0 Followers
Upland
Master Critic Reviews (14 Lists)
Upland
8.4
A polished Park Avenue South New American room that’s strongest when you order in a tight, shareable arc—one bright starter, one pasta, then a main that anchors the table. It’s a reliable “bring anyone” restaurant with enough energy for nights out and enough comfort for repeat dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Little gem salad, Sausage and kale pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A crowd-pleasing New American menu that rewards tight, shareable ordering.
Who should go: Dates and groups who want a lively room
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or brunch
What to order: Little gem salad, cacio e pepe, one pizza
Insider tip: One pasta + one pizza + one starter is the cleanest table strategy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and tough after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Park Ave South and Broadway are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well; most diners lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate-lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect noticeable buzz at peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, brief rush around noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable-forward starters, pastas, and salads
Vegan options: Limited – some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options; staff can guide but no dedicated GF menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels lively but comfortable, the menu is approachable, and shareable ordering gives you built-in conversation without feeling forced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early weeknights and later dinners work best; weekends are tough without booking ahead, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning than family-focused. Older kids are fine at brunch or early dinner, but it’s not designed for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Versatile group dining and dates where everyone finds something they like; easier, more crowd-pleasing than ultra-chef-driven New American spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or a highly experimental menu—look elsewhere for low-key or boundary-pushing dining.
Upland
8.6
A Park Avenue South room with a polished, high-throughput dining rhythm and a burger that lands like a confident main-course order rather than a bar snack. The best experience is a tight, burger-forward meal with one supporting plate, letting the kitchen’s consistency and pacing do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Upland Burger, House Fries, Gem Lettuce Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A composed, restaurant-first burger with big-room consistency.
Who should go: Burger-first diners who still want a real restaurant
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Upland Burger, fries, one crisp salad
Insider tip: Keep it tight: burger plus one side, skip the menu tour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby on Park Ave South but expect paid parking.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—this is a real dining room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it’s not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait if arriving before 12:30pm; light wait closer to 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward starters and mains, though the burger is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes – select dishes can be prepared gluten-free; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It feels polished and confident without being stiff, making it easy to focus on conversation while still feeling like a ‘real night out.’
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially at lunch or early dinner. For weekend nights, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older kids. There’s no kids menu, but flexible ordering makes it workable for well-behaved children.
Best For
Better for: A composed, sit-down burger experience with strong service and pacing—more refined than pub-style burger spots.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual burger or a late-night, low-commitment bite—this is a full restaurant experience.
Upland
8.4
A polished, produce-forward room where brunch lands best in the composed egg-and-vegetable lane rather than anything overly sweet or heavy. Keep your order tight—one main, one bright side—and it delivers the steady, crowd-proof experience people come for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Eggs in Hell, Grilled Octopus
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A reservation-friendly brunch room where seasonal cooking stays steady under volume.
Who should go: Brunch planners who want polish
When to visit: Right at weekend opening for smoother pacing
What to order: Eggs Benedict, eggs in hell, grilled octopus
Insider tip: Order one main each—share one side and stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but elevate with a crisp top or blazer.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but the room has a social buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 10–15 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward mains and sides that feel intentional, not filler.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—salads and a few vegetable plates can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free options; staff is accommodating with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished without feeling stiff, with enough energy to keep things lively while still allowing conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible right at opening or mid-afternoon, but peak brunch hours fill fast—reservations are the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who can sit through a longer meal; there’s no kids menu, and the vibe skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Refined, produce-driven brunch with reliable execution and a stylish setting that works for groups.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly brunch or a sweets-heavy, pastry-driven menu.
Upland
8.3
A warm, busy room that still works for romance if you lean into the cozy corners, shared plates, and wine-friendly pacing. It’s best as a “two pastas + one vegetable” kind of date—enough variety to feel indulgent without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gem salad, Cacio e pepe, Buttermilk pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A buzzy Park Ave S room built for shared-plate dates.
Who should go: Couples who want energy without chaos
When to visit: Early dinner for the best conversation volume
What to order: Gem salad, cacio e pepe, one seasonal entrée
Insider tip: Request a banquette—comfort upgrades the whole night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking on Park Ave S; nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most diners dress date-night ready.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is comfortable at early dinner, louder later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or none outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward pastas, salads, and sides make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—naturally gluten-free mains and salads available; pastas are mostly off the table.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially earlier in the evening. The energy gives you something to react to without overwhelming conversation if you time it right.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner. Walk-ins after 7pm should expect a real wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—best for older kids at lunch or early dinner. It’s more adult-focused at night and not built around kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Shared-plate Italian-American dining with buzz—more energetic than classic trattorias, more relaxed than fine-dining Italian.
