New York City - 6h layover at JFK...worth it to try to go downtown?

Seems kinda on the cuff as to whether it would be wise to head into Manhattan...any thoughts? Would probably use subway....

Thanks in advance.

The trip each way would over an hr approx (check on gmaps). Also you'll need 45-90 mins to go through security etc when you return leaving you with 2.5-3 hrs in Manhattan. Unless you have something you want to do/see it could be very exhausting.

It is an opportunity to have a meal that will be far better than anything you'll have on the plane. I'd recommend taking the AirTrain to Jamaica, where you can catch the Long Island Rail Road (faster and more comfortable than the subway) to Penn Station. From there, it's a short walk to Keens Steakhouse (http://www.keens.com/), one of NYC's best. If you sit at the bar or in the Pub Room, you can order off of either the full dining room menu or the more casual pub menu.

It is an opportunity to have a meal that will be far better than anything you'll have on the plane. I'd recommend taking the AirTrain to Jamaica, where you can catch the Long Island Rail Road (faster and more comfortable than the subway) to Penn Station. From there, it's a short walk to Keens Steakhouse (http://www.keens.com/), one of NYC's best. If you sit at the bar or in the Pub Room, you can order off of either the full dining room menu or the more casual pub menu.

The main purpose would be to grab a meal, so this is along the lines of what I would be looking to do. Any other suggestions in that same area?

Thanks!

The trip each way would over an hr approx (check on gmaps). Also you'll need 45-90 mins to go through security etc when you return leaving you with 2.5-3 hrs in Manhattan. Unless you have something you want to do/see it could be very exhausting.

That's about what I had figured, but thought it would be a good idea to ask those more experienced. The main purpose would be a meal, so I guess it is feasible.

Thanks!

bunch of korean bbq restaurants on 32nd street and 6th ave, not far from Penn Station if you're taking LIRR. I however would probably not come into Manhattan for 6 hrs, too much clock watching to make it worth my while.

I however would probably not come into Manhattan for 6 hrs, too much clock watching to make it worth my while.Six hours is more than enough time. Taking the AirTrain to the LIRR to Penn Station takes less than an hour each way. If the OP takes two hours to walk to a restaurant and have a meal, that leaves a very comfortable two hours to reclear security and get to the gate. More than enough time, even if any unexpected delays creep in.

To the OP: Keens probably is the best restaurant within easy walking distance of Penn Station. If there are specific types of cuisine you desire, that might help us provide other recommendations. Also, if instead of taking the LIRR to Penn Station, you take it to Woodside, Queens (most, but not all, LIRR trains from Jamaica Station to Penn Station stop in Woodside), you can walk to SriPraPhai (http://sripraphairestaurant.com/), one of NYC's best, and spiciest, Thai restaurants. (Note that there usually is a line to get in, but with six hours you'd have plenty of time comfortably to get there, wait in the line, eat and get back.)

A few more options I've thought of within easy striking distance of Penn Station:

The NoMad (http://www.thenomadhotel.com/#/dining) is one of NYC's hottest new restaurants. Check out this review (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/20/dining/reviews/the-nomad-in-new-york.html?pagewanted=all) from the NYTimes; makes me rethink my statement above that Keens is the best restaurant within walking distance of Penn Station. I have not eaten there yet, so I don't know how feasible it is to get in and out in two hours.

The Ace Hotel, at 29th and Broadway, has two excellent casual options: The Breslin (http://thebreslin.com/), for excellent and hearty gastropub fare, and John Dory Oyster Bar (http://thejohndory.com/), for excellent oysters, fish and seafood. Both are popular, so often require waits, but again I think the OP has enough time. And if the OP is traveling alone, grabbing a single seat at the bar at either place should be reasonably feasible.

Seems kinda on the cuff as to whether it would be wise to head into Manhattan...any thoughts? Would probably use subway....

Thanks in advance.

An hour will not get you to midtown if you're take the subway. More like 90 minutes. Because you will need to take the bus to the subway station first.

An hour will not get you to midtown if you're take the subway. More like 90 minutes. Because you will need to take the bus to the subway station first.The OP can easily get to midtown in an hour, even by subway, although the LIRR will get him there faster.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Seems kinda on the cuff as to whether it would be wise to head into Manhattan...any thoughts? Would probably use subway....

Thanks in advance.

An hour will not get you to midtown if you're take the subway. More like 90 minutes. Because you will need to take the bus to the subway station first.

The bus to the subway is the cheapest way, but takes longer than the AirTrain to the subway. Assuming no delays or service disruptions, AirTrain to the "E" train at Jamaica should get one from JFK to East 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue in one hour.

What time of day are you in town for? That may change the meal choices/selections slightly and perhaps your turn-around time at restaurants.

Any cuisine type you are seeking? A view? etc.

You have almost 3 hrs (if not delays/transit issues) as others have stated so you have time/choice to eat wherever you want in Manhattan without much scheduling challenges so I wouldn't restrict you to only mid-town and may option you on the E train if you need to go to another part of town as avoids additional transfer.

Thanks for all the replies! Been busy at work! I'm there from 2 pm ish to 8 pm ish on a saturday...I'm assuming I may miss some of the lunch rush by the time I get into the city. As far as cuisine goes, we honestly like everything (I'm traveling with my wife), so we are pretty much up for anything. Anything good!

Thanks for all the replies! Been busy at work! I'm there from 2 pm ish to 8 pm ish on a saturday...I'm assuming I may miss some of the lunch rush by the time I get into the city. As far as cuisine goes, we honestly like everything (I'm traveling with my wife), so we are pretty much up for anything. Anything good!

How about a real New York experience - corned beef sandwich at Katz's http://katzsdelicatessen.com/ on the lower east side or Carnegie Deli? http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php You can be in and out in 30 - 45 minutes, with plenty of time to take in neighborhood sights.