Clinton St. Baking Company
4 Clinton St (Manhattan)
Order: Blueberry Pancakes — $$; Walk-in friendly
Best Pancakes
Must Go
Nightly's
1496 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: All Day French Omelette — $$$; Res recommended
Bistro
Must Go
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles St (Manhattan)
Order: Prime Rib French Dip — $$$$; Res recommended
Steak House
Upscale Dining
Best Burger
Very Popular
Must Go
Hani’s bakery + café
67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Best Bakery
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Must Go
Golden Diner
123 Madison St (Manhattan)
Order: Honey Butter Pancake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Classic
Best Pancakes in NYC
Must Go
Fairfax
234 W 4th St (Manhattan)
Order: Bar Sardine Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Cozy Vibes
Bar
Must Go
Types & Places (Favorites)
Navigating New York City’s endless food scene is much easier when you know exactly where the locals go. From legendary morning bagels and classic deli sandwiches to unforgettable steakhouse dinners and inventive baked goods, this guide highlights the essential spots for every craving.
Top Breakfast Spots
Clinton St. Baking Company
4 Clinton St (Manhattan)
Order: Blueberry Pancakes — $$; Walk-in friendly
Best Pancakes
Pop Up Grocer
205 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Matcha — $$; Walk-in friendly
Very Popular
Market
Bubby's
120 Hudson St (Manhattan)
Order: James Beard Pancakes — $$; Res recommended
Best Pancakes
Leon's Bagels
169 Thompson St suite b (Manhattan)
Order: Everything Bagel with Scallion Lox Schmear — $; Walk-in friendly
Best Bagels
Bagel Shop
The Commerce Inn
50 Commerce St (Manhattan)
Order: Pancakes — $$$; Res recommended
Best Pancakes
Fine Dining
Sadelle's
463 W Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Sadelle’s Tower (Bagels and Lox) — $$$; Res recommended
Vintage-style
Moonrise Bagels
58 W 8th St (Manhattan)
Order: Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Stuffed Bagel — $; Walk-in friendly
Popular
Vegan Options
Modern Bread and Bagel
472 Columbus Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Bagel With Tomatoes — $; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Popular
Vegan
Gluten-Free
Bagel Pub
775 Franklin Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: The Works — $$; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Cozy
Popular
Russ & Daughters
502 W 34th St (Manhattan)
Order: Daughters’ Delight — $$; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Popular
Brooklyn Bagel
286 8th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Egg, Cheese, Sausage — $; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Popular
Sweet Leaf Coffee Roasters
10-93 Jackson Ave (Queens)
Order: Coffee — $; Walk-in friendly
Cozy
Fast Times
486 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Coffee — $; Walk-in friendly
Japanese Mixed
Popular
Clothing
Books
Cozy
Welcome Home
1047 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Pastry — $$; Walk-in friendly
European Mixed
Cozy
Thai Diner
186 Mott St (Manhattan)
Order: Thai Egg Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Thai Mixed
Very Popular
Cozy
Ralph's Coffee
630 5th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Coffee — $$; Walk-in friendly
Well Known
Luxury
Top Lunch Spots
Nightly's
1496 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: All Day French Omelette — $$$; Res recommended
Bistro
Sunday In Brooklyn
348 Wythe Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Sunday Pancakes (Malted with Hazelnut Praline Brown Butter) — $$; Res highly recommended
3 Stories
Neighborhood Atmosphere
Roey's
1 Perry St (Manhattan)
Order: Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Italian Mixed
The Best Happy Hour in NYC!
