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Bryant Park Grill
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Bryant Park Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A high-traffic, park-facing dining room where the draw is the setting—especially outdoors—paired with a broad American menu that includes reliable seafood options. Best used as a “scene + seafood” lunch or early dinner: pick a strong fish main, add a classic starter, and let the location do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-crusted Spanish sea bass, Jumbo lump crab cake, Garlic shrimp
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Park-front dining with dependable seafood picks and prime people-watching.
Who should go: Visitors and Midtown lunches that need a scenic table
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for easier seating
What to order: Crab cake, Spanish sea bass, shrimp starter
Insider tip: Go earlier and prioritize outdoor seating when weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages around Bryant Park; street parking is very limited and unreliable, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning business-polished; jackets, dresses, and clean dark jeans all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at lunch, slightly louder during peak dinner and outdoor service.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if you want outdoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait before noon; short waits (10–20 minutes) during peak business lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, sides, and vegetable-forward starters, though not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited—can be accommodated with salads or modified sides; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—select seafood mains and salads can be prepared gluten-free; staff is familiar with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime or early evening dates—the park views and polished room do most of the work, though it’s more scenic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner, but reservations are strongly recommended if you want outdoor seating or are coming on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—fine for older kids who can sit through a full meal, less ideal for toddlers during busy service.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor dining, people-watching, and business-friendly lunches with reliable seafood in a prime Midtown setting.
Skip if: You want destination-level seafood cooking or a quiet, romantic dinner—smaller, chef-driven seafood spots will deliver more focus and value.
Bryant Park Grill
7.7
A location-first breakfast in the park: big windows, iconic Bryant Park backdrop, and a menu that leans classic rather than trendy. Come for a slower, sit-down morning when the setting matters as much as what’s on the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Smoked salmon plate, French toast
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A true ‘breakfast with a view’ right on Bryant Park.
Who should go: Visitors, celebratory mornings, and park-view seekers.
When to visit: Weekday breakfast for a calmer room.
What to order: Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, French toast.
Insider tip: Request window seating—this is the whole point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking around Bryant Park is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished, especially for celebratory breakfasts.
Noise level: Moderate. The room is lively but conversation-friendly, especially during weekday mornings.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for breakfast focus; evenings can see longer waits for dinner service (often reservation-driven).
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate waits; breakfast and early lunch are smoother on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple egg-based and meat-free breakfast options.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free dishes and accommodations on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a calm, polished setting with a strong sense of place. The park views do a lot of the work, though it’s more classic than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekday mornings, particularly early. Window tables are harder to secure without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, especially during breakfast or brunch hours, but it’s more of a grown-up, occasion-driven room than a casual family spot.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-first breakfasts where the setting and view matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge brunch dishes, fast service, or a more casual, value-driven breakfast.
Bryant Park Grill
8.1
A location-first brunch where the Bryant Park view is the main course: big windows, a polished room, and classic plates that land best when you keep the order traditional. It’s a slower, sit-down brunch choice when setting matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Smoked salmon, French toast
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A true “brunch with a view” right on Bryant Park.
Who should go: Visitors and celebratory brunches
When to visit: Weekday brunch for a calmer room
What to order: Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, French toast
Insider tip: Request window seating—this is the whole point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available via the Bryant Park Grill garage under the park; convenient but pricey. Street parking is very limited in Midtown.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but many guests lean upscale for brunch.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively when full, but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak brunch hours on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait for brunch on weekdays, especially earlier in the service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg-based and meat-free brunch plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly options and accommodations; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something polished and low-risk. The setting does a lot of the work, though it’s more classic than buzzy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early brunch hours, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, but it’s more of a special-occasion room than a casual family brunch spot.
Best For
Better for: Scenic, celebratory brunches where atmosphere and views matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You’re looking for trend-driven menus, fast service, or a value-focused brunch — nearby cafés will feel more relaxed and cheaper.
Bryant Park Grill
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A park-view institution that’s less about culinary fireworks and more about the rare Midtown luxury of a big dining room with Bryant Park as the backdrop. Treat it as ‘occasion dining’ where the setting is the value: classic bistro staples, a steady bar program, and a pacing that works well for business lunches and tourist-proof dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, French onion soup, Raw bar selection
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Bryant Park views with a classic Midtown dining-room feel.
