I'll be at the Hilton Times Square for a weekend soon and was wondering if anybody could share some restaurant tips in that area. It'll be the first time in NYC for me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I have heard that the area around hotel itself gets kinda scary after dark. Is that really true or is it just big city stuff in general that people feel they have to mention?

Times Square is fine these days. Just don't flash money, etc. and you'll be fine. There are gobs of tourists all over the place at all hours. Regarding food, what are you interested in? NYC has everything. I suggest you check out the NYC forum for specific suggestions.

I'll be at the Hilton Times Square for a weekend soon and was wondering if anybody could share some restaurant tips in that area. It'll be the first time in NYC for me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I have heard that the area around hotel itself gets kinda scary after dark. Is that really true or is it just big city stuff in general that people feel they have to mention?

There are literally hundreds of restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel. Walk a few more blocks and you'll have enough places to eat for a year. Can you narrow down your preferences so we can offer some suggestions?

I don't consider Times Square to be any more dangerous than other parts of the city - perhaps less so due to the relatively heavy police presence in the area. It certainly retains none of the creepy atmosphere that you might have experienced in the '70s or '80s, when there were a lot of porn palaces on that block. The only area that's even slightly sketchy is the area around the Port Authority bus terminal to the West, but even that isn't that bad in the realm of urban crime.

Always stay vigilant, but you'll have a good time!

I've stayed there many times and its quite safe. Times Square is not scary but you need to hang onto your purse/wallet and be sensible. Most people there are tourists and look so much like tourists that if you make even the slightest effort to look like a local (who mostly avoid Times Square) you will be ahead.

The hotel has really great views, by the way. The rooms are clean and retain a new and fresh feeling. I like it a lot for a hotel near Broadway and whatnot but actually prefer to stay in other neighborhoods usually. When I was in NYC long term I definitely preferred quieter places with fewer tourists and a more laid back vibe.

The back exit of the hotel goes to a darker street that is closer to some plays (I think I walked right out back and across the street to see Rent) but the front exit takes you right into the middle of the crowds and a street that is lit up 24 hours as bright as day.

Many, but not all, of the restaurants right around that area are chains. If you look a little harder and don't just go to the first big flashing billboard, or ask the concierge/valet (I don't think they're really a genuine concierge but they stand behind this podium in the lobby sometimes), or walk away from Times Square down some less gimmicky side streets you can find some great places to eat.

Times Square is perfectly fine, as previously stated, no different from any other parts of the city...use common sense and you will be okay.

I'll be at the Hilton Times Square for a weekend soon and was wondering if anybody could share some restaurant tips in that area. It'll be the first time in NYC for me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
For restaurant tips, you should be sure to check the DiningBuzz and New York City forums (rather than the Hilton HHonors forum).
Also, I have heard that the area around hotel itself gets kinda scary after dark. Is that really true or is it just big city stuff in general that people feel they have to mention?
Times Square was "scary" maybe 20-30 years ago. It isn't now. Again, check the New York City forum.

Thanks for all the assurances of ths being a good hotel choice!

Regarding food, Japanese or Italien would be first two preferences - any hotspots for those close by?

does "hotspot" mean great food or a "celebrity vibe"?

or both?

and do you have a budget?

if not....

a 18-block walk up 8th avenue (or a 5 minute subway ride) takes you to:

"Masa
There are just 26 seats in Masa, an elegantly designed Japanese restaurant in the Time Warner Center. There is no menu; all diners will spend about 3 hours having an unparalleled omakase experience.
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4/F
Phone: 212-823-9800
Neighborhood: Midtown West (Map)
Hours: Dinner served Monday to Saturday 6:00pm-9:30pm
Lunch served Tuesday to Friday 12:00pm-1:30pm
Subway: 1/9/A/B/C/D to 59th St./ Columbus Circle
Price Range: $300-500 prix-fixe" (from about.com)

plus add 20% tip plus liquor and its EASY to spend $1k/couple

but its a great experience

or-

Per Se
Top Pick | New York Times Rating: (Extraordinary)

10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
Phone (212) 823-9335
New American
$$$$ Very

