I'm going to be in NY for my birthday and want to eat at either of these, but have heard the food can be mediocre for the price. Any advice? I'm up for other options as well.

I took my mom to Tavern on the Green when we went away for a girls weekend recently. I would say the food was better than mediocre, it was good but overpriced. It is a touristy place so you are paying for the reputation but I think it is worth the experience. Reserve ahead if you want a special table (depending on when you go the outside terrace is beautiful, hung with lanterns and decorated with twinkling lights) or go for the crystal room that looks out over the terrace - that way you'll experience both. If you don't want to spend as much as dinner would cost, go for brunch it is still a great experience (lots of New Yorkers go I think), and the lobster bisque is to die for!

Another great New York place to eat is the Osyter Bar in Grand Central Station.

NYC has so many great restaurants so DO NOT go to Tavern on the Green! My family went there for a special night out and were so disappointed. The food and service were mediocre at best but the worst was that we did not even eat in the beautiful room with glass and lights that everyone associates with Tavern on the Green. We were seated in a dining room with no windows that could have been a fancy function room in any hotel.

An alternative suggestion for a lovely dinner would be the River Cafe. You can check it out on zagat.com.

Good luck!

To sit on the terrace at Tavern on the Green, when conditions are right, can be a very special experience.

On our dresser sits a picture of my wife toasting our presence there one July afternoon. She, with her bloody mary, in a wide-brim hat.... One of life's great moments.

I think either one is worth a visit for the experience...I often take friends and family there who have heard so much about it they must see it for themselves...they're destination attractions...Tavern on the Green is packed more often than not and you're usually rushed through your courses to make room for the next party...if you do go make a reservation and try to get into the Crystal Room...The Russian Tea Room is opulent and the samovar collection is an extra added attraction as is the massive glass bear statue...each place sets a different mood...Carole's suggestion for The River Cafe is a very good one...great location and atmosphere...order the chocolate dessert that comes with your own chocolate Brooklyn Bridge...others that come to mind are The Boathouse at Central Park (enter on 5th at 72nd), The Four Seasons, and Cafe des Artistes with its beautiful murals.

Take a look at Zagats online. Search for restuarants like TOTG or the Russian Tea Room and you'll find so many places that are soo much better. If you are looking for amazing food and wonderful atmosphere, I recommend Tabla. One of the best meals I've ever had, and the nicest wait-staff ever. I'll list a few otherquintessential NY restuarants to give you a starting place.
Mesa Grill--loud, but fun & great food
Sparks--killer steaks and creamed spinach
Aquavit--great fish, calm & upscale
Petrossian--if you're looking for Russian food
Try Gourmet magazine for their suggestions--they are always spot on.
I'll even give you my favortite restaurant in the city--Epices du Traiteur. It's very small, very friendly, cozy/romantic, serves wonderful French North African food. The interior is all brick as it is in a townhouse. If you go, you must order the b'stilla.

Thank you ALL so much for your suggestions. They have been very helpful! I'll let you know what we decide.

if those are your only choices then without question: THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM.

I would avoid Tavern on the Green. It's not the restaurant that it used to be several years ago.

I've eaten at both, and they're both fine if you want to spend a lot of money. TOTG is beautiful, but you never know if you'll be seated in THE room, or one of the other little dark ones. The food's good; not great. The Russian Tea Room is very expensive for what you get, and the quality varies. Check out a good guide book--Fodor's or Access--there are a million excellent and not terribly expensive restaurants in NY.

I go to NYC once or twice a year and have eaten at many great restaurants, but I've always wanted to go to TOTG and Russian Tea Room. That's the only reason I've narrowed it down to those two for this partiuclar occassion. However, I can't wait to additionally try all the other suggestions mentioned here on this or future trips.

I think that we really want to try TOTG and I understand that we can't request a specific room.

ANY IDEAS ON HOW MUCH WE MIGHT TIP THE MATIRE D' TO GET IN THE CRYSTAL ROOM?

Thanks.

No idea of an answer to the tipping question. But--can you go at an "off" time? (Are there off times there?) I was thinking go at 6 or 6:30, unless they also do a pre-theatre business (but how? they are not near the theatres). In NY as you probably know, 7:30-8:30 is when most people sit down in a restaurant, so maybe earlier you'd get a better table.

Or later, but in a place like this the staff probably starts cutting corners on their already so-so service as it gets closer to closing time.

Tavern on the Green may become a NIGHTMARE for you, best go to Russian Tea Room.

Didn't the Russian Tea Room close?

I think The Russian Tea Room is now Firebird,no?

There's a Russian restaurant called Firebird on West 46th Street...maybe that's the one you're thinking about...The Russian Tea Room is still open...Werner LeRoy left its future in the hands of his daughter Jennifer.

Thank you Merilee

Regarding TOTG: the concierge at our hotel made us a reservation for Sunday brunch about 2 months in advance and specifically requested the Crystal Room (no guarantees). When the maitre'd saw the original reservation date,he was so surprised that we'd booked so early that he accomodated our request without any excessive tipping necessary, even though the place was packed. So maybe booking ridiculously early is the answer, especially as you can always cancel if you change your mind. BTW, I thought the Crystal Room was a gas, and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole spectacle; the food was actually good, if not great.

Just don't check your coat if you're in a hurry!

Watch out for the cab drivers