|
Type |
Name |
Comments |
|
American |
Maxie’s
Restaurant
Times Square
723 7th Avenue at 48th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-398-1118 |
Open at 6 a.m.,
Maxie’s is, so far, the best cheesecake we’ve found in
NYC. Slices start at $8, but are well worth it. Figure
on about $20 for a sandwich with fries and a bit higher
for an entrée, but the portions are GIGANTIC. Consider
paying the $3 “sharing fee” and splitting one meal with
a friend. |
|
American |
Joshua Tree
Restaurant Row
366 46th Street between 8th & 9th
212-489-1920 |
Looks deceptively small from the outside as so many NYC
restaurants do, but there is a nice seating upstairs as
well (ask for a seat by the window if you can get it).
Nice variety of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. The
grilled salmon is excellent—very moist and the perfect
portion size.
http://www.joshuatreebarnyc.com/media/joshuatree.html |
|
Bar & Grill |
Harmony View Bar
& Grill
210 West 50th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-957-5100 |
Owner Emmett
O’Lunney (son of the owner of the Times Square pub
O’Lunney’s) offers a nice variety of good food at
reasonable prices in a friendly, low-key atmosphere. A
great place to relax. A Playbill “Celebrity Choice”
item.
http://harmonyview.com |
BBQ
 |
Virgil’s
152 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-921-9494 |
Casual, lively
atmosphere, with country music in the background. Along
with great BBQ dinners, Virgil’s serves up awesome crab
cakes (they’ve got a spicy little kick to ‘em) and
stick-to-your-ribs mac & cheese. Dinner entrees run in
the $13-20 range, but sandwich are reasonably priced and
come with two sides and a pickle.
http://www.virgilsbbq.com/ |
|
Dessert |
Junior's
West 45th Street
Between Broadway & 8th Avenue
212-302-2000 |
They claim to have
"the world's best cheesecake" and while we prefer
Maxie's, Junior's definitely has a wonderful red velvet
layer cake. Their desserts are pricey at an average of
$6.50, but you get a HUGE portion. This is a place to go
for dessert and coffee, not necessarily a meal.
www.juniorscheesecake.com |
|
Dessert |
Serendipity
225 East 60th Street
Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
212-838-3531 |
The quaint little
place was already popular, but once Oprah declared the
Frozen Hot Chocolate to be one of her favorite things,
it became even more difficult to get in. You need to
call MONTHS in advance for a reservation—if you just
show up, you will probably not have much luck,
especially on a weekend. This is a charming, cozy place
with lots of beautiful Tiffany glass and Victorian
touches. Menu options range from burgers to seafood
fettuccine, but the real reason to go is for the
desserts and the atmosphere. With a 48-hour advance
notice and $1,000, you can order the Golden Opulence
Sundae or, if you're on a budget, try the Cheese Cake
Vesuvius for $20, or the infamous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate
at the bargain price of $8.50. (Or buy a milkshake at
your local custard stand, let it thaw a little, top with
whipped cream and you pretty much have the same thing!)
www.serendipity3.com |
|
Greek |
Uncle Nick’s
747 Ninth Ave
Between 50th and 51st Streets
212-245-7992 |
This comes highly
recommended by one of our customers. Large portions of
good traditional Greek food at ridiculous (low) prices.
Service is friendly to match the rollicking atmosphere.
For menu, click link
http://www.menupages.com/screenmenu_b.asp?restaurantid=3879&areaid=9 |
|
Irish Pub |
O’Lunney’s Times Square Pub
145 West 45th Street
212-840-6688 |
Traditional Irish offerings, as well as daily pasta,
fish, and omelet specials, at reasonable prices.
http://www.olunneys.com/ |
Italian
|
Becco
355 West 46th Street
Restaurant Row
212-397-7597 |
One of PBS celebrity
chef Lidia Bastianich’s restaurants and one of my new
favorite places! Recommended by a customer and she
was right on the mark—food was great, wine was
excellent, and the service was wonderful!
http://www.becconyc.com/ |
|
Italian |
Bella Napoli
150 West 49th Street
Between 6th & 7th Avenues
212-719-2819 |
Nice, small traditional Italian restaurant with good
food, big portions, low prices, and fast service. Across
the street from our bus pick-up location, so it’s a
great place to hit at the end of the day. |
Italian
|
Da Nico Ristorante
164 Mulberry Street
292-3 43-1212 |
Located in Little Italy, about a 15-minute cab ride from
midtown Manhattan, but worth the expense of the cab ($10
+ tip). Lunch entrée prices run $6-11 and include bread
and salad! Food is homemade, quantity is more than
adequate, and quality is excellent. Plan to get there
right when they open for lunch at noon to avoid a wait.
http://danicorest.com/ |
Italian
|
DaRosina
342 West 46th Street
212-977-7373 |
This was recommended
by Brian Libby and we’re sure glad he told us about it!
