3 / 5 only for the fact that the portion sizes were smaller than expected. I ordered the Snapper (fish special of the night) and it was an average (putting it nicely) size. However, the fried asparagus underneath was underwhelming in regards to the amount served. I found it very difficult to leave satisfied because I was still hungry. Note to restaurant - if the main item (snapper) is relatively average in size, please fill the rest of the plate (asparagus) appropriately so customers can leave nice and full. The food itself was absolutely delicious but I do not think I could come back and justify paying those prices if I am not full. Staff was fantastic and the ambiance was great, mellow and easy to talk. The manhattan I ordered was spot on and the bottle of pinot was delicious. read more

We have been patrons on the original PJ Clarke's since I was a teenager, which was almost 40 years ago! We have had been celebrations there and taken many friends and family members to experience the authentic ambiance, great food and incredible service. This Saturday night we finally wanted to try Sidecar as a long awaited date night. The weather was pretty cold, so there were a good amount of tables available. We were seated in a fabulous booth, that was comfy and large and yet intimate. The ambiance at Sidecar is fabulous. We ordered Mac & Cheese and Fried Calamari to share as appetizers. Outstanding! For dinner we ordered a burger and fish. Again, outstanding. Dessert was apple pie a la mode, which we shared. Our problem was the service. OMG! Atrocious. For everything that was wonderful, this killed our experience. Our waitress started out ok. Nothing special, but nothing awful. A little too casual, but whatever, it is NYC after all. We never got an answer as to what happened, but she was late with our drinks. As in 30 minutes after we ordered and already got our appetizers. The entrees came out very long after. No plates were cleared until we asked. My husband inquired about a specific brand of whisky (which we had downstairs) and she said "we don't have that". My husband then went to the bartender to find out they do have it. We had to educate our waitress what was on the drink menu. WTF?! The pièce de ré·sis·tance was dessert. We ordered apple pie a la mode and it took over 30 minutes to arrive! During this time our waitress was no where to be found. We had to hail over the hostess and inquire why the dessert was taking so long. The reason we were given was "it comes from downstairs". Yeah, so what. At that point I was happy to go get it myself. We may give Sidecar another try in the hopes that the waitress will either be fired or learn how to do her job. But more likely, we will stick to the regular dining room and go elsewhere for fine dining. Good luck! read more

The vibe of this place is great. It's casual enough to be comfy, but you still know you're in a decent place and doing something nice for yourself. The menu is creative, but not puncy and pretentious either. Simply good flavor combinations, done just thoughtfully enough to be memorable. All in all, Sidecar hits that elusive sweet spot of being just cool enough, without seeming to try too hard. Damn, I wish I could pull that off. read more

Went on a date to Side Car this week and it was the perfect setting. Great food and service, wonderful atmosphere, and the staff made us feel like we were at a best friend's house for dinner! Everything was excellent, and he seemed to take a personal interest in everyone after meeting him in PJ Clark's. We had only one entree - seared scallops the best I've had, and the size of a hockey puck. But we did have probably 5 appetizers and shared everything (parmesan and mashed potatoes, cream spinach, asaparagus). They were all as good as any of the top NYC steakhouses. We'll be back with friends and business colleagues and love the "private club" like vibe. read more

This is an overdue review: We loved this place. I took my boyfriend here late last fall and had an amazing experience. We booked a last minute reservation and were told to wait at the bar which was fine. The bartender made wonderful cocktails and let us chat. We then we're taken to a wonderful comer booth that was very romantic. The oysters were delicious. Our waiter was great. We only did not like our steak because it was sent to us as the wrong temp. I'm writing this review because we plan on coming back again this fall!!!! read more

Came here for my birthday dinner and it was absolutely fabulous! From the cocktails to the appetizers to the dinner and dessert, everything was so well prepared and fresh. We started out with great cocktails -- mine was a lemon-infused vodka drink that was very, very smooth. By the time that kicked in, our fresh oysters from the raw bar, crab cakes, and tuna tartare tacos came. The oysters were some of the best I've ever had!! We then got our dinners. The lamb chops were so well cooked and my friend's fillet mignon was to die for. Not to mention that the orzo that comes w the lamb chops was wonderful!! We finished up w the apple cobbler topped w ice cream. Wow! Dangerously amazing. Will definitely be coming back! read more

