"fun place to eat" near 45th & Madison, NYC

September 19, 2014 11:53 AM

Meeting my sister and BIL tonight. She's buying drinks at Mad46, but in return I need to find a "fun place to eat". Party of three, no special dietary requirements. 9-10 PM, I suppose. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance, MeFi!
posted by chazlarson to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (25 answers total)

What's your budget?
posted by Narrative Priorities at 12:03 PM on September 19, 2014

Response by poster: Let's say I don't want to spend more than $50-60 on dinner. We're all typical Minnesotans, and probably aren't going want any pizza foam or what have you.
posted by chazlarson at 12:10 PM on September 19, 2014

I'm a sucker for a comfy pub, and there are about a half dozen within walking distance of Mad46 (Cock & Bull, Patrick Conway's, Connolly's, PJ Moran's, etc.). If it were me, I'd head to whichever one of those has the smallest crowd.
posted by jbickers at 12:11 PM on September 19, 2014

Response by poster: Well, maybe BIL would [be interested in pizza foam], but sis and I, left to our own devices, would be pretty happy with Cheez-its and house Chardonnay.
posted by chazlarson at 12:11 PM on September 19, 2014

Relatively near: Park Avenue Tavern on around 40th and Park Avenue. Nice place, not fancy, and pretty lively.
posted by holborne at 12:11 PM on September 19, 2014

Have you been to Mad Sq. Eats? it's an outdoor fancy pants foodtruck court at 23rd and 5th ave.

It's a bit free form, but fairly cheap, delicious and a bunch of fun, and seems to clear out a bit after 8pm.

Also artisinal tacos! and fancy pants desserts!
posted by larthegreat at 12:11 PM on September 19, 2014

Let's say I don't want to spend more than $50-60 on dinner. We're all typical Minnesotans, and probably aren't going want any pizza foam or what have you.

Unless that's per person, I don't think you're going to find somewhere great in that neighborhood.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:12 PM on September 19, 2014 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: I haven't eaten in NYC in many years. 2008? Geez, has it been that long? That time the most fun place I went was the restaurant in the Paul's Boutique space.
posted by chazlarson at 12:13 PM on September 19, 2014

Response by poster: Yes, per person. I'll shut up now.
posted by chazlarson at 12:13 PM on September 19, 2014

and if mad sq. eats is too cold outside to your taste (but you're minnesotan, and it's been gorgeous out recently), you should check out Eataly across the street, which has several restaurants full of deliciousities and also still within your budget.
posted by larthegreat at 12:15 PM on September 19, 2014

A little expensive but a really nice place to eat it hs restaurant at Tommy Bahama - 45th and 5th. They have a lovely bar o nthe 1st floor and the restaurant is on the 2nd floor. If you can get a window seat even better.
posted by MrsMGH at 12:17 PM on September 19, 2014

I'd go to Bryant Park Grill. It's right alongside the park and it's good food and good people-watching. It's not, like, RIGHT by 45th and Madison, but it's an easy walk.
posted by bedhead at 12:18 PM on September 19, 2014

Ammos Estiatorio
Koi
Mr. K's
Steakhouse: Benjamins/Mortons/Capital Grille/Bobby Vans
Kellari Taverna
db Bistro
Brasserie Ruhlman


(I don't recall the price point on these exactly, but when I used to eat expense account lunches a few years ago, these were all under the $60/person limit).

For after dinner drinks, try Lantern's Keep at the Iroquois Hotel.
posted by melissasaurus at 12:18 PM on September 19, 2014

My favorite Korean fried chicken spot (32nd & 5th Ave) "Mad for Chicken" is more fun than anything suggested so far.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:20 PM on September 19, 2014 [2 favorites]

If you like Izakaya (Japanese pub) food, my coworkers and I always enjoy Riki on 45th between Lexington and 3rd Ave. A lot of it is small plates so you can try a lot of different things. I recommend the pork belly skewers!
posted by matcha action at 12:24 PM on September 19, 2014

The Oyster Bar?
posted by 1970s Antihero at 12:32 PM on September 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm a huge fan of Sakagura, a Japanese izakaya on 43rd near 3rd. You can pretty well get away for $50-60 per person (my wife and I did it up and spent around $100) and it's delicious. It's also a really interesting underground space, and attracts a big Japanese clientele. I checked OpenTable and you can get in with three at 10 pm tonight.
posted by The Michael The at 12:33 PM on September 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

I haven't been but my parents like Madison Bistro.

Salvation Taco is fun (possibly crowded).
posted by ferret branca at 12:34 PM on September 19, 2014

Keens: 72 W 36th Street, Manhattan, NY 10018, United States of America.

There is no other option.

Well, actually there is one other option. Closer. Japanese. Ramen. But I must say no more.
posted by digitalprimate at 12:41 PM on September 19, 2014 [2 favorites]

Grand Central Oyster Bar!
The Oyster pan roast is the reason to go, either with seafood or Oysters in a creamy rich broth. My brother who lives in Seattle still raves about it.
And taking a quick stroll around Grand Central is a great tourist experience.
posted by exparrot at 12:53 PM on September 19, 2014 [2 favorites]

I had a great evening at Mandoo Bar. Very friendly and relaxed, amazing dumplings and reasonable prices.

Also loved Sakagura.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:21 PM on September 19, 2014

Xi'an Famous Foods is right on 45th between 5th Ave and 6th (Avenue of the Americas). Literally, the best Chinese noodles I've had.
posted by anansi at 2:29 PM on September 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Well, where did you end up and how was it?
posted by The Michael The at 10:41 AM on September 21, 2014

Response by poster: Huh. I posted a followup from the bus the next day, but perhaps it was lost in the Lincoln Tunnel.

We ended up at a small place a few blocks south where BIL had seen a promising prixe fixe menu. When I went to make a note of the name of it I found that there wasn't a name on the menu, and I didn't get a look at the receipt. Rushing to the bus after, so didn't think to look back at the marquee.

Based on my walk home I could have sworn it was on 40th and Madison.

Ah, there it is. My sister said she didn't know offhand either but it had maybe "Wine bar" in the name, it was Madison & Vine on 41st and Madison.
posted by chazlarson at 10:12 AM on September 22, 2014 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks for all the suggestions, and she got a real kick out of the thread. This was her first exposure to Ask Metafilter.

She also agreed wholeheartedly with my "Cheezits and wine" appraisal of both our palates.
posted by chazlarson at 10:14 AM on September 22, 2014 [1 favorite]