One of the most eagerly awaited restaurants to open in Manhattan over recent years, Per Se faces dauntingly great expectations and, more often than not, it meets them. A multi-course, mini-portion extravaganza here is virtually guaranteed to yield a few dishes — and more than a few bites — that instantaneously bring a crazy smile to your face and suffuse you with pure joy. The ingredients here are that superior; the cooking is that diligent and disciplined. And the attention to detail, in terms of everything from the decor to the plates to the silver stirrer in a gin and tonic, is awesome.
Sybaritic to the core, Per Se traffics in luxuries like caviar, foie gras, lobster and Kobe beef, but its greatness shows in simpler compositions, like a warm potato salad using bite-sized marble potatoes and an exquisitely balanced mustard-seed vinaigrette.

To top it all off, there is vast space between the tables — only 16 of them — and a lovely view of Central Park. -- Frank Bruni
-The New York Times"

and remember new york italian is split into two camps- southern (tomato sauce) and northern (brown sauce) - to put it simply

both cuisines can be yummy, just different

Thanks for all the assurances of ths being a good hotel choice!

Regarding food, Japanese or Italien would be first two preferences - any hotspots for those close by?


For Southern Italian, maybe Carmine's at the Theater District location of 200 W. 44th? Go out main door of HTS, go right/east to first cross street, then go left/north two blocks, then turn left about 1/2 block IIRC. Carmine's is at 200 W. 44th. http://www.carminesnyc.com/

I really liked it, ordered standard spaghetti with meat sauce which was among the best I've ever had (sorry, gourmets, please hold your disapproval--some of us just like ordinary good food, and that's just the way it is-- :D ). Disadvantage is that serving portion is excessive. Also, you will probably need reservations if you want to be seated at a table, and reservations, though I am not sure, are, I believe, available only for parties of a number of people. Still, if you are willing to sit at the bar, you can order from the regular menu there. It's a trifle awkward but worth the trouble IMO. Now, if you're a gourmet, listen to someone else. :) (And in any case forget about their cheesecake. Go anywhere except there for cheesecake.)

There is a McDonald's about 1/3 or 1/2 block from HTS, to right/east after going out the 42nd St. door exit. There is an excellent sandwich shop, called Euro-something, I forget, on 8th street. For Euro *, go out front (42nd St) exit of HTS, turn left and go 1/4 block or so to 8th Avenue. Go right/north about 1/3 block and it is on the right/east side of street. I realize you may not want McDonald's or a sandwich shop in NY, but it is good information to have if you just want a quick snack.

For Southern Italian, maybe Carmine's at the Theater District location of 200 W. 44th? Go out main door of HTS, go right/east to first cross street, then go left/north two blocks, then turn left about 1/2 block IIRC. Carmine's is at 200 W. 44th. http://www.carminesnyc.com/Carmines is great -- but LOUD. They offer no reservations for small parties. I prefer the uptown location.

The concierge at the TSH is usually quite helpful at suggesting good restaurants and securing reservations.

For Italian, why not hop on the subway and hit Little Italy? I recommend Pellegrino's. You don't need a reservation; if by some chance it is too crowded just take your pick of other places and you'll probably be happy since its hard to go too wrong down there.

For Japanese, if you want someplace big, flashy, and showy with good sushi, bad service, and cool decorations that isn't too expensive, Ruby Foos is right there nearby and you can't miss the sign.

My favorite Japanese restaurant in the area, though, if you're willing to walk a few blocks north and a couple blocks east, is called Onigashima. Its got a great environment, is upstairs and mostly tourist-free, has good prices, and OUTSTANDING food. I used to eat there at least once a week.
http://www.onigashima.com/index_E.asp

ToJ is asking for information pertaining to Times Square in general, and not about the Hilton HHonors property itself.

Let us unleash those savvy New Yorkers and have us...

...er...I mean, them...

...impart their knowledge and expertise in a forum so good, they only named it once.

The new home for this thread is now the New York City forum.