You can get a great threecourse Prix Fixe lunch for just
$16! The homemade ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and
spinach in fresh tomato sauce is excellent and just the
right portion size to leave room for the included
dessert!
www.darosina.com
|
|
Italian |
Federico’s
251 West 50th Street
Between 8th & Broadway
212-581-1818 |
Small and charming with attentive and efficient staff.
The bow-tie pasta with salmon in vodka cream sauce is
excellent; lobster ravioli is also recommended and pizza
(made in their brick oven) is available. Expect to pay
$20+ for dinner, less for lunch and pizza. |
|
Italian |
Lattanzi
Ristorante
361 West 46th Street
New York, NY
212-315-0980 |
One of the many
restaurants on Restaurant Row, this family-owned
restaurant has incredibly fast service, delicious food,
and prices that are about average for NYC. The
atmosphere is semi-elegant without being stuffy and the
wait staff is fast and courteous. If you can’t get into
Becco, this is an excellent second choice.
www.lattanzinyc.com
|
|
Italian |
Sardi’s
234 West 44th Street
212-221-8440 |
An absolute must for theater buffs, this legendary
restaurant has been a theater staple since 1921. This
Broadway institution offers people-watching and
nostalgia courtesy of its caricature-lined walls. Not
cheap: you’ll pay $18 for a cheeseburger. They
do offer the convenience of making online reservations
though.
www.sardis.com
NOTE:
Check out this link to Sardi’s Prix Fix menu (it’s not
included on their regular menu—you have to specifically
request it)
http://www.sardis.com/htmldocs/cms/menu/prix_fix.htm |
|
Italian |
Carmine’s
200 West 44th Street
between 7th & 8th Aves
212-221-3800 |
Typical Italian fare but with the New York price tag;
portions are fairly large. Plan to make reservations if
you can or at least get in line early.
http://www.carminesnyc.com/index.htm |
|
Italian |
Puglia Ristorante
189 Hester Street (Little Italy)
Between Mott & Mulberry
212-966-6006 |
This comes highly recommended by the friend of a friend
and Internet reviews back up that recommendation.
Entrees start at $6.50; added bonus: an on-site singer!
|
|
Mexican |
Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant
259 W 42nd St
(212) 302-4010 |
Menu includes all the usual offerings at reasonable
prices.
http://www.chevys.com/frameset.html |
|
Pizza
|
John’s Pizza
260 West 44th Street
212-391-7560
408 E. 64th Street
212-935-2895 |
A small cheese pizza will run you $12, but the high
price is worth it—John’s is known for their great brick
oven pizza. There are also standard Italian entrees at
very reasonable prices for NYC (e.g., $8.95 for stuffed
shells or baked ziti).
http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm |
|
Pizza |
Ray’s Pizza
856 8th Ave (between 51st & 52nd)
212-489-61878 |
This self-proclaimed
“Famous Original” pizza joint is the place to go when
you want fast, cheap, delicious pizza, without any
frills (i.e., paper plates and plastic trays). Try the
garlic knots—five for $1.25 and filling enough to be a
light meal. More luncheonette than restaurant,
there are only about eight tables, so you may have to
wait for a seat.
www.rayspizza.com
|
|
Sandwiches |
Carnegie Deli
854 Seventh Ave. (at 55th Street)
800-334-5606 |
They’re known for their
GIGANTIC sandwiches and their cheesecake, but they don’t
take reservations and they don’t accept credit cards.
http://www.carnegiedeli.com/ |
|
Sandwich, Burgers, Pizza, or
Quick sit-down Meals |
Cranberry Deli
115 West 45th Street
212-730-9495 |
You should be able to find
something for everyone here for breakfast, lunch, or
dinner. Prices are very reasonable and pizza slices are
huge. Cold salad buffet and hot buffet available for
$4.95 each. Save room for dessert—cheesecake is just $3
a slice. Small seating area downstairs, larger area
upstairs. |
|
Seafood |
City Lobster & Crab Company
121 West 49th Street
212-354-1717 |
On the pricey side, but the
food is quite good and the atmosphere very nice.
