Mahsa T.

The Grill, not to be confused with the Bryant Park Cafe, is the fancier, more upscale of the two sister restaurants in Bryant Park. It has a large indoor seating area and my biggest complaint about it is the sound - go there during lunch and you won't be able to hear what the person sitting next to you is saying. The acoustics are terrible. Other than that, everything else about my experience was good. We were there for a client lunch, had made a reservation and were promptly seated. I enjoyed my branzino, which was well-prepared and well-portioned for lunch. Colorful decor and comfortable seating. Service was good. There's an outdoor patio upstairs if you're looking to have a drink with a view and get away from the tourists, though can't guarantee that.

Michael P.

Star rating is based on a wedding and reception held here on a Saturday evening in August. The (open bar) bartenders were great. What the satellite bar couldn't make, the main bar could. I enjoyed my Manhattan (what else is a Philly guy to order in the City?), though they were not serving their house-special version. Served appetizers were great. The dining service was equally very good, from a predetermined menu. The salad was decent. We were offered two choices of entrée (sea bass or short rib); both were tasty. In sum I can't speak about the full menu, nor the prices. Four stars then, is intended to be "neutral" about the food, and more about the experience. The setting should be fabulous, in the southeast corner of Bryant Park (duh!) While the view from the rooftop terrace is spectacular, the droning rush of the adjoining library cooling tower is an annoyance throughout any event that doesn't feature loud music (like a wedding ceremony.) The dinner setting on the private terrace is marvelous, without qualification, as is dancing inside. Bear in mind only, that the rooftop terrace and grade-level dining terrace are capacity limited. Check wth management before finalizing your guest list.

Sonj H.

We had a very wonderful waitress here who made sure we were well taken care of, I wish I could remember her name but she is the redhead who looks like Claire Danes and is an interesting person. Kudos! My BF got the eggs and lox soufflé style with asparagus. Our little one had kid's chix fingers and fries (perfect for her!) and I had the kale salad appetizer which was tasty but too small for a meal (I erroneously ordered it as a meal...don't do that). The environment was sooo nice, we ate outside watching the suits mix with the crazies in the park, it was a warm breezy day, great service and lovely indoors as well. The lunches being ordered all around us boasted of beautiful looking shellfish as well and next time, that is what I shall order. I like this spot. We would have preferred Sunday brunch (they have Shakshuka on the Sunday menu!) but we went on Monday.

Stephanie J.

Really lovely restaurant/bar. I came here for a Wall Street Journal meet and greet. I did not get a full restaurant experience but the staff was extremely friendly. The location is beautiful! Looking out to Bryant Park was great. I hope to dine there very soon

Shaila S.

Tourist trap! If you want good views and shade in the park..find a tree! Food was good (nothing exceptional) and tasty but not worth the inflated prices.

Dona F.

It was a beautiful day and I was looking for an outdoor eatery with good food which I found here. Great for a healthy lunch. Very friendly staff. Good service. The sweet potato fries were a bit mushy but otherwise everything was good. Had the vegan Mediterranean plate, watermelon topped with mango with cayenne pepper (amazing pairing) , melted Brie cheese with avocado on toasted bread.

Viv T.

Sigh, despite the already mediocre review profile of this restaurant, I decided to give it a try and am sad to report, this place is as "meh" as the reviews suggest. The location and views of Bryant Park are unbeatable and the saving grace of the establishment. Especially when you come in the summer, the brilliant green of the park, the proximity to the beautiful Public Library, and the large airy windows really make it a great-looking place. The food? Prepare for disappointment. I ordered the lobster roll and wow, it has been a LONG time since I've had a lobster roll that is bad. Not just "overpriced" or "okay", but actually kind of bad. The bread - dry, flour-y, rough. The lobster - sparse, so tough that it's hard to chew through and can become a choking hazard (literally - I had a scare). They don't bother to remove the vein either, so I also had a moment where I had to pull out a brown, feces-filled string from the middle of my lobster meat. Kind of ruined my appetite for the rest. Even if this were a cheap restaurant, the taste and quality of the food would be unacceptable. For a place that touts itself as classy? Ludicrous. If you're looking for other places to impress a date or go somewhere "nice", this is NYC - plenty of other fish in the sea.

Klim K.

Nice restaurant but nothing special at all. Went here for lunch and it was almost at capacity by 1pm. I think the best part was the olive bread, well, fine, the Burrata was delicious! The mushroom ravioli was blah and felt like I was eating soup. Atmosphere is great and the waiter was very nice and attentive.

Melissa L.

I know the rent must be up the wazoo here but it's no excuse to charge so much for what we got! The large windows add to the classy ambiance. That's about all they have. All looks, no substance. The food here is sad. The free bread was cold and it's chewiness was tell-tale that it was a day old at least. They should've just warmed it up for a quick second. The calamari was not crispy, it was soggy and limp. It sat next to an underdressed arugula tomato salad. The dipping sauce for the calamari was forgettable, tasted just like plain ol' mayo. I wish there was more lime, at least that would've helped with the flavor. Where oh where were the clams in the New England clam chowder? Did we order a watery potato soup? I ordered the mushroom ravioli entree. It was ok, more like a $10 plate to me. The sauce was really really watered down. The mushrooms were plentiful but it really would've helped if they used a blend of mushrooms rather than just a bunch of shiitake. Shiitake is a strong flavor and can be overwhelming. My friend ordered the chicken breast dish, it was smeared all over with some kind of cranberry sauce. It was u attractively smeared all over the plate, and congealed the plate to one sole flavor, making 3 potentially beautiful notes just one blob. She noticed the over charring on the chicken skin and that the cranberry sauce was a cover up. All in all, I wouldn't go here again. The place looks nice, the menu and its descriptions and prices suggest good food, but you will be disappointed. You don't get what you pay for.

