Serena&#x27;s Wine Bar

102

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461

5 months ago

Kudos to the host because he was also the waiter and busser [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super cute restaurant but so few options and all out of panini when we went which was sad[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but [[HIGHLIGHT]]the outdoor space is great and indoor is quite ambient as well[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Youssouf Youssouf B.

0

1

0

5 days ago

Food is alright, wine is fine but all the negative energy is all over the place. Manager insulting to a waiter was not acceptable.

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Salina T.

173

153

1005

1 year ago

Solid place for a glass of wine and some pasta/sandwiches. [[HIGHLIGHT]]What's standout is the vibe and service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I only came for a sandwich but will have to come back for other food items. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect place for a date or hangout with friends & family![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ambiance: 5/5 Taste: 5/5 Service: 5/5 read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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christie c.

1

52

40

5 months ago

Pretty disappointed in their penne aka vodka takeout. For $25 really expected a little more sauce and pasta. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's like I went to a little takeout pasta place instead of a nice sit down restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] sad. read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Penne ala vodka - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Magdalena S.

1

19

1

2 months ago

This is true neighborhood gem. I've been many times and it never disappoints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]High marks for ambience[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], consistently good food with gluten free options, and friendly service. Great wine and an excellent martini! read more

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Sarah C.

10

67

47

1 year ago

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great ambiance, tables and service but the food was very mediocre.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I knew something was off when an Italian restaurant had guac and chips, mac and cheese and hummus on the menu. We ordered: 1. Meatballs - meat was very tough and it came in a bowl of sauce that looked like tomato soup 2. Aglio olio spaghetti with shrimp - delicious 3. Beet salad - mediocre. Cheese to beet ratio was off 4. Mashed potatoes - felt microwaved but the portion was huge 5. Broccoli - very soggy with minimal flavor [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, if you want to go for pretty cute vibes, go ahead but if you're looking for delicious food, this place isn't it[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Matt H.

7

272

726

1 year ago

Absolutely love this place. Serenas has quickly become my neighborhood go to for a few glasses of wine and some charcuterie. The service is always great, the charcuterie is always good and the wine is always stellar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Its the perfect place for a cozy winter night or a summer afternoon.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Jairo T.

41

170

327

2 years ago

Quaint low key neighborhood spot. Friendly and speedy food to table service. We ordered the greek sampler, burrata and meatballs. All were great and -- sampler and meatballs were my favorite. Both indoor/outdoor seating available. Outdoor is covered so probably nice for a summer brunch and for HH! read more

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Chris D.

137

639

1618

3 years ago

Excellent dirty martini with a good variety of vodkas on offer. The flatbread was nice, but a bit pricey for what you get. Overall, not the cheapest place, but staff were very nice and everything we had was good. read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Flatbread - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Serena's Wine Bar - Dirty martini and flatbread - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Alexa T.

Elite 26 All-Star

67

796

3682

2 years ago

I've always wanted to come here and finally stopped by on a Friday night! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I sat by the street and it was a nice vibe. I liked how cozy it felt.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had a glass of Prosecco. Service was great. read more

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Jaimee A.

2399

1965

713

4 years ago

Great Brunch Spot! We have come here a few times for brunch. The service is always friendly and space is very open and nice. We had: - Eggs Benedict with Salmon - delicious - Caesar salad - tops! A must have. - Scrambled Eggs - made European style (if you know, you know) wonderful! - Bloody Mary - very good - Mac n Cheese - very good, made the French way with a roux. - Prosciutto Panini - very good Overall a great spot! read more

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Chantay B.

1

13

22

2 years ago

Loved everything about my experience at Serena's Wine Bar! I ordered the pasta and shrimp dish and it was absolutely delish! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance & timely service made for the perfect afternoon reprieve.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely return for more! :-) read more

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Emma C.

0

19

64

2 years ago

I've walked by this place a ton and always wanted to try it. Food was delicious! Portion sizes were great. Wine was a little pricey but good. Service was quick and ambiance was super cute. Will be back! read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Hummus - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Serena's Wine Bar - Pita bread with hummus - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Serena's Wine Bar - Prosciutto flatbread - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Christine M.

46

363

1028

4 years ago

Serena's is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I've been coming here for years and tried their brunch for the first time. I had an amazing experience. We ordered the Nova Platter and the Eggs Benedict, both of which were absolutely delicious! I would recommend either of those dishes for brunch. One of my favorite aspects of Serena's is their outdoor seating. There is nothing better than enjoying a meal outdoors on a beautiful day. Highly recommend dining here! read more

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Carol G.

Elite 24

5

81

163

3 years ago

As much as I enjoy this place last year, I was a bit disappointed this past weekend. The bread was not toasted and cold, the avocado toast was nothing as it use to be and the worse part was that a Roach was on the hummus. We did get a glass of champagne; however , looking back I feel uncomfortable knowing we stayed and consumed the food we order. read more

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Tanvir A.

0

42

119

3 years ago

We stopped in for dinner on a Saturday evening and ended up with an amazing dinner experience. We ordered bresaola flatbread for appetizer, porcini mushroom ravioli & penne a la vodka with chicken The food was surprisingly good! The flatbread was very popular, and for good reason. We saw that many tables around us were ordering it. The beef was great and the arugula was fresh and succulent. Both entrees were exquisite, very well prepared and presented. We enjoyed the dinner a lot and plan to go back read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Bresaola flatbread - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Serena's Wine Bar - Porcini mushroom ravioli - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Heidi B.

