Best American Restaurants in Midtown-Times Square
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bartley Dunnes
Gourmet pub food paired with creative cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Notable Picks
8.6
A gastropub with an extensive cocktail menu and an American-inspired menu featuring hearty fare like gourmet burgers and craft brews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gourmet Burger, Craft Beer Flights, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Gourmet pub food paired with creative cocktails in a relaxed setting.
8.5
Vibes:
Live Music Showtime
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
NYC's original singing waiter diner since 1987 delivers Broadway-caliber vocal performances from aspiring theater stars while serving classic American fare like the Mac n' Cheese Burger and confetti pancakes. The 1950s-themed space with its Miss Subways memorabilia and drive-in theater screen creates an immersive pre-show experience that has launched countless performers to actual Broadway stages including Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Outsiders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yankee Doodle Burger (Mac n' Cheese topped), Confetti Pancakes, Stardust Nachos
What Makes it Special: Broadway-caliber singing waitstaff who perform show tunes tableside—many have gone on to actual Broadway productions
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.
8.3
A polished New American brasserie inside the Refinery Hotel that’s built for Midtown utility: strong brunch energy, a reliable bar, and a dinner menu that plays classic favorites with modern restraint. The kitchen’s best lane is roast-and-pan comfort—well-executed proteins, satisfying pastas, and a room that makes business meals feel less fluorescent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick Chicken, House-made Fresh Pasta, Branzino Fillet
What Makes it Special: A hotel-brasserie that delivers dependable New American classics all day.
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.
8
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.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Midtown tavern that’s more food-forward than it looks, with a menu designed for sharing and a bar program that keeps the room busy past dinner. Come for classic crowd plates—wings, mac, dips—and treat it as a reliable stop for groups who want comfort food and drinks without committing to a formal meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wings, Return of The Mac, Artichoke Dip
What Makes it Special: A share-plate tavern menu that pairs well with cocktails and groups.