Best American Restaurants in Gramercy
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Union Square Cafe
A long-running American standard with exemplary hospitality and market-driven classics.
Notable Picks
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
What makes it special: A long-running American standard with exemplary hospitality and market-driven classics.
Worthy Picks
An all-day bakery-café turning out Danny Meyer–style American staples with real attention to detail. Breakfast sandwiches and crullers are the headline, but the rotisserie chicken and salads hold their own later in the day. It’s quick, consistent, and built for repeat neighborhood visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Cinnamon Sugar Cruller, Rotisserie Chicken Plate
What makes it special: High-quality American bakery and counter fare done with chef-level care.
#3
Ampersand
7.6
A cocktail-first New American bar that works best as a “drinks plus a few smart bites” mission rather than a full dinner substitute. The room is built for conversation and repeat visits, especially when you stick to the bar’s strongest lane: well-made cocktails and snackable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb burger, Fish tacos, Deviled eggs
What makes it special: A cocktail bar where the food is good enough to justify staying awhile.