In Nyc visiting friends .... Came to sidebar at pjclarks.... Wow, Greta food and great service . They really know how to do this . Families and business people and out of towners all together . Really enjoyed the place ... Will come back for sure Lizzie read more

I'm a big P.J.'s fan, particularly the burger. I was here for a work related event recently and was very pleased with the service. We had drinks and appetizers. The mini burgers and mini lobster rolls were outstanding. Service with the drinks was very prompt. Not as crowded as P.J's downstairs due to the semi private nature of this place. read more

Shh! It's a secret. This little hidden gem, is actually really delicious. My grandparents were in the for the weekend, and we wobbled up the narrow stair case to a sexy, brick exposed, dim light dining room. The hostess was friendly, the crowd mild suits, and dates. My grandpa is one of those loud, robust, really Jewish, flirt with the waitresses because hes in his prime, and drink martinis straight up, multiplied by four. Now the food was great, scrumptious hanger steak, well done crispy fries, thick sliced tomatoes and onions but for some reason the snooty waitress really threw me off. She was pushy, rude, and kept answering every thing with an "ookkkkk if you would like." read more

I've eaten here twice. Its okay. Nothing special. I much prefer the downstairs restaurant which is PJ Clarke's. I don't get what is the big deal about this place? The service is good and apparently its like a "hidden" place that you have to have a reservation for....but I don't get it. My client is right next door so I am forced to go there often, sadly. Luckily -- he pays because I wouldn't. read more

LOVE this place. Introduced a few years ago by nearby clients. Great hideaway, intimate, clubby atmosphere. Sorely miss their signature home made potato chips and dip.....could live on that and cocktails! Alas, it has been taken off the menu. Pray that reason , logic and good taste will bring it back. Service and staff this afternoon was all Top Notch; as always. Just wish there was stronger enforcement of membership status. Seemed like any walk in was being seated. read more

I'm a PJ Clarke's fan and haven't been to Sidecar before. One of my friends brought me to lunch and it was terrific. I still love PJC and will next try for dinner and try the steak. read more

We were sent up here fro P.J. Clarke's saying that there was no more room downstairs, and that the menu was the same. The $8.95 hamburger was nothing more than a patty, with a sliced onion and store-bought soft-ass bread rolls. The mimosas rounded out to $15 a piece, and the waitress didn't know the "exact" prices of the drinks to tell us. At the end of the meal we were confused as to why it was so expensive if it was the same as P.J. Clarke's, and went downstairs to do some investigating. In the end we ended up getting the difference back from all the expensive drinks. Almost $200 dollars for some boring hamburgers with fries and one drink each???? It's both restaurants' fault for the lack of communication. read more

I definitely would not recommend this place, even if it weren't in a city full of amazing restaurants. It's really pricey for mediocre to bad food. I had the clam chowder to start, which was really bland, even though they tried to spice things up a bit with a few pieces of ham. For my entree, I ordered the special of the day, which was a pan-seared sea bass fillet sandwich topped with a sautee of broccolli rabe, chorizo, and garlic. The sautee was entirely too salty; the broccoli rabe was stringy and difficult to chew; and the sea bass was so completely overcooked I could barely separately out bites of the fish with my fork. The chips on the side were also stale and lacked flavor. Thankfully, it was a business lunch for which I did not have to pay out of my own pocket! read more

Better off downstairs. Ambience isn't worth the price. Unfortunately, my food was off (actually left really nauseas) which was a drag given my previous visit to Pj Clarke's. Nice looking spot but too many other choices in the area to make it worth a special trip. read more

I had a very solid lunch experience at The Sidecar and definitely recommend it for a nicer but not over the top business lunch. I ate the grilled salmon special which was simple but just perfectly done -- salmon has a small margin for error and I find it either perfect or far from it. This was perfect. Service was friendly. Arnold Palmer was well-mixed and the setting allowed for easy conversation. read more

You pay about $18 smackers for their deluxe burger, which is a bit pricey. Except it comes with cheese, bacon, mushrooms, onions, chili, lettuce, and tomato. Still sounds pricey, I know, but the quality of the meat is GREAT. I would definitely go back. Go hungry, because this burger will leave you stuffed. read more