Skip if: You want a quiet, candlelit room or very flexible dietary accommodations—choose a calmer or more specialized spot instead.
Upland
8.3
A warm, busy Flatiron room that still feels elevated when you order with intention—bright starters, pasta-driven comfort, and a steady wine rhythm. It’s fine dining in the “polished neighborhood staple” lane, best for repeatable nights that still feel like a treat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gem lettuce salad, Cacio e pepe, Seasonal roasted entrée
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A polished, high-functioning room built for pasta-and-wine nights.
Who should go: Couples who want energy without chaos
When to visit: Early dinner for better conversation volume
What to order: Gem lettuce salad, cacio e pepe, one seasonal main
Insider tip: Request a banquette—comfort upgrades the whole night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and tough after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—this is a see-and-be-seen Flatiron room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at early seatings, louder during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta and vegetable-forward options that feel intentional, not secondary.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but this isn’t a vegan-first menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free mains and salads; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you book early. The room has energy without pressure, and the menu is familiar enough to feel confident but polished enough to feel special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours or at the bar, but peak dinners are tough. Walk-ins work best right at opening or later in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, especially at lunch or early dinner. High chairs are available, but the vibe skews adult and social after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Repeatable fine-dining-adjacent nights—great pacing, reliable pastas, and a room that works equally well for dates, client lunches, and group dinners.
Skip if: You want a hushed, white-tablecloth experience or cutting-edge tasting menus—this is elevated comfort, not destination theatrics.
Upland
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
A warm, high-functioning Flatiron room that excels at celebrations when you order with intention—bright starters, pasta comfort, and a steady wine cadence. It’s less “once-a-year” and more “repeatable big night” with dependable execution at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gem lettuce salad, Cacio e pepe, Seasonal main (chef’s pick)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A celebratory, reliable room where pasta-and-wine nights just work.
Who should go: Groups who want a sure-thing dinner
When to visit: Early dinner for easier conversation
What to order: Gem salad, cacio e pepe, one seasonal main
Insider tip: Ask for a banquette to level up the night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; garages are available within a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — jeans are fine, but dress it up with a blazer or clean footwear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it’s not a hushed room.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, salad, and vegetable-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, best to flag to the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free pastas and mains available, but not a dedicated prep kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want energy without pressure. The room carries the night, so conversation flows even if the chemistry is still warming up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours or for bar seating, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in an early-dinner sense — accommodating for older kids, but better suited to adults once the room gets busy.
Best For
Better for: Reliable celebrations, group-friendly pasta-and-wine dinners, and business-appropriate big nights that still feel fun.
Skip if: You want an intimate, candlelit special-occasion experience or a destination-level, once-a-year splurge.
Upland
8.5
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A warm, high-functioning Flatiron room that translates especially well to outdoor tables when you want a celebratory but repeatable night. Build your meal around bright starters, one pasta comfort anchor, and a seasonal main—then stop while the energy is still crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gem lettuce salad, Cacio e pepe, Seasonal main (fish or roast)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A polished neighborhood staple that stays reliable at volume.
Who should go: Groups who want a sure-thing dinner
When to visit: Early dinner for calmer conversation
What to order: Gem salad, cacio e pepe, one seasonal main
Insider tip: Request a banquette or patio for the best flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby with rates typically $20–$30 after 6pm. Rideshare is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—jeans are fine if polished; many guests come straight from work.
Noise level: Moderate—outdoor tables are lively but still workable for conversation, especially earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio tables in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; occasional 10–15 minutes during peak business hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward starters and pastas that work well as a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some starters and sides can be adapted, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—several naturally gluten-free dishes and accommodations possible with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially outdoors. The setting feels polished without pressure, and the menu is easy to navigate without awkward over-ordering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, particularly at lunch or early dinner, but patio seating fills fast. Walk-ins do best before 6pm or midweek.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who can handle a longer, sit-down meal. Not a stroller-heavy or quick-turn spot.
Best For
Better for: Reliable outdoor dining with a real, full menu—stronger food consistency and pacing than trend-driven patios nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic patio or ultra-casual pricing; this is more polished and social than intimate.
Upland
8.4
A high-functioning Flatiron staple that runs on bright starters, reliable pastas, and a crowd-ready dining room. It’s trendy without being precious—build the table around a salad anchor, one pasta comfort lane, and a seasonal main to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gem lettuce salad, Cacio e pepe, Seasonal main (fish or meat)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A stylish, high-volume room that stays dependable on repeat visits.
