"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
"Think of Restaurant Week as an opportunity to take an afternoon off, and get a two-course lunch under the 22-foot-tall ceilings at Union Square Cafe. Entrees include chicken kiev and fettuccine al limone, but the correct order is the burger, with its thick patty and poppy seed bun." - bryan kim, willa moore, sonal shah, neha talreja, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick
"The little gem salad here is also so good. It's so simple. And the first time I ate it, we were out with another couple and, you know, you have to put a little bit on your plate. I don't want to do that with this salad. I want to eat the whole thing. It's the same as the one at Via Carota in my book. It's refreshing. It's delicious. It's simple. I could order three of those and be happy—three of those and the bread and the butter, that's all I need. It's a perfect meal." - brennan carley