Friends are visiting from England and staying in a hotel in the Times Square area. They want to experience a typical NY restaurant, something different than they have at home. That means, no Chinese, Italian or Indian food. Maybe a steak house, BBQ or......whatever you can suggest. We prefer casual to fancy and not too boisterous so we can chat and catch up. They prefer to stay near their hotel so I am thinking maybe 34th St-50th Street on the west side. Your suggestions are welcome! Thank you.

Keens Steakhouse is very "old New York;" you do not have to dress up; upscale casual is fine. Steak or lamb are the things to consider.

http://www.keens.com/


Much younger, more cutting edge in feeling and with more inventive food: Ma Peche by David Chang, who is currently a "hot" chef here. It's a mashup of Asian and American, with passed plates along with regular menu. They do play music so it is not quiet but should not be obnoxiously loud, either. It is in a windowless lower-level room. Casual dress is fine.


https://mapeche.momofuku.com/mapeche/menu/dinner/


Lupolo is the new-ish place by a well-regarded Portuguese chef; looks like a tasca in Portugal. Very good peri peri chicken, seafood, etc. Casual.

http://static1.squarespace.com/stati...ner+Aug+16.pdf

There is good BBQ in NYC but I would not recommend anyplace in that area.
If you are willing to travel, take a look at Mighty Quinn with locations in the East and West Village and on the Upper East Side; Casual and the least expensive of the ones I mention above:


http://mightyquinnsbbq.com/menu.html

Thank you so much. Your recommendations look great - exactly what we were looking for!

I am glad you found the info helpful. Come back anytime with more questions.
And have a wonderful visit!

Maybe Joe Allen? It's been around for ages and feels very NY to me.

ekscrunchy....Thank you for the Mighty Quinn info. There's one right in my neighborhood on the East Side!! (There goes the diet.)

YOu're welcome, G. Let us know what you think!