The 5 Top Places to Eat in NYC

One of the best parts of vacationing is going out to eat and trying restaurants in a new destination. It’s always fun to try the unique flavors, dishes, and different dining experiences available where you are traveling. And when vacationing in a big city like NYC, you’ll have virtually endless options of places to grab a bite. We recommend picking out some spots you definitely want to visit before you go so you can plan your itinerary and reservations accordingly.

We’ve come up with a short list of the top places to eat in NYC based on what kind of food or experience you are looking for. Here are 5 top restaurants in NYC that we know you’ll love on your next vacation to the Big Apple.

Best for Families: Ellen’s Stardust Diner

When in NYC, you must bring the family to experience the excitement of Times Square. After a busy day of touring and exploring, stop into Ellen’s Stardust Diner for an unforgettable dining experience.

This restaurant is a retro 1950’s themed diner best known for its singing waitstaff, many of which have gone on to perform on Broadway! The combination of great food and entertainment makes for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that everyone will love.

As far as food, there is something for everyone—even the pickiest eater. The diner serves breakfast all day long with favorites like Belgian waffles, french toast, omelets, and fresh baked goods. The lunch and dinner menu features classics like nachos, hot dogs, wings, burgers, salads, and pasta.

Best Meal with a View: Refinery Rooftop

New York City has an absolutely stunning skyline, so we highly suggest you enjoy at least one meal while taking in the view. Refinery Rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan Skyline that can be enjoyed with a beautifully crafted cocktail and decadent menu. It is no surprise Refinery Rooftop has been named America’s #1 Rooftop Bar and Hotel Bar for 3 straight years.

The menu at Refinery Rooftop is both elevated and approachable. Some of the favorite lunch and dinner options include fish tacos, lamb lollipops, a ricotta and basil pesto flatbread, and a steak panini.

If you want to see the city after the sun has gone down, head to Refinery Rooftop for a late-night cocktail. You’ll find all your classic favorite mixed drinks along with plenty of unique recipes created by the bar’s mixologists. Try a Rooftop Huckleberry Spritz with huckleberry vodka, Chandon garden spritz, peach, and thyme. Or, go for a Matcha Madness with vodka, rumchata, fresh matcha, and oat milk.

Best Steakhouse: Gallaghers Steakhouse

If you’re looking for an unforgettable steak dinner, look no further than Gallaghers Steakhouse. There are dozens of restaurants in the city where you can get steak, but Gallaghers is a step above. The restaurant first opened as a speakeasy in 1927 and turned into a steakhouse in the 1930’s.

One of the most unique aspects of the restaurants is that you can see the meat cooler from the street, one of the few steakhouse dry-aging rooms that the public can view. Gallaghers Steakhouse also grills their USDA prime dry-aged steaks over hickory coals, which is rare for many steakhouses nowadays. This method provides a perfectly seared, tender steak with a slightly smoky flavor.

For steaks, choose from the porterhouse, New York sirloin, filet mignon, and rib steak. Be sure to call ahead if you want the prime rib, it is one of the best in the city! In addition to steak, the menu offers a lengthy appetizer menu with their famous baked clams casino, a raw bar, a seafood menu, and a wide selection of delectable sides to pair with your meal.

Best Brunch: Freemans Restaurant

We often think of brunch as a weekend meal, but Freemans Restaurant services a delicious brunch seven days a week! The restaurant is described as a “rugged clandestine colonial American Tavern,” so you can expect a cozy atmosphere and rustic, classic American dishes.

Freemans serves brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM daily, along with dinner starting at 5 PM. The menu changes seasonally to ensure you’re always getting fresh and tasty offerings. You’ll also find a great cocktail menu with drinks for all hours including bloody marys, espresso martinis, local beers, and an extensive wine list.

The brunch has a number of unique dishes and classic favorites. Some of the most popular dishes include huevos rancheros, a full English breakfast, banana waffles, and fried chicken on a bacon cheddar waffle with hot honey. Be sure to save room for a bananas foster or chocolate brownie for dessert.

Most Unique Dining Experience: Brooklyn Surf Bar

Who says you can’t have a beachy dining experience in the middle of a city? Brooklyn Surf Bar takes the tiki bar experience to the next level with an indoor sand bar and straw roof for the ultimate beach bar experience. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Surf Bar is a unique oasis the tourists and locals love.

The cocktail menu at Brooklyn Surf Bar matches the vibe of being beachside with the salt wind in your face. Enjoy a fresh mojito, frozen margarita, pina colada, or frozen daiquiri. You can pair these with fresh munchies like chips and guac, coconut mango shrimp, and crispy herb calamari.

Beyond the appetizers, there are small and large plates that can be enjoyed. Some of the most popular include the ceviche ahi tuna, crab cakes, shrimp tacos, grilled Mahi Mahi burger, and the whole grilled branzino.