I'm here to answer your question: is Monkey Bar worth the hype?…read more1000000% YES. Forget trying to make a reservation - I arrived around 4 pm on a Friday to get my name on the list and we were seated around 5:30. The Cucumber Martini is one of the best martinis I've ever had - it's not too strong and has just the perfect amount of sweet and citrus. The food is equally as incredible: the Truffle Monkey Bread is an absolute must and truly blew me away. The Rigatoni Vodka is solid, and we had to pair it with some sides. The Button Mushrooms are tasty, the Creamed Spinach was unlike any spinach I've had before and is a must if you're a blue cheese lover, and the Truffle Mac - one of the best Mac & Cheeses I've had in the city. The Chocolate Cream Pie and Strawberry Meringue desserts are tasty - I do wish they had the Sticky Toffee Pudding like they do at their Chicago sister restaurant, Trivoli Tavern. Service was fantastic as well. Get in that line and get your table at Monkey Bar - you will NOT be disappointed!

I had such a hard time getting a reservation here! I think they have more availability during…read morelunch, but the dinner reservations are so hard to grab. I went on a Thursday night, and the place was absolutely packed. The front feels more like a bar/casual area, while the dining room is tucked toward the back. My reservation was at 10:15 PM, so I actually had a light dinner beforehand and ordered a little lighter than I normally would. I got: - Truffle Monkey Bread ($34.99) - Prime Rib French Dip ($39.99) - Pommes Frites ($13.99) - Banana Split Sundae ($24.99) I thought the prices were definitely on the higher end when I first sat down, but the Truffle Monkey Bread is divine! Honestly, it's probably in my top 3 bread experiences of my life. If you love truffle, butter, cheese, and basically everything good in life, please get this. It comes out slightly warm and is just incredible. I will probably dream about this bread. The French Dip was good, although it was a little too salty for me. If I get the chance to come back, I'd probably try one of their actual steaks instead. The pommes frites were super crispy, basically McDonald's fries but elevated. The Banana Split Sundae was so pretty. I loved how they placed all the little treats around the crevices/imprints of the dish (not sure how else to describe it ). It's huge, though, so definitely don't expect to finish it yourself. I'd recommend sharing it with 3+ people. I was also celebrating an anniversary, and they brought out a strawberry scoop for us. It tasted homemade and really fresh. I could actually see pieces of strawberry in it, which I loved. The restaurant is definitely on the pricier side, and getting a dinner reservation can be a struggle, but I'd absolutely go again if I got the chance. The decor is cozy and upscale, the food was excellent, and the whole place has a really nice atmosphere. My only real complaint was that our waitress kept pushing us to order more, which got a little annoying, especially since we had already ordered quite a bit. Overall: expensive + difficult reservation, but absolutely worth trying. And please get the truffle monkey bread.

I've come here twice now, and the first time was amazing, the second time was good. My first visit…read morewas in the Christmas season last year and we came for the famous burger and the fries. After a short wait, we were sat downstairs and able to order. The mornay fries were so delicious we ended up ordering a second one, while the burger was also delicious. The second visit, we waited ~30 minutes (not bad for a walk-in on a Friday night) and we were sat upstairs. Additional to the burger and mornay fries, we got the chicken sliders and a malted ice cream. The fries were unfortunately a bit overdone and hard, and after expressing our disappointment to the waiter(since it was our favorite dish our previous visit), the amazing manager came by and remedied the situation well! The malted ice cream was also delicious! I would definitely come again.

Same burger as Chicago, same Sodikoff playbook, louder room. Still one of the three or four best…read morecheeseburgers in Manhattan and I'm not sure anything below Canal beats it. Got the double with a fried egg, skipped the bacon this time. The thin patties are smashed hard on the flattop so the edges go lacy and almost crunchy, American cheese pooled into the seams, dijonnaise doing more work than people give it credit for. They've moved everything to beef tallow in the fryer now and you can taste it in the fries, which finally have the shatter they lacked a couple years ago. Bone marrow was fine, red onion jam a touch sweet. Service is Midwestern nice, which in New York reads as almost suspicious. Runners were fast, our server actually knew which draft was which. The room is the problem. Zinc bar, leather booths, open kitchen, gorgeous. Also an echo chamber by 8pm. Bring earplugs or bring someone you don't need to hear. Roughly $33 for the burger before you add anything. That's Minetta Black Label territory for a diner burger, but it's a better burger than the Black Label right now, so fine. Forty minute wait at the door on a Friday if you don't book. Go early, sit at the bar, order the double and a draft. Skip the marrow unless you're sharing with three people.

