Best American Restaurants in Midtown East (10017)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Sea Fire Grill
High-touch American seafood with precise execution, a serious wine program, and a refined Midtown setting.
Notable Picks
8.7
The Sea Fire Grill is a contemporary American seafood restaurant from the Benjamin Steakhouse team, pairing pristine fish and shellfish with polished service and a clubby, fireplace-warmed room. With thousands of strong reviews, it’s one of Midtown’s most reliable options for upscale seafood near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Lobster Roll, Pan-Roasted Day Boat Scallops
What makes it special: High-touch American seafood with precise execution, a serious wine program, and a refined Midtown setting.
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Luxury Dining Elite
Open since the 1960s, Sparks Steak House is a classic Midtown institution known for dry-aged beef, big-portioned sides, and an old-school, clubby dining room. High-volume reviews over decades confirm it as a go-to for expense-account dinners, power lunches, and nostalgic steakhouse nights near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Sirloin Steak, Porterhouse for Two, Creamed Spinach and Hash Brown Potatoes
What makes it special: Long-running Midtown steakhouse where dry-aged beef, deep wine lists, and throwback decor anchor big-deal meals.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Luxury Dining Elite
Benjamin Steakhouse, opened in 2006 just off Grand Central, has grown into a powerhouse for dry-aged porterhouses, classic sides, and clubby white-tablecloth service. High review volume and a strong following make it one of Midtown’s go-to American steakhouses for both business entertaining and special-occasion dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porterhouse for Two, Creamed Spinach, Lobster Mac & Cheese
What makes it special: Modern Midtown steakhouse near Grand Central focused on dry-aged porterhouse, classic sides, and attentive service.
#4
Albert's Bar
8.2
Albert's Bar is a polished Midtown cocktail bar that doubles as a New American hangout, serving serious drinks alongside a tight menu of upgraded comfort food. Near Grand Central, it’s become a go-to for smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and brunch plates in a high-ceilinged, design-forward room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albert's Double Deluxe Burger, Golden Boy Chicken Sandwich, Forbidden Rice Arancini
What makes it special: Cocktail-first Midtown bar with a surprisingly ambitious New American comfort menu.
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Pershing Square is a bustling all-day American bistro under the Park Avenue Viaduct opposite Grand Central, best known for generous breakfasts and brunch plates. Thousands of reviews praise its fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and lively, sunlit room that works for tourists and office regulars alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast
What makes it special: Iconic bistro under the viaduct serving big American breakfasts, brunch, and all-day classics across from Grand Central.
Operating since 1913, Grand Central Oyster Bar is a cavernous American seafood hall beneath Grand Central’s Guastavino arches, famous for its raw-bar platters and steam-kettle oyster pan roasts. Massive review volume and James Beard recognition make it a culturally important, if occasionally uneven, stop for classic New York seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster Pan Roast, Raw Oyster Selection, Clam Chowder
What makes it special: Century-old seafood institution under Grand Central’s tiled arches, known for raw-bar towers and steam-kettle pan roasts.
8.0
Tucked in the back of The Gotham Hotel, The Reading Room is a quietly stylish New American spot focused on breakfast, brunch, and approachable dinner plates. Library-inspired decor and a compact menu of comfort-driven dishes make it a reliable choice for hotel guests and Midtown workers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Short Rib, Steak Frites, Crispy Eggs Benedict
What makes it special: A hushed, book-lined hotel restaurant serving modern American comfort food from breakfast through dinner.