Regards,

Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Hilton forum

For Southern Italian, maybe Carmine's at the Theater District location of 200 W. 44th? Go out main door of HTS, go right/east to first cross street, then go left/north two blocks, then turn left about 1/2 block IIRC. Carmine's is at 200 W. 44th. http://www.carminesnyc.com/

I really liked it, ordered standard spaghetti with meat sauce which was among the best I've ever had (sorry, gourmets, please hold your disapproval--some of us just like ordinary good food, and that's just the way it is-- :D ). Disadvantage is that serving portion is excessive. Also, you will probably need reservations if you want to be seated at a table, and reservations, though I am not sure, are, I believe, available only for parties of a number of people. Still, if you are willing to sit at the bar, you can order from the regular menu there. It's a trifle awkward but worth the trouble IMO. Now, if you're a gourmet, listen to someone else. :) (And in any case forget about their cheesecake. Go anywhere except there for cheesecake.)

There is a McDonald's about 1/3 or 1/2 block from HTS, to right/east after going out the 42nd St. door exit. There is an excellent sandwich shop, called Euro-something, I forget, on 8th street. For Euro *, go out front (42nd St) exit of HTS, turn left and go 1/4 block or so to 8th Avenue. Go right/north about 1/3 block and it is on the right/east side of street. I realize you may not want McDonald's or a sandwich shop in NY, but it is good information to have if you just want a quick snack.

Europin is the place your thinking of..It's on 8th ave between 42nd and 43rd..I'll add some more thoughts when I can think more clearly!
cheers
howie

There's a Haru on 43rd Street. Pretty good sushi http://www.harusushi.com/

And the only thing scary about Times Square is all the tourists.

Dervish, down the street from the Doubletree right off the square, is good for a turkish meal if that interests you at all.

But there are like a zillion restaurants in the area, so a better idea of the type of food and price range please.

The back side of the hotel (where you get cabs) looks pretty seedy at night, not saying it is, but it's got that dark look, but out the front door not a problem at all anymore.

Dervish, down the street from the Doubletree right off the square, is good for a turkish meal if that interests you at all.

But there are like a zillion restaurants in the area, so a better idea of the type of food and price range please.

The back side of the hotel (where you get cabs) looks pretty seedy at night, not saying it is, but it's got that dark look, but out the front door not a problem at all anymore.
i just travel to NY for biz, so take my advice for what it's worth :)

it's not japanese, but Spice Market down in the meat packing district (13th st and 9th ave) is pretty good asian fusion. very interesting, although it seems to lean more towards thai/vietnamese than chinese/japanese. pretty hip place, can get loud, and is a hike (or decent cab ride) from times square. i got off work a little early, so walked there from our office in TS.

if you want really good food you should head down to chelsea and below (village, soho). if you're interested in venturing downtown, let me know and i'll email you some places. midtown has either really expensive big restaurants, or really standard ones. if you want italian on par with what you might find in italy, head downtown.

I fall into the moderately priced, nothing too fancy dining category and these are a couple of places that I like:

John's Pizza 260 W 44th Right in the theater district. Brick fired pizza, yummy cocktails. When you're in the dining room, look up.

The Heartland Brewery at 51st & 6th. There's also one closer to Times Square at 127 W. 43rd St., but I like the 51st location better.

For a midnight slice of pizza while strolling around Times Square - Ray's Pizza 856 8th Ave(51st & 52nd)

There's a Haru on 43rd Street. Pretty good sushi http://www.harusushi.com/

And the only thing scary about Times Square is all the tourists.

Yea, and you cant even tell who they are ;)

OMG.

Ok, I am sure that I will ruffle some feathers here, but to me the most exciting thing about NYC is the vast variety of food that is available beyond anywhere else in the world.


Little Italy??
McDonalds??
Carmines?

C'mon....


Right near your hotel on 9th Ave. between 36th and 59th streets is an area famous for it's food. The annual 9th ave food festival highlights the amazing selection (granted it's gone down hill in recent years).

