Union Square Cafe alternative?

[carolinerex]

Couldn't get a 7.30 dinner reservation at USC for tomorrow night - before I crawl in there hoping for a stray table, are there any recommended alternatives within a similar price range? Union Square/Gramercy area preferred.

[links42]

Gotham Bar & Grill would be a great choice!

[doona]

I might be way off base cause I've never been, but Redeye Grill? Anyone know?

[RGR]

We've not been to Redeye Grill either, but one thing's for sure. It's not in the Union Square/Gramercy area. And since there are good alternatives in that area, why would they want to shlep up to the Theater District?

[UnionSqChowHound]

Union Square is a great oasis for good food. Alternatives to USC (among my many favorites in the area including 11 Madison and Gotham, already mentioned), include: Craft, Craft Bar, Irving Mill, and Tocqueville. Tabla Bread Bar (Indian) and A Voce (upscale italian) are also excellent nearby restaurants worth a visit. I might also include Blue Hill, but I've had some mixed experiences there lately so would not recommend it at this time. Happy eating.

[RGR]

Craft is way more expensive than USC.

[BW212]

I just checked opentable.com for you. Eleven Madison Park has a 7:30 for two. It's also a Danny Meyer restaurant and its amazing.

[RGR]

Regulars here know I'm a huge fan of Eleven Madison and agree with you that it provides an amazing dining experience. However, it is not at all like Union Square Cafe in either cuisine-style (French-inspired haute) or price structure (prix-fixe and way more expensive). I think the Tavern Room at Gramercy Tavern would be a closer match to USC, but they don't take reservations.

[kobetobiko]

I agree with RGR that EMP is much more refined than USC which I consider as more causal. I think Gotham Bar and Grill will be more along the line of USC.

[beefchowfun]

I was just at USC and as a somewhat regular frequenter of Gotham, I'd have to say that Gotham blows it out of the water in terms of food and ambiance. I wouldnt go back to USC.