Who should go: Groups who want a sure-thing dinner
When to visit: Early dinner for calmer conversation
What to order: Gem salad, cacio e pepe, one seasonal main
Insider tip: Order with a plan—one pasta lane is enough.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby on Park Ave South and 27th Street. Expect difficulty after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to polished. Jeans are fine, but elevate with a blazer or dressy shoes.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy conversation early, louder once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes; faster if arriving before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward starters, salads, and at least one reliable vegetarian pasta.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and vegetable plates can be adapted; ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free pasta is often available, plus several naturally gluten-free mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially earlier in the evening. The room feels energetic but polished, giving you atmosphere without overwhelming the conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings. On weekends, walk-ins often face a long wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids. The menu works, but the noise level and pace skew adult and social rather than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Reliable group dinners, business lunches, and dates where you want a trendy room that still executes consistently.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or highly experimental cooking — this is about polish and crowd energy, not culinary risk.
Upland
8.6
A season-driven Park Avenue South dining room that runs on bright market vegetables, Italian-leaning pastas, and a wood-fired pizza lane that keeps the table moving. It’s best when you build a clean arc—one salad, one pasta, one main—so the meal feels intentional instead of sprawling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini cacio e pepe, 5 Lettuce Caesar Salad, Crispy duck wings
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Seasonal California-meets-Italian cooking with a disciplined, crowd-pleasing menu.
Who should go: Date nights and groups who share smartly
When to visit: Early dinner or weekend brunch for best flow
What to order: Caesar, cacio e pepe, duck wings
Insider tip: Pick one pasta lane—don’t stack pizzas and pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages on Park Ave South and Irving Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a notch for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but the room has an energetic hum during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; occasional short line during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong seasonal vegetable dishes, pastas, and salads make it very workable.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—several vegetable-driven plates can be adapted with guidance from the server.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, including mains and salads; gluten-free pasta availability varies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it strikes a sweet spot between polished and relaxed, with enough buzz to feel fun without overwhelming conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early dinners, late nights, or weekday lunches work best. Prime weekend slots are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning, but well-behaved kids are fine at brunch or early dinner; no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, seasonal crowd-pleasing menus that balance vegetables, pastas, and wood-fired mains in a stylish but approachable setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or a deeply experimental farm-to-table experience—this is about polish and flow, not culinary risk-taking.
Upland
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
A season-driven Park Avenue South dining room that wins by staying bright, shareable, and well-paced—especially for groups that want “nice” without ceremony. The private-room version lands when you build a clean arc (salad, pasta, one main lane) and avoid turning the table into a greatest-hits ordering spree.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Crispy Artichokes, Crispy Duck Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A private-room-friendly crowd-pleaser with a disciplined seasonal rhythm.
Who should go: Teams and groups who share smartly
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Cacio e pepe, crispy artichokes, duck wings
Insider tip: Pick one pasta lane—don’t stack pizzas and pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages on Park Ave South and Broadway; street parking is limited and unreliable after work hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a jacket or elevated top fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Easy to talk in private rooms; main dining room can get buzzy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; private rooms require advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward starters and pastas that work well for sharing.
Vegan options: Limited — a few naturally vegan or easily modifiable dishes; best to flag needs in advance for private dining.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several mains and sides are gluten-free, with clear menu guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a polished second or third date. It’s social and energetic rather than intimate, but still comfortable and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-peak weekday hours or early evenings. Prime dinner slots and private rooms should always be reserved.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older, well-behaved kids, especially at lunch. Not designed for toddlers or stroller-heavy groups.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal Italian-inspired food that feels polished but not precious, with private rooms that keep group meals organized and paced.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dining room or a destination-level tasting experience — choose a more intimate or chef-driven spot instead.
Upland
8.4
A polished, high-volume Flatiron room where the burger is the smart, satisfying move when you want something indulgent without turning the night into a production. The kitchen’s strength is balance and pacing—order the burger, add one clean starter, and let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Upland Burger, Cacio e pepe, Seasonal vegetable starter
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A dressed-up burger in a reliably buzzy Flatiron dining room.