Kealy W.

Not sure how's it possible that Bryant Park is one of my favorite parks in NYC and I have only come here once. That is a big mistake on my part because this restaurant is amazing. Perfect space to celebrate something significant or have a classy romantic evening with that special someone. The decor and ambiance is very minimalist but still elegant. The food- Best calamari ever. It melted in your mouth and no way shape or form was it rubbery. Main entrees of pork tenderloin and hand rolled pasta with spicy shrimp are some of the best things I've had the honor of tasting. Sides of sautéed spinach and grilled asparagus equally as good. Oh and the creamy NY cheesecake....put me in heaven! I highly recommend everyone try this place, whether you're a native New Yorker or a visitor.

Jeani K.

Perfect place for after work group gatherings. I met friends after work several times at this lovely tranquil spot in the middle of the hustle and bustle of 42nd street. The upstairs terrace sports a gorgeous view of the pretty green lawn and park below. a small group can easily fit at the bar while larger groups can grab the big round table with the big umbrellas. The prices of drinks are of course on the slightly higher side but it's well worth it given the atmosphere. The food is ok, not bad but not the best I've had either. I do recommend the freshly ground turkey burger with cheddar cheese, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, and chipotle mayo, perfectly grilled with a kick. At $14.50, I would say it's definitely a great value. The basket of spicy chicken wings were well flavored but very dry. I wouldn't get it again next time. Overall, given it's location and ambiance, this place is great for tourists and the local Midtown office crowd alike.

Rebecca S.

Not super impressed with the food here... We got the spring rolls, Brie appetizer, and a Cobb salad and I have to say none of it was great. I wouldn't be back here to eat but a beautiful place to grab a drink!

Misha T.

What a delightfully pretty restaurant. Great ambiance and people watching abound. Sadly my lobster roll was decidedly bland. The crustacean lacking both salt, seasoning, mayo, and scallions. My "seafood parfait" app, on the other hand, was excellent.

Juju W.

Lovely location except for the constant jack hammering (5/4/15) across the street, of course not the restaurants fault. Lunch entrees are high $20's and apps are in the teens. The food is delicious with a nice assortment. We sat outside under an umbrella on a beautiful sunny day. They don't rush you and we lingered. The breads were a nice assortment, with rolls that has salty olives baked in.

Sabrina W.

Met with a dear friend for brunch. Lived in NYC all my life and this is the first time I'm eating here. Luckily we were seated right before they closed for a private party. Not once did the waiter make us feel rushed or unwelcome. We were one of three tables left. Anyway. The food was really good. Needed a doggie bag since they give you so much food. I had the Artisinal Trio. My favorite are the fingerling potatoes. Another plus, great strong coffee. I will definitely go back.

Kirsten H.

I went to the Bryant Park Grill for lunch on a recent Thursday. It was a bit chilly outside but sunny, and the patio was packed! I was happy I had made a reservation the day prior because at 1:30. Though the service was slow, the food was great. We started with the Asian pear and walnut salad, which was good but not great. The real standout was the main course. I ordered the sweet and sour monkfish, which came with bok choy and brown rice. The fish was deliciously crispy on the outside and the meal was the perfect size. My only complaint is that I got only a single water chestnut on my plate, and I would have preferred more! My dad got the shrimp bolognese, which I was intrigued by because I'd never had a seafood bolognese before. It was an unusual taste but we both loved it! I'll definitely be back here for lunch because of its close proximity to my office and great view of Bryant Park.

Cinthia K.

Beautiful restaurant in a beautiful location. I took my mother here yesterday to celebrate her becoming a U.S. citizen (yay, mommy!) We decided to order off of their regular menu, though their brunch offerings looked pretty tasty. To start, my mother got the soup of the day (cauliflower) and I got their tomato soup. I enjoyed my soup and my mother liked her soup, though I thought her soup was kind of underseasoned. For our entrees, I got their vegetarian sampler platter and my mother had the branzino. I liked my dish and my mother really enjoyed her fish. So why only the 3 star rating? Well, while the restaurant itself is very nice and the service was very good, the food was not mind blowingly amazing and pretty expensive. Still, I'm glad I tried this place out. A nice place to take your parents out for a nice meal.

Abeer H.

This is a lovely restaurant right on Bryant Park - you can sit indoors by the huge windows, outside in the large patio section, or upstairs on their 2nd floor roof overlooking the park. The outdoors sections can get crowded, and the indoors can be over-air-conditioned, but otherwise, it's a lovely place to get a drink (I've never had food here).

David H.

I had high hopes based on the look of the location and the price point of the menu. Sadly I left wishing I never went. Our main course arrived before out starters. Our server never came back to check on us leaving us with empty drinks. We sat with a stack of dirty dishes on the side of the table for 10 minutes before I went up to the host and handed her my card to pay. $70 worth of disappointment.

Whitney R.

We spent some time on the second floor patio of the Bryant park grill this spring and totally enjoyed the experience. A quite getaway from the bustle of New York City. There is a nice bar up there or you can eat as well.

Jessica W.

Came here this past weekend for a wedding and this time the service was definitely meeting my expectations. They put up a tent for the cocktail hour and the decor was tasteful. I can't attest to the food at cocktail hour because I didn't eat it but my boyfriend seemed to enjoy the tuna tartare ! For dinner I had the sea bass, with a risotto . The risotto was tasty but the Sea bass was overcooked and under seasoned. They tried to sear each side but the result was a dryness. It wasn't a very tasty dish but wasn't awful. It was okay. The servers were great but the bartender and the wedding coordinator kind of sucked. The coordinator wasn't very friendly or welcoming. She sort of ordered us around to go from one room to the next. The male bartenders were okay, not exceptionally friendly either but not rude. The female bartender was kind of unhappy to be there it seemed. It was very clear to me she was not thrilled to be working but she did remember our drinks. I'll give 4/5 for the overall experience but probably won't be back soon!