3

14

28

5 years ago

I came here for some after work wine on a Friday night and wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped. For a place that's always quite crowded I had higher expectations. The penne alla vodka was pretty boring and the pinot was just ok. Servers were sweet, though! Pro tip: This area is packed with cars at the end of the work day. Don't sit outside on weekday nights. Obviously not the restaurant's fault but the street noise and honking were annoying. Biggest surprise: wine wasn't all that great... Over all: Not trying to by wine-y but this place is, meh. read more

Serena's Wine Bar - Penne alla vodka - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Irene E.

Elite 26 All-Star

225

932

6477

7 years ago

Won't return. Their wine is not too good and service is so so. I've two reds: Sangiovese, Toscana La Lecciaia 2011 and Bordeaux Chateau haut Heyruguet 2016. Between the two, Bordeaux is better. Both are $13 a glass (retail at $16.99 and $11.99 a bottle on vivino), NOT complaining how much they charge but wondering why can't they serve better quality wines. Which brings me to Barcibo Enoteca on B'way that served excellent Italian wines but it had closed ... hmmmm ... Was it because the cost of better wines cost their business? The skinless almonds are really good. The olives are looking tired and too many, just not appetizing. The cheeses on the Small Cheese Plates are good. ... Forgot to ask if the bar is named after the tennis great -:) read more

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Corrine Z.

9

128

185

3 years ago

Really cute, intimate, dimly lit wine bar. The staff is great and offers samples of all the wines, got the 5 cheese meat/cheese board and it came with a bunch of extras: bread, nuts, pickles, jam, olives. They don't have flights but they do offer glasses, carafes or bottles of any of their wines. read more

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Melissa G.

127

159

260

5 years ago

I came here around 4 PM with a friend on a Saturday afternoon. We sat outside and drank Whispering Angel Rosé and shared the Greek Sampler Appetizer of Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, and Tzatziki with grilled pita. Overall I enjoyed the wine, the appetizer, and the relaxed feeling of being outside. The service was prompt and very friendly. This is a great spot. read more

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Miranda F.

51

370

262

4 years ago

I like that this place is quaint and close to where I live, but had an underwhelming experience like many past reviews. Bottles are expensive, the plates offered are small and lack luster. Service was kind and attentive, though. This place has the potential to be 5 stars, but it's price doesn't match the quality of what's offered. read more

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Arianna F.

13

83

81

3 years ago

Went here after work for a drink. Excellent service, social bartender, and overall nice calm but welcoming ambiance. Really good cosmos there! read more

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Morgan F.

Elite 23

266

313

132

5 years ago

Cute spot in the UES for happy hour or dinner! Have passed this place so many times and am mad I haven't been more often. The outdoor seating had very relaxing vibes and service was friendly. Food was delicious! My boyfriend and I ordered paninis and the burrata. Everything was paired perfectly with a glass of wine. They had a really great selection. Perfect spot for a date or place to bring your parents if they're in town. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Donald B.

0

6

0

2 years ago

Absolutely incredible! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The owner cares so deeply about the quality of food and providing a fun experience at the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It feels so homey and everyone is incredible.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] An absolute must for all UES regulars. My favorite spot, hands down. read more

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Brittney G.

0

19

5

3 years ago

Great spot for a happy hour wine, it's a good neighborhood spot. The waitstaff was friendly!

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Susan W.

0

2

0

2 years ago

The wine was good... but the food definitely fell flat. My pasta Primavera had almost NO vegetables except for a few shredded carrots and tiny tiny pieces of brocoli. And the sause was bland. My husband's ravioli had good sauce but the ravoli itself were just OK. Absolutely no incentive to dine there again read more

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Diana J.

0

1

0

2 years ago

The food and service was amazing! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice quiet atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]No noisy crowds but light chatter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This will not be my last time. read more

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Serife K.

0

12

3

2 years ago

I had the best pasta that I had so far in Manhattan. Service was great and the staff was very friendly.

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Lynn L.

0

12

0

3 years ago

If I could rate this 50 stars, I would! Not only is this a go-to neighborhood restaurant with amazing food and service, it's also a beautiful venue for a private party . It feels as though you have stepped into a Parisian bistro. The owner Hassan, couldn't be more accommodating and the dining experience here is always 100% . read more

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Claire V.

2

120

66

2 years ago

Aside the service that was a bit slow for lunch on a weekday, food was nice and the ambiance was relaxing.

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Jay A.

0

23

5

2 years ago

Consistent, fresh, excellent pours, clean, food is excellent, can't say enough good things about Serena's Wine Bar

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Lily M.

Elite 25

25

111

192

3 years ago

I stopped in for happy hour with a group of girlfriends. It was pretty empty on a Tuesday evening from 6-7pm. We were a large group and they were able to accommodate us. The waiters were very attentive and helpful. I can't wait to go back to try their menu and more wine and cocktail offerings! It's a great little space. read more

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Rosa C.

