Eating in NYC - **Updated & THANKS

[bas71873]

We are headed to NYC next week for a few days and I'm putting together a game plan and I'm interested in places to grab lunch (and maybe dinner too). So here's our tentative itinerary (it will be myself, DH and DD7):

1. Thursday - our plan is to "do" FAO Schwartz, the Central Park zoo and maybe walk out to check out Bloomingdales' and Dylan's Candy Bar. So I'm looking for a place to grab a bite BEFORE we head into Central Park to go the zoo (we'll do FAO first).


2. Friday - I would like to do Top of the Rock, the wax museaum, just walk around the Times Square area and anything else that might strike us. I know there are tons of places to eat in this area, but looking for recommendations.


Thanks so much!

 

[cybrkitn]

Check out www.menupages.com. DH and I used that to check out restaurants and reviews when we spent the weekend there last year. It was very helpful with our planning.

 

[Ashleyfan]

We are headed to NYC next week for a few days and I'm putting together a game plan and I'm interested in places to grab lunch (and maybe dinner too). So here's our tentative itinerary (it will be myself, DH and DD7):

1. Thursday - our plan is to "do" FAO Schwartz, the Central Park zoo and maybe walk out to check out Bloomingdales' and Dylan's Candy Bar. So I'm looking for a place to grab a bite BEFORE we head into Central Park to go the zoo (we'll do FAO first).


2. Friday - I would like to do Top of the Rock, the wax museaum, just walk around the Times Square area and anything else that might strike us. I know there are tons of places to eat in this area, but looking for recommendations.


Thanks so much!

You have to eat at Cosi's and Serendipity 3! and I believe Serendipity 3 is kinda by Dylan's Candy Bar

 

[rebstone]

Serendipity 3 is a great place, but be prepared to WAIT for a table.

In the Times Square area I can recommend some restaurants, but they tend to be a bit pricy. The prix fixe menus can be a good deal though, so it's worth checking out:

Becco's (Italian) (STRONGLY RECOMMEND)
La Rivage (French)
B Smith's (southern)

I haven't eaten here but Bobby Flay's Bar American is not a far walk.

Also, there was just a review of a mexican restaurant, Toloache, in the NY Times. It looks good.

I'm sure there are others I'm blanking on. You'll definitely find to enjoy.

 

[sharonW]

Rosie O'Gradys, Ellen's Stardust Diner

HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[GeorgeG]

Don't forget a "dirty water hot dog." They're actually much better downtown around the government buildings, if you get around there.

 

[wvjules]

Ruby Foo's. We eat there every time we go.

 

[Ashleyfan]

rebstone is right about serendipity 3 you will wait forever, so you should call and see if you can make a reservation for there

P.S. there is a time warner center in columbus circle (right by central park) and it has a whole foods market with lots a food. It's really nice to go get food in there and then go eat in central park

 

[pjm-guy]

For #1, Mickey Mantle's is on 59th Street across from the park, fro #2, Ellen's Stardust Diner is not far from Rockefeller Center. Enjoy!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

The food at Serendipty is mediocre but the desserts are very good. However, it's not at all worth a long wait and it was closed for a while not that long ago by the health department for rats.

California Pizza Kitchen is on the same block, has decent food, is kid friendly and usually has no wait.

In Times Square I'd go to Junior's or Ruby Foo's.

There's not much right around FAO, where will you be coming from?

 

[Missy1961]

Times Square:
Carmine's http://www.carminesnyc.com/

Virgil's http://www.virgilsbbq.com/

 

[rgf207]

John's Pizzeria - 260 W 44th Street. They have great Brick Oven Pizza and a very reasonable cost.

 

[missypie]

John's Pizzeria - 260 W 44th Street. They have great Brick Oven Pizza and a very reasonable cost.

I second that. I think it's as good as Grimaldi's in Brooklyn that folks wait in long lines for.

 

[sbell111]

I'll give a third vote to John's Pizza. Yummy pizza in a cool building super close to Times Sq.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

4th vote for John's. The building is an old church and the pizza is great. Very kid-friendly. I suggest this place to everyone who asks me.

 

[MissMet]

For Day 1

I can't really recommend a kid friendly restaurant in that area. I would have to agree with a PP to go with a street vendor hot dog... & a pretzel too. Nothing like 'em! I will tell you that Dylan's Candy Bar is TINY so if you don't make it you're not missing much. Especially since you'll be in Time Square the next day & they have the M&M store, hershey store & the new, first ever Pop Tart store complete with a cafe.

For Day 2

5 Napkin Burger (AMAZING!) then go one block over to The Little Pie Company for dessert. (AMAZING!) http://www.5napkinburger.com/ http://www.littlepiecompany.com/Default.aspx

Other options...
Becco (make reservations exactly 2 weeks prior or you wont get in)
Ellen's Stardust (food is NOT worth it, but the atmosphere is nice for kids)
Brooklyn Diner
John's Pizza (don't bother, if you're heading over to Little Italy this trip, go to Lombardi's instead. USA's first pizzeria, licensed anyway. Opened 1897, licensed 1905!) http://www.firstpizza.com/

Other advise- don't go to a chain restaurant in NYC! Sorry PPs but you don't go to NYC to eat in a chain restaurant.

 

[Minnie_me]

I'll second ELLEN'S STARDUST DINER!!!!


Omg, we had SO MUCH FUN there! My DD9 is quite the little singer, and during "The Wizard and I", the waitress noticed she was singing along, and she held the mike up to her mouth for a few lines -- AWESOME!!

Beware, though - - it is MIGHTY PRICEY, and they pass around a bucket for donations toward their singing/dancing/acting lessons as well - yikes!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Rosie O'Gradys, Ellen's Stardust Diner

HAVE FUN!!!!

Don't forget a "dirty water hot dog." They're actually much better downtown around the government buildings, if you get around there.

oh my mouth is watering to both of these suggestions AND my own personal favorite, though I can't remember if its anywhere near your plans is a little pub called the Pig and Whistle...used to go there all the time when we saw Broadway shows

 

[bas71873]

WOW. Thanks everyone. After I get DD off to MiMi's tomorrow and outta my hair for 3 days (WOO HOO. 3 whole entire days & nights all by myself. Not that I'm excited or anything ), I am going to finalize my list and map plotting of places to see and places to eat!!!

While this is OT, is Madame Tousseaus (sp?) Wax Museaum worth seeing? Quite pricey to get in, but wondering if we, including DD7 would like it?? I'd love to see a show again, but I just can't swing it right now with Lion King coming way over the holiday and Beauty & the Beast coming to Richmond next spring!

 

[MissMet]

WOW. Thanks everyone. After I get DD off to MiMi's tomorrow and outta my hair for 3 days (WOO HOO. 3 whole entire days & nights all by myself. Not that I'm excited or anything ), I am going to finalize my list and map plotting of places to see and places to eat!!!

While this is OT, is Madame Tousseaus (sp?) Wax Museaum worth seeing? Quite pricey to get in, but wondering if we, including DD7 would like it?? I'd love to see a show again, but I just can't swing it right now with Lion King coming way over the holiday and Beauty & the Beast coming to Richmond next spring!

I think Madame Tussauds is worth it, once. It's not just stars, they also have government officials & important people in history. You can also have your hand made into wax. Although DD7 may be a little young still to really enjoy it. You can usually pretty easily find printable coupons online if you search. What about the American Girl Store instead?? It's over on 5th ave... easily walkable from times square.