Very Popular
Jack's Wife Freda
226 Lafayette St (Manhattan)
Order: Peri-Peri Chicken — $$; Res recommended
Mediterranean Mixed
Jewish Mixed
South African Mixed
Bistro
Apollo Bagels
242 E 10th St (Manhattan)
Order: Tomato Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese on Sesame Bagel — $$; Walk-in friendly
Best Bagels
Bagel shop
Butter
106 MacDougal St (Manhattan)
Order: Candy Burger — $$$; Res recommended
Family Friendly
S&P Lunch
174 5th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Pastrami,Egg, & Cheese — $$; Walk-in friendly
Deli
Old School
The Lions Bar & Grill
132 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Dry-Aged Cheeseburger — $$; Walk-in friendly (expect a wait)
Best Burgers
Grill
THISBOWL
65 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: The OG Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Healthy Food
Gluten-Free
Little Ruby's
198 E 11th St (Manhattan)
Order: Steak with Fries — $$; Walk-in friendly
Australian Mixed
Popular
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Pastrami on Rye — $$; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Best Deli
Sandwich Shop
Danny & Coop's
151 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Philly Cheesesteak — $$; Walk-in friendly
Best Cheesesteaks
Cheesesteak Shop
Swoony's
215 Columbia St (Brooklyn)
Order: Swoony’s Burger — $$$; Res recommended
Best Burgers
Ansā
101 Thompson St (Manhattan)
Order: Coffee — $; Walk-in friendly
Unique
Eco-Futuristic
Israeli Mixed
Chloe
185 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Kale Ceaser Wrap — $$; Walk-in friendly
Vegan
Salt Hank's
280 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: French Dip — $$$; Walk-in friendly
Insanely Popular
Fatboys Vegan Burgers
537 Nostrand Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Vegan
Hamburger America
155 W Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Popular
Gotham Burger Social Club
131 Essex St (Manhattan)
Order: Gotham Smash — $$; Walk-in friendly
Popular
Casa 13urger
1 Delancey St (Manhattan)
Order: Smash Burger — $; Walk-in friendly
Very Popular
Salty Lunch Lady
5-65 Woodward Ave (Queens)
Order: The Chicky — $$; Walk-in friendly
Popular
UT47
683 9th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $$; Walk-in friendly
Korean Mixed
Premier
Bistro
Vegan Options
Top Dinner Spots
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles St (Manhattan)
Order: Prime Rib French Dip — $$$$; Res recommended
Steak House
Upscale Dining
Best Burger
Very Popular
Au Cheval
33 Cortlandt Alley (Manhattan)
Order: Double Cheeseburger — $$$; Res recommended
Best Burgers
Bar
Otis
18 Harrison Pl (Brooklyn)
Order: Braised Pork Pasta — $$$; Res recommended
New American
Bar
The Polo Bar
1 E 55th St (Manhattan)
Order: Steak — $$$$; Res strictly required
Classic Vibes
Exclusive Hotspot
American Bar
33 Greenwich Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Miso Cod — $$$; Res recommended
Bistro
Lively
JG Melon
1291 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Cash Only!!
Nostalgic
Pub
Grill
Delmonico's
56 Beaver St (Manhattan)
Order: Delmonico Ribeye — $$$$; Res recommended
Steak House
Since 1837
Fine Dining
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
146 W 72nd St (Manhattan)
Order: Pan-Fried Chicken — $$; Walk-in friendly
Soul Food
Barbecue
Chicken
Upstate craft beer & oyster bar
95 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Assorted Oysters — $$; Walk-in only
Oyster Bar
Seafood
Danny’s
46 W 22nd St (Manhattan)
Order: Gemlli with Rock Shrimp — $$$; Res recommended
Upscale
Hillstone
378 Park Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$$; Res recommended
Very Popular
Celebrity Hotspot
Nowon
507 E 6th St (Manhattan)
Order: Legendary Cheeseburger — $$; Res recommended
Korean Mixed
Gastropub
Good Music
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand St (Brooklyn)
Order: Wagyu Hanger Steak — $$$; Res recommended
European Mixed
Michelin-Starred
Peter Luger Steak House
178 Broadway (Brooklyn)
Order: Steak — $$$$; Res recommended
German Mixed
Old-School
Popular
Maison Nur
217 Bowery (Manhattan)
Order: Steak — $$$; Res recommended
French Mixed
Upscale
Clubstaurant
Insane Interior
Potluck Club
133 Chrystie St (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken with scallion Biscuits — $$$; Res recommended
Chinese Mixed
Popular
Izakaya
Coqodaq
12 E 22nd St (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Bucket — $$$; Res recommended
Korean Mixed
Very Popular
Ultra-Premium
Hoexter's
174 E 82nd St (Manhattan)
