are great. Best Scotch Gimlet I've ever had.
They have a "mood" piano player.
Tavern too expensive. Tried it twice and it wasn't that good. Nice location.
Dish of Salt is not as expensive but close to it. I think it is worth it.

We usually stay at the Marquis and walk there.
Have a great time.

Deborah Weisbach

Tavern on the Green is not too good. Union Square cafe is nice, but I prefer Bouley Bakery which is wonderful and has amazing desserts. Or Grammercy Tavern is excellent also.
Good luck.

elaine

My recommendations are
Restaurant Daniel. Outstanding
French-ish food, American and other touches. They take reservations one month to the day in advance, starting at 9am. If you wait until 10am to call you may not get a table. Business attire during the week, can get dressier on Saturdays.

La Grenouille. Classic French. Gorgeous, civilized, perfect, but not intimidating. My favorite restaurant in New York (I live here). Dress to kill, at least on weekends; business attire at the least during the week.

I also quite like Gramercy Tavern
and Gotham Bar and Grill (not a bar and grill!) for classic American food with
creative touches. They are excellent. Moderately dressy: jacket yes, tie not necessary.
Both are hard to reserve.

Please skip Tavern on the Green. It is a tourist trap. Very overpriced, below average food. Service can be chaotic. Dish of Salt is quite good as long as you want Chinese. I think they get a more interesting crowd during the week than on weekends.
I also love Mesa Grill. Southwestern influences, but food that is of the highest quality and creativity. Most of it packs heat, but not excessively so. Casual crowd.

I have never been a big fan of Union Sq. Cafe, think it's overrated, but that is definitely a minority opinion.

Karen

I agree with all the others in regard to Tavern on the Green. Last year we were just dying to go there and made reservations several months in advance. The food was absolutely terrible, but the atmosphere in the patio absolutely wonderful. I'd stop by and have a drink in the patio and forget the food.

Joan

One of my favorites is just outside of Manhattan, in Brooklyn. The River Cafe. The food is amazing and the view of Manhattan is spectacular (go at night). It's quite expensive, but worth it.

Some other favorites are Lola's got Sunday gospel brunch, Moomba (one of the hot, trendy spots at the moment) and Chez Michallet (tiny and romantic, in the "Village" which has great French food).

Sharon

One restaurant in New York? Cafe des Artistes...George Lang's sybaritic upper west side sexy, fabulous French restaurant. This restaurant has replaced The Russian Tea Room as the ultimate New York spot in the writers mind. Very romantic with excellent food. I would go to the routinely bashed Tavern on the Green for drinks before if you have a late table and to the Plaza or Algonquin after. My other quintessential New York choice is the Four Seasons.

steve

I agree with most of the previous posts. I too think The Four Seasons is perhaps the "ultimate" New York restaurant-the atmosphere is different from just about any other place anywhere and the food and service are first rate. Union Square Cafe is a very fine restaurant as is Gramercy Tavern. Gotham Bar and Grill has exceptionally fine food in a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. Another one of my favorites is Aquavit-the room with the soaring ceiling and waterfall is beautiful and the Scandinavian cuisine is wonderful.

Rob

The River Cafe suggestion was an interesting post. One of the best views of the manhattan skyline I've ever seen, and right through a view of the Brooklyn Bridge! Food is good, the service solid, and the restaurant interior matches he view. Another excellent suggestion on a board filled with great options.

denise

The last four reply's were right on the mark!!!Of course if your a steak lover you might want to try Bensons or Sparks.

Tracey

One of the best restaurants in NY is Gallaghers Steak House located on 52nd & Broadway. If you are a steak lover this is definately the place to go. From the street you can see into their meat cooler where they age their steaks for 60 days before serving. Order the mustard sauce with your steak. It is out of this world!! The restaurant is a little pricy and I would recommend reservations but it is definately worth it. Enjoy your trip.

Curt

Jim, I'm only a visitor to NY but two of our favorites are Aureole and Palio. French and Italian influenced respectively. Both are elegant but not intimidating; and while they don't have the bohemian feel of Cafe des Artistes, we have had romantic dinners at both. CW