Rebecca D.

Shoutout to all the ladies out there that get taken here on a date but your mans too cheap to buy you an entree or a drink! If my date hadn't been so cheap that he pigeon holed me to choosing only an appetiser under $13, I would have more to say. However, in all seriousness, great service, beautiful location and the menu is great with tonnes of options for the health conscious! On the next beautiful summers day in NYC, most definitely give this place a try! PS. The crab cake appetiser is a must try.

Eli G.

Pricey but you can't beat the food and ambiance. If you can get the outside rooftop, go for it. The view of the park from this behind the Library establishment is worth the visit. We had a big group and we could all talk - not too noisy inside (it was hot that day, so we opted for the A/C). Enjoyed the fish, steak, oysters and desserts. It is a wonderful place to go, highly reccomend

Kristina S.

BPG is always a good classic. Their food is good - not show stopping - but good. The service is always fantastic and the wait staff is consistently polite. The location is the restaurant's best asset. Try to be seated by the windows to look out over the park, it's a fun atmosphere and spacious. You're able to have a conversation without trying to compete with the volume of the table next to you. The dinner portions are just perfect and last time I was there I tried the sea bass which was quite tasty along with these small rice balls. Certainly a must try!

Alexa A.

A++++ for setting!!! The food in the main grill is good but forget about eating on the deck as its not so great. Still one of my favorite local happy hour spots in midtown!

Jen D.

Came here for a business dinner on a generous host's tab. Now granted I'm a recent East Coast transplant from the West Coast, but this can't be indicative of the NYC food scene that I've heard so much about, right? I'm guessing this place gets business-business because of location and an accessible menu, not cuisine. I ordered the pork loin with rainbow chard and sweet potatoes because I am a sucker for pork + bourbon. The apple bourbon sauce was really applesauce with no trace of bourbon to be found--I looked! It was fine I guess, but the sweetness of the applesauce with the sweetness of the unseasoned sweet potato puree overwhelmed the lovely cut of pork and nicely sauteed chard and I ended scraping it off after my first medallion of pork. The savory notes were way overbalanced by the sweet ones. This is an entree, not dessert.There were taro chips involved, I think, and they added nothing but texture. I ignored them after one taste because they weren't seasoned at all. If texture was the main motivation here, I'd have gone for something else that didn't have bland starchiness/sweetness as the primary notes as they overwhelmed. Other people at our table were much happier with their entrees than I was, so maybe just avoid the pork? But for these prices, there really ought not to be an issue at all. I guess you're paying to watch the ice skaters in Bryant Park or be near everyone's hotels.

T C.

Lovely view, BUT opt for the indoor area for eating. The cafe menu is not worth it at all. Over priced sangria, wings, and too large of a sandwich. The sangria tasted like the canned juice, full of syrup, with pieces of an apple floating atop. The wings were deep fried, not tasty, and they only offered blue cheese. The sandwich has tasteless, drenched in oil fried chicken inside of it. Wasn't worth it in my opinion, seriously grab a beer - enjoy the view, and either go to the dining room for real food or elsewhere. :)

Laure L.

Beautiful place to sit outside & take in Bryant Park in the NYC. After 5, it gets full. The staff is on point and provide excellent service. The appetizer of tuna tartar is to die for! Very small tho, teeny tiny bits. You might want 2! Huge menu! Beautiful place surrounded by nature, green grass, trees, open air. This is a place you could come back to again and again and still loVe it.

Trevor M.

I came for dinner. The food was absolutely terrible. The service tried hard, but was very poor. Typical destination restaurant that is resting on its location. Come to the park and have an ice cream from the vendor and spare yourself the disappointment.

Amy Z.

Reservations are easy to come by. The dining atmosphere is what holds this review to three stars as the food is probably two stars at best. It's a great place for a business lunch/dinner. The staff are very courteous. The food is just not worth it. We got the crab cake and pear salad for appetizers & the pasta bolognese and duck breast as entrees. The crab cake was good...enough for one person. The pasta was very underwhelming and the sauce was a bit too spicy. The duck was probably the best part of dinner - the meat was cooked well and went well with the jam sauce and polenta patties.

Chris L.

Location location location is impeccable, huge outdoor patio amid the greenery of Bryant Park, dine al fresco with the beautiful people, all New York strolling by on 41st St., it's pretty sweet. 5 stars for the seating. But as for the food, service and prices $$$ at the Bryant Park Grill, I'm with Yo Steph, it's meh or a bit better, and the prices are rough here. I understand, someone has to pay for that location. And I was the one paying! Full bar. Of course you don't come here for the beer .. but if you insist, the 3 drafts were Sam Summer, Blue Moon and Stella, shockingly reasonable at $7 for a pint. Vegetarian rating: 2.5 stars for the three options at lunch: sprout-avocado sammich, ravioli and quinoa salad; each one about $20. That sandwich was pretty good, cayenne pepper on the cucumber for some heat, nice toasted bread, a-ok. I split the $40 seafood grill after our waiter assured us it was large enough to split. Well he wasn't all wrong, but he bought out the smallest lobster tail I've ever seen. Lobster claws tasted kinda old, ugh. Also 3 perfectly grilled shrimp, 3 delightful scallops, and a bit of red rice that was not exactly risotto, not Spanish rice either. Price was not in balance with the quality or portion. Did I mention how great the location is?

Rick C.

