Suggestions? What's the best? We're staying in the Lower East Side, but going to a concert at Madison Sq Garden (so, we could go to dinner around there.) Group of 7.
Hi Liz. Really depends on what you like and your dietary restrictions. I really love
The Smith Restaurant for classics like burgers and huge salads. They have the best deviled eggs and martinis I've ever had and I've indulged in too many boozy lunch meetings there. For brunch, I'd recommend
NoHo Star for their apricot ginger scone, or
Peels for their ridiculously delicious build-a-biscuit meal, or the shortcake, or chocolate donuts. Pretty much everything at Peels is delicious, but be prepared for a wait; it's a small place. If you love classic bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, like I do, you can get a fancy one at chef Gabrielle Hamilton's place,
Prune. It's reeeeaaallly tiny and very popular, so be prepared for an even longer wait here, but the food is fantastic. Good seasonal ratatouille, too.
Since you're heading up to MSG, you can take the R train and make two stops along the way for amazing dinners:
The Breslin at the
Ace Hotel New York has a really thick, juicy lamb burger that I make sure every visitor into town tries at least once. And, just off 14th Street,
The Coffee Shop mixes diner staples with Brazilian cuisine, like feijoada and pao de queijo. It's a place to see and be seen, but watch out for the slow staff during busy times. Enjoy.
Mentioned in this answer:
A group of 7 can be a bit hard to manage in a busy NYC restaurant (but if you can get in to Prune do it!!)
When I go to NYC I keep handy this list of eating recommendations (and a few activities too). Then, no matter where I am in the city, I can always find somewhere reasonable too eat.
Have a a surf through it and something may catch your eye as a destination too.
http://traveleater.wordpress.com/nyc-field-notes/
If you'd like to discover the art of mediterranean food and don't mind spending a bit extra, ilili is a great restaurant on 236 5th Avenue, you (and your friends) will not be disappointed!
Debbie
Courtney
Kaydee
Johanna (TravelEater)
Jacob
Annemarie
