New York- somewhere ’special’ to eat?

[TimeFlying]

Do you have a recommendation for somewhere memorable for a special meal?

somewhere to dress up and pretend we’re part of Mad Men for an evening? 😁
thank you!

I don't know what Mad Men is but I do like Carmine's in Times Square.

The ones that spring to mind are Peter Luger in Brooklyn for fantastic views back towards Manhattan and Per Se near Central Park.

I was going to recommend 21 Club but a quick google shows they have closed down.

I’ve also eaten at Carmines mentioned above. It’s an Italian family style restaurant, so good for larger parties.

Not exactly a dress up place but definitely memorable is a little basement jazz club (but a pretty wide variety) we found not far from Times Square. Obviously it depends a bit on whose playing but the food was nice, decent micro brewery beer and felt authentic New York. Some were dressed in fairly smart clothes but jeans and a shirt was fine too for men (women as normal have it easier, I wore a dress though)

The Modern at MOMA is excellent, I felt very New York-y when we went!

We went to another place similar but was rock music too, again cocktails, food and tons of atmosphere. I think there was a $20 minimum spend per person but in new York that isn't even 2 drinks each.

The Rum House, just off Times Square is a very cool cocktail bar that could be out of mad men era. We had an enjoyable evening in there! Not sure about restaurants though.

Manhatta is on the 60th floor of a downtown skyscraper, spectacular views.
Gramercy Tavern is amazing

This is Time Out's list of best fine dining restaurants https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-fine-dining-restaurants-in-nyc

I'm not sure what the mad men vibe would be though. Maybe you want more lively.

great suggestions. My Mad Men reference was my clumsy short hand for somewhere a bit glam and different. I’ve heard of the Gramercy Tavern. Would love to hear your thoughts

Tao was incredible. Book way in advance!

Sorry to ask but do you have a budget in mind? Eating out in New York anywhere remotely posh is going to be expensive so helpful to know what you’re thinking!

We had a lovely meal and evening at the River Cafe

https://rivercafe.com/

We love Tavern on the green in Central Park.

We went to the river cafe recently, it feel verrrrry old school New York glamour!

Robert at the top of the museum of art and design. Great views

We went to The Minetta Tavern for my 50th birthday. Very New York!

I agree with The Modern at MOMA.

Would love to go to Per se! Maybe one day

It doesn't have the Mad Men feel, but the best place I've eaten was Sushi Seki.

Per Se was great when we went on honeymoon. But Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare was absolutely exquisite. Not a glam night, but amazing food and atmosphere.

For food, I defer to others, but for a drink, I would thoroughly recommend the Campbell Apartment which is actually IN Grand Central Station. The bar at the Library Hotel is/was also great, and even though it's now a Marriott or Hilton, the bar at the Algonquin is still where Dorothy Parker hung out with her mates at the Round Table.

But great NY food experiences - obviously the Oyster Bar also in Grand Central - not glitzy but great. I love the Trattoria dell'Arte up by Carnegie Hall - it's been there since the Mad Men era. Other than that it's all a bit hazy (went there a lot for several years for work, but it was a while back!).

Manhatta for a drink.

Definitely River Cafe to eat. It’s elegant and old school, incredible views. And the food is amazing!

I once went to burlesque somewhere in the East Village and Nick Rhodes was on the next table.

No idea where it was, was quite tipsy.

Loved Tao… but my favourite setting is the Boathouse in Central Park (especially if you’re Sex and the City fan!!) absolutely beautiful! Xx

Another vote for Carmines!

New Yorker here. I love Gramercy Tavern. The same restauranter also owns Union Square Cafe, which is my all-around favorite. You can make reservations on the website and will need them. Lunch is easier to get than dinner and a bit less expensive.

Also, Union Square Cafe is in a lovely neighborhood in central Manhattan, so very easy to get to. Union Square Park is adjacent and a nice place for a stroll.