Who should go: Park-view seekers and easy-to-please group diners.
When to visit: Lunch for daylight views or early dinner for calm.
What to order: Steak frites, French onion soup, raw bar.
Insider tip: Request a window-side table for the full payoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby garages around Bryant Park; street parking is very limited, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jackets common at lunch; jeans are fine if styled cleanly.
Noise level: Moderate. Easy for business conversation at lunch, slightly louder during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for park-facing tables
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; short waits during peak business hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly starters and mains available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable dishes; best to flag needs to the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free-friendly options and substitutions available, but not a separate menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime or early evening dates. The park views and polished room do the work, even if the food stays classic rather than thrilling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, particularly at lunch or early dinner, but reservations are strongly recommended if you want a window or weekend seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older, well-behaved kids. The spacious room helps, but it’s more suited to calm lunches than high-energy toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Park views, large-group flexibility, and polished Midtown business lunches where ambiance matters more than culinary innovation.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge cuisine or a quiet, intimate fine-dining experience — the draw here is the setting, not experimentation.
Bryant Park Grill
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A park-view institution where the setting is the real luxury: a big, classic dining room facing Bryant Park with a pacing that works for celebrations and out-of-town guests. The menu sticks to bistro comfort—steaks, soups, seafood—executed reliably at scale. Treat it as “occasion dining” where atmosphere is the value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, French onion soup, Crab cake or raw bar (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Classic Midtown dining with front-row Bryant Park views.
Who should go: Celebrations and visitors who want a sure-thing setting.
When to visit: Lunch for daylight views or early dinner for calm.
What to order: Steak frites; French onion soup; crab cake/raw bar.
Insider tip: Request a park-facing table—views are the whole point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; nearby garages around Bryant Park are plentiful but expensive. Street parking is extremely limited and unreliable, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jackets, dresses, and polished outfits fit right in; jeans are fine if styled cleanly.
Noise level: Moderate. Easy to hold a conversation, though the room gets livelier during peak celebration hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days; brief waits possible during business-lunch peak (12:30–1:30pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several reliable options including salads, soups, and vegetable-driven mains.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong point of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — accommodating with clearly marked items and flexible kitchen substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a low-risk, polished setting. The park views give you instant atmosphere and conversation fuel, even if the food plays it safe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but expectations matter. Bar seating or non-park-facing tables are your best bet; prime view tables are rarely available without booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu is approachable, the room is spacious, and daytime visits work well for families. It’s less ideal for very young kids late at night.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-first dining, celebrations, business lunches, and hosting out-of-town guests who want a quintessential NYC setting.
Skip if: You’re chasing cutting-edge cuisine, a quiet romantic hideaway, or destination-level food worth the trip on its own.
Bryant Park Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A classic park-view dining room that runs on Midtown scale: steady bistro execution, a strong bar, and the rare luxury of Bryant Park as your backdrop. Come for the setting and a composed meal (steak-and-seafood comfort), not culinary risk-taking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Crab cake, French onion soup
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A full-service park-view institution with outdoor tables.
Who should go: Visitors, celebrators, and lunch meetings needing a sure setting.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Steak frites; crab cake; French onion soup.
Insider tip: Request a park-facing table for the full Bryant Park payoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Multiple commercial garages nearby around Bryant Park; street parking is very limited and time-restricted on weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jackets and dresses fit right in; jeans are fine but lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate. Comfortable for conversation, though it can rise during peak lunch and weekend dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer in good weather when outdoor tables are in high demand.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before noon; short waits possible during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly starters, salads, and pastas.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable options, best to flag needs to the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free dishes and modifications available; staff is accommodating but the kitchen is not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you value atmosphere. The Bryant Park backdrop does much of the work, making it low-pressure and polished, though it’s more classic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak times, particularly weekday lunch or early dinner. For weekends or outdoor seating, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu and spacious dining room work well for older kids, and daytime meals are especially comfortable for families.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Midtown dining with one of the best park-facing settings in the area, strong for business lunches, visitors, and pet-friendly outdoor meals.
Skip if: You’re chasing cutting-edge cuisine, a buzzy nightlife scene, or a quiet, romantic hideaway—there are better picks nearby for those goals.