110

522

316

11 years ago

Come here if you want to be able to chat in a quiet atmosphere with standard-priced happy hour drinks. Get the tomato basil mozzarella flatbread. We came to Serena's on a Tuesday afternoon. At 4PM, the restaurant was completely empty. But hey, nobody else was as crazy as we were to come drink wine at 4PM on a Tuesday afternoon. Their happy hour started at 4 and includes $6 wines by the glass, which is a standard happy hour price in the city. We chose to order a pitcher of red sangria instead. The sangria was very sweet, which is alright for me, because I enjoy sweet wine, but even I could recognize that this sangria is unusually sweet. The highlight of our visit was the tomato basil mozzarella flatbread, which was split into 4 slices and was very good. The hummus was pretty ordinary, and I was a bit bummed by the fact that they charge an additional $1 for extra pita bread for the hummus. The hummus to pita bread ratio was just too high! We had a pleasant time at Serena's. I wouldn't turn down a visit to Serena's if a friend suggested it, but I won't be one to suggest a visit, given their lack of extraordinary features. read more

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Olivia J.

60

10

1

2 years ago

Food is good and casual. Wine is good. Service is good. All around good place for a casual dinner.

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Diana P.

2

12

0

4 years ago

I really want to love this place as it's so convenient to where I live. I've been there a half a dozen times and food/service is usually ok. I was there yesterday afternoon for a drink with a friend and we ordered an appetizer plate to share with glasses of wine. When the food arrived, we had no utensils, napkins etc. So my friend got up from our table to find our waitress - when he asked for utensils, the response was 'we only give those when people order an entree.' We were handed paper napkins (the utensils are wrapped in cloth napkins) and proceeded to clumsily eat our food without any utensils. My basic expectation at a restaurant is to be given utensils, especially when specifically asked for. Sorry, you just lost a regular customer. read more

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Jasmine P.

582

297

1307

8 years ago

Total upper east side village feels. Very classic wine bar/restaurant with lovely jazz music playing in the background. Great for friends and date night. I ordered the Pinot noir and my friends ordered the Chardonnay. They have a tv that plays sports for all the sports lovers. read more

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Olesya P.

Elite 26 All-Star

185

573

1583

8 years ago

Exceptional place to relax and have some wine on a cold night. Place has very pleasant atmosphere, a little dark and quiet. We went on a Sunday night to have some small dinner and some wine. It is extremely relaxing place with very nice waiters and pretty good menu options. Place is located very close to where I live so it was a good day to find a nice place close by. Food was delicious and wine selection was pretty good. I would definitely recommend this place to others and I will come here many more times in the future. We did not have to make a reservation but it was Sunday night, not sure how busy it is on other days. read more

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Nikki N.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Serena's is my absolute favorite place to go in the neighborhood. The food, drinks and atmosphere are always fantastic. And the owner, Hasan, and staff welcome and treat me, my husband and our dogs like family . In my experience, they are the most dog friendly restaurant in the neighborhood. The owner even named a drink after my dog when he passed last year. Try the "Sir Winston" when you go in! I have been going to Serena's since they opened 8 years ago and I am so glad I walked in that front door!! read more

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Valarie G.

0

3

0

2 years ago

The food is very good at Serena's. The ambience ambience is very nice and the service is good and the food is delicious and the service is nice. read more

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More info about Serena's Wine Bar

1268 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10065
Upper East Side
Directions
(212) 988-2646
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.serenasnyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Serena's Wine Bar open?

Serena's Wine Bar opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Serena's Wine Bar close?

Serena's Wine Bar closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Serena's Wine Bar take credit cards?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Serena's Wine Bar have a happy hour?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has a happy hour.

Does Serena's Wine Bar serve alcohol?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is Serena's Wine Bar by appointment only?

No, Serena's Wine Bar is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Serena's Wine Bar have TVs?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Serena's Wine Bar have bike parking?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has bike parking.

Does Serena's Wine Bar have outdoor seating?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has outdoor seating options.

Does Serena's Wine Bar have parking?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Serena's Wine Bar allow outdoor smoking?

No, Serena's Wine Bar does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Serena's Wine Bar have free WiFi?

Yes, Serena's Wine Bar has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Serena's Wine Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Norwegian
1 Review

Review Highlights - Serena's Wine Bar

“And the owner, Hasan, and staff welcome and treat me, my husband and our dogs like family .”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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La Compagnie Wine Bar Flatiron

4.4

(31 reviews)

2.2 mi

Absolute gem if you're into wine!…read more One of my friends brought here and befriended the bartender a while ago and she definitely knew so much about wine. I learned so much about the different regions and even discovered a Chardonnay that blew my mind. They don't serve orange wine FYI. I just love this place and my friend blew my mind once we went downstairs. It's connected to a cocktail bar (Experimental Social Club) so you can have your wine and then move downstairs for a swanky cocktail club vibe! Usually they need reservations but if you come through the wine bar those aren't necessary! Pro tip!

Have been here twice now and it's such a lovely and beautiful space! Definitely recommend getting a…read morereservation as it gets quite busy but is not loud inside at all. We split a bottle of a chardonnay which was so delicious and for food got the chicken sandwiches which are a must get, the baby gem salad which was also incredible and the zucca pasta which was delicious but could have been a bit warmer. Such a beautiful bar and great place to catch up!

