Extraordinary in every sense, from the hostess, bar, service, food quality...a must in NY!

The 1 star review is for the cocktails at this place, paying $17-18 for vodka with ginger ale with a fancy name is not my idea of a cocktail. Old fashioned made with whiskey and tons of orange bitters was definitely an insult to the drink and tasted like orange syrup. The ambience at this place is solid (4-star) and food is pretty decent as well. If you are coming here for cocktails, think again. Making cocktail is an art which is missing at this place. read more

Went here for restaurant week. I know restaurants dont serve top shelf stuff for restaurant week, but sometime you can be suprised. Well this was not one of those times. Outside of the restaurant was nice, very upscale, and inside was the same, if not somewhat stuffy. We ate downstairs, don't know if the other parts of the restaurant are as uptight, but we were surrounded by wood and dim lighting. The food was nothing to write home about, youre usual upscale suit and tie kind of food. After 2 meals, 2 drinks and a bottle of wine we were well over 200$ Would I pay this when it wasnt restaurant week here? no. So I was upset paying this price during restaurant week. I know this is nyc but for my money and time, I'd spend both at another restaurant with better prices and better food. read more

Came here for lunch and I was amazed at how delicious my lunch was! I had the grilled, lightly smoked hanger steak and it was absolutely divine & perfectly grilled! The portion was small but it's just enough to keep you coming back for more. Will be back to try other items on their menu for sure. Food was great & service was attentive! read more

Excellent meal, excellent service! Not for the faint of heart $$$$, but you get what you pay for. I'd definitely go back. Need to check out the rooftop next time. read more

I was expecting a stuffy, snobbish place. Nope. The restaurant on the first floor is warm and inviting - just like the service. Dining alone last Friday night, I was shown to a good seat (hint - get your reservation in early). Hostess and waitress couldn't have been nicer. One martini later, I order the foie gras - just perfect. The manager, Stefane, came by and carved my Pork Porterhouse, which was dazzling. Perfectly cooked, magnificent pork flavor. As it was my first time there, Stefane graciously toured me around all three floors - the second, which hosts private parties in lovely smaller rooms; and the rooftop, which was jammed with a younger crowd enjoying a warm summer night (3rd floor is a bar, and someplace I'd go more frequently if I was a tad younger). Overall I had a great experience and the three things I value - great food, being treated specially, and a warm atmosphere - Patroon exceeded with them all. read more

Gem of a find! Classy atmosphere of business suit types, but not stuffy. Beautiful décor and the food was simply divine Don't need to say a lot when it clicks on all accounts read more

I had not been there in about 10 years, since it was just plain Patroon. It's nice to find someplace in New York that hasn't changed. I went to lunch and had a green salad (fresh and dressed just right), seared scallops (delicious) and carrot cake with bourbon ice cream (both great to look at and yummy to eat). The dining rom was classy as ever and the service impeccable. Mr. Aretsky even stopped by our table to say hello. It was a really high-class New York experience. read more

Yesterday I went to dine here with 2 family members. They have a marvelous Jazz special menu on Fridays that I was curious to experience. It was all wonderful - food, wine and music. Mr Patroon stopped by the table and greeted us. All spectacular! read more

The food is tasty, inside decoration is warm and service is great but I just found it extremely expensive. It is overpriced although the owner comes out and greet to us by himself. This place is for corporate event. read more

We went out with group of friends during restaurant week. By the time we got there, place was full, and although we showed up 30 min before our reservation, we were seated right away. I have to say that staff is extremely accommodating, feels like our wishes were their commands throughout entire evening. We were seated at cozy round table, fully set for formal dining. We all used pre fixed menu, which obviously was tiny in portions and felt more like a tasting menu rather than dinner. I wish we went for regular dinner menu since food is very flavorful, beautifully presented and left you wanting more. At the end of our dinner, restaurant host Stephan kindly took us for the tour of this three-story restaurant. It is surprising that restaurant has so many private dining rooms, well-decorated and otherwise not accessible to public... and a tiny elevator for two... Ou-lala! read more

The tuna tartare, the lamb chops, the roasted potatoes...all fabulous and perfectly cooked-- but it's important to remember to order onion rings (the REAL things) and even the simple bibb lettuce salad. Small details (the welcome, the coat check) add up to the kinds of enhancement that makes a place like Aretsky's Patroon such a gem. Despite 100% participation in the "clean plate club," everyone ordered and enjoyed their desserts (the raspberry sorbet, the mousse, and the fruit tart). The service was excellent. Mr. Aretsky was gracious as he stopped by tables. We paid the bill quite happily. read more

We had our second dinner at Aretsky's Patroon on 4/1/14. The food and service were superb. The steak was excellent, one of the best I have had in recent memory. The Vidalia onion rings were terrific as were the peas and creamed spinach. The monk fish, rabbit, and halibut were all great. The wine list was excellent. I would recommend this restaurant without reservation. We will definitely be back. read more

Great service, nice setting, good food. A business lunch brought me here, and would likely bring me back. A great choice if you need a private room and good food. read more

