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Hillstone
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Hillstone
8.3
A dark, clubby Flatiron classic built around dependable execution and a bar-first rhythm that makes it feel like a regulars’ restaurant even on a first visit. The menu hits best when you lean into the hits—one appetizer, one main, and a cocktail that’s treated with real seriousness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach and artichoke dip with chips, French dip sandwich, Sushi roll (tuna-focused)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A cult-favorite American menu executed with unusually tight consistency.
Who should go: Regulars-in-a-hurry and business-lunch diners
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner
What to order: Spinach dip, French dip, one sushi roll
Insider tip: Treat it like a greatest-hits set—don’t experiment across the whole menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby but expect a walk. Rideshare or transit is easier during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine if paired with a jacket or polished top.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—bar energy dominates, but tables remain conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; short waits during peak business hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few mains work well, though not a vegetarian-forward menu.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not ideal if the whole table is vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free dishes and accommodating staff if you flag it early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low-risk and polished. The lighting, bar energy, and consistent food make it feel confident without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect to wait at peak times. The bar is the best fallback and part of the experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It’s adult-leaning, bar-forward, and better suited for teens than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Consistency, business lunches, and cocktails where execution matters more than novelty.
Skip if: You want adventurous food, a quiet dining room, or strong vegan-focused options.
Hillstone
8.3
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A Park Avenue South classic that wins on consistency: steady service, comfort-forward American favorites, and a menu that rarely misses. For outdoor dining, it’s best as a clean, controlled order—one sushi lane or one prime cut, plus a side—so the meal stays tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hawaiian ribeye (or prime cut), Sushi roll selection, Spinach and artichoke dip
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-reliability American room built for repeat visits.
Who should go: Anyone who values consistency
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for easiest timing
What to order: One prime cut, one sushi roll, one side
Insider tip: Keep the order simple—this place rewards discipline.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Park Ave South; garages nearby but expect higher evening rates. Rideshare is often the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but collared shirts, blouses, and clean shoes fit the room best.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic but controlled, easy for business conversation and group meals.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak patio hours.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or no wait outside of the 12:30–1:30pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward plates and salads, plus adaptable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free options and knowledgeable staff, but shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you value ease over edge—the setting is comfortable, predictable, and conversation-friendly rather than high-drama or trendy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during peak hours. Going early or off-peak dramatically improves your odds, especially for outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can sit through a full meal. It’s less ideal for toddlers due to the busy service flow and tighter patio spacing.
Best For
Better for: Consistency, polished service, and comfort-food execution that works equally well for business lunches and dependable dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge cuisine, experimental menus, or a more intimate, low-profile dining experience.
Hillstone
8.3
A Park Avenue South classic built on consistency: polished service, comfort-forward favorites, and a dining room that stays steady at volume. It’s not flashy, but it reads “in the know” in Flatiron—keep the order tight with one prime cut or sandwich lane plus one standout side.
Must-Try Dishes:
French dip, Sushi roll (chef’s choice), Key lime pie
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-reliability American comfort with executive-grade hospitality.
Who should go: Anyone who values consistency
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for easiest timing
What to order: French dip, one sushi roll, key lime pie
Insider tip: Keep it simple—this place rewards discipline.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; several paid garages nearby on Park Ave South. Plan on a garage for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but controlled, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; occasional short line during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, veggie sides, and a few adaptable dishes.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for simple salads or sides with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free options and accommodating staff if you flag it early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—reliable food, comfortable pacing, and a polished room make it low-risk and easy to focus on conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at lunch or early dinner, but expect a wait during prime evening hours.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning, but well-behaved kids are welcome; best suited for older children rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Consistency, service polish, and comfort dishes that always hit—especially for business lunches or dependable dinners.
Skip if: You’re chasing trend-driven menus, experimental cooking, or a high-energy nightlife scene.
Hillstone
8.4
A dark, clubby Park Avenue South institution built on reliable execution—exactly what gluten-free diners need when the goal is stress-free ordering and steady service. Stick to the grilled proteins, sushi-adjacent simplicity, and clean sides, and it reads as a business-friendly comfort play that rarely surprises you in the wrong way.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled steak or fish with a simple side, Sushi rolls/sashimi-style ordering (confirm sauces), Salad + grilled protein (no croutons)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A consistency-first classic where gluten-free ordering stays easy and calm.
Who should go: Work lunches and low-drama dinners
When to visit: Early evening before peak reservations
What to order: Grilled main, salad, clean side
Insider tip: Ask for sauces on the side and keep the order classic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Park Avenue South; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most guests dress business-casual or date-night sharp.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at lunch and early dinner, louder once the room fills at night.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait if you arrive before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a few vegetable-forward plates with customization.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Strong—many naturally gluten-free mains and sides; staff is experienced with accommodations when flagged early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a polished, low-risk setting where service and pacing won’t distract from conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early evening or late dinner works best, but peak times usually mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who can handle a quieter, sit-down meal; not designed for strollers or high-energy dining.
Best For
Better for: Reliable execution, business lunches, and gluten-free diners who want minimal friction and predictable quality.
Skip if: You want adventurous flavors, a casual vibe, or a menu built specifically for vegan or vegetarian dining.