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Chicken slider sandwich

Vin Sur Vingt

Just a Great hors d'oeuvres spot in NEW YORK CITY! In a…read morelittle under a year, I have been to this spot uncoincidentally twice through passing- The street is bustling with enticing cuisine and merging sense of palette confusion. This STICKS OUT. It is French, it offers a sunlit outdoor patio and rests on New York cobblestone. Only the finest. We ordered their 30 dollar happy hour wine selection (their choice of white, rose or red). We went for rose as it was only approaching cocktail hour. Ended up spending $60, do your own math! As for food, this was where I had a blonde moment. The French wordings of cheese or meat was simply something I haven't even seen in France. So what to do? Tell our server we love rich goudas, goat cheeses and manchego's; but stray from any blue cheese family member or associate. He brought an array of an assortment! I do not recall the names of their cheese, two we liked one we did not appreciate. The unappreciated cheese was a reminder to my deep hatred for blue cheese and utter regret for even bringing it up to our server. TOO MUCH BREAD. Not because I am a model, but because I believe in proportion sizings, especially when it comes to the delicacies within the cheese world I aspire to be apart of. NO MORE BREAD PLEASE, I begged as I calm and swiftly maneuvered the slices into my concerned and judged mouth. We also enjoyed the escargot, 10/10. Get the escargot and wine babes xxx

Vibe was proto-typical French place. Trying to be a cafe or was it nicer place?! Food portions were…read moretrying to be high end but the preparations and proportions with a high cost - overpriced. The wine list was better than most standard bars in NYC, but not high end, but it priced as if it was.

Busy Thursday night

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Little Ned

4.7

(55 reviews)

2.0 mi

I was looking for a spot in the area to meet a friend, and after a quick search settled on Little…read moreNed. As I walked in and saw just how swanky this place is I panicked - there was no way we could just walk in here without a reservation, right? But the hostess was, thankfully, so down to earth. I was straight up like hey I totally messed up and thought we could just walk in here, she was like you know what, let me see what we have. Lo and behold, she did have a table for us - as long as we were out in an hour and a half, which was just the right amount of time. Stepping into this place feels like you're in some secret, super special cocktail club. Decor is super high end, vibes are upscale AF. The cocktail menu is incredible -- and incredibly pricey, but truly worth it. I ordered the Valentino which was strong and sweet, really well made. They gave out a complimentary nut mix that was also delicious. Service was swift and gracious. If you're looking for a spot to impress a date, this is it.

Come to Little Ned for fantastic cocktails in an intimate setting, you won't be disappointed…read more The space is gorgeous, with bar and table seating on the main floor, as well as some standing tables next to the bar if you can't find a seat right away. There's also seating on the second floor, perfect for couples or small groups. I tried two of their cocktails when I went. The first was the Eastern Julep, a delicious twist on a classic. The mint Moroccan tea gave the drink a cool, refreshing taste on every sip. I also tried the Silver Screen, the closest drink I could find to an old fashioned. It was interesting, there was definitely a hint of a buttery taste. Overall a really balanced bourbon drink. I walked in and found room at the standing tables. A bar seat eventually opened up but I was already on my second drink by then. Definitely make reservations if you're planning a visit!

Saturn

Yankee Hanky Panky

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Truffle grilled cheese

Carlotto

4.5

(136 reviews)

Our favorite date night spot in NYC - ambiance, food, drinks, service.... Knocks it all out of the…read morepark. Our menu staple recs: - focaccia - little gem caesar - heirloom panzanella (seasonal) - crispy potatoes "millefoglie" - roasted cauliflower - rigatone calabrese (MUCH better than the pappardelle) - mafaldine pasta (it's worth it, trust me) - we haven't tried a ravioli we didn't like - risotto: finally tried and it was delish - tirsmisu is FIRE

{Overall: 3.5; Food: 3.5} Ambiance: 4; Service: 4…read more Carlotto is enjoyable, but on the more expensive side for what it is. The pastas are good and the ambiance is dark, romantic, and intimate. Service is good and the overall experience is pleasant. I enjoy the food, but it is not something I find myself craving, which makes it harder to justify the prices.

Tiramisu | Espresso-soaked lady fingers, marsala - mascarpone creama.

Dinning area

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Hotel Nacional Special | Ten To One white rum, bernard apricot liqueur, pineapple, lime.

Barlume

4.2

(54 reviews)

I met a friend here for happy hour on a weekday, and we had a wonderful time. The restaurant was…read morespacious and the marble bar was gorgeous. There's even a speakeasy lounge downstairs. The bar seating was plentiful and comfortable. There is plenty of space for people to stand behind the bar or a high top tables enjoying happy hour after work. If you go at 4:30 or 5, it's a bit calmer as the after work crowd trickles in. And as the evening went on, it started to get more and more packed, and it became a really lively vibe. After my friend left for another function, I stuck around a little bit longer for a little solo dinner. I had a glass of Prosecco off the happy hour menu followed by a dirty martini, and I did request to look at their full dinner menu because there was a couple items that I wanted to try. I wanted to try the duck Ragu and halloumi cheese, both of which were absolutely fantastic. The halloumi cheese was perfectly grilled and flavorful, and the duck Ragu was very comforting. I highly recommend both dishes. I ended up chatting with a woman sitting next to me who happened to work with select apertivo, and next thing I know one of the bartenders handed me a lovely bright cocktail to try on the house. It was a refreshing bubbly Barlume spritz that I'll definitely have to get again next time. Overall, I had a really great time at Barlume. The service was excellent from the servers and the bartenders, and they were all very attentive, personable and friendly throughout the evening. I'll definitely be back for happy hour or dinner with friends!