Good location...

Ashwin M.

Great Sunday brunch, enjoyed the food, ambiance and company! The outdoor atrium with clear canopied ceiling is awesome. Shakshuka is one of their specialties, try it! Nice little twist that's a little different from your standard benedicts, belgian waffles, etc. One friend got a caesar salad and the other a crab cake. Bloody Marys were pretty standard. Menu options, food quality, service and atmosphere all live up to expectations. It's nothing new or earth shattering, but Bryant Park Grill is a reliable, go-to brunch destination in this hectic part of midtown.

Ed R.

Great food, awesome service, and great location in Bryant Park. My server Anthony went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. I highly recommend Bryant Park Grill if you're in the area!

Enio S.

Unattentive and crappy service: we waited for 10 min to have our sparkling water and 15 min more to have our orders noted (ie, 25 min seated until we could order!). Clearly, there are too fee waiters/servers to too many tables. Appetizers came quickly but server didnt bring any plates nor spoons to serve the appetizers - were we supposed to serve salad with our hands? Entrees were good tho': Bryant Park Sea Grill is generously served and miso seabass was very tasty. Overall, quite disappointed. The bad service jeopardized the whole experience.

Joanna W.

Beautiful location, attentive service, fantastic food. Had a perfect Sunday brunch with girlfriends and can't wait to return with my husband for date night!

Jennifer K.

I have to say, I LOVED this place and was not disappointed at all. The outside patio was just beautiful. I have to disagree with other reviews, I thought it was not overpriced at all. The bar drinks were average price, actually good for Manhattan. The outside vibe was great. The entire staff was welcoming and did a great job. I love that nobody rushed you and they were not stuffy!!! I did not think it was hard to hear because of noise. The wings were great! My father said the burger was one of the best he ever said. My tacos were full of flavor. Desert was excellent. Such a special place...Bryant Park Grill....Thank you for not disappointing us!

Carianne C.

I really don't get the hype for this place. I go occasionally when spending OPM. The restaurant is beautiful - but it's over priced & the quality isn't that good.

Amanda J.

Not my best dinning experience. I love the location and the decor of the place, but the food is lacking in taste and the service is slow. Dinning on the roof top has its appeal when it over looks Bryant Park. It could be a good place to bring someone you want to impress with its elegant decor and location. But they really need a new chief with a fresh menu. If i think the caesar salad is the best thing on the menu than there is something majorly wrong with the place.

Wuhoo S.

They had awesome pitchers of strawberry and banana margaritas. Extra potent... yet so tasty!! Jim made some new friends there who work in the metlife building with me... who also gave us advice on places to go and things to see. Such as the IKEA boat ride!! haha... They became quick friends because they all like to watch ESPN (quite original).The view of Bryant Park from the rooftop is so beautiful and the weather was so perfect!

Joe P.

I went to dinner with my fiance and our parents on Saturday night and while the company was good, the food was not. I had the fresh mozz and tomato basil which was pretty good. The fried calamari was fairly "rubbery" and was not all that great. The garlic aioli didn't have much flavor. The highlight of the meal was the braised short rib mac 'n cheese. I would go back almost just for that, but for nothing else. For the entree my fiance and I split the lemon chicken and the shrimp with broccoli. The lemon chicken had ABSOLUTELY NO TASTE. We make wayyyyy better lemon chicken than that. The shrimp with broccoli and pasta was decent but again, had no flavor. My future father in-law had a poorly seasoned (really not seasoned at all) steak. The three others had sea food and said it was OK. Let me say this. We had an 8:30 PM reservation and there was only ONE OTHER TABLE THERE! That has to be a sign.

Mr B.

This is one of my favorite respites in Midtown. Outdoor seating overlooking the Bryant Park gives the feeling of being transported to a European village! Fountain lit at night, lawn filled with fresh air seekers, and the carousel brings children's laughter into the scene! Well worth the price if in need if a quick getaway.

Vaishu P.

My husband and I had dinner here over the weekend and it was a lovely evening. The place was lit up so beautifully, had hand painted bird paintings on the wall,there are huge windows overlooking Bryant Park, and the service was splendid. The food was delicious. I had the sea grill and crispy calamari and it was heavenly! Fresh,fresh sea food. My husband had the Moroccan Lamb Taco and the Australian Lamb Chops and enjoyed every bite of it! I do not drink but I did try the cosmopolitan here because I didn't want to see my husband having his drink by himself and it felt like I was drinking freshly made grape juice. I could not taste the alcohol, maybe because it was made so well and that was my most important concern. Overall, we had a such a lovely time here :)

Mackey J.

This place is not good, unless you're here to get sloshed from pitchers of drinks- then it's o-kay. if you're only there for happy hour you'll be surrouned by pink popped collars and a population of people that all think they should have their own reality shows. if you're there for lunch you'll be disappointed. I had the Fuji Apple Chicken salad sandwich. it was supposed to come on multigrain, instead it came on dry sliced white french loaf. there was almost no apple in it at all. the chicken was in such large chunks it was dry and there was just mayo slathered on top of the chicken. it was extremely bland and dissapointing. If i was going to make it better, i would cut the chicken in smaller pieces, add more apple, toast the bread, serve it on the bread i say it will come with, add some chopped red onion, and some salt and pepper, but hey, what do i know? We also got chips and guacamole. the chips are the processed corn tortilla chips that where probably once a pile of corn meal that they somehow glued together in the form of a chip. some were stale, some were ok. The guacamole must be from a Costco tub and has that keep guacamole fresh chemical taste to it. we also got an order of sweet potato fries for the table to share as an appetizer. these came at the same time as the sandwiches and were cold. I'm just glad i had good company and a nice NY day.

