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Gramercy Tavern

New York

89

YUMMY METER

Step into Gramercy Tavern, where Michelin stars and the New York charm meet. Foodgod is here with the ultimate guide to this NYC staple.

This establishment is like winning the Powerball of fine dining experiences. Nestled on 42 East 20th Street, it sits like a monarch surveying the Flatiron District, radiant with the kind of prestige you can't fake.

Beyond its fabulous reputation, Gramercy Tavern offers a unique concoction of ambiance, flavors, and good old-fashioned American class.

The Locale and the Legacy

Honey, Gramercy Tavern's locale isn't just about its prime Flatiron real estate. No, no. Let's call it a cornerstone in the city that never sleeps, pulling in locals and tourists like bees to nectar. Did you think nine James Beard Awards just fall from the sky? Well, they don’t.

The establishment has maintained its presence in the MicGuide guide like the long-running Broadway show everyone wants to see. Year after year, the restaurant continues to secure its position as one of America's best restaurants, where you can enjoy a prix fixe menu that dances on your palate like a ballet of flavors.

Now, add to that a roster of seasonal ingredients, whose purveyors are painstakingly selected to ensure peak deliciousness. Yup, Gramercy Tavern is a legacy that transcends its own Michelin-star recognition to embody the very spirit of what makes New York City’s food scene a global epicenter of gastronomy. And you can't possibly discover the true taste of New York without making a reservation here.

The Scenery, Darling

Oh, strap in, because this part is going to be a ride. The decor here strikes the perfect balance between high-brow luxury and effortless charm.

Picture dark mahogany offset by colorful murals and an open-concept kitchen that lets you witness the culinary sorcery. We're talking mood lighting so perfect you won't even need that Valencia filter.

The choice between the Tavern and the Dining Room is like choosing between diamonds and pearls — each magnificent in its own right. In the Tavern, anticipate a la carte menu options that cater to your whims, whether you're feeling a bowl of artisanal pasta or a perfectly cooked steak.

In the Dining Room, you're signing up for an orchestrated culinary event, a tasting menu that serves opulence on a plate.

On another front, if accessibility is a concern for you, the Gramercy Tavern won't let anything as mundane as stairs keep you from experiencing their sumptuous world, darling. Wheelchair access ensures that everyone gets to savor the glory.

Mr. Meyer's Hospitality Mojo

Honey, the secret sauce at Gramercy Tavern is none other than the man of the hour, Danny Meyer. His vision is about as far from a one-size-fits-all approach as you can get. In a world of dining room snobbery and robotic service, Meyer has turned hospitality into a downright couture experience.

When you sit at a table under his domain, you're a VIP no matter who you are or how you arrived at this upscale tavern. From the first step inside, where the host treats you like a long-lost friend, to the moment your waiter seamlessly recites the day’s offerings — all organic, locally sourced, with a dash of flair, of course — this is a place that knows the power of fine touches.

And let's spill the tea on their no-tip policy. How many times have you been pulled out of your dining reverie by that awkward game of "Who paid what?" or "How much to tip?" That won't happen here.

At Gramercy Tavern, the no-tip policy ensures that your focus remains where it should: on the jaw-dropping deliciousness before you and the conversation swirling around the table. And, speaking of jaw-dropping, the accolades in the Michelin Guide and their James Beard Awards aren’t just for show.

They're a testament to a brand of hospitality that leans into an ethos of unparalleled service that screams, "Yes, you do belong here, and yes, you are fabulous!"

The Menu

Now that you’ve met Executive Chef Michael Anthony, the culinary genius and puppet master behind Gramercy Tavern's tasting menu, you should have some pretty high expectations in order.

It’s no surprise that he's orchestrating a food experience that’s basically the dining equivalent of a Broadway hit. His menu bursts with American flavors, each dish enrobed in the sophistication of French techniques.

And don’t even get us started on the seasonal nuances! The menu comes to life with ingredients sourced from a star-studded list of local purveyors.

