Nightly's

"You know what’s good? The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern. It’s also tough to get, since reservations are rough, and there’s always a wait for bar seats. For something similar, try the one at Nightly’s on the Upper East Side. With its caramelized onions and buttery, jumbo-sized patty, it’s the next best thing." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim, sonal shah

"How similar is it to TGI Fridays? At the very least, an unintentional homage. TGI Friday’s started on the Upper East Side, and, today, Nightly’s carries the torch. The American restaurant from the people behind Uva has the naive audacity to tackle ceviche, fish tacos, steak, and spinach and artichoke dip—and they’re good enough to pull it off. They also have a bar that’s conducive to catch-ups involving fries and filthy martinis." - bryan kim

"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

"A stylish bar and bistro with an edgy European flair, featuring curated art and checkered wood flooring, known for its craft cocktails and raw bar selections."

"Upper East Side: The team behind several Upper East Side bars, like speakeasy Keys & Heels, has debuted Nightly’s, also uptown. There’s a full dinner menu including bistro items like salads, appetizers like grilled prawn with butter sauce, and burgers." - Emma Orlow