Financial district mid-priced professional lunch

[morris]

The expense account is very tight but I need to take my guys out for a decent lunch to celebrate a team achievement. Not steakhouse expensive. Not deli cheap. A mid-priced restaurant with decent waiter service. Walkable from the NYSE area.

Any ideas???

[foodbkny1234]

I work in the financial district at Goldman and dine downtown about 4 times/wk for lunch and a couple times for dinner and/or happy hour drinks.

My personal favorite is Waterstone Grill, especially in the summer time when there is outdoor seating. Waterstone is mostly seafood with some pasta and steak option. Also good selection of salads and sandwiches for lunch.

Prices are reasonable, actually the chef just introduced a new menu and a supplemental $20 3 course fixed price menu for lunch.

Service is average for the area. Decor is a little dated but a bit more classy than the typical bar/tavern decor that lines Stone Street.

I also like Adrienne's Pizza and Bridge Cafe as alternatives, but Bridge is a bit of a walk for me.

www.waterstonegrill.com
www.adriennespizzabar.com
www.bridgecafenyc.com

[johnindabronx]

Any more feedback on The Libertine. Is up to the hype?

[Mr Conlin]

We had lunch at The Libertine yesterday. We were pleasantly surprised. As we sat, housemade pretzel sticks and breadsticks were served with salted butter in one small jar, and rosemary jelly in another, both for dipping. or double-dipping if you prefer.

We ordered two burgers and the fish and chips. Before these were delivered, we were given Lobster Roll Sliders. They were served on small buns, house made. over all very impressive.

The burgers were served on larger versions of the same buns. The burgers were huge with what i recall as a strong british cheese (don't recall the exact name), caramelized onions. The burger must have been 10-12 ounces, absolutely huge. The fries, both skinny and thick cut mixed, were dusted in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and salt.

The fish and chips were great as well. My bride was quite pleased, but the tartar sauce was a bit too eggy for her, which tells me that they started with a housemade base.

It seemed to be the place to celebrate as there were a few tables of groups having fun.

Chowish??? I don't know yet. Would I travel out of my way to go? I don't know yet. Worthy of a visit? Yeah, the food is what food should be. Thoughtful, with quality ingredients, and layered.

-----
The Libertine
15 Gold Street, New York, NY 10038

[daz9nyc]

Belle de Jour is another solid option. It is all the way at the end of Front Street and situated directly below the Brooklyn Bridge. Makes for some good conversation. It is a very romantic bistro by night but during the day it is prefect for a professional lunch. > belledejourbistro.com

[financialdistrictresident]

daz9nyc, are they open again? They have opened and closed so many times. We have tried to go there on many occasions because we live in the neighborhood. . . I only know one person who had dinner there (ages ago) and she said it was decent. What would you recommend? Thanks. fdr

[daz9nyc]

They are open again. I had 2 very satisfying dinners their in the last 2 weeks. The last time I was there they said they were opening for lunch this week. I hope they stay open, the owner is very sweet and the place has so much character. Most importantly, the new chef consistently delivered. The 3 burgers with 3 sauces is really tasty.

[financialdistrictresident]

Thanks, daz9nyc. We will check it out. There are so few options in this neighborhood . . .

[BillyBob]

How about Gigino down by the Ritz by the water - Food is pretty good, view terrific (best on a nice day) - I would think its about the same type of walk from NYSE as the seaport

[financialdistrictresident]

daz9nyc - Belle de Jour is history. Cow Girl (there is one on 11th & Hudson) which serves Tex Mex will be coming soon!

[ChowDiva]

Table Tales is a little cafe that is on a cobblestone street that runs parallel to Water Street in the seaport area. Not sure of the exact address but you can google it. The atmosphere is very nice for the price point and the food is awesome. Best sandwiches in the entire financial district IMO. Try the buttermilk chicken, the pulled pork or the Sunday gravy with braciole. It's a really great addition to the area. Most sandwiches are under $10.

[financialdistrictresident]

Second Table Tales, one of the best kept secrets in the neighborhood. They're waiting for their wine license so still BYOB too. Acqua is also a good option. Food at both is better than The Paris.

[morris]

Can Table Tales comfortably handle a group of 12?

[financialdistrictresident]

They have one large table. Should work. Don't know if they take reservations. Grace is the owner.

[financialdistrictresident]

morris, Libertine might be a fun option. Though new restaurants are never on my go to list:

http://eater.com/archives/2008/09/eat...

[financialdistrictresident]

Just scoped out Libertine on our way to Financier. They were serving breakfast this morning.

[financialdistrictresident]

ChowDiva, Table Tales is located at 243 Water Street (212-766-2370).

[jordana]

Il Brigante on Front St.

[morris]

Thanks for these suggestions. PJ Clarkes is too far to walk unless they opened a new location.

Any other suggestions?

[MShapiro]

Try the strip of restaurants on Stone Street - Adrienne’s, Financier, Stone Street Tavern, Ulysses, Waterstone Grill. They have a nice outdoors space and its a 5 or 6 minute walk to the NYSE. Avoid it at happy hour – complete sausage party.

[morris]

Any opinions on Waterstone Grill?

[kobetobiko]

Very mediocre. I will skip.

[stephaniec25]

PJ Clarkes - it's a pub-style restaurant but nice service and great atmosphere.

[Spiritchaser]

It's down by South Street Seaport so I think it's very walkable for NYSE so how about the Paris Cafe? And it would be a nice walk back along the water after a meal.