You can almost feel the handshakes and hear the conversations that make each partnership so special. It’s an alchemy of relationships and culinary skills that makes your plate a canvas of authentic, vibrant flavors.

And as if the main courses weren't already taking you to the moon, along comes Pastry Chef Miro Uskokovic to ensure a landing among the stars. His desserts aren't just a sweet ending — they're a standing ovation that comes after your meal.

In fact, they’re the sort of final song that leaves you craving an encore. And we won’t judge you if you order one as a second dessert.

Drinks That Match Your Sparkle

Buckle up for this journey down the wine list, where Gramercy Tavern showcases a sommelier’s dream — a line-up that has both the sommeliers and the guests turning pages in awe. Reds, whites, sparklings, and even the most elusive vintages are elegantly listed, practically begging you to explore.

But why stop there? Beers and ciders are present and ready for their close-ups. Whether you’re pairing an elegant Chardonnay with your seafood starter or rocking a down-to-earth craft beer with your burger, the options are endless.

Whoever said you can't be versatile in a fine dining establishment was seriously misled. This isn't just about pairing the right Merlot with the beef tenderloin. It's about crafting an experience that offers you the ability to express yourself in sips and gulps to match your drink to your meal and mood.

High-brow, low-key, or somewhere in between — whatever your style, Gramercy Tavern has a glass with your name on it. It’s one of our favorite things about this restaurant, because there is a bit of an uneasy balance to strike between what’s expected of a tavern and what you’re looking for in a high-end dining establishment.

By ensuring that the drinks list caters to all tastes and creating an ambiance that you won’t feel out of place in sipping a beer, Gramercy Tavern elevates the experience of gastropub without losing the charm that you go to such institutions for in the first place.

A Cut Above the Rest

Girl, if you're hankering for a sumptuous night out in New York City, then look no further. Gramercy Tavern isn't just another name on the "best restaurants" list — it is the list.

Gramercy Tavern is in the Union Square Hospitality Group's lineup and sits comfortably alongside culinary siblings like Union Square Cafe, meaning this restaurant’s relationships in the business department are top notch.

Finding this temple of taste is as easy as punching their phone number into your rose-gold iPhone and asking Siri to do her thing. You'll find yourself following your map to 42 East 20th Street, a locale that's as iconic as the Flatiron building itself.

The crown jewel of Manhattan's Flatiron District, this Michelin star restaurant has a reputation for excellence that transcends the norm. Prix fixe or à la carte menu, the choice is yours!

Each option is a meticulously crafted experience that will have you on the edge of your seat. And for those who can't bear to part with the magnificent atmosphere, don't fret — Gramercy Tavern offers a private dining room where you and your squad can continue the revelry.

If you need further proof, Gramercy Tavern has won the James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurant" and continues to be lauded in the Michelin Guide. We're talking world-renowned accolades here, not some rinky-dink participation trophies.

Whether you’re a native to NYC or a starry-eyed visitor, one thing's crystal clear: this iconic restaurant is as much a part of the city's narrative as the Empire State Building or Central Park.

The Last Bite

Look, the time for scrolling through food blogs and Instagram photos is over. No more drooling over the screen — you’re ready for the real thing!

When you make that reservation, you're locking yourself into a cornucopia of splendors that only Gramercy Tavern can provide. Consider it a VIP ticket to an exclusive culinary concert where Chef Michael Anthony is the star performer.

Whether you opt for the seasonal menu or dive headfirst into the tasting menu, prepare for a meal that's more than just an assortment of plates — it's a curated exhibition of Executive Chef Michael Anthony's culinary genius.

From the warm and inviting ambiance to the unparalleled service, Gramercy Tavern exemplifies New York City's reputation for quality dining experiences. Don't leave it to chance, because, sweetheart, you don't want to be outside looking in. Hit that "Reserve" button and become part of New York City's epicurean history.

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