Over there you'll find great choices, including:
There's a place called Yum Yum with three branches on that strip that makes great Thai.
Little Saigon on 46th for delicious Vietnamese soups.
Cara Mia on.. (maybe 48th?) for excellent Italian. (Hint:make a reservation in advance for anytime after 7:30 - they get a large crowd of walkups who sit around waiting, but they will hold your table after the theater crowd leaves if you call ahead.)
Vynl Diner on 54th for mexican-inspired/eclectic weird fusion food that's very good.
Uncle Nicks for Greek
Old San Juan -51st owned by a Puerto Rican/Argentinian husband and wife that makes excellent steaks and rice and beans.
Chez Napolean a delicious, modest family run French place on 50th right off 9th (Grandma is in the kitchen, two sisters wait tables, grandson runs the bar.)
HeroBoy on 38th makes huge italian heros, pastas and now pizza.
Say Cheese has a large variety of Grilled Cheese sandwiches.
For a bit more chic, check out HK on 38th and 9th. Nice salads and pastas.


There are even a couple of Pakistani lunch counters geared towards taxi drivers if you feel like being adventurous, the food is usually fine ( ;) ) and not diluted to American tastebuds.

I'm sorry to say that despite the fact that I live there, I think that Chelsea is a terrible place to have food. I find all of the places big on style and price and small on quality and taste. Of course there are gems, but for the most part it's style over substance.

I hope you have a great time in NY. Please support the Mom and Pop restaurants and stores to stem the stripmall-ification of the greatest food city in the world.

OMG.

Ok, I am sure that I will ruffle some feathers here, but to me the most exciting thing about NYC is the vast variety of food that is available beyond anywhere else in the world.


Little Italy??
McDonalds??
Carmines?

C'mon....


Right near your hotel on 9th Ave. between 36th and 59th streets is an area famous for it's food. The annual 9th ave food festival highlights the amazing selection (granted it's gone down hill in recent years).

Over there you'll find great choices, including:
There's a place called Yum Yum with three branches on that strip that makes great Thai.
Little Saigon on 46th for delicious Vietnamese soups.
Cara Mia on.. (maybe 48th?) for excellent Italian. (Hint:make a reservation in advance for anytime after 7:30 - they get a large crowd of walkups who sit around waiting, but they will hold your table after the theater crowd leaves if you call ahead.)
Vynl Diner on 54th for mexican-inspired/eclectic weird fusion food that's very good.
Uncle Nicks for Greek
Old San Juan -51st owned by a Puerto Rican/Argentinian husband and wife that makes excellent steaks and rice and beans.
Chez Napolean a delicious, modest family run French place on 50th right off 9th (Grandma is in the kitchen, two sisters wait tables, grandson runs the bar.)
HeroBoy on 38th makes huge italian heros, pastas and now pizza.
Say Cheese has a large variety of Grilled Cheese sandwiches.
For a bit more chic, check out HK on 38th and 9th. Nice salads and pastas.


There are even a couple of Pakistani lunch counters geared towards taxi drivers if you feel like being adventurous, the food is usually fine ( ;) ) and not diluted to American tastebuds.

I'm sorry to say that despite the fact that I live there, I think that Chelsea is a terrible place to have food. I find all of the places big on style and price and small on quality and taste. Of course there are gems, but for the most part it's style over substance.

I hope you have a great time in NY. Please support the Mom and Pop restaurants and stores to stem the stripmall-ification of the greatest food city in the world.


Bless you my son (or daughter)! I too have been mortified at some of the suggestions here.

Ive gotten more or less burned out on French food and in recent years have really turned to Japanese places. My current favorites for Japanese in Fun City, I still miss Honmura An, but the currents are Butai (near Union Square on 18th), Aburiya Kinnosuke (45th and Third), and Kai (Madison near 82nd). Aburiya is extremely authentic (actually all three are). Aburiya and Butai are roboto places. They have a good selection of sushi but specialize in roboto grill dishes. If you sit at the bar, rather than it being a sushi bar, you get to watch them grilling the dishes on a stone covered fire.

The first time I was in Aburiya we were in only gaijin there and they werent completely prepared for folks like us. Now they list the specials in English as well as Japanese and gaijin have discovered the place. They have really interesting stuff, like a scrambled egg dish, typical Japanese "bar food" dishes like "fish guts" which we thought must be a bad translation when we tried it. Turns out the translation was spot on. The grilled dishes range from whole fish and fish heads and necks to maybe the best fried chicken I have ever had to thick chunks of ultra premium bacon in a Japanese sauce. The chicken meat balls are a showcase item as well.