Have been here plenty of times and it's way better than the PJ Clarke's downstairs, which is tinier and gets packed really quickly. At Sidecar, you have a more refined atmosphere where you can talk to your date without yelling across the table. The food for work events has always been on point, especially their sliders. I recently went and had the crabcake as an app and the scallops as my entree. The crabcake was hearty with nice pieces of crab. The scallops were a first for me and they were amazing! Seared on the outside and meaty on the inside. Four scallops were laid on top of cavatelli and mushrooms. Just delightful! Always a great meal. read more

Took a client here today for lunch with a reservation for 1, they didn't seat us and the hostess was rude when we checked in, very embarrassing since I was with a client. We left after awhile. Poorly managed and rude. read more

I wish I could give them a 10! We had our wedding at Sidecar and go to the restaurant regularly. Our guests are still talking about the intimate environment, the exceptional service and the amazing food. I will always have a special place in my heart for Sidecar- it's a NY classic! read more

It's a members only dining club above PJClarke's. I was invited by an older attorney who works next door. We had the pj bugers, but there is a traditional American menu. Good and simple w some nice touchs. Great Moscow Mule cocktail (off menu request). read more

I've been here a few times with a friend who frequents the place and can't say I love it. It's not a bad place; there are just so many better ones. Pretty much the same food as P.J.'s, served in a quieter, more subdued atmosphere at elevated prices. The menu is solidly average American fare, but not as well executed as a lot of other places; the portions and quality are disappointing at this price. Good service and a comfortable place to talk and catch up are the saving graces. I'm sure I'll be back, but wouldn't make this my first choice. read more

The atmosphere is really nice-- rustic is the perfect word to describe it, as used by Susan S. We went for drinks after work, so it was a nice way to wind down, compared to PJ Clark's at the corner. We were told to ring the bell on the hidden-away side door around the corner, and the door would unlock. Food was only average, and we got pretty bad service. It seemed like they were rushing us to leave. read more

This place is great. It's right next door to my office building so I come here often for work events and lunch. The sliders are always absolutely delicious. I came for lunch yesterday with coworkers and had the baker's dozen of oysters to split and a lobster roll. The oysters are good, but not spectacular. I've had them on several occasions and they always just have a generic taste to them. It's hard to explain, but I found it difficult to tell the difference between the different oysters, this is not usually a problem for me. They have always been okay, but kind of bland. The lobster roll I had was very good. Lots of big chunky lobster pieces. However, the roll it's on is not very big and so you can't actually eat it like a sandwich and instead need a fork and knife. The chips that were served with the lobster roll were bland and kind of soft. I'd definitely order it again even though the chips aren't that great. read more

This is an absolutely perfect location for a smaller wedding. The decor is classy romantic and modern. The food is high quality. I got shrimp cocktail for an appetizer . Now shrimp cocktail can really vary From place to place. This was the best shrimp cocktail I had in a long time. Huge jumbo perfectly cooked shrimp. Next I had steak and our table was to share a bunch of sides ( this is how they do weddings). The idea of sharing didn't sound good to me, but when the food came out and we actually did share, it actually didn't matter because it remained of very high quality. The Mac and cheese was memorable. Everything was very good. I just wish I had known about this place sooner cause I probably would've had my wedding there. read more

Great place for business lunches. Can get the PJ Clarke's classic burger in a more upscale atmosphere. Frizzled onions on the side are my special touch. read more

This place is awesome!!!! First we stopped in downstairs for a drink at pj clarks which was great. Nice selection of tap beers. And the bartender was very friendly. Next we headed upstairs to the restaurant which is accessible by a really cool side entrance where you are buzzed in kind of like a speakeasy. So cool and we were greeted really well seated right away. The atmosphere is amazing. The brick walls and wood/ tim ceiling is so cool to look at. We ordered the tuna tartare tacos and the Parmesan tater tots to start. So good!!!! Then had the ny strip and the bacon wrapped scallops special. My strip steak was cooked to perfection. A totally even medium rare and it was spectacular. I also had the mashed potatoes and creamed spinach which was wonderful. The bacon wrapped scallops were perfect. Also cooked to perfection came with a potato salad that was to die!!!! We will definitely be back to try the raw bar. read more