Emily E.

Friday night happy hour was very fun. The rooftop is a great place to meet with an old friend to catch up. The bar is not too crowded but seems to draw a good crowd from nearby offices. There are also the obligatory tourists. Salsa and Guac were ok. Nothing special, but the mediterranean plate was terrific and this is coming from someone who is not really a fan of hummus and the like. Draft Bud Light is $7. You can def get cheaper beers (maybe not in that neighborhood tho), so I would really only come back there if I was with another out of town friend and wanted a fun place with a view (the park, times sq close by, the public library) to get a few drinks at the bar and people watch.

Beth S.

Had a delicious brunch on a beautiful sunny day which was such a pleasure at the all glass walled restaurant overlooking Bryant Park. Our reservation was promptly honored. Our wait staff was very pleasant and efficient.

Jack R.

Food is excellent quality. Loved the seared tuna Nicoise. Prices are high - most people at lunch are their with clients using their "corporate" card. Service is average.

Olga G.

I went here for lunch during a pleasant July afternoon during work, and I was in and out in under an hour! The service was great and everyone attentive. The food was delectable - the green pea risotto was amazing! The lobster roll was just average for its price, (over $60 for 2 for lunch) but the fish in my entree and the lobster in the roll were all cooked perfectly. There was an outdoor area to sit and enjoy the view of the park from. I would definitely got there again!

M. E. C.

Food was good. Too expensive for what was served, however. A "whole" lobster with only ONE claw? Please. And our server looked at me like I was an idiot for asking of lobsters normally have only one claw; plus, he mostly ignored us. After asking us if we wanted dessert, he didn't return to our table. We had to hunt down the host after waiting 20 minutes just to get our check.

Sharifa C.

Maybe I need to come back and try some other entrees on the menu but I wasn't all that impressed...considering it IS the Byrant Park Grill overlooking the lovely park. The menu was very diverse which I liked and I was actually overwhelmed. I settled on the grilled paillard of chicken with the roast pearl onions, grilled asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. The veggies were delicious but the chicken was forgettable. Definitely could have done better somewhere in Hell's Kitchen but I guess I also wouldn't have had the park view (shrug).

Jennifer G.

Nicely prepared American food. A mainstay for those of us who work nearby. Perfect for business lunches.

Kristen M.

Picture this: you've had friends in town for a week and you've run all over the city covering all the best spots. The week's coming to a close and they want to go to a nice last supper. You could hit up Meatpacking or deal with the masses in the East Village, but you need something chill, while still being "New York." Oh and also a place that will take a last minute reservation. And this is how I stumbled upon Bryant Park Grill. Although it received less than stellar reviews, I decided to go against the grain and make a reservation anyway. Plus, my other three choices were all booked up. Probably not my wisest move. I just want to say that my experience at Bryant Park Grill was... well, just as the reviews said it would be. We started out with a basket of cold, hard bread that tasted like it had come from Duane Reade. Then, we were offered a second basket -- it was slightly better a warm, cheese focaccia that the whole table generally liked. My friend and I split the calamari to start. It came with a creamy tartar style sauce (almost tasted like caesar dressing) that was great. The breading was a little peppery and overall pretty delicious. I wish I could say the same for my entree. It was a stuffed chicken with mushrooms, beets, wilted greens, and butternut squash. Although the chicken was tender, overall it was pretty bland. I definitely wouldn't get it again. All in all we had a good time. It's definitely more of an older crowd and the place clears out early (we were the only ones left come 11:00 on a Saturday night) Besides that, the ambiance was great and I'm sure when it gets warm it's absolutely amazing (we went in March -- it was still cold). That was definitely it's saving grace, otherwise Bryant Park Grill would be receiving a mere two stars from me.

Irene H.

Echoing many other reviews, the main thing Bryant Park Grill has going for it is its location. I've been here on two occasions for work-related celebratory lunches. Service is always impeccable and fast. Today, I had to leave early for a conference call 20 minutes after ordering. I was able to enjoy my appetizer at a leisurely pace and my entree was bagged to-go with minutes to spare. As exciting as the menu may look, the food leaves much to be desired. I had the grilled peach salad with passion fruit vinaigrette. It was too salty overall. Huge portion. And I had the lobster burger, which was basically like a crabcake burger, except I was wondering where the heck the lobster was for most of it. I'd expect much better food for the prices you're paying, but I guess you are paying mostly for location.

Neale L.

My girlfriend and I stopped here for lunch on our last day in the city on an impulse. The outdoor section was quite empty and looked very inviting in the late morning sunlight. Unfortunately, although we started out in the shade, the sun moved into our faces about halfway through the meal, so try to get a table under the umbrellas! The meal was her favorite of the weekend (I'll let her write her own review of the entree). I had the avocado, spicy mayo and sprout sandwich, which was very tasty and came with a fresh green salad. The selection of breads was also a nice touch. The price is a bit steep but the food was worth it in my opinion. Service was a bit slow but the waitress was accomodating with all our needs. The location is very quiet and pretty on a warm day, just watch out for that sun.

James S.

It was cold a cold day. Somehow I think of Bryant Park Grill as a perfect summer restaurant. But it was just as great on this cold, cold day. We had a nice window seat and it was like being in a warm garden and watching the city move by cold and bundled. I had a hot chocolate, an outstanding bean soup and vegetable ravioli. All was delicious and a perfect winter meal. The service was perfect, attentive but not over bearing. Our waitress was there when we needed something at all times. If you go try to get a window seat. It's a wonderful place to go to have great food and super service and watch the world go by on a chilly or warm day. The people watching is super. Don't just think of Bryant Park Grill on a warm summer day, it's just as good on a cold winter day - cozy and warm. Get the bean soup - it was outstandingly good.

