Anyone in Manhattan? I need some travel advice

Ryzaroo

[Ryzaroo]

I will be going to NYC for New Years Eve and will have my younger sister along with me who is not yet 21. Can you tell me any good blues/jazz/ style spots that I could attend that she would be allowed to get into as well?

Also we will be taking the Amtrak that will put us into Penn Station. We are staying at the Dumont Plaza Suites...if you know of this place can you tell me about how far it is from Penn Station?

Last question...all of us want to dine at a VERY nice restaurant. I was thinking Tavern on the Green? Do you recommend this or somewhere else? I am thinking $100 a person no drinks included type of establishment. Thanks!

[finnman69]

I forgot about the jazz at Blue Water Grill. Not to mention the space at Blue Water is amazing, inside an old bank hall.

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/frame/set.htm?site=http://www.brguestinc.com

one other really special NYC restaurant that is special is River Cafe in Brooklyn under the Brooklyn Bridge. Expensive but a fabulous view, great food, and you will take a neat taxi trip across the Brooklyn Bridge to gaze back at Lower Manhattan. Jackets are required for men.

http://www.rivercafe.com/

[DrCarl]

>Tavern on the Green is physically beautiful but the food is not the best.

It's the bowling man's idea of Paradise. It is to restaurants what Broadway is to Theater.

Here's what Tavern on the Green is good for. If it's a nice fall or winter evening and you've just come out of dinner at Cafe des Artiste, walk over to Tavern on the Green and smoke your cigar under the lights on the trees. Then leave.

[Lurking Libertarian]

Another good place is the Gramercy Tavern.

From the same owners as Union Square Cafe. They also own two other excellent places-- Tabla (Indian-inspired fusion) and Madison Park (French/continental).

[contessa machiaveli]

my husband and i went to blue water first day it opened and had many a sunday brunch sitting outdoors and drinking nice, spicy bloody marys. there's so much competition in the area..places open and close so frequently on park avenue south.

[DrCarl]

>Go to Rush's favorite Italian restaurant. Patsy

You've got to be kidding! Patsy's is fake Italian junk food.

[stanz]

Yes, all the good places become tourists traps. I usually try to get to these places for lunch so I avoid some of the dinner crowd. Noise I could totally do without.

[Lurking Libertarian]

Btw, if you like music and want an offbeat experience, the Indian restaurants on 6th Street in the East Village have live sitar music and are always a hit with out-of-towners I take there, even if they haven't the faintest interest in Indian food or music.

My favorite Indian restaurant is Haveli, corner of 2nd Avenue & East 6th St.

[AmusedBystander]

Rent the movie, The Out of Towners.

[B-Chan]

the Indian restaurants on 6th Street in the East Village have live sitar music and are always a hit with out-of-towners I take there, even if they haven't the faintest interest in Indian food or music.

How could I forget those Indian places? Lately they've had half-price menus, too, which really stretches the dining buck.

That wine bar over by Tompkins Square Park (I forgot the name, but it's the same one where the black guy tried to kill several people but got his ass handed to him by two white waitresses) has a nice selection of digestifs and wine cocktails (not to mention champagne) for drinks afterwards.

[chris_in_nj]

One of the best bangs for the buck has to be Carmine's. If you are in Times Square this is a great place for a meal. It will probably run you about $50 for both of you and you will be stuffed. It is one of the best Caesar Salad;s in the city and the portions are enormous. It is right around the corner from my office building. It is on 44th St. right by 7th Avenue.

If it is upscale you want - and arteries be damned - go to Sparks Steakhouse. This is where John Gotti and Sammy "The Bull" Gravano whacked their boss so they could take over the family. The steak melts in your mouth and it is perhaps the best lobster served in the Big Apple. Creamed Spinach, Asparagus or Garlic Mashed Potatos are my recommended sides. Also, they have a wine list as long as 'War and Peace'.

As I said - I work in Times Square - if you would like any other recommendations just let me know. I've done a ton of damage on my expense account at restaurants around the country.....Where are you from?

- chris_in_nj

[DrCarl]

>3. You must go to Daniel

NOW somebody's talkin'

Daniel would certainly be a place to eat. Union Square Cafe would be too. Etc.

[JonH]

Sad but I understand The Russian Tea Room is closed.

[alisasny]

Have you tried Lundy Brothers in Times Square (seafood). We went several months ago and really enjoyed the food and ourselves. Service was great as well and its nice and open and airy with a fresh seafood bar. YUMMY!

[JonH]

For a great steak or Lobster, try The Palm. Not too far from the hotel that you are using (on First Ave I think).

[Lurking Libertarian]

That wine bar over by Tompkins Square Park (I forgot the name, but it's the same one where the black guy tried to kill several people but got his ass handed to him by two white waitresses) has a nice selection of digestifs and wine cocktails (not to mention champagne) for drinks afterwards.

Bar Veloce, 2nd Ave. at around 9th or 10th St.

[chris_in_nj]

I guess I'll give it a try on Monday if they are open for lunch. Do you live or work in the Times Square area?

- Chris

[KellyAdmirer]

Palm Too is right across the street, same place, just different location. Can be less crowded than Palm, friendly staff. Used to eat there a lot when a friend lived nearby. Go if you are hungry for steak or lobster - LOTS of steak or lobster.

[livius]

Ooops. Rush just dropped a bit in my estimation...

[Ryzaroo]

I'm from Catonsville, Maryland....right outside of Baltimore

[alisasny]

I am out on Long Island. Hubby works on Upper East Side. I get in for dinner about 6 times per year if I am lucky.