Gramercy Tavern

Gramercy Tavern, in New York City is a landmark New York restaurant where we dined recently while visiting our son for his birthday.. Located at 42 E. 20th Street, near Park Avenue, Gramercy Tavern was just awarded one star by the prestigious Michelin guide.  That recognition just confirms our conclusion that the restaurant is one of the best restaurants in New York.

Gramercy Tavern is in reality two separate restaurants.  In front of the restaurant is the bar area with a number of tables fairly close together. No reservations are taken for the bar.  The rooms behind the bar are the main attraction.  This was were we had our dinner. There, reservations (well in advance usually) are required.  212-477-0777.  The tables in the formal dining room are farther apart and there is little noise.

The menu is what has been called "nouveau American."  In the formal dining room, the menu consists of two prix fixe choices, one 3 course dinner for $88 and a six course dinner for $116 per person. A vegan menu is also offered at $88  Unfortunately, everyone in the party must agree to either the 3 or 6 course dinner. No mixing of the menus is permitted.  This was the only somewhat sour note on an otherwise wonderful evening on a rainy night.

We opted for the 3 course menu and a fairly priced Tyler Pinot Noir wine. The first course was carpaccio.  The thinly sliced beef just melted in my mouth.  The second course was the red snapper, which appeared to be poached, and was superbly prepared. For dessert, I had the apple tart with butter pecan ice cream.  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

As with the Del Posto restaurant that I recently wrote about, Gramercy Tavern is quite expensive and probably is best visited for special occasions.  Those occasions, however, will be all the more special as a result of your visit.