Kenny R.

This is a very expensive place. I had to send back what I ordered because the chicken was like rubber. I ordered something different, and it was good, but small portion for the price. Lunch for one was over $50. I did get a free dessert with a 4Square check in, and it was good. My advice would be to skip this place unless you've got really deep pockets.

Jeff S.

I just went with a group of people and a bunch of us ordered steaks - big mistake. The orders with steak were screwed up and some were forgotten until later. Further, the steaks themselves were among the worst I've had -- don't order the steak. If you must go here, which I don't really recommend unless someone else is paying and you'll be eating outside on a nice day, I'd recommend ordering something like the crab cake appetizer and the lobster roll entree as their seafood seems like the better bet.

Hiromi N.

It's all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! The food is decent, as well. I followed the advice of other yelpers and I must agree that the crabcakes are a good appetizer choice. It is good as a two person appetizer share plate. The caeser salad is the traditional style with anchioves and creamy dressing and parmesan cheese. For my main course, I ordered the steak frites with arugala. Unfortunately, the wine list is very select and not as extensive as to what I'm accustomed to on the West Coast. Yet, there were relatively good selections to pair with the food on the menu. I did order a mojito w/my appetizer and the mojito was pretty flavorless. All in all, I was not extremely impressed with the food. Yet, the classic ambiance, the view & the service made a lasting impression. This is a very romantic date location with upscale, but traditional American cuisine. Since this was a company dinner, I'm not sure how much we paid for a group of 11, but I'm sure it was probably a 3 dollar sign rating. I would REALLY love to try this locale for BRUNCH, as I can only imagine how beautiful it would be during the daylight overlooking the park.

Tennille B.

Well, we were passing by the park and figured it would be nice to have some brunch on a nice sunday afternoon. We were originally going to sit outside but it was too hot so we decided to sit inside and they sat us right near the door. Noone came to our table for a good 10 minutes. So I got up and asked the hostess about our waiter and she tells us that the bartender takes our order which she did not inform us that the bartender would be taking our order when we sat down. Finally, someone came out and brought us water. And walked away!!! He came back and asked if we were ready to order we told him yes.....we ordered our drinks and were ready to tell him our meal and he walked away!!! okkkk....... The bread basket that came on the table was so stale.....it probably was from yesterday's breakfast. I had to get up and get ask for salt and pepper, there was no butter for the toast when it came out....who doesn't eat butter on their toast?? And it's not like I could ask anyone because noone came to our table to ask if we were ok..i had to flag them down everytime. It was not that busy..... Between three people our bill was $122.00 for BRUNCH!!! I wouldnt mind paying if it had be an awesome experience but it was horrible. I loved the glass house i thought it was a beautiful place but for the price, service and quality of food, I would have to say that they need to get their act together. I work in the restaurant industry and whomever is running that place suckssss!!!

Courtney Allison B.

The brunch here is delightful, especially in the springtime since it overlooks Bryant Park. It's really quite reasonably priced too. One of my favorite places to take people who are visiting from out of town to have what I call a meal that makes you feel "like you're in a movie taking place in New York".

Erik H.

This place is 5 stars for location, 3 stars for food and service. Went on a summer night and could see the movie on a big outdoor screen in Bryant Park. Kinda awesome. Solid crab cakes and a nice buratta appetizer. Wouldn't make a special trip to come here, but a good choice if you find yourself in the area and want a quick bite or need to meet a business associate for lunch. Bar is weirdly designed and doesn't provide any legroom. Sit at a table.

Angel K.

Surprisingly good for brunch. Service is decent and pleasant dining experience just for the view of the park.

Bryson S.

If you know NY, then you know the location is awesome. 10 years ago, I worked in the area and this was one of my favorite spots. The food and service have gone down hill. What a waste to have this location and such poor food and incompetent staff. My Wife did like her salmon but my pasta was really bad. We were never served part of our meal. We asked several times for salt/pepper and oil/vinegar. The bread they served at the beginning of the meal was a 4 on a 1-10 scale. I'm not a very picky eater but I do like a decent meal and competent friendly service. We received neither, and paid a hefty price for the poor experience. This would have been a bad meal at half the price.

Yoly O.

I wish I could say better things about this place, but I just wasn't impressed. The place was packed for lunch and the service was slow and felt like it was under-staffed. My calamari appetizer was undercooked and thank goodness I pinched my lobster with my fork (I had the lobster roll) before biting into it or I would've lost a tooth, since they forgot to remove the center cartilage from the lobster claw meat. The other patrons were so loud that having a conversation with people from my party was impossible and the tables are so crammed together that you're on top of each other. I won't go back.

Olga T.

I give this place 1 star only based on its location, otherwise it was a big waste of my time!! The only reason my fiance and I went to this restaurant on VDay is because a friend gave us a gift certificate and we wanted to utilize it for dinner. Let me give you a recap: 1) The waitress didnt give us a drinks menu and then recommended we get the winter mojito. It tasted horrible...like a watered down coke with a lot of rum and 1 sad mint leaf floating inside. Terrible! 2) Then after ordering our meal she told me they might have run out of scallops...who runs out of something at 8pm vday? it turned out that they did end up having enough scallops to make me a salad...phewww what a relief. 3) The food itself sucked!!!! So bland and nothing special...I had the duck which was very fatty and the fiance had the lamb which was disgraceful...there was barely any meat. 4) Our waitress started a trend with apologizing for everything. I must have heard her say "I'm sorry" at least 30 times...I'm sorry for the drink, I'm sorry for the beer we dont have, I'm sorry for the wait, I'm sorry for the screw up on the bill, I'm sorry on not having change, I'm sorry for pushing the wrong button on the register which rang up the wrong prices for our entrees, I'm sorry for the old buttons, and the new buttons, I'm sorry for spilling the drink...I mean seriously!? WTF? 5) When our waitress rang up the check it came out to be about 70 bucks more then it was supposed to be...which was the cherry on top of the sundae. I can see the appeal of the restaurant....especially for lunch on a nice day when you can people watch and enjoy the weather...but honestly there is no need to come here and waste money on mediocre food with slow service. There are so many great restaurants in the city and people need to steer far away from this establishment and spend their money elsewhere.