Order: Gorgonzola Garlic Bread — $$$; Res recommended
Modern
Buzzy
Top Dessert Spots
Hani’s bakery + café
67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Best Bakery
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Red Gate Bakery
68 E 1st St (Manhattan)
Order: Choco-Toffee Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Bakery
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Butterfield Market
1150 Madison Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Plain Frozen Yogurt with Pistachio Syrup — $; Walk-in friendly
American
Grocery Store
Popular
Spirals
137 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Original Cinnamon Roll— $; Walk-in friendly
Best Cinnamon Rolls
Benji's Buns
122 Christopher St (Manhattan)
Order: Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll — $; Walk-in friendly
British Mixed
Best Cinnamon Rolls
Coffee
Davey's Ice Cream
309 E 9th St (Manhattan)
Order: Nutella Chocolate Chip — $; Walk-in friendly
Ice Cream
Cheap
Elbow Bread
1 Ludlow St (Manhattan)
Order: Sugar Cinnamon Pretzel — $; Walk-in friendly
Jewish Mixed
Best Bakery
Funny Face Bakery
319 Lafayette St (Manhattan)
Order: S’mores Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten-Free Options
Anita La Mamma del Gelato
1141 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Hazelnut Gelato — $; Walk-in friendly
Best Ice Cream
Radio Bakery
135 India St (Brooklyn)
Order: Triple Chocolate Croissant — $$; Walk-in friendly
European Mixed
Chef Driven
Seven Grams
76 Madison Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian Mixed
Popular
Chip City
42-15 Crescent St (Queens)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Popular
Levain Bakery
1484 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
World Famous
Jean's
415 Lafayette St (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Upscale
Clubstaurant
Restaurant Dessert
Eat Pretty
501 1/2 E 83rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Red Velvet & Nutella Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly
Boutique
Instagrammable
Culture
60 W 8th St (Manhattan)
Order: Frozen Yogurt — $; Walk-in friendly
Greek Mixed
Very Popular
Brooklyn Farmacy
513 Henry St (Brooklyn)
Order: Hot Fudge Sundae — $$; Walk-in friendly
Nostalgic
Diner
Restaurant Dessert
Softside
51 Spring St (Manhattan)
Order: The Riff— $; Walk-in friendly
Popular
Martha's Country Bakery
263 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Berry Napoleon Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Greek Mixed
Traditional
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
30 Prince St (Manhattan)
Order: Brooklyn Blackout Cake — $; Walk-in friendly
Traditional
Popular
Types & Places (Secondaries)
Sometimes you just need a reliable plate of comfort food. From classic 24-hour diners serving up the perfect eggs to inviting gastropubs with warm, historic vibes, explore our favorite relaxed American essentials across the city.
Top Diners Spots
Golden Diner
123 Madison St (Manhattan)
Order: Honey Butter Pancake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Classic
Best Pancakes in NYC
Baby Blues Luncheonette
97 Montrose Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: GF Greek Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
Modern Diner
Gluten-Free Options
Kellogg’s Diner
518 Metropolitan Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Strawberry Pretzel Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
24/7
Since 1928
Classic
Gramercy Kitchen
184 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Greek Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
Modern Diner
Family Spot
Remedy Diner
245 E Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Pancakes — $; Walk-in friendly
Cozy
Johny's Luncheonette
124 W 25th St (Manhattan)
Order: Chocolate Pancakes — $; Walk-in friendly
Cozy
Top Gastropubs Spots
Fairfax
234 W 4th St (Manhattan)
Order: Bar Sardine Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Cozy Vibes
Bar
The Warren
131 Christopher St (Manhattan)
Order: Lasagna — $$$; Res recommended
Warm Vibes
Bars
White Oak Tavern
21 Waverly Pl (Manhattan)
Order: French Dip — $$; Res recommended
Tavern Setting
Music
Oscar Wilde
45 W 27th St (Manhattan)
Order: Hummus Platter — $$$; Res recommended
Victorian Style
1900s Building
Areas
Discover the defining American neighborhood spots across Greenwich Village, Midtown, and East Village. Whether you need a quick midday smashburger or a reservation at a historic steakhouse, these places cover all the essentials from morning to night.
