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The Reading Room
Master Critic Review
The Reading Room
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
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A hushed, book-lined hotel restaurant serving modern American comfort food from breakfast through dinner.
Who should go: Travelers and Midtown professionals wanting a calmer sit-down meal.
When to visit: Weekday breakfasts and weekend brunch before the late-morning swell.
What to order: Crispy Eggs Benedict, braised short rib, steak frites.
Insider tip: Ask for a table deeper in the room for a quieter, library-like feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on East 46th Street is limited; nearby paid garages on 5th/6th Ave typically run $25–$45 for 1–2 hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and a button-down or neat sweaters are common for both hotel guests and business diners.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the book-lined room absorbs sound, making conversations easy even during brunch.
Weekend wait: Generally no wait; the dining room rarely hits capacity in the evenings.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; hotel volume fluctuates, but walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, omelets, and pasta dishes; substitutions are usually accommodated.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; best to request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly plates (eggs, proteins, salads); kitchen can adjust sides upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet, library-inspired setting is intimate without being formal, ideal for conversation-focused dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes. Walk-ins are almost always accommodated outside of peak weekend brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — well-behaved kids are fine, but the hushed atmosphere suits older children (8+) more than toddlers; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Calm, unhurried meals in Midtown where conversation and comfort matter more than trend-chasing menus.
Skip if: You want a buzzy brunch scene, a large-format dinner menu, or extensive vegan options — nearby cafés and bistros may fit those needs better.