Amanda M.

Went with a friend on a Thursday night and say outside. The service was extremely fast. We ordered to entrees (both fish) and they came out in 5 minutes! Wines by the glass were unimpressive. Overall ha a very nice casual dinner.

Karyna K.

Been here on many occasions both for dinner and brunch and have enjoyed it each and every time. Today's brunch was exceptional. The goat cheese and asparagus omelette with grilled tomatoes and onions was divine. The service is exceptional and the seating area outside overlooking the park is a nice way to enjoy a warm day or evening.

D N.

Very good food and service. No kids menu.

Jon B.

I came here to grab a quick drink (foursquare special) but then ran into some friends and decided to have dinner too. The bartender and bar manager were very friendly. I wasn't sure which (free) cocktail to get but the bartender asked me what I liked and made something up on the spot, which was excellent. This was my second time eating dinner at BPG, so I knew what to expect. I think the quality of their dishes on the menuy can vary greatly. I ordered a squash soup (which was excellent and worth every penny) and scallops (not impressed). The portions are small, so it it easy to run up a large bill. There are definitely better places to go in Manhattan for the same price, but it is still a good place to get dinner, especially after work or for a special occasion.

bryce k.

We had brunch here last weekend and it was excellent, had been here before during the week, and thought it was good but not great so perhaps the weekend's are better for this place. The service was outstanding, prices were reasonable, and the outdoor seating was pleasant. I had the sea bass special which was perfect and my GF had Lobster cous cous, which was also very good. We had a banana themed desert which was out of this world good. We will go back for brunch in the future.

Tonya C.

While I was in New York recently, I made a point to stop by a few places- Bryant Park was one of them. I sat on the patio and sipped the $8.50 Mimosa and ordered the Bryant Park Chicken Cobb salad and really enjoyed it. When my server placed it in front of me on the table, I thought it was tiny and I was paying waaaay too much money for this mini salad. As I dived into this delicious salad comprised of lettuce, bacon, boiled egg halves, blue cheese, and grilled chicken I realized it was just enough. I actually felt full before I even finished it. At $18.95 it is more than pricey but something I would recommend at least once.

Megan C.

Beautiful ambiance, sophisticated bar scene, fabulous service and the food was delicious. I would go back here again and again. Had the Branzino after enjoying some oysters on the half-shell and flavors abounded. The black ink risotto was to die for. What I expected from my NYC dining experience.

Dorim L.

Had a three course meal for Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law invited her family and the in-laws. They gave us a big table where all her family sat at, and two adjoined small tables for her direct family and in-laws. This is ridiculous. The big table got everything ahead of us. While they ate their appetizers, my table was starving to death. When we got our appetizers, the big table was working on their entrees. As for the food, it was nothing special. I had a beef filet that was okay. The food was bland so I had to add salt. That's usually a bad sign when I go for the salt shaker. Furthermore, I didn't even finish my dessert. That never happens but it shows you it didn't taste too good. We all agreed to cook a Turkey next year at home.

Lisa M.

The service was slow, we did not receive our breadsticks after asking 2 x, we did not get our beverage refills. The prices were inflated and the food less than expected.

I G.

I had the rib eye with fries. I've had better meat at Mcdonalds.

Jennifer H.

I am not returning to BPG anytime soon. I haven't been in a while because it's always underwhelming, but gave it a go since today was a sunny day and all the other nearby options had been exhausted. We must have sat for 15 minutes before a server took notice of us. We had to flag down our waiter to get our order taken, two salads and a lemonade. I asked for my chicken to be replaced with shrimp. Later a green salad with mango slices and shrimp was put on our table. It looked OK but neither of us had ordered it. Then our true salads arrived and we told the server the first salad was not ours. When our waiter asked how things were going, we said fine, but what is this rando salad doing here? He said it would be picked up. Old mango and shrimp sat there for the duration of our lunch. Then my lunch pal found a blond hair in her salad. I made a sad face at her and said "warrnnhh warrnhh warrnhhh." It was almost expected at that point, lunch had been such a joke. Finally they picked up our plates including errant mango and shrimp. I caught a peek at the bill and it was $48. Ridiculous.

robert m.

Went there last week with our friends for an early Christmas Dinner. Very festive. Loved the atmosphere. The food, not so good. My steak, which was supposed to be medium, was well done and really tough. Having said this, my wife enjoyed her meal. She might go back there. I never will.

Steven E.

On a summer night it really doesn't get better than enjoying some good food and drinks on the Bryant Park Grill's patio. The view of the park from the patio is wonderful. The food is very good (I had the salmon and it was delicious - loved the marinade). The servers are very attentive and overall it's just a very relaxing place to be. Only complaint is that we wanted a bottle of white zinfindel and they didn't have that on their extensive wine list. Isn't white zinf a pretty standard wine? Still giving the BPG 5 stars because they recommended us another bottle that we really enjoyed - and everything else was great!

Hal B.

