New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [219]
Sosa Borella.
$$ | ITALIAN | This is one of the Theater District’s top spots for reliable food at a reasonable cost. The bi-level, casual Argentinian-Italian eatery is an inviting and friendly space where diners choose from a wide range of options. The lunch menu features staples like warm sandwiches and entrée-size salads, whereas the dinner menu is slightly gussied up with meat, fish, and pasta dishes (the rich agnolotti with lamb Bolognese sauce, topped with a wedge of grilled pecorino cheese, is a must-try). The freshly baked bread served at the beginning of the meal with pesto dipping sauce is a nice touch as you wait for your meal. The service can be slow at times, so leave yourself plenty of time before the show. | 832 8th Ave., between 50th and 51st Sts., Midtown West | 10019-6696 | 212/262–8282 | www.sosaborella.com | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E, 1 to 50th St.
Toloache.
$$ | MEXICAN | Make a quick detour off heavily trafficked Broadway into this pleasantly bustling Mexican cantina that’s one of the best dining options around Times Square. The bi-level eatery has a festive, celebratory vibe, with several seating options (bar, balcony, main dining room, and ceviche bar), oversize bronze chandeliers, and gold and terra-cotta tones throughout. Foodies flock here for three types of guacamole (traditional, fruited, and spicy), a trio of well-executed ceviches, and dishes like the Mexico City–style tacos with Negra Modelo–braised brisket, and quesadillas studded with black truffle and huitlacoche (a corn fungus). There’s an extensive tequila selection—upward of 100 brands. Adventurous palates will be drawn to tacos featuring chili-studded dried grasshoppers, lobes of seared foie gras, and caramelized veal sweetbreads. | 251 W. 50th St., near 8th Ave., Midtown West | 10019-6701 | 212/581–1818 | www.toloachenyc.com | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: 1, C, E to 50th St.; N, R to 49th St.
‘21’ Club.
$$$$ | AMERICAN | Tradition’s the thing at this town-house landmark, a former speakeasy that opened in 1929. Toys donated by famous patrons—e.g., John McEnroe’s tennis racket or Howard Hughes’s model plane—hang from the ceiling. Down below, Chef John Greeley tries to satisfy everyone with standards like the famous ‘21’ burger and Dover sole with brown butter, and more modern dishes, such as smoked Berkshire pork belly with savoy cabbage and green apples, but the food is almost secondary to the restaurant’s storied past. Fellas, a jacket is required, but thanks to a more relaxed dress code you can leave your tie at home. | 21 W. 52nd St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019-6101 | 212/582–7200 | www.21club.com Jacket required | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat. | Subway: E, M to 53rd St./5th Ave.; B, D, F, M to 47th–50th Sts./Rockefeller Center .
Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Surpassing even its celebrated flagship restaurant in Bayside, Queens, Uncle Jack’s soars directly into the pantheon of the best steak houses in Manhattan. As in most great steak houses, you can feel the testosterone throbbing all through the place. The space is vast and gorgeously appointed, and service is swift and focused. USDA prime steaks are dry-aged for 21 days. Australian lobster tails are so enormous, they have to be served carved, yet the flesh is meltingly tender. | 440 9th Ave., between W. 34th and W. 35th Sts., Midtown West | 10001-1620 | 212/244–0005 | www.unclejacks.com | Reservations essential | AE, MC, V | No lunch weekends | Subway: A, C, E to 34th St./Penn Station .
Virgil’s Real BBQ.
$$ | BARBECUE | Neon, wood, and Formica set the scene at this massive