It's been a minute since we'd dined out (life on the other side of having a kid has been DIFFERENT…read morey'all) so we decided to go check Barlume out. Did you know this is where the Beecher's used to be?! RIP, I miss their Mac n cheese.... the vibe is completely different now (think extravagant Mediterranean vibes, it's very instagram-mable with the beautiful bar area). I had made a reservation for 5:30 (again, life with a baby is very different)- we arrived early but the staff were very gracious and were able to get us seated. They seated us in a side alcove area where they had cushioned seating, which was very helpful. What we Ordered: Drinks: Barlume Spritz and Hibiscus Mule (N/A cocktail)- drinks were good, nothing too special but we appreciated the cute stirrers Appetizer: Halloumi- grilled halloumi with roasted eggplant puree. The saltiness of the halloumi went so well with the creaminess of the eggplant. (Baby liked the eggplant puree too hah) Entrees: Lobster Arrabiatta and Duck Ragu and Truffle Pizza. My husband got the lobster arrabiatta and was raving about how delicious it was. He said it was the perfect level of spice. My duck ragu was served with busiate (a corkscrew shaped pasta) which I thought 'trapped' the sauce perfectly so you get a nice saucy bite each time. Pasta was perfectly al dente- my one gripe is that I felt the duck ragu was a bit too salty, which even managed to overpower the tomato flavor. We shared the truffle pizza, which came topped off with stracciatella, porcini mushrooms and shaved truffles. I liked the porcini mushrooms on the pizza, this was a first for me. For dessert (which we had to gobble down quickly because baby was starting to get fussy) we got the pistachio cake. SAVE SPACE IN YOUR STOMACH FOR THIS ONE!!! This was my favorite in the whole meal, the kataifi gives it that wonderful crumbliness and it went soooo well with the mango sorbet that's served with it. Recommend for a nice dinner with friends or a cool place to grab drinks! 4.5 stars

Signature spritzes and cocktails to elevate your night

Downstairs

Oysters

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Boqueria Flatiron

Boqueria is reliably delicious - I'm usually wary of chain restaurants as they can become too…read more"corporate". Boqueria was not the case. The location was small but provided a cozy and intimate environment, perfect for a date night or a fun dinner with friends. The staff was knowledgeable about the offerings and the food came extremely fast. The dishes come out as they are ready and they just kept getting better and better ( you HAVE to get the octopus and churros ) Truly loved every single dish and the perfect spot to try many different things due to the tapas style.

I've been to Boqueria several times, and it never disappoints. It's always a lively, fun…read moreexperience, especially during happy hour. They have a great selection of drinks and small bites, and I highly recommend starting with the red sangria. Fair warning: it goes down a little too easily. The jamón croquetas and mushroom croquetas are perfect bar snacks to pair with your sangria. We happened to be there watching Spain during the World Cup, so between the food, drinks, and cheering fans, it almost felt like we had been transported to Barcelona--minus the airfare. The service was friendly, relaxed, and refreshingly unhurried. We never felt rushed and were able to order at our own pace, which made the meal even more enjoyable. For the main course, the meatballs, chicken skewers, gambas al ajillo, and beef paella were all delicious. Honestly, every time a dish arrived, I thought, "Okay, this is my favorite," until the next one came out. The churros were the perfect ending--crispy, hot, and dangerously good when dipped into the thick, rich hot chocolate. They're the kind of dessert that makes you seriously consider ordering a second round... even when you're already full. Boqueria continues to be one of my favorite spots for great Spanish food, excellent happy hour, and a lively atmosphere. I'll definitely be back--and probably for those churros sooner than I should.

Paella de Mariscos

BRÓCOLI CON AJO BLANCO

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Gambas al Ajillo

Casa Carmen

4.2

(57 reviews)

2.3 mi

Excellent service. The food tasted very good and most importantly all fresh ingredients.read more

Despite being busy, the restaurant was accommodating for our group of 6 right after work. It had a…read moregood variety of food which makes it good for possibly picky eaters. The restaurant has great decor and low lighting which is just what we needed after a long day of meetings. Highly recommend the guacamole.

Maracuyá and Blood Orange Mezcal Margarita.

Cozy chic interior

Tuna Tostadas de atun

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Vallata

4.4

(80 reviews)

This is my humble opinion I wasn't asked to write a review…read morenor am I getting compensate for this opinion. This place is top 3 of my restaurant I wasn't going to order a Main dish after I had hands down the best salad ever I had the chickpeas salad. It is to die for and a must have I had the red snapper Now here's the beauty today is the last Sunday before lenting season is over I managed to have great Italian dinner while not having pasta dairy nor alcohol Yet I'm so happy it felt like I had all of that. Here's the best part the bill was way below what I expected. I'm a believer. I don't usually do Manhattan since I'm Brooklyn all day every day. They're going to see me again Great food great music great atmosphere great staff love everything about this place. The chef is awesome

An absolutely fantastic dining experience. Came with a group of 4 celebrating a birthday dinner…read more The ambiance is perfect for a date night. Music and decor sets the mood for an "elevated casual" vibe. Everyone at my table enjoyed their food. Servers were very attentive. Perfect restaurant in the city to receive a top-rated experience.

