New York City Restaurant Tips by AliasGirl

Restaurant Name: Serendipity

Of course, eveyone talks about the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate..because it's a must!

I just visited and it was delicious! (August 2004) The wait to get in may be long at times, especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings but its well worth it! Not only are the desserts delicious to the mouth and tummy but the decor is pretty to the eye as well.

It's a fun place for a girls-night -out, a family evening of chaos and even a great date night. Visitors are also very welcome.

Don't forget a stop at the store for a NYC Serendipity souvenir!


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Theme: Dessert
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-838-3531
Address: 225 East 60th Street, New York, NY
Directions: Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Website: http://www.serendipity3.com/

Restaurant Name: 21 Club

This place has a very historic feel. Once you enter the small courtyard from the NYC sidewalk you are transformed back into an old 'speakeasy'.

The first thing you'll notice is the 32 (yep not 21) jockeys decorating the front facade and adorning the stairs and the balcony. This will intrigue you, once you enter the legendary Bar Room you will enjoy the comfort and imagine what is was like back in the early days when the likes of Humphrey Bogart frequented often.

The walls are full of pictures and the ceiling is full of model planes. You won't know where to direct your eyes. Take in the 21 Club and all its rich legacy!

Don't forget to take really cool matches that sport a big '21' on the matchbox cover.


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Theme: American
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 1 (800) 721 CLUB
Address: 21 West 52nd Street, NY, NY 10019
Directions: Midtown location off of 52nd Street
Website: http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/onyc_a2a_home.jsp

Restaurant Name: Ellen's Stardust Diner

This Diner is pretty cool even by New YorkCity standards. It is located on the most visited street in New York, Broadway.

It has simple American Fare, but its location is key. It has many amusing attributes: singing waiters and waitresses, a 50's Diner look and a train set that is mounted high in the double ceiling. If you get to sit on the 2nd floor you can look down to see the train moving around. I actually prefer to sit on the 1st floor.

Favorite Dish: The best things to order are of course, the quintessential 50's diner fare: cheesebuger with fries and a black & white milkshake. The milk shake is awesome!

Other favorites include: fried mozzarella, quesadillas, nachos, buffalo wings, and pratically any salad is good.

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Theme: American
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 1650 Broadway, NY, NY 10019
Directions: Is located off of Broadway on 50th Street.

Restaurant Name: Churrascaria Plataforma NY

The style of this restaurant is elegance. Its patrons are mostly after work dinner crowds and tourists. We had my sister's bachelorette party here! It was perfect. You may find a pianist and live music on certain days- which adds to the ambience!

Churrascaria serves brazilian specialties: like rodizio (all sorts of grilled meats) and a salad bar with appertizers, shrimp, sushi and all sorts of side dishes that you serve yourself. Each patron is given a disk with a green side-for go and a red side-for stop. The waiters come around with the grilled meats and if you have the green side flipped up then they will ask you if you want to try the meat. This system is beautiful, it allows time to rest between tastings and if you really are full - they don't bother you! Order a caipirinha, you won't be disappointed! This drink is hot!

You get all this for a fixed price - about $50 USD per person when I was there. It is well worth the money and the wait, even with a reservation you may have to wait.

I have been to this restaurant about ten times and not once have I been disappointed. I also have a Brazilian background so its fun to speak to the waiters-all are authentic!

Favorite Dish: Everything is my favorite - try the rice and beans with your grilled meats. The turkey wrapped in bacon is superb!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 316 W. 49th Street, NY , NY 10019

Restaurant Name: Ipanema

This is another favorite Brazilian Restaurant of mine. This is not like Churrascaria Plataforma (see my review for this restaurant) it is a small restaurant located on 'Little Brazil' 46th Street. It is quaint and very personable. The host (very good looking) makes sure he greets you and checks in with you a few times during your meal.

The restaurant itself is small, long and narrow. There are a few tables and a bar upfront, it is never too crowded. (Except for when soccer is on!) I have been here for lunch many times and also frequented for dinner a few times. I even took some food home as take-out. All in all I must have been here like 15 times. I have never been disappointed!

The food is great, the presentation is okay-but once you taste it you will certainly enjoy!

Favorite Dish: My favorite dishes are the traditional rice and bean dish (Feijoada). Feijoada is made with black beans and pork meats. It also comes with collard greens as a side dish.

You should order a Caipirinha to go with your meal! This is a hot one! I mean the amount of proof in this drink! Whoooo! Light drinkers should only have one or half of one!

For dessert, pick off the desert tray - you will not be disappointed any of these will be awesome -Flan (Brazilian style), Brigadeiro (Chocolate fudge candy) [My personal favorite], Beijinho de coco (Coconut fudge candy), Cajuzinho (Chocolate fudge candy with peanuts), or Quindim (Coconut with eggs pie).