Who should go: Late diners who want a sure bet
When to visit: Late evening for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Upland burger, one starter, one pasta to share
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and keep the order tight—burger plus one add-on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby garages on Park Ave South and 5th Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine if polished, but the room skews upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough to talk, but expect a buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one during peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward pastas and starters.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pastas and adaptable mains available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished, energetic, and reliable without feeling stiff. The burger keeps things relaxed while the room still feels like a night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—bar seating is your best bet late, and off-peak weeknights are much easier than weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults; older kids are fine early, but the late-night crowd and noise make it less ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: A late-night burger that still feels like a proper restaurant experience—strong pacing, service, and ambiance.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a casual burger-only spot with faster turnover.
Upland
8.4
A polished NoMad dining room where the bar menu delivers wings with chef-y finesse and strong repeatability. It’s best as an early-evening bar stop: one round of drinks, one wing order, and a clean exit before it turns into a full dinner commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck wings, Burger (bar order), Seasonal bar snacks
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Elevated wing execution inside a dependable NoMad bar scene.
Who should go: After-work bar crews who still care about food
When to visit: Weekdays early evening at the bar
What to order: Duck wings, one cocktail, one additional bar snack
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and keep it to one wing order plus drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to polished—jeans are fine, but lean upscale with a clean top or blazer.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re just aiming for bar seating early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward bar snacks and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a deep bench.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free options; staff is knowledgeable if you flag it.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially as an early-evening bar stop—the room feels polished and energetic without being overwhelming, and ordering wings plus drinks keeps things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Tables can be tough during peak dinner, but bar seating is often achievable on weekdays if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this skews adult and bar-focused, best suited for teens and up if necessary.
Best For
Better for: Elevated wings in a refined, reliable NoMad setting where food quality still matters at happy hour.
Skip if: You’re looking for cheap wings, late-night energy, or a casual sports-bar vibe.
Upland
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
A polished, high-energy dining room that’s reliably vegetarian-friendly if you order with intent—seasonal vegetables, bright salads, and a few plant-leaning plates that feel restaurant-first. It works best as a bar-to-table plan: start with something crisp and green, add one richer shareable, then stop before it turns into a long, heavy meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy artichokes, Meyer lemon pizza (Limone), Seasonal vegetable sides
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Vegetable-forward ordering inside a buzzy, polished dining-room machine.
Who should go: Groups mixing veg and non-veg eaters
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Crispy artichokes, Limone pizza, seasonal veg side
Insider tip: Tell your server you’re building a veg-forward meal—they’ll steer you.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and inconsistent; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual—jeans are fine, but lean polished rather than relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy enough for group conversation, less ideal for quiet one-on-one talks.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward starters, salads, pizzas, and sides that can anchor a full meal if ordered intentionally.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 options depending on seasonal menu; some dishes can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Partial—salads and vegetable sides work best; pizzas and pastas are more limited without substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident, energetic first date than an intimate one—the room has buzz and momentum, which helps conversation flow but isn’t especially quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during off-peak times or at lunch; at dinner, aim for early seating or grab bar seats while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the vibe skews adult and energetic, with better fit for teens than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, upscale vegetable-forward ordering in a high-energy, business-friendly dining room that accommodates mixed dietary groups smoothly.
Skip if: You want a fully vegetarian or vegan menu, a quiet dining experience, or a relaxed, kid-centric environment.
Upland
8.5
A polished Flatiron dining room that’s surprisingly workable gluten-free if you stay in the vegetable-and-protein lane and treat the pasta/pizza as optional. The room runs busy and celebratory, but the kitchen’s consistency and staff fluency make it a strong “everyone can eat” destination when you call your needs early.
Must-Try Dishes:
Market vegetables with a clean sauce direction, Roasted chicken or fish with seasonal sides, Burrata + salad start (confirm GF handling)
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-energy room where gluten-free dining works with a tight order plan.
Who should go: Date nights and celebratory groups
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Veg start, protein main, seasonal side
Insider tip: Tell them gluten-free up front and skip shared fried starters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby but expect higher rates in Flatiron, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner—conversation is easy early, gets buzzy later.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward starters and mains that feel intentional, not filler.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with menu navigation and small adjustments, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—well-informed staff, clear guidance on safe dishes; best if noted when seated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially early evening—the room feels lively and polished without being chaotic, and the menu offers safe, crowd-pleasing choices.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or early dinner, but expect a real wait on weekends; bar seating can be a faster fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—the room is busy and adult-focused, with limited kid-specific accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Reliable gluten-free dining in a celebratory, high-energy Flatiron setting where mixed-diet groups all feel accommodated.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate gluten-free-focused restaurant or need a clearly labeled, dedicated GF menu.