Overwhelmed - Please Help! Unique NY dinner wanted!

[Sap115]

The week of 10/27, I'll be in NY. I'm staying at the Royalton on W 44th. I am meeting my brother and some friends for several meals, but one dinner I have to plan on my own for my friend and I. I have been studying this board, but it's overwhelming! I'm looking for something that is uniquely NY - not something that I could fine in Providence. Money isn't an object, and we are willing to pay for an excellent meal. We would prefer something that's not too fancy. Casually upscale? We are willing to travel. Any advice would be appreciated!!!!

[Kamembert]

Oyster Bar at GCS, Keen's, Boathouse, Asiate, Daniel, Bouley, Nobu 57

[tpigeon]

Nobu 57 is not uniquely NY. There are more nobus than mcdonalds these days...

[financialdistrictresident]

Ditto for some others on the list . . .if "uniquely NY" means historic, stood the test of time, etc..

[RGR]

Daniel is certainly upscale but definitely is not "casual upscale." Plus, Sap115 is looking for a place to go on Sunday, and Daniel is not open on Sundays.

The Oyster Bar is also closed on Sundays.

I do agree with you about Keens, which has been in its 36th St. location since 1885! So, in addition to excellent steaks, chops (including the signature mutton chop), sides, etc., there is unmatchable old NY ambiance -- walls filled with memorabilia + old clay smoking pipes suspended from all the ceilings. Can't get more uniquely NY than that!

http://www.keens.com

[Sap115]

These are good ideas. Peter Luger was one that I had on my list. $100 or $150 a head is fine. The only type of food that would be out for us is Italian, since we get that often at home. New American, American, European, Asian, all work. We already have reservations for Saturday night - I'm looking for something for Sunday night.

[Tay]

The only thing that makes Peter Luger's 'uniquely NY" is that the Wait staff reinforces outof towner's belief's that NYC'er's are a surly bunch. If they are out of their famous Porterhouse, it's no different than many other fine Steakhouses.
There are a gazillion other restaurants that are very unique. Try searching the posts for something that sounds appealing to you. You might want to consider trying a place located in a uniquely NY neighborhood, eg: The Village, West or East.

[tpigeon]

Out of their famous porterhouse? That's all they serve...Ok, I am exaggerating very slightly.

[kathryn]

How many people are in your party? Since your trip is 2 weeks away, some of the more popular restaurants may be fully booked, although some restaurants are "no reservations" unless you have a large group. Are you looking to eat on a Friday or Saturday?

From your post I am guessing you are looking for New American, American, European? How expensive is "casually upscale"? $100/head? $150/head? Are you big wine drinkers?

[bronwen]

21 Club, Four Seasons, Boathouse, River Cafe, Keen's, Oyster Bar -they're all old school NY places that I personally love and find uniquely NY

[sam1]

uniquely ny? i think dinner at blue ribbon bakery on bedford is a pretty great ny night out (dont go to any of the other branches).

[CornflakeGirl]

I have to disagree. The last couple of times I visited BR Bakery it was awful.

With the restaurant less than half full they managed to overcook my onion soup. The bread and cheese were melded together and hard as a rock. My fiance's Blue Reuben was served on a soggy baguette.

My favorite is the one in Park Slope. On our next visit I had both dishes there prepared to perfection.

[etowernyc]

Uniquely NY, you say? I'm sure I won't be the only one to recommend...Peter Luger.