Union Square Cafe
New American restaurant · Gramercy ·
Seasonal New American fare in a casually refined setting
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67083540/Union_Square_Cafe_Eater_restaurant_review_2017_1006.0.jpg "Union Square Cafe by Daniel Krieger/Eater")
Seasonal New American fare in a casually refined setting
"Still a New York City icon after 40 years, this restaurant opened on October 21, 1985, and built a culture around its monthly newsletters, typed in the basement on a Smith-Corona while, upstairs at the original East 16th Street location, chef Michael Romano cooked tuna burgers and Bibb salads. The mailings doubled as invitations to Morning Market Meetings and wine dinners, even functioning like a pre-digital "notify" lottery that filled seats by postcard. Reviews arrived early (Bryan Miller awarded two stars in the New York Times), celebrity drop-ins appeared regularly (Matthew Broderick, JFK Jr., Kevin Kline, Tom Brokaw), and the tone balanced polish with humility through mishaps like the 1990 dining-room flood and the plumber who took reservations without writing down names. Ahead of its time, the team banned smoking across all three dining rooms in 1991, then got to know regulars who stepped to the bar for a puff between courses. After September 11, 2001, the newsletters articulated a belief that restaurants, in their ability to nourish and nurture, can heal—a sentiment that still defines the place today." - Andrea Strong
"About to turn 40, it’s better than ever, and the same beef we serve here helped birth Shake Shack; I’m aiming for One MICHELIN Star because I’m confident in how far it’s come." - Michael He
"If Union Square Cafe were a Starburst flavor, it would be that pink one that everybody likes. At the second iteration of this classic restaurant, you'll still find the same sort of Italian-influenced seasonal American food they started serving in the 1980s. Depending on the time of year, you might find things like mafaldine with a cheesy duck ragu, a simple heirloom tomato salad, or a pork chop with grilled peaches that tastes like a Norman Rockwell painting. The space is huge and well-decorated, with a great bar area that feels slightly more casual. It’s certainly pricey, and you might have trouble getting a prime reservation, but this is the perfect place to celebrate just about anything." - willa moore, bryan kim, matt tervooren, will hartman
"Union Square Cafe is pretty much the Tom Hanks of restaurants. It’s been around for a while, it’s just the right amount of classy, and most people like it. Anyone can find something to eat here, whether it’s a burger or a piece of fish, and the restaurant itself is nice without feeling too formal or stuffy. Sit at a big round table and let USC handle the rest." - molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah
"A classic New York City restaurant known for its seasonal American cuisine and welcoming atmosphere." - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slope