I've come here a few times after work for drinks, so I can't comment on much beyond the rooftop bar. That being said, I'm a big fan of the rooftop. The drinks are pricey (I think a bottle of Amstel Light set me back $9, which is expensive even by NY standards), but the high aluminum roof provides a nice open-air feeling. The finger foods are delicious as well; I'd highly recommend the sliders or the pigs in a blanket (which had just the right level of crispiness). Aside from expensive drinks, the only downside is that if it does get crowded, you may be standing for a while. There are a fair number of tables and chairs besides a spot at the bar, but if it's a gorgeous Friday afternoon, you're going to be hard-pressed to get much personal space. Aside from that, though, it's definitely one of the nicer watering holes near work. read more

I've been eyeing this place since my office was moved to midtown, but it always seemed to intimidating (i.e. expensive). I finally decided to go for lunch with a co-worker and was so happy that I did because the service, food, and ambiance were fantastic. The prix fixe menu for lunch was reasonably priced and I loved enjoying the rooftop before it officially became too cold to eat outside. Will definitely go back. read more

I went here for dinner this past Tuesday and did not have a good experience there. I was greeted by a hostess who took my coat and that was about the best part of the night. First my party of three was seated all the way in the back, right by the kitchen, despite all these other tables being open and available. A wine menu was not given to us right away, in fact we to ask for it. Then my white wine was served in a red wine glass. Not exactly what I was expecting from a supposedly nice restaurant. The octopus salad was delicious. It was tender and not too chewy. I ordered the salmon at my entree which was mediocre. The portions were big for the price. The timing was fine, I just wasn't blown away by this meal. Better for taking clients out to lunch. read more

The outside of the restaurant stands out on the block. White walls with black framed windows and one single red door. Upon entering, my date and I had our coats checked and immediately seated. The server will pull the table out for you so that it is easier for you to get into your seat which is very nice. Water and menus were presented timely. Since it was restaurant week, my date and I decided to order from that and save a little money. The menu had 3 choices in appetizer, 3 choices in entree, and 3 choices in dessert. I ordered a salad for appetizer, wagyu beef stew for entree, and a lychee-raspberry fool with a latte for dessert. After ordering, the server brought us a warm salter bread bun with butter. The food was not anything special in my opinion. The salad was a little bland, the vegetables in the wagyu beef stew stole the show, and the dessert was a little on the sweet side. The presentation for each dish was amazing, but the food wasn't out of this world. The ambiance was romantic, the servers were amazing, but the food was ok. The attire is more on the business casual dressy side. The food wasn't the best BUT I would definitely recommend this place to someone just because the ambiance is so amazing and a must experience. read more

Was here for restaurant week. I had the grilled octopus, red snapper, and coconut pound cake. The grilled octopus was good but the portion was extremely small, the red snapper still had scales on it like they totally forgot to clean it. And the coconut pound cake looked like two Twinkies on a plate and tasted old and dry. My hubby got the uni bucatini and he said it tasted like frozen Bertoli with freezer burn taste really hard and over salted. We paid $140 with tip in total definitely not worth it. Although service was excellent. We won't be back. read more

omg! nobody mentioned the duck? the duck is soooooo good! Crispy and tender, also it comes with a surprise too! You won't regret!

cozy high end steakhouse. their sirloin steak was, perfect. and they made the ceasar salad right in front of you. loved it. lots of suits, but we hid away in the quiet corner booth, so not a biggie. read more

Classic restaurant, exceptional service. I had the sweetbreads to start, and crispy duck for an appetizer. The sweetbreads were good, but I think a little overcooked. The duck was amazing, it had a great flavor, the skin was crisp the meat moist it was fantastic. The restaurant does table side prep of salads, the waiter staff is all very knowledgeable and attentive. Great place to go if you're looking for the Madmen type vibe. read more

Definitely a big after work crowd. Service is great, decor is classy and comfortable, and the food is good.

A beautiful place, with great food and impeccable service. Ken Aretsky knows how to create the power lunch experience like no one else. Everything is good, some things are great. read more

Eating on rooftop is a good choice in the summer! Beautiful surroundings and a fresh, fun menu. I really enjoyed the fig/ricotta toast, though the Brussels sprout salad was a little under-dressed. My tofu encrusted in crispy noodles was delicious; the farro was perfectly cooked. Note that if you eat outside, little bugs will occasionally find their way into your iced tea glass... read more

Great environment and food. Service was fantastic, Mike our server was the best. I can't wait to come back again!