Butai is a little more "downtown". Not quite as big a selection of food but I like the ambiance a bit more. I think the sushi is probably a bit better there as well.

Kai specializes in kaiseki dinners although you can order regular dinners that are subsets of the stuff on the kaiseki menus. The big kaiseki dinner is a real treat, I wouldnt view it as a sort of everyday thing to do. Kai is pretty chic, black marble and very modern styling. Kai is owned by Ito En, the largest exporter of tea in Japan. It is on the second floor and their retail tea store is downstairs. They fly tea, packed under nitrogen, in from Japan and have a very large selection. Likewise, the restaurant has an extensive menu of different Japanese teas and if you ask can put together a tea flight with your dinner. Ive had kaiseki at Tawaraya Ryukin in Kyoto. It was better than Kai. But not by a lot..

For the love of God, dont go to McDs or any of the places that you can find in any city in the US. The advantage of NY is that it is so big that it can support some truly unique and outstanding places. Try one of them.

Wirelessly posted (TMobile DASH: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; PPC; 240x320) Opera 8.60 [en])

The OP asked for "hot". i think the "hot" Italian place in NYC right now is Morandi. Ive been there three or four times and thought it was magnificent. I wrote a review of it here in the NYC forum when it opened. Bruni didnt like it. I disagree completely and frankly think Im way more qualfied than he as a restaurant critic. the big crowds at Morandi would tend to show others disagree as well. Since you are going to be in a city with both "hot" and controversial restaurants, take advantage of it and go to a "now" place. Book in advance.

or-

Per Se
Top Pick | New York Times Rating: (Extraordinary)

10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
Phone (212) 823-9335
New American
$$$$ Very

One of the most eagerly awaited restaurants to open in Manhattan over recent years, Per Se faces dauntingly great expectations and, more often than not, it meets them. A multi-course, mini-portion extravaganza here is virtually guaranteed to yield a few dishes — and more than a few bites — that instantaneously bring a crazy smile to your face and suffuse you with pure joy. The ingredients here are that superior; the cooking is that diligent and disciplined. And the attention to detail, in terms of everything from the decor to the plates to the silver stirrer in a gin and tonic, is awesome.
Sybaritic to the core, Per Se traffics in luxuries like caviar, foie gras, lobster and Kobe beef, but its greatness shows in simpler compositions, like a warm potato salad using bite-sized marble potatoes and an exquisitely balanced mustard-seed vinaigrette.

To top it all off, there is vast space between the tables — only 16 of them — and a lovely view of Central Park. -- Frank Bruni
-The New York Times"



For the record, in most cases I disapprove of people re-printing guidebook comments here unless you want to endorse the author's comments based on your personal experience.

Frank Bruni is a very controversial critic and has been disagreed with before in this forum. From this review, it appears he tried only one of the restaurant's menus when Times policy usually dictates he should have all.

Per Se, where I dined in April, is an extremely overrated restaurant and Thomas Keller has imported the same hype he uses in California.

The service is not up to par of the top restaurants in the city. As for the food, we had the vegetarian tasting menu with accompanying wine choices. When I have to ask for salt--because the restaurant is too stupid or pompous to place it on the table--I only need salt, not a lecture on salt. And if you are running a top tier restaurant, you should assume your customers already know what "fleur de sel" is, or if not, that they'll ask you.

The wine steward was not competent enough to work in even the smallest bistro.

The bill came to $921.

Never again.

This is my personal opinion, and unlike Bruni, I pay for my meals out of my pocket, not a newspaper's expense account.

For the record, in most cases I disapprove of people re-printing guidebook comments here unless you want to endorse the author's comments based on your personal experience.

Frank Bruni is a very controversial critic and has been disagreed with before in this forum. From this review, it appears he tried only one of the restaurant's menus when Times policy usually dictates he should have all.

Per Se, where I dined in April, is an extremely overrated restaurant and Thomas Keller has imported the same hype he uses in California.

