Places to eat in Times Square
 

We will be staying at Hotel Mela on W 44th St and would be willing to walk about a mile. I am looking for great places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am looking for a good place to get Italian for dinner, some burger/grill places (not too fancy) and great places for breakfast for french toast, omlettes, pancakes, eggs ect. (budget about $30 for 2 for breakfast and lunch and $70-$80 for 2 for dinner). Also, we would like to do one fancy/upscale/classy restaurant for dinner (preferably chicken french/parm on the menu) $100 plus for 2 followed by an evening on the town to a classy nightclub, with music, preferably 30 aged crowd (which clubs to go to and how much to get in?) any suggesstions?
Thanks!

NY born and bred but I still love Carmine's for Italian.
Huge portions serve 2 or 3 big eaters.

Megan,

There are so may great places! After checking in, just take a walk along 9th Avenue between 43rd & 53rd. Bring a pen and make notes - you will likely write down many more places for B/L/D than your short stay will allow. On a separate walk, look at 10th Ave between 43rd & 53rd as well as 46th St. between 9th Ave & 8th Ave.

To get an idea of just how many options you'll see - look at Google map of the area and type "restaurants" in the search box and put your cursor over all the red dots.

I would avoid places within a few blocks of Times Square itself - there is a much greater chance it will be mediocre, overpriced, or both.

Most of the regular posters here I've encountered will recommend avoiding Times Square and exploring other parts of NYC.

A board search here will likely yield some good options.

Artisanal (French)*****
2 Park Avenue (32nd Street)
212.725.8585

Becco Nice Italian
355 West 46th St
Btw 8th & 9th
212 397 7597

PongsriThai
244 W. 48th St., between bway and 8th
212-582-3392

Tout Va Bien***
311 West 51st St.
212-974-9051

Trattoria Dell’ Arte***** Upscale Italian
900 Seventh Ave. (56th & 57th)
212-245-9800

Remi Upscale Italian
West 53rd (between6/7)

Also, don't hesitate to use the subway, which will allow you to explore a wider range of possibilities.

Here are my two favorites in the TS area -
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/Prope...VID=11&R=39112
Divine Bar @ 236 W 54th St - great for drinks, tapas or dinner

http://www.beechmantheatre.com/wbc/index.html
West Bank Cafe @ 407 W 42nd St - great for dinners

If you like sushi or seafood, then get a seat at the window at Blue Fin smack dab in the middle of Times Square across from the TKTS booth. Watch the parade of people walking by while you are enjoying great food and drink
Blue Fin @1567 Broadway
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/

Thanks for all of the suggestions so for!

For a nightclub you need to decide what type you want. The trendy ones are VERY difficult to get into (often long waits and then get turned away at the door) and very pricey- $300 for a bottle to get a table. If you're willing to go to a less trendy spot you will find tons of options - look at Time OUt New York web site to see what your options are in terms of type of music, atmosphere and price.

I do not have a problem going to a less trendy spot.. do you have any ideas in particular? I will def take a look at Time Out NY. Thanks

I second the suggestion for Remi. My favorite Italian restaurant in New York though is Roberto Passon at 741 9th Ave.

Roberto Passon is no longer in business.

I was at Becco during my last visit in May - the food was good, not the best italian I've had in NY, but still good and plentiful! Marseille is a nice french bistro on 9th Ave, at 48th or 49th I believe. I also went in May to a place on 9th called eaterynyc that was casual, trendy, and very good:

http://www.eaterynyc.com/

Five Napkin Burger - 9th and 45th - has great burgers. You may not eat for a day after one. Believe it or not, reservations are a good idea even for lunch. They have been discovered and are packed all the time.
www.5napkinburger.com

There are many good places to eat ile Becco on Restaurant Row, W.46th, between 8th and 9th Ave. You don't want to eat in the immediate Times Square area filled with chain restaurants.

For Breakfast - you have to go to Ellen's Stardust Diner - corner of Broadway and 51st. The waiters/waitresses sing between dropping off meals, taking orders, etc. Lots of Broadway dreamers!! Some are very, very good! Breakfast is good - basic diner stuff, but the atmosphere is a blast. We ALWAYS go there at least once on my girls trips! Also after theatre for ice cream sundaes!!

Sorry Adu but Roberto Passon is now Giuliano & still a great buy as are all the restaurants at www.NYCRG.com, some of whom
may be booked on Open Table.

9th Avenue has a plethora of inexp good restos.

During the week (not sure about weekends) you can get decent Thai food on 9th Ave between, like, 42-54 for 6.50/person for lunch. This includes an appetizer, drink, and entree. There are a lot of options that offer the same deal.

Also: Papaya Dog on 42nd and 9th or Grey's Papaya on 38th and 8th for two hot dogs and a drink for 4.50.

John's Pizzeria on 44th between 7th and 8th (next to the St. James Theatre) has pretty good pizza.

For breakfast, I'd walk over to Ess-a-bagel at 50th and 2nd Ave (I think) for a gigantic bagel with cream cheese. Really, really delicious bagel.

I am glad we agree Rhea, Roberto Passon is no longer in business and is called something else since the eponymous chef has gone elsewhere.

Are you associated with NYCRG or any of their restaurants listed?

Adu,I wanted to clarify because one might read that No restaurant is in that location.

No affiliation with ANY resto other than being a customer.
I always point folks in the direction of NYCRG since they are
cheap and fairly consistent in food quality. Also, tourists
don't know to venture over to 9th avenue where there are
scads of restos.

New find: Yesterday dined at Dafni, Greek resto across from
Port Authority that is getting alot of hype...added bene:
Christopher Kimball was dining there...now if that isn't
an endorsement, can't say what is.