NYC Dinner suggestions

[snuggles]

My friend and her family are going to NYC to celebrate their oldest son's graduation from high school. They need some suggestions of some really great, not all tourist attraction, places to eat.
Someone told her about a place in Central Park that overlooks the river. Anybody know what the name of that could be? I told her I'd "ask around" and knew I'd get some great suggestions from my Dis friends. Thanks in advance.
Ann

 

[gina2000]

Central Park doesn't overlook either the East River or the Hudson so I'm not sure about that river view. Tavern on the Green is in Central Park and is nice, expensive and very touristy.

Do you have any idea about the amount of money your friend is willing to spend for dinner? The reason I ask is that there is a huge variety of restaurants in all prices ranges in the city.

 

[snuggles]

They are willing to spend a good bit for a nice dinner. I know that a good bit is hard to go by lol. She said she is also interested in small deli's for lunch.

 

[Terry Sheehan]

Great Italian restaurant in the Broadway area called Carmine's...I want to say it's on 46th Street.

Make reservations ASAP...the place is popular. Or go at a weird time...we've eaten there at 1130AM or 3PM.

Food is out of this world.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

I agree - Carmine's is great! Make sure you go on an empty stomach - or split an entree - the portions are huge.

 

[adamak]

That's the Boat House Cafe inside Central Park (75th street area). It overlooks a lake, and it's much cheaper (and better) than Tavern on the Green. I believe they don't take reservation for weekend brunch.

http://www.tmcny.com/newsletters/16centralprk.htm#Restaurants

 

[jel0511]

My favorite restaurants in NYC are Bolo, Gramercy Tavern, Patria and Mesa Grill. All are located in the Gramercy/Union Square area on NYC and are FABULOUS!!!

 

[Cinderellafifi]

Originally posted by jel0511
My favorite restaurants in NYC are Bolo, Gramercy Tavern, Patria and Mesa Grill. All are located in the Gramercy/Union Square area on NYC and are FABULOUS!!!

We are arriving on Friday and I was happy to see that these restaurants are recommended. I think we are leaning toward Bolo or Gramercy Tavern. Thanks!

 

[allicat]

We enjoy Carmines too. Forget it without a reservation unless you go at an off time!

 

[swanmom]

Where's the graduation??? Mid-town restaurants vs. downtown vs. Greenwich Village restaurants are much different.

 

[Jdubbs]

My favorite rest. is da nico on mulberry and grand.The best italian joint in little Italy.

 

[ripleysmom]

Virgil's is also good and is owned by the folks that own Carmine's. They specialize in BBQ food.

 

[snuggles]

These are great suggestions. Keep em coming.

Swanmom, the graduation is here in Georgia. They are heading to NY for a family vacation to celebrate. What about some tips for Greenwich Village too.

 

[TimeforMe]

Out of the restaurants mentioned here, we've eaten at Carmine's (both of them many times), Patria, and Mesa Grill. Carmine's is very good, but very noisy, busy, etc. The food is served family style and the prices are extremely reasonable by NYC standards. So if you are feeding a relatively large crowd, this may be the place for you. Food is consistent and yummy.

Hands down my favorite out of those three, however, is Patria. I guess you would call it Latin/Cuban and the whole experience is much more than dinner in a restaurant. It is pricey, though, so this may not be the best choice. You will definitely need a reservation, too. Their food is to die for.

 

[pumba]

right here.......as usual the dis community comes thru.....

 

[AspiringCindy]

I have another vote for Carmines! We have also eaten at both locations and looovvve it. My brother used to be a chef there and have been going there for years. The food is delicious, the prices and portions are great and the atmosphere is sooooo NYC! Book at least 2 weeks in advance though! It's popular with the locals.

 

[mark & sandra]

I'd like to suggest a themed restaurant on 6th ave about 1 block away from central park. It's called Jekyll & Hyde Club. The theme is horror movies. The place is all done up in eerie memorabilia. Items on the wall have cameras and speakers, so you never know if you'll become part of a show during your meal, there are actors and actresses dressed for various roles roaming the rest. ready to sit with you and engage in a mock show. They have a 3 story atrium and the actors play to each other from floor to floor sometimes involving guests. Even finding the bathroom is fun, unless you really have to go bad, they have a hallway of books on bookcases, and one section opens for the bathroom. Half the fun is watching others groping the wall for the door. All in all a great visit. Their site is www.eerie.com (remember you want the club and not the pub)

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Add another vote to the Carmine's list. DH and I had dinner there the other night. I don't eat in the city that often so I can't recommend a ton of places.

 

[crazyme5kids]

I really like The Veiw, which is located in the Marriott Marque. The restaurant rotates so your veiw changes and at night it is beautiful. The food was delicious. Another place I would recomend is Philip Marie. The food is outstanding. It is on Hudson St.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Another vote for Carmine's! Delicious penne a la vodka!