New York - Restaurant recommendations

[whostolethesocks]

Going over Valentines weekend and would love some ideas for places to eat for myself and OH - places a little different, good value and not too swanky. Also thinking that at least for Valentine's Day we should have something booked up so would love to find somewhere nice/different for that day if anyone has any recommendations (but not too expensive). We are staying not too far from Times Square by the way. Can anyone help?

We enjoyed a restaurant called the red eye grill, opposite carnegie hall, a few mins walk from Times Square. They had a pianist who sang and she was excellent, she also does requests, put a few dollars in her tip bowl. As we were eating dinner she started singing the song we had the first dance to at our wedding, dh had sneakily asked her to. Food was lovely and it wasn't too posh.
One of the bars up the top of the Rock would also be good or similar with great view.
Have a great time.

Thanks for that MouldyCheese. It looks nice. The trouble is I'm sure there are lots of restaurants in NYC but I don't want to miss any gems. I'm also thinking we should book something for Valentine's Day at least!

Red Rooster in Harlem. Right by the subway or you could get a cab. You can order food at the bar and eat while you watch the dead cool, sharply dressed bar staff.
Great music and vibe, massive portions - we've sometimes just had starters.
I remember Jay Rayner reviewing it when we first went to ny and it had recently opened.

Couldn't find it, but found this one.

Try Johns on Bleeker St. It is an institution :)

I liked Keens steakhouse on 37th St - bit pricey but the steaks are amazing.

For a good breakfast there is a cafe under the bridge by Grand Central station - fab Eggs Benedict.

DH also says Sotto 13 is good.

www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/

www.keens.com/

www.pershingsquare.com/

www.sotto13.com/

We went to Mercato, 352 West 39th Street when we were there in the summer. We stayed in Times Square and walked to it. It's a small Italian restaurant and was delicious.

Thanks for all the recommendations. Will take a look.

Norma's for breakfast, le cirque for dinner.

Have fun!