Visit Tom Colicchio's Italian restaurant near for incredible dishes

Taste the tradition of Italy with every bite of our fresh Cavatelli

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Cosmo Spaghetti Western

Oscar Wilde

We get crazy for any decorated restaurants and this place was in our list for a while. After a…read morelong planning, we were able to experience last weekend Oscar Wilde's insanely good decors. We timed their summer's Alice in Wonderland theme and was not disappointed. Our group of 15 was situated in the room just when walked in from the front entrance . Not has the privacy we wanted, not has sitting comfort we expected , not the best food we waited but delighted to be with the most decorative backdrop. We had a delay on our food service, had a mixed up to few orders, there was one extra charge for drinks not accounted by our group hostess until after the stay and was not assisted to our expectation level. Nevertheless, the experience was lovely .

What a fun spot in New York! The floral decor is wild, over the top and totally "mad hatter"! But…read moresomehow it works perfectly. Not sure what Oscar Wilde has to do with Alice in wonderland but we just accepted it - lol. We went here on our girls weekend trip to the city and we liked the place so much that we went back for a second night.

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Opto

4.6

(43 reviews)

Call me the wicked witch of the west bc I am blown away how delicious everything was! From what I…read moresaw on socials and Yelp, I knew Opto was gonna be good but idk, wasn't expecting it to be THAT good! Everything was so crisp, flavorful, clean and delicious!! We had a rez for 4 on Tuesday at 630p and we left around 1030p - we were there for almost 4 freakin hours bc the vibes, food and service was impeccable. We felt bad being one of the last to leave but it's a testament to how great this restaurant was. I'm sure we were only able to do that bc it was a Tuesday but even then, it was boppin in there - every seat was filled! It wasn't hard to get a rez for the week but idk about the weekend. Note: We had someone that was allergic to dairy and they were so accommodating with putting some things on the side and being clear about which dishes to avoid!! Here's what we got Feta butter: 10/10 mild yet deep and flavorful Gem salad: 10/10 crunchy, crispy, tangy, umami Melon: 10/10 the sweetest crunchiest melons I've ever had with the milky goodness of stracciatella Calamari: 10/10 when the dish came out I was hoping for a more tempura-y fry but this was somehow light and tempura-y yet had that that rustic Italianness and squid was perfectly cooked Branzino: 10/10 the crispiest saltiest skin with the perfectly cooked flaky meat YOM Ribeye: 100/10 PERFECT NO NOTES Limone: 10/10 so buttery and salty and cheesy with the parm Tomato Pasta: 9/10 They brought this out complimentary for us!! And made sure it was dairy free!!! We were blown!! The pasta was slightly too thick/al dente for me but the rest of the table loved it!! Herbed Carrots: 10/10 maple (?) glazed and so sweet and soft!! Almost tasted like a mix between a carrot and a yam Harry's Strawberry Shortcake: 100/10 DO NOT SKIP!! I wished I wasn't so full at the end bc this was AMAZING! It was deconstructed with a nice serving of whipped cream and poppy seeds on top - wowowowow perfectly slightly sweet and the shortbread in it was indescribable!!! The restaurant itself was bigger than you'd think walking in and from what I saw, was a great spot to accommodate 6-9 people! Can get a bit loud but vibes are bright all around it was giving amalfi coast ~ Can't wait to bring more of my friends here!!!