Bryant Park Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
A classic Bryant Park institution that still reads “trendy” because the room and view do most of the work—especially for business lunches and celebratory dinners. Order bistro classics, request a park-facing table, and let the setting carry the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, French onion soup, Crab cake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A park-view dining room that reliably delivers Midtown occasion energy.
Who should go: Visitors, client lunches, and celebrators.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Steak frites; French onion soup; crab cake.
Insider tip: Ask for a park-facing table when you book.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Nearby public garages around Bryant Park; street parking is very limited and unreliable, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business formal. Jackets common at lunch and dinner; jeans are acceptable but lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation-friendly at lunch, buzzier during dinner but still workable for business or dates.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for park-facing tables
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with a reservation; 10–20 minutes without during peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetarian mains and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications; best to flag needs when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes—select gluten-free options and adaptable dishes; staff is accommodating but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a polished, low-risk setting. The park views create instant atmosphere, though it’s more refined than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-peak times, but reservations are strongly recommended—especially if you want a park-facing table or are dining after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings. Suitable for well-behaved kids; it skews adult and business-focused at night.
Best For
Better for: Scenic business lunches, celebratory dinners, and impressing out-of-town guests with a classic New York setting.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, a quiet romantic hideaway, or a more casual, budget-friendly meal.
Bryant Park Grill
8.3
A polished, park-adjacent dining room that feels like a Midtown reset button: classic plates, dependable cocktails, and a setting built for lingering. For happy hour, keep it tight—one or two bar bites and a drink—then let the atmosphere do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo lump crab cake, Steak frites, Pan-roasted branzino
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Bryant Park frontage paired with classic cocktails and bistro-style staples.
Who should go: Workday decompression dates and out-of-town friends.
When to visit: Early happy hour before pre-theater traffic builds.
What to order: Crab cake, steak frites, a martini.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster pacing and a cleaner happy-hour check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Nearby paid garages on W 40th–42nd St and Sixth Ave; street parking around Bryant Park is extremely limited and tightly enforced.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—polished jeans are fine, but jackets, dresses, or sharp casualwear fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours, but conversation-friendly at the bar and early in the evening.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak theater nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12:15–1:15 PM rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward starters, salads, and sides can form a full happy-hour order.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads or sides can be modified; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—naturally gluten-free mains and salads available; staff is familiar with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something polished but not experimental. The setting carries the mood, and the menu is familiar enough to keep ordering stress low.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early, especially at the bar during happy hour. After 6 PM or on theater nights, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and calm meals. The room skews adult and refined, so it’s not ideal for toddlers or high-energy dining.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven happy hours where setting and service matter as much as the food—stronger than most Midtown bars for dates or out-of-town guests.
Skip if: You’re looking for bargain pricing, experimental cocktails, or a fast in-and-out drink—nearby bars offer more casual value plays.
Bryant Park Grill
8.4
A Bryant Park institution that’s strongest when you lean into its polished room and classic plates rather than trend-chasing. The menu has enough naturally gluten-free lanes (salads, seafood, steak) to make a careful order feel easy, especially at lunch or pre-theater. Big volume, big setting—come for the location and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo lump crab cake with mixed green salad, Organic miso-crusted Spanish sea bass, Vegan organic quinoa salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A landmark Bryant Park dining room with reliable, gluten-aware ordering lanes.
Who should go: Business lunches, visitors, and occasion diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Crab cake, sea bass, quinoa salad
Insider tip: Order simply—protein + salad is the safest gluten-free win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages around Bryant Park; street parking is extremely limited and unreliable, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Business attire fits right in; jeans are acceptable but upscale styling is recommended.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Fine for conversation, though peak dinner hours and outdoor seating can skew louder.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait if arriving before 12:30pm; short waits possible after 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several composed salads, sides, and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many naturally gluten-free options; staff is knowledgeable, but this is not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something polished and predictable. The setting does a lot of the work, though it feels more classic-romantic than intimate-casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at weekday lunch or early dinner, but risky on weekends or pre-theater. Bar seating can be a fallback, but reservations are the smart move.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older, well-behaved kids. The room and pacing skew adult and upscale; this isn’t a casual family spot.
Best For
Better for: Scenic power lunches, classic date nights, and gluten-aware diners who want a refined Midtown setting without experimental menus.
Skip if: You’re looking for a trend-driven menu, strict gluten-free certification, or a relaxed, budget-friendly meal.