0 Followers
Union Square Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Union Square Cafe
8.7
A cornerstone of the city’s American dining culture, now in a spacious Gramercy home with the same welcoming pulse. The menu blends greenmarket influence with crowd-pleasing classics, executed with steady confidence. Service remains one of the restaurant’s defining strengths, especially for regulars and first-timers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
19th Street Burger, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Yellowfin Tuna Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running American standard with exemplary hospitality and market-driven classics.
Who should go: Anyone wanting a reliable special-occasion meal.
When to visit: Lunch for the best value and quiet.
What to order: 19th Street burger, tuna burger, Brussels sprouts.
Insider tip: Sit in the bar area for a slightly more casual feel.
Union Square Cafe
8.6
Danny Meyer’s flagship is still one of the city’s most reliably warm rooms for a romantic meal, with soft lighting, steady service, and a seasonal menu anchored in Greenmarket produce. The vibe is polished but never stiff, making it easy to settle in and talk for hours. A dependable choice when you want romance without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Gnocchi, Roasted Duck Breast, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Legendary hospitality paired with Greenmarket-driven American cooking.
Who should go: Couples who love classic NYC institutions.
When to visit: Early dinner for a calm start, linger into night.
What to order: Ricotta gnocchi, duck, Brussels sprouts.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal pastas—often the sleeper hits.
Union Square Cafe
8.6
Danny Meyer’s flagship still feels like a neighborhood institution, now in a spacious Union Square setting with private dining options. Seasonal New American cooking and famously warm hospitality make it a safe bet for milestone meals and corporate gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy calamari, Ricotta agnolotti, Gramercy-style burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: An NYC trailblazer with private rooms and a hospitality-first culture.
Who should go: Food-forward groups celebrating something big.
When to visit: Lunch for calm, dinner for full buzz.
What to order: Calamari, seasonal pasta, burger at the bar.
Insider tip: Private dining menus can mirror Greenmarket specials—request them.
Union Square Cafe
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
A refined, approachable room for business lunches that need both comfort and polish. The Italian-leaning American menu and pro-level hospitality keep meetings moving while still feeling like a treat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Union Square Cafe Burger, Lemon Layer Cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Danny Meyer hospitality in its most lunch-friendly form.
Who should go: Client lunches and team catch-ups
When to visit: Weekdays 12–2pm for full menu
What to order: Cacio e pepe, burger, seasonal antipasti
Insider tip: Ask for a quieter banquette if you’re pitching.