Greenwich Village / West Village
Popup Bagels
177 Thompson St (Manhattan)
Order: Bagel Box with Scallion Schmear — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Bagel
Very Popular
Rhythm Zero
328 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Blackberry Pie Matcha — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Coffee
noa, a bakery
92 Greenwich Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Baklava Latte — $$; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Bakery
European Mixed
Breakfast by Salt's Cure
27 1/2 Morton St (Manhattan)
Order: Oatmeal Griddle Pancakes — $$; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Popular
Jeffrey's Grocery
172 Waverly Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Lobster Omelette — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Seafood
Cozy
& Son Steakeasy
62 W Ninth St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger with Fries — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Upbeat Vibe
Emmett's on Grove
39 Grove St (Manhattan)
Order:Hot Girl Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Lunch
Italian Mixed
Very Popular
Joseph Leonard
170 Waverly Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Burger with Fries — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Bistro
Rustic Ambiance
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St (Manhattan)
Order: Beef Tartare — $$$$; Res strongly recommended
Dinner
Upscale
French Mixed
Jack & Charlie's No. 118
118 Greenwich Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken with Salad — $$$; Res recommended
Dinner
Upscale
The Eighty Six
86 Bedford St (Manhattan)
Order: Prime Rib — $$$$; Res strongly recommended
Dinner
Upscale
Stylish
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Banana Pudding — $; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Bakery
Classic
Go Greek Yogurt
683 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Greek Honey Topping — $; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Frozen Yogurt
Mediterranean Mixed
Madison Fare
1 W Eighth St (Manhattan)
Order: Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Sundae — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Frozen Yogurt
Middle Eastern Mixed
Midtown / Central / East / West
Remi Flower & Coffee
906 2nd Ave(Manhattan)
Order: Iced Matcha Latte — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Coffee
Florist
Comfort Feel
Liberty Bagels
260 W 35th St (Manhattan)
Order: Rainbow Bagel with Funfetti Cream Cheese — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Bagel
Ess-a-Bagel
831 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Signature Favorite on an Everything Bagel — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Bagel
European Mixed
Blank Street Coffee
826 7th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Pistachio Latte — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Coffee
Insanely Popular
Lenwich
6 E 48th St (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Ceasar Wrap — $$; Walk-in friendly
Lunch
Sandwich
Healthy
Montagu's Gusto
645 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Empire Steak Pastrami — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Deli
7th Street Burger
485 7th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Double Cheeseburger — $; Walk-in friendly
Lunch
Hamburger
Very Popular
Heritage Grand
8 W 40th St (Manhattan)
Order: Neapolitan Stracciatella Pizza — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Happy Hour
Mediterranean Mixed
Monkey Bar
60 E 54th St (Manhattan)
Order: Mac n Cheese — $$$$; Res strongly recommended
Dinner
Cozy
Romantic Vibe
Centurion New York
1 Vanderbilt Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Wagyu Striploin — $$$$; Res recommended (Requires Amex Black/Centurion Card))
Dinner
Upscale
The Flatiron Room
9 E 37th St (Manhattan)
Order: Omakase Box — $$$; Res recommended
Dinner
Upscale
Live Music
Magnolia Bakery
1240 6th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Banana Pudding — $; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Bakery
Classic
Lady M Cake Boutique
36 W 40th St (Manhattan)
Order: Checkers Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Bakery
Cake
16 Handles
428 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Cookies & Cream Fro-Yo — $; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Ice Cream
East Village / Alphabet City
787 Coffee
131 E 7th St (Manhattan)
Order: Bagged Iced Coffee — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Coffee
Puerto Rican Mixed
Unique
Best Damn Breakfast Burrito
345 E 12th St (Manhattan)
Order: La Neta — $$; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Fast-Casual
Moon Coffee Lab
45 E 1st St (Manhattan)
Order: Pour Over Coffee — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Coffee
Tompkins Square Bagels
165 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese on Bagel — $; Walk-in friendly
Breakfast
Bagel
Davidovich Bakery
36 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Bagel — $; Walk-in friendly
Lunch
Bagel
The Smith
55 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Sandwich with Fries — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Brassiere
Café Maud
132 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Ricotta Pizza with Hot Honey — $$; Res recommended
Lunch
Bar
Smithereens
414 E 9th St (Manhattan)
Order: Lobster Roll — $$$; Res recommended
Lunch
Seafood
New England Mixed
Horse with no name
223 E 5th St (Manhattan)
Order: Sourdough with Anchovy Butter — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dinner
Cozy
Wine Bar
Hearth
403 E 12th St (Manhattan)
Order: Steak — $$$; Res recommended
Dinner
Upscale
Tuscan Mixed
Cello's Pizzeria
36 St Marks Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Cheese Pizza with Burrata — $; Walk-in friendly
Dinner
Pizza
Spot Dessert Bar
13 St Marks Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Cookie Camp — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Superiority Burger
119 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Orange Flower Funnel Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Vegetarian
Classic
Sunday Morning
29 Avenue B (Manhattan)
Order: Blueberry Cinnamon — $; Walk-in friendly
Dessert
Bakery
Occasions
New York’s restaurant scene is built for absolutely every type of occasion. Whether you need an energetic spot for a girls’ night out or social night out, a date night, simply some place with views or comfort, explore the recommendations perfectly organized by social gatherings, romantic outings, and dining moods.
