# Restaurant recommendations in Manhattan **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 30, 2004, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954 "2004-10-30T01:02:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![igloorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@igloorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igloorex)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/1 "2004-10-30T01:02:12Z")
We are going to NYC over Thanksgiving weekend and have only one night for dinner at a nice restaurant. We’re staying in Midtown - Lexington and E. 50th - but could go anywhere. Any restaurant suggestions? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/2 "2004-10-30T01:49:56Z")
Is Manhattan really known for fine dining? Do they even have restaurants there? ---
**Author:** ![iwakura43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de0a6/32.png) [@iwakura43](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iwakura43)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/3 "2004-10-30T03:18:31Z")
> [@Qadgop the Mercotan](#): > > Is Manhattan really known for fine dining? Do they even have restaurants there? QtM, you do an admirable deadpan. In seriousness, check out [Chowhound.com](http://www.chowhound.com). You can use the search function if you have a specific cuisine in mind, or just browse around the Manhattan message board. Hasn’t let me down yet. ---
**Author:** ![MidnightRadio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@MidnightRadio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MidnightRadio)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/4 "2004-10-30T22:23:34Z")
I’ve always wanted to go to Delmonico’s. It’s got a really interesting history and I’ve heard it’s really good, but for some reason, I never see it in New York City guide books. A lot of really famous dishes were created there, although none come to mind right now (I want to say Oysters Rockefeller and Shrimp Cocktail, but I can’t remember for sure). ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/5 "2004-10-30T22:53:35Z")
Because it’s been closed for about a million years. And Oysters Rockefeller was invented at Antoine’s, in New Orleans. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/6 "2004-10-30T22:58:04Z")
To be more exact, Delmonico’s (opened in 1827) closed its doors on May 21, 1923. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/7 "2004-10-30T23:31:08Z")
I here the [burgers](http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/01/1043804575743.html?oneclick=true) are pretty good. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/8 "2004-10-30T23:59:23Z")
Sally’s\*, on or near Mulberry st. Fettuccini wit’ clams. Pizza made from sauce, tomato, basil, and cheese on a thin crust. Mmmm. Don’t even ask for the table with the chairs leaning against it. Do ask what’s good today. Do have the antipasti. (sp?) But last time I ate there was in '66. So it may be gone. 😉 \*The owners name is/was Salvatore. Sally. Peace, mangeorge. (Actively salivating) ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/9 "2004-10-31T00:01:32Z")
> [@Tapioca Dextrin](#): > > I here the [burgers](http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/01/1043804575743.html?oneclick=true) are pretty good. What the hell was _that_? ---
**Author:** ![chique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@chique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chique)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/10 "2004-10-31T00:41:59Z")
Give Aquavit a shot. The Minneapolis version is outstanding; I would assume the NY version is equally good. A local is going to have to tell you if it’s convenient to your hotel, though. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/11 "2004-10-31T00:51:29Z")
Is there a doorman at your hotel? Ask him. Or the concierge. But better the doorman, in my opinion. He’ll even grab you a cab. I assume you understand the value of tipping? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/12 "2004-10-31T00:53:34Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > Sally’s\*, on or near Mulberry st. Fettuccini wit’ clams. Pizza made from sauce, tomato, basil, and cheese on a thin crust. Mmmm. Don’t even ask for the table with the chairs leaning against it. Do ask what’s good today. Do have the antipasti. (sp?) > But last time I ate there was in '66. So it may be gone. 😉 > \*The owners name is/was Salvatore. Sally. > Peace, > mangeorge. (Actively salivating) And to think that you saw it on… 😃 ::: D & R ::: ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/13 "2004-10-31T01:00:30Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > What the hell was _that_? Maybe he meant the [Burgomeisters](http://www.cinefania.com/persona.php/Lionel+Belmore/en) are pretty good. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/14 "2004-10-31T01:05:06Z")
> [@Polycarp](#): > > And to think that you saw it on… 😃 > > ::: D & R ::: Man, I gotta get more sleep. I don’t get this, and I don’t get **Tapioca** ’s “burger” post. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/15 "2004-10-31T06:01:37Z")
I love: The Second Avenue Deli (Even the waiters are delicious.) and The Four Seasons (We had a company party there. It was fabulous!) ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/16 "2004-10-31T19:20:44Z")
> [@Polycarp](#): > > And to think that you saw it on… 😃 > > ::: D & R ::: Ok, **Polycarp** , I’ve had a good night’s sleep, a passable breakfast, and several excellent coffees. Please explain. Realize that I’m almost sixty, nearly a hermit, and rarely watch any tv except PBS and news programs. I don’t even have cable. I’m truly “out of it”. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![missbunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@missbunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missbunny)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/17 "2004-10-31T19:33:12Z")
Balthazar is pretty good. So is Pastis. I haven’t been to Aquavit but I know people who love it. Actually, Balthazar and Pastis aren’t really any better than any other place, but they’re good enough and they are “in” places and well known and are fun places to say you went to. If you’re into celebrity-watching, you’ll probably see a few at either one. However, I don’t think either place takes reservations for smaller parties, or at all, so you might be in for a wait. The policies could have changed since the last time I went. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/18 "2004-10-31T21:16:01Z")
> [@igloorex](#): > > We are going to NYC over Thanksgiving weekend and have only one night for dinner at a nice restaurant. We’re staying in Midtown - Lexington and E. 50th - but could go anywhere. Any restaurant suggestions? Thanks. Johns Pizzeria in times square is really good pizza but Johns of Bleeker Street is supposed to the best. Personally I think Lombardis in Soho is the best but it’s usually a wait. There are a bunch of places around Union Square mostly owned by the same people - Blue Water Grill, Sushi Samba, City Crab, Angelo & Maxis (steak), Patria’s (latin fusion), Union Square Cafe. Personally I like Atlantic Grill around 3rd and 76th. It’s the same food and owners as Blue Water Grill but not all touristy since it wasn’t in an episode of Sex in the City. The Second Avenue Deli is great if you want a $14 turkey sandwich. The only waiters I’ve seen are a bunch of old Jewish dudes. For burgers, I highly recommend the Corner Bistro in the West Village. The Coffee Shop is also a nice place to check out hot waitresses. A lot of aspiring models and actresses work there. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/19 "2004-10-31T21:32:50Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > Ok, **Polycarp** , I’ve had a good night’s sleep, a passable breakfast, and several excellent coffees. Please explain. [_And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street_](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0394844947/qid=1099258750/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-9702793-0901529?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954/20 "2004-10-31T21:35:20Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > I don’t get **Tapioca** ’s “burger” post. > :dubious: Sorry, the link didn’t quite work, did it? If you feel hungy, just grab a burger from [DB Bistro Moderne](http://www.danielnyc.com/dbbistro/cuisine.html) on W44[sup]th[/sup]. BTW, having $50 (plus tax, plus tip) on you will help. And I don’t think they even _do_ fries. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-manhattan/271954.md?page=2)