Good Food, Great Location and other New York City, NY Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Mickey Mantle's

Located on 59th Street directly across the street from the start of Central Park Mickey Mantle's has the location, and the food (traditional American pub fare) is pretty good as well. While it may seem expensive to pay nearly $13.95 for a burger you first have to remember you are in New York City and then realize what you could be paying somewhere else for food not near as good. Also at some point you are going to pay for a restaurant which is literally in the shadow of many NY sights (FAO Scwartz, Fifth Avenue, Wolman Rink, The Plaza etc.). The interior of the restaurant is well light and has some very interesting memorabilia from Mickey's playing days and beyoynd. There is also an area where you can buy souveneirs from your visit (the dark blue Tshirt with the number 7 on the back is pretty cool).

All in all the food is solid and the price is fair.

I visited in September 2004 and sat outside on the sidewalk and thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of Central Park on a busy Sunday.

If you stop in Grand Central Station at the Tourism Bureau I received a map that got me 10% of my bill at the restaurant.....not bad

Favorite Dish: Basic cheesburger with waffle fries.

Spinach dip as an appetizer was also good.

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 59th Street, between 5th Avenue and Ave of America

Restaurant Name: Serendipity

Though this place has always attracted a crowd this has only grown since this small restaurant was used as a setting and meeting place for John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in the movie Serindipity.

Make sure to come very early especially on weekends and around the holidays as the wait can be hours, on my last visit I got in a short line around 10:15 am on Sunday as immediately got a table as the restaurant was just opening. The food while pricey was good and was of the sandwich and burger variety with various soups and salads also available. The real reason both tourists and locals flock here is for their desserts none more popular than the Frozen Hot Chocolate which is amazingly good.

Serendipity is fairly convenient to both Central Park and Bloomindale's

Favorite Dish: You must try the Frozen Hot Chocolate.

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Theme: American
Comparison: more expensive than 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: Yoshinoya

Since I have always wanted to visit Japan and Tokyo I had heard about Yoshinoya a Japanese fast food chain that serves a dish called Beef bowl which is white rice and vegtables covered by seasoned strips of beef. Other than several chains in and an around Southern California the only other stores in the entire US reside in New York City. Even though I was unable to locate the larger store near Times Square we made our way to this quieter location of the chain on West 46th Street.

Overall the food was good and I am now hooked on the Beef Bowl. This is a quality choice in midtown Manhattan since you can get a large Beef Bowl, Soup and Large Fountain Drink for around 10 dollars.

Favorite Dish: What else the Beef Bowl or Guydon as it is known in Japan.

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 24 W 46th Street

Restaurant Name: Junio's Cheesecake

Once only located in the far off NYC borough of Brooklyn, Junior's has brought the famous cheescake and other offerings to a beautful new Times Sqaure location. The restaurant is very nice and occupies a somewhat quieter setting even while being a block off Times Sqaure, while visiting in July they also had a very large patio to allow for al fresco dining. The food is identical to what has been served for years in their flagship Brooklyn locations, burgers, steaks and the like.

Favorite Dish: What else???....plain NY Cheesecake

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 1515 Broadway, NYC
Directions: 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
Website: http://www.juniorscheesecake.com