Conveniently located at the bus drop-off/pick-up
location.
http://www.citylobster.com/index.htm |
|
Seafood |
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
1285 6th Ave, at 52nd St
212-459-1222 |
Claiming that they bring the
freshest seafood to NYC, McCormick & Schmick's is
located close to Radio City Music Hall, the Theater
District and famous 5th Avenue Shopping. If you want to
test it out, go for lunch when the prices are very
reasonable.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com |
Special Occasion
|
Tavern on
the Green
Central Park at West 67th
212-873-3200 |
Originally built to
house sheep in 1870, the building now known as Tavern on
the Green became a restaurant in 1934. The six dining
rooms are spectacular and the garden dining areas
beautiful. You won't get off cheap here ($30 for fish
and chips), but this is the place to go when you want to
treat yourself or someone else. Be sure to visit the
gift shop before you leave!
http://www.tavernonthegreen.com/ |
|
Steakhouse
|
Frankie & Johnnie’s
269 W. 45th Street
212-997-9494
NOTE: Sadly, F&J is closing in mid-January 2009. |
A former speakeasy known for their steaks, Frankie &
Johnnie’s is a little pricey, but worth the visit. The
salmon is also quite good. Reservations are suggested,
especially for dinner. If Mario is your waiter, tell
him Debbie said hi!
http://frankieandjohnnies.com/ |
|
Steakhouse & Seafood |
Rosie O’Grady’s
800 7th Ave
212-582-2975 |
A steak and seafood house in
the tradition of the great New York saloons. A Broadway
Theater District fixture, centrally located near Times
Square, Rockefeller Center, and a short distance from
several major museums.
http://rosieogradys.com |
|
Steakhouse |
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
148 West 51st Street
212-245-9600 |
Has a good, solid reputation,
but is pricey—might be best saved for a special
occasion.
http://www.ruthschris.com/ |
|
Steakhouse |
Shula’s Steak House
270 W 43rd St
212-201-2776 |
Shula’s is famous for serving
the “Biggest and the Best” Certified Angus Beef®, the
best beef money can buy (but that does come with a price
tag!).
http://www.donshula.com/ |
|
Theme |
Dave and Busters
Times Square
234 W. 42nd Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10026
646-495-2015 |
This
restaurant/entertainment complex is located on the 3rd
floor (sharing the same building as Applebee’s), reached
via escalators. Plenty of seating, friendly and
courteous staff, and a varied enough menu offering
pizza, pasta, burgers and finger food. For the kids, and
the kids-at-heart, the arcade contains classic games
like billiards, skeeball and shuffleboard, Ms. Pacman,
Centipede and virtual-reality simulators.
http://www.daveandbusters.com/Dining/Menu.aspx |
|
Theme |
Ellen's
Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway, Corner of 51st
212-956-5151 |
It's pricey for
diner food and tends to get very crowded and noisy, but
this is a place to try at least once, just for the
experience. The servers are all incredibly talented
singers and dancers which definitely helps to offset the
prices. There are LOTS of choices on the menu, service
is fast, food decent, neat 50's atmosphere, and just a
fun place to go. Very convenient if you're going to see
Wicked--August Wilson Theatre is right up the street.
www.ellensstardustdiner.com |
|
Theme |
Jekyll & Hyde Club
1409 Avenue of the Americas
212-541-9505
Jekyll & Hyde Pub
(smaller)
91 7th Avenue S (between West 4th and Barrow Streets)
212-989-7701 |
A great place to take the family for the entertainment
value; quality of food and menu choices are more than
adequate. Note: The interior is dark and there are
costumed characters which may be scary to easily
frightened younger children.
http://www.eerie.com/ |
|
Theme |
B. B. King
Blues Club & Grill
237 W. 42nd Street
212-997-4144 |
All-you-can-eat
afternoon brunch buffet every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. –
2:00 p.m., featuring Strawberry Fields, with former
members Of Broadway's Hit Musical BEATLEMANIA (currently
scheduled through July 2006)
http://www.bbkingblues.com/ |