My wife and I took our kids (10 and 16 year old boys) to this place on our last evening in NYC. We…read morewere looking for a place that had a nice ambiance and good food. Ambiance: This place has a nice ambiance, definitely very "New York" -- dark (you can't see how dirty the floor is) and loud music (maybe too loud). We sat upstairs (we had a reservation) and of all the people on the top there was a party of 4 (us), a party of 8 (all dudes celebrating something) and the rest of the tables were on a DATE - which I thought was funny. Service: We were served by Ann-Marie who was so delightful. She was kind, super nice, and took the time to speak to us (which is basically how we figured out she wasn't a native New York City person). She gave us good food suggestions and we were very happy with our selection. Food: Here is what we ordered * Steak Frites: My two boys got the steak frites and I have to say the steak was awesome! I had a bite of each of theirs and they each ordered it differently (one Medium Rare/Medium and one Medium) and they both were prepared PERFECTLY. The fries were overflowing. * Caeser Salad with Salmon: My wife got the salad with Salmon (they only have a few salad options) and she enjoyed it. * Prawn and Crab Risotto: I got this and I have to say it was VERY bland. I wouldn't get this if you are looking for taste. I had to put salt and pepper on it to make it have any semblance of taste. Value/Price: I would say this is not over priced but it is not cheap either...bill is attached. I would recommend it to folks who are looking for a good place to either go out on a date or a family type meal.

Midtown between 5th and 6th is mostly sad salad chains and tourist traps, so Valerie is doing more…read morework than it should have to. Went today, pre-theater crowd already forming at 5. It's better than it needs to be, which in this neighborhood counts for a lot. The room is the star. Brass, smoked mirrors, marble, wallpaper with burlesque dancers, very Gatsby cosplay but done with actual money. Think the Campbell at Grand Central, minus the $28 martini attitude. It's also LOUD downstairs. Ask for upstairs if you want to hear your date. Gin is the program here and they take it seriously, house-infused bottles paired with specific tonics, not an afterthought. My G&T was legitimately well built. Food from chef JC Colón is better than cocktail-bar standard: truffle fries in duck fat are worth it, the lobster mac at $31 is rich and fine but you've had it before. Skip dessert. The steak frites at $48 is where I'd tap out, that's real-restaurant money for bar food execution. Here's the move though: weekday happy hour, 4 to 7. Dollar oysters and $13 cocktails in a room this pretty is one of the best deals in Midtown, full stop. Service was warm and fast even slammed. Not a destination, but if you're near Bryant Park or seeing a show, this beats everything else within five blocks. Book ahead, walk-ins were getting turned away by 5:30.

Such a wonderful staff. Always feel welcome. Great food…read moreand cocktails ! Highly recommend

Figured it's been a year so I'd update my review. Overall the Corner Store is still hard to get…read moreinto and still worth the hype, although portions have definitely shrunk. Did an earlier dinner on a Saturday with a friend at the bar. We got some similar items, some different. The thing I kept the same was my martinis and all three (sour cream and onion, tomato, and espresso) were just as amazing as ever. Food-wise, I stuck mainly to the classics with one new dish: - Pizza rolls: Very good but 3 pizza rolls for $20 felt small to me. I feel like I remember seeing others served more when I've gone in the past, but not completely sure. They're nostalgic and fun, nothing to die for. - Fries: Great as ever, we opted for just one of the sauces (avocado dill). - French Dip: This used to be cut in 3 pieces and now it's 2. Works well with a duo but I do think it's actually a little smaller now than before when I compare photos. - Samoa sundae: Still amazing, still so so worth. It was fun going with a friend who hadn't been before and seeing the joy upon trying the dish! Bar service is friendly as always and they do a decent job moving you along to ensure the necessary turnover without feeling too rushed.

A must visit while in New York when going to the theatre or just looking to have a great dining…read moreexperience. Miss Nellie's has beautiful decor and charm. Very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. I ordered the Filthy Martini. So good! The blue cheese stuffed olives were delicious. Brunch Menu. My main dish, I went with the double smash burger. Upgraded the fries to parmesan truffle fries. It was delicious! I would like to come back again, especially to try the dinner menu. Overall, great experience, and very satisfied.

Post theatre "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" dinner in Theatre District. On a whim, I enter…read morewithout reservation, without judgment, without expectation and without willing to wait for it. Miss Nellie's is a very relaxed casual atmosphere. Dark and very low lighting. Customer service is attentive as I was greeted by the hostess upon entry in a bar parlor style seating area. I did not lie in wait for a table. I was promptly seated at a high table in the dark. I did not need a booth. I was willing to be seated at the bar counter. Facilities are relatively clean. Double Smash burger $26.00 Features two thin, crispy beef patties immersed in iceberg, pickles, caramelized onions, American cheese, special sauce with French fries The burger was average as I did engulf within minutes to satisfy my hunger pangs. There were minimal lettuce and seemingly no pickles. Intimate and casual atmosphere does not make the optimal lighting for visual assessment. My male server stated "it is really not two patties, but it is one large patty separated into two." Truth: it is two thin beef patties. It was good, but not juicy filled with intense flavor for seasoning. The French fries were somewhat burnt because it waa hard. At the bottom of the sales receipt there is a suggested gratuity in intervals of high intensity extortionate 25%, 22% and 20% where customers do not have to perform math calculation. I did obtain my sales receipt as keepsake. Business cards are available for grabs.

