New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [172]
PLANNER
EATING OUT STRATEGY
Where should we eat? With thousands of Manhattan eateries competing for your attention, it may seem like a daunting question. But fret not—our expert writers and editors have done most of the legwork. The 160-plus selections here represent the best this city has to offer—from hot dogs to haute cuisine. Sample local flavor in the neighborhood features. Or find a review quickly, listed alphabetically by neighborhood. Dive in and enjoy!
CHILDREN
Though it’s unusual to see children in the dining rooms of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, dining with youngsters in New York does not have to mean culinary exile. Many of the restaurants reviewed in this chapter are excellent choices for families, and are marked with a K symbol.
RESERVATIONS
It’s still a good idea to plan ahead. Some renowned restaurants are booked weeks or even months in advance. If that’s the case, you can get lucky at the last minute if you’re flexible—and friendly. Most restaurants keep a few tables open for walk-ins and VIPs. Show up for dinner early (5:30 pm) or late (after 10 pm), and politely inquire about any last-minute vacancies or cancellations. Occasionally, an eatery may take your credit-card number and ask you to call the day before your scheduled meal to reconfirm: don’t forget or you could lose out, or possibly be charged for your oversight.
WHAT TO WEAR
When in the nation’s style capital, do as the natives do: dress up to eat out. Whatever your style, dial it up a notch. Have some fun while you’re at it. Pull out the clothes you’ve been saving for a special occasion and get glamorous. Unfair as it is, the way you look can influence how you’re treated—and where you’re seated. Generally speaking, jeans and a button-down shirt will suffice at most table-service restaurants in the $ to $$ range. Moving up from there, some pricier restaurants require jackets, and some insist on ties. In reviews, we note dress only when a jacket or jacket and tie are required. If you have doubts, call the restaurant and ask.
TIPPING AND TAXES
In most restaurants, tip the waiter 15%–20%. (To figure out a 20% tip quickly, just move the decimal point one place to the left on your total and double that amount.) Bills for parties of six or more sometimes include the tip already. Tip at least $1 per drink at the bar, and $1 for each coat checked. Never tip the maître d’ unless you’re out to impress your guests or expect to pay another visit soon.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces in New York City, including restaurants and bars.
HOURS
New Yorkers seem ready to eat at any hour. Many restaurants stay open between lunch and dinner, some offer late-night seating, and still others serve around the clock. Restaurants that serve breakfast often do so until noon or later. Restaurants in the East Village, the Lower East Side, SoHo, TriBeCa, and Greenwich Village are likely to remain open late, whereas Midtown spots and those in the Theater and Financial districts and uptown generally close earlier. Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed in this guide are open daily for lunch and dinner.
PRICES
If you’re watching your budget, be sure to ask the price of the daily specials recited by the waiter. The charge for specials at some restaurants is noticeably out of line with the other prices on the menu. Beware of the $10 bottle of water; ask for tap water instead. And always review your bill.
If you eat early or late, you may be able to take advantage of a prix-fixe deal not offered at peak hours. Most upscale restaurants offer great lunch