Dates
Best Overall
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St (Manhattan)
It flawlessly combines legendary New American cuisine with top-tier hospitality and a breathtakingly romantic dining room. It’s the kind of place that goes out of its way to make any date feel incredibly important.
Date Night
First Date
Anniversary Dinner
Coffee/Matcha Date
Date Night
Bad Roman
3rd floor, 10 Columbus Cir (Manhattan)
Sojourn Social
1708 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
First Date
Emmett's on Grove
39 Grove St (Manhattan)
Café Maud
1640 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Anniversary Dinner
Giorgio's of Gramercy
27 E 21st St (Manhattan)
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St (Manhattan)
Coffee/Matcha Date
Sailor
228 Dekalb Ave (Manhattan)
Pantry New York
207 Mulberry St (Manhattan)
Mood
Best Overall
Electric Lemon
33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor (Manhattan)
Because of its location, it delivers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Hudson River alongside incredible New American, vegetable-forward cuisine. Whether you want a daytime superfood latte, a weekend brunch on the terrace, or a high-end dinner with a sunset view over the water, this spot completely delivers!
Cozy Comfort
People Watching
Rooftop Views
Waterfront Views
Cozy Comfort
Waverly Inn
16 Bank St (Manhattan)
Hidden Lane Bar
129 E 15th St (Manhattan)
People Watching
Westville
1359 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Forget Me Not
138 Division St (Manhattan)
Rooftop Views
Sandbar Rooftop
152 W 26th St (Manhattan)
Hudson VU
653 11th Ave (Manhattan)
Waterfront Views
Westlight
111 N 12th St (Brooklyn)
Harriet's Rooftop
60 Furman St Fl 11 (Brooklyn)
Must Knows
Must-know basics so you’re not guessing on tipping, menu lingo, or how to book.
Reservations
Before you fall in love with the menu, make sure you’ve got the res
Decoding the menu
Appetizers / Starters — small first bites (deviled eggs, wings, crab cakes, onion rings).
Raw Bar — oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, seafood towers (usually “per piece” or by platter).
Mains / Entrées — the big plates (roast chicken, meatloaf, fish, pasta, steaks).
Steakhouse Cuts — ribeye/strip/filet/prime rib; sometimes “for two”; add sauces + sides separately.
Brunch — all-day breakfast favorites (pancakes, waffles, omelets, eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches).
Diner Classics — comfort staples (chicken & waffles, turkey club, tuna melt, blue-plate specials).
Tips
Standard tip for sit-down restaurants
In NYC, 18–22% of the pre-tax bill is considered normal for good service. 15% is low; 25%+ is very generous.
Why tipping matters
Servers and bartenders are paid a lower base wage because tips are expected here, so the tip is a big part of their income.
Check for built-in gratuity
Some places (especially for large groups or trendy spots) add “gratuity” or “service charge” automatically. If you see that on the bill, you don’t need to add an additional tip unless you want to.
Social
Best Overall
Double Chicken Please
115 Allen St (Manhattan)
With its split design—the lively, walk-in friendly Free Range front and the sophisticated, reservation-only The Coop in the back—it effortlessly adapts to a casual drink, a massive celebration, or a high-end cocktail experience without missing a single beat.
Women Night Out
Men Night Out
Birthday With Friends
Pre Club
Post Club
Women Night Out
The Nines
9 Great Jones St (Manhattan)
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex St (Manhattan)
Men Night Out
The Polo Bar
1 E 55th St (Manhattan)
Trailer Park Lounge
271 W 23rd St (Manhattan)
Birthday With Friends
SAINT Resto-Lounge
626B 10th Ave (Manhattan)
Double Chicken Please
115 Allen St (Manhattan)
Pre Club
The Happiest Hour
121 W 10th St (Manhattan)
Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs
135 W Broadway (Manhattan)
Post Club
Employees Only
510 Hudson St (Manhattan)
Please Don't Tell
113 St Marks Pl (Manhattan)