Opto has all the elements of a restaurant with staying power. Very good food that's well-executed…read moreacross the board, drink and food menus with tons of good options, and particularly great service. The prices are definitely a little inflated but for some reason I feel like the prices at most Flatiron places of this caliber are set similarly so I suppose it is ~locally~ normative. In any case, it fits the vibe of the area well and it is suitable for pretty much any occasion so it's versatile too. We came here at 8:15 as a party of four on a Saturday night. Though it wasn't too hard to get a reservation, the place was completely full. That said, it's a relatively big space so they have plenty of tables to accommodate parties of many different sizes. The decor is fresh and refined, lots of greenery which is the move these days. Though it's a white tablecloth situation the vibe is not pretentious or buttoned up, it's lively and fun just in a sophisticated way. Cocktails and wine options aplenty here, with quite a few cocktail options featuring Greek/Mediterranean ingredients (mastiha, I'm looking at you) which I very much appreciated. A few folks started with the "I Speak For The Trees" (Spring 44 Vodka, Cucumber, Mastiha) cocktail and in doing so tried mastiha for the first time. I, not surprisingly, had to try the martini, which is the Fantasy Is A Necessary Ingredient (Dill Vodka, Sardinian Vermouth, Olive Oil). Despite not being a vodka person, vodka in dirty martinis is the one exception I will make from time to time, especially when there is a fun infusion that elevates the drink. I was extremely happy that, after ordering it, our server asked if I wanted it with a regular olive or feta-stuffed olive, as if there is really any deliberation that needs to happen there (read: feta-stuffed olives are a no-brainer). For the rest of the night I just got dirty martinis or espresso martinis which are both particularly excellent here. My partner tried the La Osa Albarino (Val do Salnes, Rias Biaxas, Spain) with our entrees which I also enjoyed. Food-wise, we got to sample a decent portion of the menu being a party of four, though we didn't order any of the bigger entrees (mostly because we could not justify the price). Everything was great and the only reason this isn't five stars is just because I reserve that for experiences where things are mind-blowing/super memorable and as they say, it is called the Hall of Fame not the Hall of the Very Good. In any case, it's hard to pick out a favorite dish because we really enjoyed everything, but that is a good sign for the rest of the menu should you want to order something we didn't try. Everything was an A or A+ in this meal so I'll skip the letter grades for this review. Eats, below: Norwegian Yellowtail Tartare w/ Ezme, Borage, Sumac Light, delicate, relatively straightforward as far as tartares go but the ezme adds a nice touch that's a nod to the Mediterranean. Gem Lettuce Salad w/ Dill, Scallion, Cucumber, Sesame-Anchovy Vinaigrette Super fresh and delicious, perhaps a little Caesar-esque but with far more intrigue. Sugar Kiss Melon w/ Stracciatella Di Buffala, Spicy Coppa, 25 Year Balsamic We actually decided to nix this at the last second when we realized we may have ordered a bit too much food but our lovely server brought it anyway (she really made the night for us). This could even be a dessert-type dish if you'd like, but certainly works among the savory courses too. Charred Spanish Octopus w/ Potato, Mint, Aged Sherry The octopus was beautifully cooked and presented, seasoned well, no notes on that. The potatoes were decent but less exciting than the rest of the dish imo. Roasted Dorade w/ Tamarind Glaze, Pomegranate, Jalapeño, Herb Salad Absolutely loved this dish. According to our server, it's on the opposite end of the spectrum from the branzino, which is a cleaner, simpler preparation (and the whole fish), while this is a total flavor bomb. While I do love branzino, I'm glad we opted for this at less than half of the price. And I'm pretty sure the last time the four us went out for dinner we ordered a full fish and I'm pretty sure it was branzino so here's to shaking things up. Rocky Mountain Lamb Chops w/ Black Garlic, Ras El Hanout, Mint Chermoula Despite not usually being a red meat person I really loved these. Incredibly juicy and flavorful, making a strong case for being priced as high as they are. Honey Spiced Carrots Don't sleep on sides! Often an afterthought but they deserve a seat at the table, and these were good evidence of this.

Cute window into another dining area

Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta (with bread)

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Monkey Bar

4.3

(506 reviews)

0.7 mi

Monkey Bar became one of my favorite Midtown restaurants because its modern history ran almost…read moreperfectly alongside my years in New York. I arrived in 2008 with very little, and when Graydon Carter revived the restaurant in 2009, I was beginning a rise of my own, first at a large global bank and then, to my astonishment, at one of the city's most powerful investment firms. The suits were daily, the walls were gold, and the pressure was so consuming that even success could feel like a form of attrition. After a few years, I moved to a smaller firm with Southern roots, where the culture was more humane, the work gave me greater autonomy, and I produced some of the strongest results of my career, even within an industry still governed by fear, greed, and status. Inside, the red booths, low lighting, generous spacing, and hand-painted monkey murals made lunch feel ceremonial without becoming stiff. The room was timeless and handsome, with polished service, quality food, and the subtle assurance of a place where you could be proud to bring someone important. I especially remember sitting in one of those booths with two mentors, each only a few years older than I was and therefore close enough in vintage to feel relatable, trustworthy, and genuinely within reach. One had entered my life after I left the larger firm and helped me understand an earlier chapter that had also ended abruptly and, at the time, felt deeply unfair; the other had guided me through the smaller firm where I finally found a more sustainable way to work. Over that long lunch, I introduced them, we discussed several promising ideas, and for a moment my career seemed to have reached the point where relationships, experience, and opportunity were finally converging. One of those ideas consumed an extraordinary amount of my time and energy, and I believed it might become the foundation of my next chapter. Instead, the arrangement eventually turned on me, the role I thought I had earned never materialized, and the business itself sputtered. My professional life, financial footing, and pride all collapsed just as COVID was beginning. Then Monkey Bar closed in 2020, which made the ending feel almost unnervingly complete: the restaurant, the city, and the version of myself built around New York finance all went dark at once. For years, I experienced that ending as devastating and unfair; now I can see it as wisdom delivered through an unnecessarily rough process. The restaurant's later revival by a Chicago hospitality group feels fitting because it still honors tradition and ceremony while allowing the old forms to evolve into something healthier, looser, and more current. I have not been back since that lunch, but a return now would feel like visiting the museum of my past, not reclaiming a life that asked too much, gave too little, and finally lost its hold on me. Even now, I remember Monkey Bar as a great Midtown lunch in a memorable room, surrounded by the residue of old ambitions and the gratitude of having survived them. The cocktails were sharp, the service was impeccable, and the dining room carried that glamorous old New York energy without feeling trapped by it. I remain deeply fond of the place, partly for what it was and partly for what it witnessed. Some restaurants become attached to a chapter of your life, and Monkey Bar holds mine with unusual grace.