The service is not up to par of the top restaurants in the city. As for the food, we had the vegetarian tasting menu with accompanying wine choices. When I have to ask for salt--because the restaurant is too stupid or pompous to place it on the table--I only need salt, not a lecture on salt. And if you are running a top tier restaurant, you should assume your customers already know what "fleur de sel" is, or if not, that they'll ask you.

The wine steward was not competent enough to work in even the smallest bistro.

The bill came to $921.

Never again.

This is my personal opinion, and unlike Bruni, I pay for my meals out of my pocket, not a newspaper's expense account.

Very well put all around. I didnt get the idea from the OP that they wanted a real expensive, special occasion dinner. If they do, I would heartily suggest LeBernardin. It is a stunning restaurant. It will be about $250-$350 per person compared to quite a bit more at Per Se or Masa. LeBernardin is a Michelin 3 star restaurant. In addition to several visits there myself, a person who told me that he thought it was as good as any food in Paris was the former maitre de at Taillevant. In addition to my own opinion, I trust him a lot more than Bruni.

Very well put all around. I didnt get the idea from the OP that they wanted a real expensive, special occasion dinner. If they do, I would heartily suggest LeBernardin. It is a stunning restaurant. It will be about $250-$350 per person compared to quite a bit more at Per Se or Masa. LeBernardin is a Michelin 3 star restaurant. In addition to several visits there myself, a person who told me that he thought it was as good as any food in Paris was the former maitre de at Taillevant. In addition to my own opinion, I trust him a lot more than Bruni.

Thanks. I agree with you on several points as well.

First, Le Bernardin is indeed magnificent. The first time I was there I was asked by a friend to join a group he had to entertain, a truly wretched set of individuals. Nonetheless, I ordered what I wanted and enjoyed it immensely despite the incessant complaining from the table.

As to whose opinions to trust, again, always consider the source. There is an Italian restaurant I know that is a hangout for lawyers because it is near the courts in Manhattan. Posted on the wall is a letter from a person in some place like Cleveland proclaiming the restaurant "the best." I suppose if the author ever ate in some place like Le Pré Catelan in Paris he would think he had gone to Heaven. :)

My girlfriend is from Paris and I have multiple French friends including one from Lyon (the gastronomic capital of France) so I, too, have my own group of reliable sources.

Per Se, where I dined in April, is an extremely overrated restaurant and Thomas Keller has imported the same hype he uses in California.

The service is not up to par of the top restaurants in the city. As for the food, we had the vegetarian tasting menu with accompanying wine choices. When I have to ask for salt--because the restaurant is too stupid or pompous to place it on the table--I only need salt, not a lecture on salt. And if you are running a top tier restaurant, you should assume your customers already know what "fleur de sel" is, or if not, that they'll ask you.

The wine steward was not competent enough to work in even the smallest bistro.

The bill came to $921.Per Se is very much out of our price range but I still found your comments quite interesting. So you found their waiters to be sub par? I'm not surprised since their tip is already applied to your check and thus they have no incentive to provide anything above par. In New York, especially with service, you get what you pay for. If there is no incentive to provide service, you probably won't get it.

Per Se, where I dined in April, is an extremely overrated restaurant and Thomas Keller has imported the same hype he uses in California.

The service is not up to par of the top restaurants in the city. As for the food, we had the vegetarian tasting menu with accompanying wine choices. When I have to ask for salt--because the restaurant is too stupid or pompous to place it on the table--I only need salt, not a lecture on salt. And if you are running a top tier restaurant, you should assume your customers already know what "fleur de sel" is, or if not, that they'll ask you.

The wine steward was not competent enough to work in even the smallest bistro.

The bill came to $921.

Never again.

This is my personal opinion, and unlike Bruni, I pay for my meals out of my pocket, not a newspaper's expense account.

I agree. We don't dine out for free to write reveiws and we don't have expense accounts to take out an impress clients on how much money we can spend on them. We dine out to have a fantastic experience. In all ways, Per Se disappoints.