Then you can have a Brazilian Coffee with an after dinner drink if you pease.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 13 West 46th Street, NY , NY 10036
Directions: Located off of 5th Avenue and on 46th Street.

Restaurant Name: Django

This restaurant is sortof a fusion of Mediterranean and American Fare. Once you walk in, the hostess willl greet you and promptly check her reservations book. Make sure you pre-arranged, word has gotten out how great this place is. Its located on Lexington Avenue in the center of major financial institutions, it gets very busy for lunch. I have never visited for dinner.

The 1st floor has a great looking bar, but as I mentioned I'm not sure its a happening spot as it is frequented more for lunch. I imagine hours are short on the weekends, if it is at all open. This area doesn't really have crowds on the weekends. The bar is fashioned with red velvet chairs and comfy leather sofas.

Once you ascend the stairs you will notice many cool design features - a rope railing and a beaded mirror chain curtain that drops from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor creating a unique effect. At the top of the stairs you'll find pretty colors like deep oranges, pinks and reds - the Meditteranaen influence. A small tent houses very important diners (as I have never been seated here!) and is full of pillows and has a real romantic feel. The decor follows the elegence and ambience of this fusion of flavors and design styles.

Ladies, please check the bathroom as it it fabulous! I love the huge mirror!

They usually have a great luncheon deal --$20.04 pre-fixe Lunch.

Favorite Dish: All dishes are great, I have had several different ones: the specials are always enticing - so listen up! Can't go wrong with seared scallops, shrimp dishes, the pastas are good, salmon etc. Add a glass of white or red and you're all set!

Dessert is even better we had a wonderful peach cobbler a few months ago!

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 480 Lexington Ave, NY, NY 10167
Directions: Located on Lexington on the corner of 46th Street.

Restaurant Name: Smith & Wollensky Steak House

This restaurant is everything you would imagine a steak house to be in New York City. Decor is nice, waiters are helpful, tables are big, food is delicious and its super expensive.

We had a great time with a bunch of our friends filing up on steaks grilled to perfection, not too greasy steak fries, and a multitude of al la carte side dishes like creamed spinach and onion rings. Fantastic wine selection, but I'm sure you're not surprised.

Desserts were nice too, all types and sinfully delicious.

But too many visits here and it will certainly break the bank. Too rich for my blood.


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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 797 3rd Ave, NY, NY 10022
Directions: Located on 3rd Avenue & 49th Street

Restaurant Name: Virgil's Real BBQ

I just loved this place, we used to go here all the time. Its located right in the theatre district.

The menu has all types of delicious barbeque dishes and pulled po' boys. The biscuits WERE my favorite with the apple butter spread on top.

Except that my last visit there left me a lasting impression, and I just can't go back. My biscuit had an extra that wasn't on the menu --wink, wink. Needless to say, I haven't gone back.

This probably happens all the time in all the restaurants in NYC and everywhere else for that matter. It just happened to be my time to experience something like that. If you don't have fear, try this restaurant.

How fair am I? I still gave this place a pretty good rating!


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Theme: Barbecue
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 152 West 44th Street, NY, NY 10036
Directions: Theatre District

Restaurant Name: Mangia E Bevi

This restaurant located in the Theatre District caters to the theatre crowd. Its a loud Italian place that keeps to its namesake ' Mangia E Bevi' - Eat and Drink! The staff ushers you in and promptly gets your party situated in ordering meals and drinks.

Then while you are waiting the show starts - the waiters bring out tambourines and maracas and other noisy instruments to get the crowd riled up. Well folks - it works. By the time your food and drinks arrived you've already laughed a million times.

You may be required to sing a song or two, brush up on your O Solo Mio and That's Amore! You may also be required to dance around etc. You should be upbeat and in good spirits for this place or pay the consequeneces!

Food is okay - pastas and regular Italain fare but hey who rememebers that anyway with all the fun you just had!

Now you are off to a Broadway show - Enjoy!


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: 800 9th Avenue, New York 10019

Restaurant Name: Gonzalez y Gonzalez

Visit this cool funky place for dinner and drinks. The ambience is wonderful, live latin music complete with lanterns and pinatas!

It has great Mexican Fare all the traditional - burritos, fajitas, carne ranchera, tamales, chimichangas, empanadas, taquitos, and tacos, etc. Drinks include anything from frozen margaritas to the tequila bar.

You won't be disappointed with this experience!

Favorite Dish: My favorite entree: Fajitas! (Chicken and Beef)

My favorite drink: Gonzalez Rita
(Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a splash of orange juice. Served up or on the rocks.)

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212 473-8787
Address: 625 Broadway, NY, NY
Directions: Between Bleeker & Houston Streets