The truffle monkey bread while a total carb and calorie bomb was delicious and left a lasting…read moreimpression. It featured a crispy, sugar-glazed exterior and a soft, chewy interior, topped with truffle cheese and served with a truffle butter dip; the pairing was superb, and it tasted great both on its own and with the dip. For the main course, I ordered the miso-glazed black cod. The flavor was flawless, and while the portion was small (which was acceptable), the pool of broth accompanying it was completely unnecessary; it was inedibly salty, so what was the point of serving it? After finishing the fish, I was left with a plate full of broth, rendering the plate unusable. Plus, it was overpriced; for this dish, you're better off going to Strip House Strip House remains the undisputed king of this dish in New York. A friend ordered the chicken parmesan. It was just average. Another friend ordered the short rib stroganoff. The flavor was decent, but it was far too rich and heavy. As someone whose palate is split 50/50 between Western and Chinese cuisine, I could manage only five bites at most. If you have a palate that prefers 100% Chinese food, proceed with caution on this dish. Friends ordered sides of mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. These are dishes originally meant for low-income Americans to fill up on cheaply; there's no limit to how good they can be, but also no floor to how bad they can get. Both were on par with the average quality found in upscale restaurants. Honestly, these are two dishes I would never order myself. To sum up: the atmosphere was great. It's also hard to get a reservation; the place was packed when we had lunch at 2 PM. Aside from that monkey bread, I didn't feel like anything else justified the price or offered something you couldn't find elsewhere. I don't quite get the hype. Perhaps I just didn't order the right dishes; maybe next time I'll try the burger and the steak.

Truffle Monkey Bread (~$35)

Spicy Shrimp scampi

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Truffle Monkey Bread

Fraunces Tavern

If you're looking for a place that combines great food, history, and an unforgettable atmosphere,…read moreFraunces Tavern is a must-visit in Manhattan. We stopped by for drinks and a few appetizers with my parents, my husband, and our daughter, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of their trip. My parents absolutely loved it! The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and the live music created such a warm, lively atmosphere that made us want to stay longer. It's one of those places where you can truly relax, enjoy great conversation, and soak in a bit of New York's history at the same time. Whether you're visiting NYC or you're a local looking for a unique spot, Fraunces Tavern is definitely worth adding to your list. My parents are already asking to come back--and honestly, so are we!

Came here for lunch when my friend was in NYC for the day during July 4th weekend. We sat at the…read moreback bar and he had the chicken pot pie which was huge and even some other people at the bar wanted ti take a picture of it because they could not believe how big it was. I ordered the pretzel which was good. We both also had some beers and cocktails. I had the bees knees which was ok and he had some whiskey I think and we both had a beer. He had the Fraunces tavern option on tap and I had a Narragansett summer one. The bartender seemed fine and nice. Ambiance here is as it is an old tavern it sure has that feeling to it. There are many rooms and dinning options within this tavern. I have only sat at the bar area the times that I have been here.

Here is where GW used to hang out with his pals...

Lobster & Shrimp Roll

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Washington's long room. A must see

Shuka

This place was absolutely incredible. Genuinely blown away!!…read more We stumbled upon Shuka after a morning of exploring downtown. Although we arrived at 2pm, we were told there was a 40 minute wait, which ended up being around 15-20. We started with the sweet pea hummus dip which was unreal, it was so good. I got the chicken sandwich and my friend got the green shakshuka, and both were so fresh and delicious. We both decided we need to come back next time I'm back in the city!

I ordered the lamb kebab. It only comes with half a pita! You pay $30 and don't get a whole piece…read moreof pita even though one pita would be the right amount of pita for a kebab. Just give me a pita! What is that about? But okay, I ordered an extra pita, I'm still hopeful. But out of the 5 pieces of lamb in my kebab, two were *grisly*! They don't give you a sharp knife, so you kind of have to bite off pieces; but when a piece is grisly you can't tear off a piece and end up with a full piece in your mouth, chewing for many minutes around the grisly center. Everyone knows what this is like and it's to be expected in life, but NOT at a high-end restaurant where you've paid a significant margin above the average meal, and don't even get a full pita. Guys, do some QC and soul-searching - and be generous with pita.

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Chi Restaurant & Bar

Chi Restaurant offers an extensive, authentic menu that's divided out by type of food - chicken,…read morebeef, pork, vegetable, etc. Everything is also labeled for dietary restrictions. Service is very fast and they kept the water flowing (spicy dishes really are spicy!), and the portions are huge. Though you have to pay extra for white rice ($3 a bowl), the overall value was reasonable for the main dishes. The restaurant is dark and elegant inside, with a large tv over the bar that was showing sports when we were there. It had a nice ambience.

Located on the Westside behind Port authority. This un suspecting authentic Chinese restaurant sits…read morein a busy block. They have a banner for great HH specials that can only be redeemed at the bar (until next time). The space is large and modern. Suitable for big groups, date night, pre show, post showing dining. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. The food: Soup dumplings- had a nice glisten to the outer bun. The under carriage held firm and with a delicious soup bro inside. Fish filet with ginger and scallion- nice portion size and a flavorful and clean dish. Braised pork belly- jam packed in flavor and cooked so tender from the meat to the fat. The pan fried noodle- normally a favorite in Chinese restaurants. This didn't hit its marks. There wasn't much noodles. The outer brim wasn't crispy. And it was a lot of sauce. The protein was scarce. And they had more veggies than protein. We were a table of 5 including a 6 year old. And everybody left full. And satisfied.