RWA in NYC restaurant recs (by request)
Jun. 13th, 2011 11:09 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lagilman[I just realized I have no NYC-specific icons. I need to fix that.]
So, in a few weeks, many people will be coming to NYC as part of the RWA Nationals conference. Some of them are old hands at this Big Apple thing. Others may never have been here before. And I get it, that NYC - especially central Manhattan, where they will be staying -- can be overwhelming as hell.
But please, my fellow scribblers, step away from the Olive Garden. Back down from the McDees. For God's sake, don't go into Red Lobster! This is Manhattan. We have amazingly good, reasonably-priced food for the taking, and much of it just a short walk from your hotels!
So I'm going to offer up a few LAG-tested, visitor-friendly, non-touristy suggestions, and ask that fellow NYCers (and frequent visitors) chime in with comments.
EtA After eating there last night (again) I realized that I overlooked Lani Kai. It's a bit far afield, but if anyone's having lunch with a Penguin editor (or heading into the West Village on your own), suggest this place. http://lanikainy.com/. Great food, and the staff makes eating there a real delight (also: pretty!) And fantabulous for a few (funky/cool) drinks...
EtA2: Cafe Frida, on 79th (I think) & Columbus. Good Mexican. RWA-attendee-approved...
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Croton Reservoir Tavern
A block away from Bryant Park and the Main Library (and you were going to visit the Lions, weren't you?) this is one of my favorite standbys. It's not fancy, it's the opposite of exotic, but I've never had a bad lunch there. http://www.crotonnyc.com/restaurant/
Salmon River
I take friends here, when we need a good place to catch up on gossip over good food. I also have dinner here with my mother. It's that kind of place. 5th Avenue and 40th. http://www.salmonrivernyc.com/
St. Andrews
Yeah, it's a good basic steak-and-Scottish fare place. But you go for the amazing selection of whisky. And the bartenders in kilts. It can get rather noisy, tho, so be warned. 46th off 6th Avenue http://www.standrewsnyc.com/
Grand Sichuan
Basic, dependable Chinese food, without having to go into Chinatown. It's a mini-chain, but a good one.
http://www.thegrandsichuan.com/
Havana Central
Just what the name says. Highly rec'd by people who know authentic Cuban food, as well as my own tastebuds. 46th off 6th Avenue http://www.havanacentral.com/menus.php
Dafni
Greek food. Not the best in the city, but good and within reach. W 42 & 8th Avenue
http://www.dafnitaverna.com/menu.html
Speaking of 8th avenue... Restaurant Row should not be missed. That's the strip of W 46th between 8th and 9th Avenue. If you're looking to glam it up, there's Firebird (Russia meets France, falls in love, has restaurant), but also Da Rosina, which will feed you well without breaking your wallet, and a dozen other places waiting to be found.
If you want to head a bit west and north toward Lincoln Center...
Cassis
A French bistro on Columbus &70t. Don't expect elbow room (not the place for a crowd) or speedy service, but the food is always good, and the place is charming. And they bring pate with your bread. Yum.
(there. I have shared one of my dining secrets with you. Try not to overrun the place, ok?)
Bar Boulud
My go-to place and never a disappointment. This is the "cafe" offshoot of the much fancier/more expensive Daniel. If you go, try to sit at the communal table. W 64th & B'way
http://www.danielnyc.com/barboulud.html#barboulud_menu (warning: plays music)
Shun Lee Cafe
Dim Sum. Not Chinatown perfection, but much easier to get to/find. A better place for a crowd. W 65th off B'way http://www.shunleewest.com
Further west, but still within reach:
Whym
We found this place purely by accident, post-movies, and fell in love with it. Try the duck sliders. Also the blue crab ravioli, if they have 'em. They also have lunch specials. 9th Avenue & W 58th
http://www.whymnyc.com/
Just Want a Hamburger? I go downtown to Corner Bistro, or over to the UES for JG Melon's or west for Shake Shack, but if you're looking for a quick hit, then Five Guys (W 55th off 6th Avenue) is your thing. EtA: and now, having had GoodBurger, I can rec them as well. Simple but good.
Also, a bit of advice? If you're looking for a quick bite at lunch - try one of the falafel/gyro corner wagons. No, really. Trust us. Look for "halal" on the sign, and dive in. Best mouthful for the buck in NYC, IMO.
If anyone's feeling the urge to venture further up or downtown, there are even more amazing restaurants available (some less expensive) but I understand your time may be crunched.... [we can also make recs for a Damned Good Time at a much higher $$$)
Support local restaurants, and try something new!