Love the atmosphere of this place! Considered having a private party here, as the place is semi-quaint, pleasantly decorated, semi-casual/professional and relaxing. Wait staff is very nice and accommodating. Food is delicious too. Menu is somewhat similar to the PJ menu but also has some yummy additions. read more

Fantastic service, really good food, excellent ambience, and apparently you need to be a club member to enter this place. I understand it's a growing trend in the city, and while I can't say I approve too much of the practice, in the case of the Sidecar it did seem to make a difference. None of the ear deafening background chatter. The crowd seems more refined, no loud frat boys and girls (Hey I don't hate you guys, but please do try to speak softer at bars/restaurants). read more

The oysters and duck were phenomenal and the majority of the rest of the food was delicious as well. The classy, upscale, speakeasy vibe work really well to create a pleasant ambiance while the hosts and waiters are particularly attentive to each person in your party. It is a little pricey, however, so may not meet everyone's expectations for the price. read more

Great spot! Waitstaff very professional and attentive. Food is spot on! Small menu but nice choices.

If you are looking to have the best burger in the world but want it to be in slightly nicer atmosphere then this is the spot for you! This is a great place to take your parents, visiting relatives, etc. The burger comes with great fries (I prefer the sweet potato ones), very welcome as PJ Clark's doesn't! Dessert is still great here. read more

This is a solid 3 stars with lots of potential to be 4 stars. Decor is nice and food is slightly above average. Needs improvement in the service department. Waiters need to be trained better and then and only then this place will become a 4 star establishment. read more

Burgers, fries, grilled fish, salads, clam chowder...something for everyone. Lovely food and great service. Will return soon.

How is it this place has so few reviews? I mean the door is kinda hidden, you do need a reservation and it is on the second floor, but still . . . This is like a classier version of P.J. Clarke's downstairs. I hadn't known about it but a gf I was with did and wanted to come here instead. We lucked out in that two gentleman who were waiting for a table at the bar decided not to move to a table so we got their table. The timing could not have been better. The food seems better than P.J. Clarke's though this may be my imagination. I had the salad with crab cakes and my friend had the lobster salad. Everything was very good. I do like the P.J. Clarke's downtown with the water view and beach town feel, but Sidecar is a great lunch spot during work (cause why else would you be in this area otherwise?). The clientele is older, better dressed and there was nary a kid in sight which was a welcome relief. read more

Sidecar is a great neighborhood place and wonderful for business lunches or dinners. The service is very well polished and they are good at paying attention to details. The food is good, but not necessarily exceptional. I have had the salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers and nothing has disappointed. read more

I scheduled a dinner here last night and the food was borderline inedible. We ordered 4 skirts steaks and a burger, which you would think is pretty tough to mess up. All 4 steaks came out cold, with one of them purple in the center from having hardly been cooked. The burger was much of the same, cold and purple in the center from being undercooked. We sent the food back only for each steak to be returned to the wrong person with no improvement. My friend eating the burger just sent it back but was so turned off he lost his appetite. When it came time for the bill, we weren't compensated in any way until we called over the manager and explained the situation. This used to be one of my favorite places to go, but I will not be returning anytime in the near future. read more

This is a place only worth going to if you're not paying (for instance, on a business lunch). The prices are pretty high for what you get - the lobster roll (which is a small piece of bread with lobster chunks) is around $25 - I thought $25 for a sandwich that left me hungry was pretty absurd. The salmon burger was tasty but again, I was left hungry and it's not worth the $18. Also, they can't substitute anything on the plate (greens instead of chips, fries instead of chips) - c'mon. Those chips are bland and are just a filler - it's ridiculous that they can't substitute a side item for something a customer would ACTUALLY eat. Especially given their prices. read more

Very pleasant; very good service. There was some Hollywood celebrity sitting next to my table- I was so engrossed in the food and conversation that we didn't notice until the person was leaving and couldn't tell who it was. Pricey for some things (a $17 hamburger?) but not others ($26 steak frites). read more

I gave this place three stars because I had two experiences here, one was great, one was awful. The latter: after being told that our wait would be 5 minutes, my date and I proceeded to wait another 40. We were then seated and subsequently forgotten about, sans our orders which were taken a lengthy time after being seated. The food was not much better than the service, and the bill was way too expensive. The former: A bunch of drunk dudes who could care about nothing more than truffle mac n' cheese filling our bellies. read more