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Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke
Master Critic Review
Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke
7.6
Opened in 2023, Park Ave Kitchen splits its space between a modern American brasserie and a grab-and-go café, with the café side convertible into a customizable private dining and event area. It’s less formal than Midtown’s steakhouses but still Burke-branded, so expect playful signatures like clothesline bacon and pretzel-crusted crab cakes alongside burgers, pizzas and salads that work for daytime meetings and casual celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clothesline Bacon BLT, Pretzel-crusted crab cake, PAK Burger
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Split brasserie-and-café concept where the café side doubles as a modern, flexible private dining space.
Who should go: Teams needing casual private space with recognizable name appeal.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings for easier group coordination.
What to order: Clothesline bacon, pretzel-crusted crab cake, a burger or pizza.
Insider tip: Use catering to blend café platters and plated brasserie dishes for more budget-flexible private events.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Lexington Avenue; rely on nearby garages on 54th–56th Streets (typically $25–$40 for 1–2 hours). No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; business-casual attire fits best, but jeans and sneakers are acceptable given the café–brasserie hybrid layout.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak lunch and happy hour, but still workable for conversation in the café/private side once the divider is closed.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for walk-ins; private café space is often reserved, reducing available seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 12:15pm; moderate rush from 12:15–1:15pm but typically manageable.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pizzas, vegetable-forward starters and customizable bowls offer enough choice.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 naturally vegan items plus the ability to modify some salads or bowls.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrées and salads can be made gluten-free upon request, though no dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual or low-stakes first date—bright, modern and not overly formal—but not ideal if you want intimacy or dim lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially on the café side. For groups or private use, booking the café/event zone in advance is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly during daytime hours thanks to approachable dishes; stroller space is limited during peak periods. Best for ages 6+.
Best For
Better for: Flexible, modern private space that works for casual corporate groups, hybrid meetings and mixed dietary needs—more relaxed and contemporary than traditional Midtown steakhouses.
Skip if: You want hushed fine dining, a dramatic private room, or a long, chef-driven tasting menu; nearby steakhouses and upscale American spots handle those needs better.