So, in a few weeks, many people will be coming to NYC as part of the RWA Nationals conference. Some of them are old hands at this Big Apple thing. Others may never have been here before. And I get it, that NYC - especially central Manhattan, where they will be staying -- can be overwhelming as hell.
But please, my fellow scribblers, step away from the Olive Garden. Back down from the McDees. For God's sake, don't go into Red Lobster! This is Manhattan. We have amazingly good, reasonably-priced food for the taking, and much of it just a short walk from your hotels!
So I'm going to offer up a few LAG-tested, visitor-friendly, non-touristy suggestions, and ask that fellow NYCers (and frequent visitors) chime in with comments.
EtA After eating there last night (again) I realized that I overlooked Lani Kai. It's a bit far afield, but if anyone's having lunch with a Penguin editor (or heading into the West Village on your own), suggest this place. http://lanikainy.com/. Great food, and the staff makes eating there a real delight (also: pretty!) And fantabulous for a few (funky/cool) drinks...
EtA2: Cafe Frida, on 79th (I think) & Columbus. Good Mexican. RWA-attendee-approved...
-------------
Croton Reservoir Tavern
A block away from Bryant Park and the Main Library (and you were going to visit the Lions, weren't you?) this is one of my favorite standbys. It's not fancy, it's the opposite of exotic, but I've never had a bad lunch there. http://www.crotonnyc.com/restaurant/
Salmon River
I take friends here, when we need a good place to catch up on gossip over good food. I also have dinner here with my mother. It's that kind of place. 5th Avenue and 40th. http://www.salmonrivernyc.com/
St. Andrews
Yeah, it's a good basic steak-and-Scottish fare place. But you go for the amazing selection of whisky. And the bartenders in kilts. It can get rather noisy, tho, so be warned. 46th off 6th Avenue http://www.standrewsnyc.com/
Grand Sichuan
Basic, dependable Chinese food, without having to go into Chinatown. It's a mini-chain, but a good one.
http://www.thegrandsichuan.com/
Havana Central
Just what the name says. Highly rec'd by people who know authentic Cuban food, as well as my own tastebuds. 46th off 6th Avenue http://www.havanacentral.com/menus.php
Dafni
Greek food. Not the best in the city, but good and within reach. W 42 & 8th Avenue
http://www.dafnitaverna.com/menu.html
Speaking of 8th avenue... Restaurant Row should not be missed. That's the strip of W 46th between 8th and 9th Avenue. If you're looking to glam it up, there's Firebird (Russia meets France, falls in love, has restaurant), but also Da Rosina, which will feed you well without breaking your wallet, and a dozen other places waiting to be found.
If you want to head a bit west and north toward Lincoln Center...
Cassis
A French bistro on Columbus &70t. Don't expect elbow room (not the place for a crowd) or speedy service, but the food is always good, and the place is charming. And they bring pate with your bread. Yum.
(there. I have shared one of my dining secrets with you. Try not to overrun the place, ok?)
Bar Boulud
My go-to place and never a disappointment. This is the "cafe" offshoot of the much fancier/more expensive Daniel. If you go, try to sit at the communal table. W 64th & B'way
http://www.danielnyc.com/barboulud.html#barboulud_menu (warning: plays music)
Shun Lee Cafe
Dim Sum. Not Chinatown perfection, but much easier to get to/find. A better place for a crowd. W 65th off B'way http://www.shunleewest.com
Further west, but still within reach:
Whym
We found this place purely by accident, post-movies, and fell in love with it. Try the duck sliders. Also the blue crab ravioli, if they have 'em. They also have lunch specials. 9th Avenue & W 58th
http://www.whymnyc.com/
Just Want a Hamburger? I go downtown to Corner Bistro, or over to the UES for JG Melon's or west for Shake Shack, but if you're looking for a quick hit, then Five Guys (W 55th off 6th Avenue) is your thing. EtA: and now, having had GoodBurger, I can rec them as well. Simple but good.
Also, a bit of advice? If you're looking for a quick bite at lunch - try one of the falafel/gyro corner wagons. No, really. Trust us. Look for "halal" on the sign, and dive in. Best mouthful for the buck in NYC, IMO.
If anyone's feeling the urge to venture further up or downtown, there are even more amazing restaurants available (some less expensive) but I understand your time may be crunched.... [we can also make recs for a Damned Good Time at a much higher $$$)
Support local restaurants, and try something new!
