Dining alone in Manhattan
 

I'm in NYC next week for three nights. I will be staying at the Waldorf and dining alone. Since I love to walk when in Manhattan, I'd love some recommendations for some great places to eat where I won't feel strange asking for a table for one, and are within a 15-20 minute walk of the Waldorf. Any menu/price is acceptable. Thanks!

For brunch, you could try Bridge Cafe, which is at 279 Water St (Cross Street: Dover).

For lunch or dinner, Gabriel's (although on Saturday he's only open for dinner, and closed on Sundays) at 11 W 60th Street (Cross Street: Broadway and Columbus Avenue) would be a good choice for Italian.

Also Italian, you could try Bellavitae, at 24 Minetta Lane (Cross Street: Between 6th and MacDougal Street).

OR if you just want to grab a quick bite, a good bistro is Bistro Du Vent, at 411 West 42nd Street.

Hope that helps! :D

Smith & Wollensky steakhouse is about 3-4 blocks from the Waldorf. It's two restaurants in one: Smith & Wollensky in front and Wollensky's Grill in the back. The grill has a very large bar area which has full menu service; there is also table service if you prefer that. Generally not a problem to get a table (especially early) or to find a spot at the bar. Very good food--much better than the S&W's in other parts of the country. New York is the original.

If staying at the Waldorf, then you are very close to Grand Central Station. It is just about my favorite spot in the city for its high quantity of good quality noshes. Some examples within the station include:

-Eat at the bar at the Oyster Bar in front of the shucker-men and pan roast chef. Order your choice of raw specialities, a freshly made clam stew or pan roast or the fried clam sandwich stuffed with cole slaw. Some say this place has seen better days...but I simply don't buy that. It turns out very good seafood in a classic NYC setting.

-Try a table for 1 at Junior's for a fairly good corned beef and great cheesecake.

-Although a bit plain, Mendy's delivers a good kosher sandwich.

-The takeout at the downstairs Dishes produces one of the best sandwiches in the city. The toasted tuna on the "Jerusalem bagel" is excellent. The special bagel is super-thin and covered with sesame seeds. Despite using every tactic I know of, I stil do not know where they get those bagels! The entire staff is well-trained at keeping that secret a secret.

-Zaro's is very relaible for its black and white cookies and breads.

-Of the two more formal restaurants, Metrazur shines, while Jordan's Steakhouse fizzles. Metrazur's wood cooked fish a good bet. The steaks at Jordan's (yes, that Jordan :rolleyes: ) lack consistency. But if you're in the mood for something as simple as a steakhouse burger, a beer, and one of the best chocolate cakes in town, then you will go away happy. There's plenty of room for seating for one either inside the restuarant or in/around the bar area. Both restaurants deliver grand views of the station.

There are countless other options around your location...feel free to refine your request and I'd (we'd) be happy to share more.

It would be alot more fun sitting at the bar areaa if you're alone. Most upscale restaurant, like Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern all have great bar, and you can eat from the same menu.

Eating at the bar as a solo traveler in a lot of non-top-tier restaurants is not unusual. Houston's in the Citicorp building and a bunch of other restaurants works well.

I agree, eating at the bar of an upscale restaurant or sushi bar is usually great.

If you want to meet people, there are some restaurants with "communal tables" - Angelica's kitchen (vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the E Village), Republic (noodle/Asian place at Union Sq), and a few more.

NYC is filled with single people who often dine alone so no matter where you go, never feel awkward asking for a table for one. You've gotten good recommendations so far. Enjoy!

DERVISH, turkish restaurant and bar
 

146 W 47th

www.dervishrestaurant.com

In the theater district, I love this place. I hope you will too!

CCC

Five blocks up Park Avenue from your hotel: Lever House (innovative food, and located in a building that is a great icon of American architecture):

http://www.leverhouse.com/index_flash.html


http://travel2.nytimes.com/top/featu...=1083660611938

Babbo in the Village: the bar is filled with people eating who couldn't get reservations for a table.
I'm also fond of eating at the bar at Eleven Madison Park.

I second the Oyster Bar.. Fun place at the end of the day when Grand Center is hopping.. For casual fare, the Stage Deli ..

I am a huge fan of Azusa, a Japanese place on W 44th Street across from the Cornell Club. It's between 5th Avenue and Vanderbilt, right next to Grand Central Station. Get a table for 1 or sit at the bar with the many local Japanese folks who frequent there for lunch or dinner.

Then there's Cafe Habana down in Soho...one of my favorite places on Earth. It's on Prince Street on the corner of Elizabeth. There is a small bar for about six people where I've eaten by myself a lot of times.

Grand Central Station has a great little market as well as the food court in the basement...tons of options there as well.

Go out the back exit of the Waldorf onto Lexington Ave and hang a left- Walk up a block to MR K's f. The Bull & Bear is right there as well -- very good. As others Smith & Wollensky is close by-- If you want to walk a little bit go to PJ Clarks on 55th and 3rd. Excellent burgers and raw bar, great bar for hanging out with locals.

Patroon
 

I had a nice lunch alone here after a day's shopping: http://www.patroonrestaurant.com/

Ryerflyer~
I would like to suggest www.menupages.com. It is a NYC restaurant page where in the "advanced search" you can find restaurants in the vicinity of the Waldorf. They show you the menu's to the restaurants too! I check it out everytime I am planning a trip to NY. I even check it out while in the hotel room in NY! :)