Eloy Y.
Yelp
Located just off of Times Square on 49th Street, this establishment is a perfect escape from the streets that takes patrons on a journey back in time to the Victorian era.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment commemorates the life of Lillie Langtry, an actress from the British Isle of Jersey who came to New York in the late nineteenth century to become a Broadway star.
Organized in the style of the classic Victorian gin palaces, the interior décor, from red velvet couches and ornate, glittering chandeliers to the antique pictures and stained glass windows, with every corner offering something unique, comes from the ballroom of a nineteenth-century estate in Northern Ireland and is worth an Instagram-featured picture straight out of a storybook.
The reservation was easily made on their website for brunch as first-timers before our Broadway show.
Upon entering, our breath was taken away by how beautifully decorated the interior was. My partner and I were greeted by the staff to a packed house and got a high table immediately in the back. The vibe was lively and charming, enhanced by music from past eras. Seating was tight, but that's pretty typical in the city.
The menu featured an array of classic American and British dishes for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, including fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and prime rib, as well as a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and desserts.
We decided on the brunch menu with Shakshuka (Eggs In Purgatory) and Steak Sandwich with Fries. We washed them down with Bellinis, which were perfectly refreshing and thoughtfully crafted. We saved room for dessert and shared the Limoncello Mascarpone cake.
The food was made fresh, well seasoned, served hot, and flavorful. The staff were friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable, especially our server, Claire. The price and portions were reasonable.
The theme of the restaurant decor changes every 4 months or so and was phenomenal, making it a fun, touristy attraction and worth the trip alone, which we can recommend.