Food was amazing! Atmosphere was very warm and cozy. Service was not outstanding but wasn't terrible either. Def a recommend based on food and ambience. read more

I never write reviews but it was so bad that I was compelled to write one. I can only speak for the rooftop. There were only 3 other parties at table side with two waitresses to give perspective on how busy it wasn't. First it took us about 15 minutes to even get anyone to come around to us. I then had to go to the bar to get a menu. We ordered a salad and a steak to share. It took 40 minutes to come out. We politely asked can you check on our food and that's when the attitude turned on. Long story short, we asked to split the bill and the waitress responded "I won't do that" under her breath. We ignored it, put all of our cards on the bill. Needless to say, New Yorkers stay away. Leave it for the tourists. read more

Lovely but crowded rooftop bar perfect for pricey drinks with marginally pretty people after work. Typical Midtown crowd (lots of blue shirts and dresses), but perfectly respectable with great service. Don't go expecting to be bowled over and you'll be pleasantly surprised. read more

I accidentally stumbled upon Aretsky looking for a place for a biz lunch in east midtown. Wow, did I hit the jackpot. Aretsky has been around a long time and I've been 2 times now and both time outstanding. The food is delicious and a great menu. What stands out most for me is the service. It is the wrapper around the food. I hear the bar is great too for after work drinks. read more

I was excited to be invited to a business lunch here yesterday. Its right in my neighborhood and is very high end and gets mostly great reviews. Well I will cut right to the chase. Five star ambiance one star food and one star value. My optimistic average comes to two lowly stars. My $40 swordfish was appetizer sized. My wife's chicken was burned. The place was crowded and the reviews are mostly very good so believe who you want it will be a long time before I return to this place. read more

Went there for a business lunch and reserved a table on the roof. Service was impeccable. The food - while there was not alot on the plate - was good (not great) and the presentation was very nice. Did I mention that the service was perfect? Both of us - grown guys... - had to order a second dish because the salad entrees just didn't cut it. Overall - great location, fanatic service, OK food.... read more

Was there recently with a work group and this rooftop is really fun. The staff was excellent and really nice to us, and the waitresses are very beautiful too :) Prompt drink service, properly-mixed, etc. Food is lovely too. I liked the little grilled cheese sandwiches and the pigs in a blankent. Oh, and the sliders were excellent too. If there were a 10-sar scale, I'd have probably given it 9, so I'm right on the border between 4 and 5. It's worth it for a rooftop happy hour, and does a very nice job with groups. read more

3rd time at Aretsky's and still not disappointed. Funny enough, my guest and I had decided on the crispy duck.. to our dismay they were out of it! our alternate selections, rack of lamb and ny sirloin did not disappoint. perfect portion and cooked to our liking to a tee. My guest is from argentina and has a fairly high standard for meat and meat preparation. he cut into the steak and said 'perfect!'.. now that's a feat. i felt very attended to by all staff, and they were pleasant. the host came to ask how all was, and was also very pleasant. definitely a suit type place, and they can get a bit loud (after a few scotches i suppose).. but overall, a pleasant time and good food for a classic ny steakjoint. read more

Lovely. Beautiful rooftop bar, excellent food and drink (expensive but worth it). Had one meal at the chef's table -- pretty awesome. Go more frequently for cocktails and snacks in the bar or on the roof. Quite delightful. read more

I am not sure how you can come to Aretsky's Patroon and not be impressed. The wine list is spectacular, the food is wonderful and the service, well, they are always there filling your glass with Sparkling water. I wanted Pellegrino, but they had a different brand, but pulled the Pellegrino from a catering package they had arranged just so I could have some. read more

just ate my birthday dinner here last night.... Food was so/so, wait staff was friendly but NOT very good looking, and they asked if we wanted sparkling or flat water, not really thinking about it, we said flat, and they kept filling our glasses up...... no big deal right..... yeah, well then we got the bill and they charged us for bottled water oh, yeah.... 3 bottled waters, at 10$ a pop.... eerrrr water? I had the burger.... medium rare came out medium charred. the rest of the table was so/so, boyfriend had lamb and that was the winning dish of the night, He's always such a good orderer. It's the after work, Lawyer meeting, expense account kind of place.... UNLESS YOU'RE ON THE ROOFTOP. it's great bar food, quick drinks, great service, and rich men in suits. read more

We had the pleasure of eating at Aretsky's Patroon the other night on our first night in New York this year. From the amiable hostesses to the charming wait staff, our experience was top notch. The unique dishes were prepared with exquisite detail and were very delicious. Stefan made us feel like family and delightfully entertained us throughout the evening with his impeccable service. The professional and elegant yet inviting and non rushed atmosphere is a refreshing departure from the hustle and bustle of the city. Aretsky's Patroon was our #1 dining spot on our trip this year, and we will return each year with anticipation. Thank you for making us feel so valued and at home. read more

The whole place stinks of cigar smoke being blown in your face by obnoxious patrons. If your work colleagues want to go here, just say no.

Had lunch for two in the bar. Service was awful, slow and disinterested waiter. My guest had salmon; I had swordfish. VERY small portions; nothing too special about the cooking; too expensive for lunch (OK...dinner in Manhattan is bound to be pricey) and then you get that question we get now all too often: "...Would you like any sides?..." Yes, to the $28- $30 pitiful main course, add $7 - $15 for a vegetable or two. No bread and butter; just some 'crackers'; everything designed to leave you hungry, needing an overpriced deessert no doubt. Just another overpriced NY City place. Never again. read more