"Every neighborhood needs a place with the hubris to tackle risotto, steak, and also fish tacos. A spot where you can sit at the bar and chat over a martini with a side of fries. A restaurant where, without fail, your server will declare your order absolutely perfect. On the Upper East Side, that’s Nightly’s. If the blueprint sounds a little TGI Fridays, that’s kind of the point. Similar to other nostalgic American spots like Bernie’s and The Corner Store, Nightly’s does a crowd-pleasing take on a familiar, comforting formula. photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte Bring a friend, grab a shiny bistro table, and eat some pan-seared gnocchi dusted with chives or roast chicken with a sidecar of creamy tarragon sauce. The place isn’t huge, but if you're planning a birthday or big group dinner, there are a few oversized booths in the back of the consistently packed dining room. There’s a reason why Nightly’s is busy every night, and it's one you've heard before. But this isn’t just a knockoff of an average American strip mall chain. If you live in the neighborhood, it’s a big leap forward. Food Rundown photo credit: Kate Previte Butterfly Prawns Simple. Wonderful. No notes. Drench these charred prawns with the lemon butter sauce that comes on the side. photo credit: Kate Previte Short Rib At Nightly’s, a large chunk of pull-apart short rib served over mashed potatoes is considered a starter. Slightly confusing, but go with it. The thick red wine gravy is especially noteworthy. photo credit: Kate Previte Black Tie Burger An homage to Minetta Tavern, this burger comes with an ultra-thick patty topped with caramelized onions and a cap of melted white cheddar. It’ll never let you down. photo credit: Kate Previte Marry Me Chicken A very reliable choice. There’s nothing too ground-breaking about the chicken itself (a bit crispy, similar to rotisserie), but the creamy tarragon sauce is something you'll remember." - Bryan Kim