We ordered the regular prix fix (not the vegetarian) and one course was hearts of palm or a choice of foie gras carrying a $35. supplement. I don't know anyone who likes hearts of palm and offering a controversial item with an outrageous surcharge as the only alternative is not only idiotic menu planning but also nickel and diming the customer who's already paying for one of the most expensive meals in NYC.

I can't complain about the service. It was competant, but not warm and genuine like the terrific servers we have when we go to Chanterelle or Bouley.

Per Se was a once in a lifetime experience, but honestly, I would have been happier with high end dinner at half the price and a new pair of Prada shoes! ;)

Per Se is the best food in the city, IMHO, hands down. I'm heading there in two weeks again, and looking forward to it. I sat with Mr. Yasuda on Friday night, and that is the best sushi in the city, so long as you are adventurous.

Japanese: Yasuda/Zen for Sushi (Zen's much closer), Nobu for non-sushi Japanese

Italian: Not in the area, but I *love* L'Impero (in the East 40s) and Il Buco (on Bond St). Mmmmm.

Heartland? Really? I'd advise burger joint instead. I worked on 6th Ave and 52nd street, so Heartland was right by us, and we all went to burger joint instead.

Heartland? Really? I'd advise burger joint instead. I worked on 6th Ave and 52nd street, so Heartland was right by us, and we all went to burger joint instead.When we go to the Heartland, we go to the one in Union Square. Frankly, I'm not crazy about their menu but we do go for the beer. ^

Wirelessly posted (TMobile DASH: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 6.12) T-Mobile Dash)

Heartland? Really? I'd advise burger joint instead. I worked on 6th Ave and 52nd street, so Heartland was right by us, and we all went to burger joint instead.When we go to the Heartland, we go to the one in Union Square. Frankly, I'm not crazy about their menu but we do go for the beer. ^

I cant comment much on Heartland. The only time I went was after a long dinner in a private room at Cite I think it was, across the street. for a birthday party. I sort of got thrown out; apparently something I said. :(

if you like sushi or seafood then DEFINITELY check out The Blue Fin right below the W Hotel Times Sq...I believe its 46th and Broadway across from a McD's.:cool:

if you like sushi or seafood then DEFINITELY check out The Blue Fin right below the W Hotel Times Sq...I believe its 46th and Broadway across from a McD's.:cool:It's at 47th and Broadway.

if you like sushi or seafood then DEFINITELY check out The Blue Fin right below the W Hotel Times Sq...I believe its 46th and Broadway across from a McD's.:cool:


It looked really good last time we passed there, we might have to check it out next time.

By all means go west!

9th Ave in the 40s and 50s has perhaps the most variety in inexpensive food of anywhere in the city. You'll find just about every ethnicity represented and plenty of inexpensive options--and far fewer tourists. Just stroll up and down and check out the menus.

I assume you are refering to Hell's Kitchen/Clinton? I love that area!

Check out the Community Buzz threads for several events we had in the Times Square area.

The recommendation of Hells Kitchen/Clinton restaurants in teh 40's and 50's is right on! Take a walk along 9th Avenue and you're sure to find something to strike your dining fancy.

A personal favorite is the West Bank Cafe on West 42nd Street right off 9th Avenue (just a few blocks from the Hilton TS) which has hosted a number of F-T events including the first Catman Do:

http://www.westbankcafe.com/menus/dinner

Also check out the collection along Restaurant Row on 47th Street. I had great Tapas there one night with another F-T friend and there's a good steakhouse there called Frankie and Johnny's.

Heartland BRewery you can get just about anywhere - brewpub with a restaurant with personally marginal food and even less quality food. Just so I don't get flamed... I've been there five times and five times have been underwhelmed and disappointed.

I've been to the BBQ place nearby also run by the Heartland folks, I believe. It was nothing special either.

I've been to the BBQ place nearby also run by the Heartland folks, I believe. It was nothing special either.

Burger Joint, in the Hotel Parker Meridian, is fantastic.

if you like sushi or seafood then DEFINITELY check out The Blue Fin right below the W Hotel Times Sq...I believe its 46th and Broadway across from a McD's.:cool:
i've eaten there and enjoyed it. i also recently dined at BLT Prime - very good experience.