I'm a little embarassed to ask such a simple question but Fodor's folks are always so helpful. Don't know how I'd plan a trip without you. Anyway: husband and I are heading to NYC next weekend and for our first night's dinner we wanted to eat someplace with a bit of a New York thrill, in terms of a view or atmosphere ... but not in the super-expensive category, and also a place where "business/dress casual" would be acceptable attire, rather than a dress for me and a jacket for him. Thought about Top of the Tower at the Beekman Hotel, but reviews I read sound like it's dressy; Foley's Fish House has the right views and dress code but the food reviews are not so hot. What would you do? We're staying on Central Park West near Columbus Circle.

Burger Heaven. They do all sorts of lovely jubbly!

A couple of places to try are the W hotel, they have a great lounge and restaurant. If you like Japanese food you have to go to Nobu,-MAKE A RESERVATION AND THEN CONFIRM IT ONE DAY PRIOR. a fun place with a view is at the south street seaport. I forget the name of the restaurant but is second floor seafood restaurant that looks out on to the water, I am sure if you do some research you can figure out the name of it (sorry). you could always have dinner on the circle line boat, which is more atmosphere than quality of food (average). Don't limit yourself by the location of our hotel. you can get just about anywhere in 20 minutes in a cab.

Here is an alternative suggestion, do drinks at the Beekman Tower instead of dinner. Personally, I'd take someone to the Rainbow Room before the Beekman. (The view is much better.) Go to for a pre or post dinner cocktail.

Better yet, especiallly around dusk on a nice day is the Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel. Sit outside, the view is great.

For good Italian, in a more relaxed atmosphere than its more staid sibling Le Cirque, is Circo (55th and 7th.)

For a great French meal, at a very good price, you might want to try La Mangeoire on 2nd and 53rd. They have a great fixed price dinner menu.

What's acceptable dress at Beekman, Peninsula, or any of the other places, including Nobu?

ttt

At Nobu on a Saturday night, I saw many jeans-and-t-shirt ensembles, albeit hip, NYC-boho type ones. Some folks were wearing cocktail black; I saw only one or two suit-and-tie deals. In general, NYC is nowhere near as dressy as it used to be,good, bad or indifferent.