NYC restaurants?

[leebee]

DD and I will be staying in the Times Square area Jan. 2-4 as part of a trip with her dance team. We have Rockettes tickets and she'll be taking a class with them (redundant as she's done their multiweek summer training program, but she wants to do this with her dance-peeps). I'm looking for suggestions for places to eat/adult beverages to enjoy in the Times Square area, as that's where we'll be staying. I know subway access is superb in NYC but we don't want to travel too far; I am familiar with Times Square and Central Park south areas but not too much else... and don't want to go too far astray. We have dined at Becco before and loved it, and will do so again if I can't find other interesting, good restaurants to try... so I guess I am comfortable with Times Square-adjacent areas, too. Anyhow, if you have restaurant or bar/lounge suggestions (we love doing the upscale hotel lounges in NOLA), send them my way, please!

 

[AngusIsMySpiritAnimal]

I would absolutely recommend Lillie's just north of Times Square on 49th- but you do want to secure a reservation, as the holidays are super popular there. Great upscale Irish pub type feel with lots of festive decorations. We lived in NYC for nearly 15 years, and even now having moved to the suburbs, still go back to Lillie's for the ambiance.

 

[stout]

Our family did “Gayle’s Broadway Rose” at Friedmans in the Edison Hotel, where the waitstaff rotate through signing Broadway songs. It was tons of fun and good food.

 

[AngusIsMySpiritAnimal]

I would absolutely recommend Lillie's just north of Times Square on 49th- but you do want to secure a reservation, as the holidays are super popular there. Great upscale Irish pub type feel with lots of festive decorations. We lived in NYC for nearly 15 years, and even now having moved to the suburbs, still go back to Lillie's for the ambiance.

Side note, in all my years in NYC, even after having married a Yankee and having two beautiful kids in the area, I have never actually seen the Rockettes. How cool to get to dance with them! Have fun!

 

[gmi3804]

A good spot for a casual lunch is All'antico Vinaio, for great authentic Italian sandwiches. It's a small chain imported from Florence. Looking at their website I see they've expanded quite a bit since I was there a couple years ago. The 8th Ave. store was their first in the area.

Joe Allen is also a really cool "Broadway" hangout.

PS: How's your eye?

 

[leebee]

A good spot for a casual lunch is All'antico Vinaio, for great authentic Italian sandwiches. It's a small chain imported from Florence. Looking at their website I see they've expanded quite a bit since I was there a couple years ago. The 8th Ave. store was their first in the area.

Joe Allen is also a really cool "Broadway" hangout.

PS: How's your eye?

Thanks for asking about the eye- I was gonna include it in the post but didn't. I'm OK... vision is wonky, and I have absolutely no near-vision distinction at all. I knew I'd need 'readers' for close vision, but didn't expect this. I have a patch on the operated eye as otherwise I have double vision... but the distance vision in this eye is superb, much better than in my "unoperated" eye with my glasses. I think I'm just gonna ride out the next couple of weeks. Weirdes thing is having no depth perception at all!

 

[longboard55]

We loved Time Square, no recs but one thing I do recall is they often added the tip in the bill, so do not tip twice.

 

[hardcorestitch]

DD and I will be staying in the Times Square area Jan. 2-4 as part of a trip with her dance team. We have Rockettes tickets and she'll be taking a class with them (redundant as she's done their multiweek summer training program, but she wants to do this with her dance-peeps). I'm looking for suggestions for places to eat/adult beverages to enjoy in the Times Square area, as that's where we'll be staying. I know subway access is superb in NYC but we don't want to travel too far; I am familiar with Times Square and Central Park south areas but not too much else... and don't want to go too far astray. We have dined at Becco before and loved it, and will do so again if I can't find other interesting, good restaurants to try... so I guess I am comfortable with Times Square-adjacent areas, too. Anyhow, if you have restaurant or bar/lounge suggestions (we love doing the upscale hotel lounges in NOLA), send them my way, please!

You’re going to be about 24 hours late to the ball drop

Anyways Joe’s Pizza may be a great option for you guys! Authentic New York style pizza and other delicacies, just about a block south of Times Square proper. There’s a Disney Store about 5 blocks from Joe’s if you’re looking to kill time while dance is going on.

 

[LoveDaisy]

What an amazing opportunity for you DD. I frequently go to concerts at Madison square garden. We stay kind of between there and time square. If you are looking for some affordable options that are walking distance.

Stout - laid back, pub food, good drinks and beer.

American whisky - drinks and casual food.

Oscar Wilde - suggest a reservation here. I love this place. I can’t describe it, you have to experience it. If I had to describe it I would say Alice in wonderland

Friedman’s for breakfast or brunch. I love their lemon ricotta pancakes

 

[Simba's Mom]

Blue Fin Restaurant in Times Square. DS used to work there when he was a "struggling musician" when he first came to NYC. He always said they were good, and conveniently located.
Also, in support of your daughter, she can never have too much exposure to the Rockettes. DS is playing with them now (don't think he will be then), but he has a couple friends who are Rockettes-they took several classes with them, and auditioned multiple times before they were Rockettes.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Times Square area visit?
Junior’s.
Real Jewish deli food from overstuffed pastrami sandwiches to chocolate egg creams made the right way (light on the Fox U Bet chocolate syrup and heavy on the foam head). Nothing wrong with their meatloaf plate or potato knish either. Their cheesecake is to die for but I only recommend the plain. You’ll want to enjoy every unadulterated bite.

Virgil’s BBQ is fun as long as you’re not from a ‘Q capitol, lol. And Carmine’s (same owner as Virgil’s) will make you happy eating Italian American. Just don’t order too much food as one entree serves at least two guests.

Have lots of fun.

 

[mmouse37]

I second Carmine's.....always a treat eating there. Best to go with a group as mentioned they serve family style platters and its fun to order a few different dishes (they are huge!) Definitely need reservations. My favorite dish is the Country Style Rigatoni which has sausage, cannellini beans, broccoli....so good! I have their cookbook and use it often.

https://carminesnyc.com/

Another place, right down the street from Carmine's, is John's Pizzeria. Don't let the name fool you it is a restaurant and they serve way more than pizza. It is located in an old church and is beautifully decorated around the holidays.

https://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/

Becco as you mentioned is very good. Have a great time!!

 

[gmi3804]

Times Square area visit?
Junior’s.
Their cheesecake is to die for but I only recommend the plain. You’ll want to enjoy every unadulterated bite.

Agreed. The Times Square location is touristy, but the cheesecake (plain only!) is the real deal, even if it’s now trucked in from a central bakery.

 

[antmaril]

We have enjoyed Gallagher’s, Joe Allen’s, Naked Burger and Becco when visiting Times Square. The best meal I’ve ever had in NYC was at Raoul’s, but we took an Uber.

 

[Dug720]

If you like Cuban food, Havana Central

For burgers, 5 Napkin Burger

It's slightly off Times Square, but i love The Meatball Shop

 

[BostonEd]

If you like Cuban food

Just off Times Square is a great casual place, cafeteria style but excellent:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/margon-new-york?osq=Cuban

 

[E&Cmom]

On our trip last year we enjoyed Nizzi ( Italian) and 5 Napkin burgers. Both are close to restaurant row.

Also loved Friedmans for breakfast. We went twice that week as they were great for gluten free options for DH.