Great service, fast and delicious. Yum! The music was great too, they played some eighties stuff.read more

Don't always believe Yelp reviews--especially coming from a Yelp Elite--so let's set the record…read morestraight! First off, just a quick note for anyone looking: this restaurant is not halal. Aside from that, we had a fantastic experience here at Friedmans Herald Square near Penn Station. They were playing Hilary Duff music, which was such a fun touch since they often match the vibe of whatever is happening at MSG! They even had special Hilary Duff mocktails. The atmosphere is super sweet and cozy. The restaurant was empty when we first walked in, but the second we sat down, it completely packed up! The waiter was very friendly, and even though they weren't able to split the check at the table, they did provide an itemized receipt to make figuring it out easy. The food was great overall--the Mac & Cheese bites and the corn were especially good! We also tried the cheesecake and molten cake. Plus, the neighbors sitting next to us were so sweet. A wonderful spot with a fun vibe!

I came in by myself on a warm day after hearing great reviews about the burger. It was fully worth…read morethe hype! Service sitting outside was very good, everyone was very attentive and helpful. I started with a martini that was recommended and it was a lovely into to my meal. Although I came for the burger, I did start with the fried mozzarella- crispy flavorful and stretchy! The cheeseburger was such a vibe and experience. I at have while dining and even reheated at home, the flavors were impeccable! I will absolutely be returning and recommend all to try the burger!

$8 for an Arnold Palmer. Don't recommend this spot…read more I've been here a few times, and this last visit did it for me. When I asked about the absurd $8 charge they dismissed me like i was crazy for asking if it was a mistake. It's not like it's a nice steakhouse lol. 8 bucks? What a rip off. The price is insane but also how little they care says a ton about the place. A place that shrugs off fair questions about the bill clearly isn't thinking about the people walking in the door. Check your charges carefully if you go.

Really enjoyed my meal at Lola's. We shared 2 apps and 3 mains for 3 people and found it to be the…read moreright amount for us. The food was all very flavorful and each dish was unique. Here's the rundown: - naan: recommend this, though maybe overhyped myself based on previous reviews. The yogurt sauce was delish, but the bread itself was very good but not mind blowing. - BLT salad: dark horse fav! Tons of flavor and I kept going back for more. Recommend as an app - Union Square bento: honestly, wish this came in a real bento box. Seems like a miss, but I suppose separate plates give you more volume. Good to add as a side to whatever else you get. Cabbage was the best of the trio. - rice bowl: squash and rice were solid, but the shrimp was the standout here! Very flavorful shrimp. Not sure how they packed so much flavor into the little bites of them - fried chicken thighs: I mean, yes. They're juicy. They're fried excellently. The side sauces are creative and great for vinegar-lovers like me I also got the carrot cocktail which was ultra smooth and had the right amount of dill flavor. We got two cookies to go which were divine. I'd get them to stay to try it with the oolong milk next time, but we had to run. The service was friendly, courteous. Ambiance was trendy but not uptight. Would recommend for a nicer night out

Food was divine, I had no complaints, and I felt deeply satisfied. I really enjoyed the watermelon…read morewith the tuna sashimi. I ordered their fried chicken thighs because it's what they're known for, and I get it. You can tell the chicken was brined, and it had an excellent crunch. This is a restaurant I would also go to on a date or if I wanted to dress up and look nice with friends, but I'm still glad I went by myself.

Great environment food is incredible and friendly service must go always fun and happy hour is busy…read moreso get there early

After shopping at Macy's in NY, if you develop an appetite and just want a chill vibe this spot…read moredoes not disappoint!!! The Happy Hour only includes drinks but the appetizer menu is great as is with selection and prices. Many drinks to choose from. The service was excellent as well.

I found family and culinary excellence on one block. I walk…read morein and I am greeted by name.. The owners also run "The Kettle Black" and "Old School Italian Restaurant". I feel like I am with my Italian friends and family in Corona,NY. There is nothing but love in all three restaurants. They have everything covered. The staff are a beautiful group of "International", young people. The tastes of the food and the creativity, blew my mind. The Crab Cakes are the best I have ever had! Food wise, Bayridge rivals Manhattan. The female staff made me fall in love! They make this old man feel special. Drinks are awesome and inventive.

visited this establishment on a few different occasions (brunch and dinner service). Certain…read moredishes were overly salted and the others were mediocre. The fried calamari could've been less oily, as this took away from the crunch; also slightly overcooked. Baked clams were decent. Salmon was cooked to perfection. Pizza was great! They reheated for us, since our group was too busy chatting. Desserts - phenomenal! Drinks- ehh. Brunch menu - French toast was decent. The salmon over hash brown , was lacking a touch of something , couldn't pinpoint what was lacking. Chicken and waffles, decent, wasn't the best I've had. Service- jonathan was our waiter during brunch and also our bartender. He's GREAT! During service dinner, we had a female waitress and I felt she lacked attention to details and couldn't flag her down when we wanted something. Overall, service is a hit or miss , I guess? If you're looking for an intimate dinner, nope. Love their vibes and music playing in the background. You might need to "shout"'to hear