NYC Restaurants

Eleven Madison Park New American | Flatiron

11 Madison Avenue (24th St)

212.889.0900

http://elevenmadisonpark.com/

Notes: We had savored some of the most extraordinary meals here in this stunning room before former owner Danny Meyer sold the restaurant to the longtime chef and general manager. Since then, they’ve transitioned the sophisticated, elegant food to gimmicky, experimental dishes that are largely flash over flavor and sensibility. We recount in detail our disappointing experience in our video dining review Date Night: Eleven Madison Park. 

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Craft New American | Flatiron

43 E 19th St (bet B’way & Park)

212.780.0800

www.craftrestaurantsinc.com/craft-new-york/

Notes: Given that founder Tom Colicchio is the discerning, critical head judge on Top Chef, we and our dining companions expected a whole lot more from his flagship restaurant. Instead the unanimous consensus was that the food was decidedly uneven, combined with excruciatingly long delays between courses and less-than-helpful service. It’s possible we hit Craft on an off night, but with so many other stellar dining choices at this price point in the city, we haven’t yet been compelled to return. Read my full review at Restaurant Review: Craft.

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Eataly Italian | Flatiron

200 5th Ave (bet 23rd & 24th St)

212.229.2560

www.eataly.com/restaurants

Notes: Mario Batali’s massive Italian food hall and market houses an extensive array of stations where you can munch on, among other things: bread, cheese, seafood, pizza, prepared foods, wine, coffee and gelato. It’s always pretty crowded, but grab a table where you can stand and enjoy a tasty meal or a snack. 

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Shake Shack Fast Food Burger | Multiple locations

www.shakeshack.com

Notes: We’re lucky enough to have a Shack just a couple miles from our house in Connecticut, so it’s no longer a special treat to have when we’re in the city. But it’s a great place for a quick, inexpensive lunch or dinner with lots of locations around the area. We love the burgers and crinkle-cut fries, and don’t miss the yummy root beer. Check the website for locations.

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Gramercy Tavern New American | Flatiron

42 E 20th St (bet B’way & Park)

212.477.0777

www.gramercytavern.com

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