We flew into NY, checked into our hotel, and went out for a walk and to find dinner, and ended up in Bryant Park. The last time I'd paid attention to Bryant Park it was the center of muggings and the drug trade in Midtown. Please pass my thanks to the Rockefeller Brothers for leading a turnaorund that makes it a true oasis in the city! We liked the park so much we decided to have dinner at the Bryant Park Grill. We opted to sit on the roof, which we then discovered only serves a limited menu that I think is the same as the Cafe menu. Still, we went for atmosphere over the more extensive food selection available downstairs. It is wonderful sitting on the roof and looking out over the park, but it can be hot. Particularly if the wind blows the kitchen exhaust your way. You also know when they are cooking fish for someone. Still, it was a great to be outside looking over the park. My wife is on a search for the world's best Chicken Salad and went for the Chicken and Fuji Apple Salad Sandwich. She found this one mediocre as the apples didn't add the desired sweetness. I tried the Curry Chicken and Tabbouleh salad and it was quite good. It had a very mild curry flavoring that was interesting enough to appeal to curry lovers but shouldn't be so strong as to turn off those who aren't generally fans. The Gazpacho was a very nice starter for a hot summer day. Service was definitely a weak point. Our waiter introduced himself quickly but then didn't return to take our drink order, or later our food order, for an extended time. We struggled to flag him down on other occasions. Of course since we weren't in a big hurry, and were enjoying our view of the park, this wasn't a huge problem but at other times this would have been a deal-breaker. Overall this was fun and I'd certainly go back if I found myself in the area.

Mike X.

The worst steak I ever had...I couldn't eat most of it...I left it, and the waitress asked me if anything was wrong, and I told her no...I didn't want to make an issue of it...

emeril l.

Went to a wedding reception here and found it to be a great experience. The hors d' oeuvres were amazing, esp. the bacon wrapped asparagus and the crab salad! The food was served buffet style and was very delicious. The dance floor was set up right under the greenhouse, it was an amazing night. The service was top notch and the barkeep was super nice.

Inane B.

The gentleman who rides a Piaggio MP3, and works here should be more considerate of pedestrians. They are, after all, his customers.

Allison M.

Definitely NOT my scene. I'm not a prepster at all, and that seems to be the crowd this place attracts. Good drinks, nice menu. However, I am not a "sceney" person. I can care less who sees me outside in a Park eating and drinking. But if you're into that, go for it. I won't judge:)

Kristina W.

I had brunch here and really enjoyed it. I had the smoked salmon egg scramble which I'd highly recommend. I requested egg whites and they accommodated the request without any hassle which was appreciated. They put the egg whites on top of salmon lox and then salmon roe on top of the egg whites. The roe made the dish a bit salty by the end but it was a great addition to the dish and you can just take some of them off if you don't want them all. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their dishes as well. For dessert we tried the Belgian Chocolate Cake, the Bananas for Bananas and some fresh fruit. Everything was very good. The Chocolate Cake was very dense and heavy on the cocoa flavor. The fruit was great. The Bananas for Bananas was the best. The main part of this dish was the banana bread pudding which was excellent. I'd recommend this dessert even if you're not a huge banana fan. Service was fine. Nothing great but not bad. The atmosphere was beautiful. It's a great place to enjoy a sunny weekend morning.

Meagan M.

I'm also going to speak for the brunch menu. Everyone at my table ordered from the $15 brunch menu and everyone had a great meal. As other readers have mentioned, the plate of mixed breads they put on the table is very nice. Two of us had the avacado and goat cheese omelet, and both agreed it was very good. Even the tomatoes, which I'm not normally a fan of, were pretty good. And I'm always a fan of grilled onion. I tried a bite of the pancakes with mixed berries, which were extremely moist, slightly sweet, and there was a nice crunch from some added nuts. I was a big fan. Another person said the sausage that came with scrambled eggs was very good. All in all, tasty food, decently priced.

Edna C.

i was pretty impressed. i admit that hours before my reservation i was hesitant about this restaurant simply because i viewed the menu online and it seemed plain and overpriced. the atmosphere wasnt too stuffy, waitress was polite and staff didnt seem snobby. although i dined during lunch and almost everyone was in a suit, i still didnt feel outcasted. we ate in the "outdoor" area and it was bright and warm and sunny. not too crowded and wasnt too loud. i had the tiger shrimp which was perfectly grilled and not too fishy. also had the skirt steak sandwich medium well---but it was still a little too rare for me, i wish i asked for well done. anyway it tasted perfect--seasoned finely, topped with spicy mayo and the bread was buttery and the cheese added a nice touch. the game hen tasted really good and creamy and soft. loved both entrees. would come again for brunch.

John B.

I've been here twice now, both times for lunch. It is a decent place. I would always recommend reservations because they are always busy. I would also recommend eating outside on a nice day. The food is good but definitely a yuppie place. You would not find a burger on the menu for instance. Service is stuffy but reliable. Portions are good as well. Its not one of my favorites but it is one of the better options in the area for the money.

Christine W.

I got positive experience for my first visit on Chrsitmas eve night with my bf. We booked a table for 7:15 pm dinner, which was the latest reservation we could get. When we got there it was ok crowded, basically all tables were taken already, and we were on time and didn't have to wait at all. I was suprised that we got a nice table at the corner with a lot of space and privacy. The interior was great, super high ceiling and big glass windows, it was very beautiful at night esp I could see the park outside! - 4 stars Our server was very good too, he was polite enough and didn't mind to take our cocktail back to the bar to add more cranberry juice. - 4 stars The food was ok, not excellent. They didn't have Christmas menu on Eve, so we ordered from regular menu (but there wasn't much choice.) Since my bf was very hungry, we skipped appetizers. I ordered Strozzapreti Pasta, but I didn't think it's worth $18.50 bcoz the goat cheese wasn't much and there's no meat at all (only pasta and tomato). My bf ordered Grilled Filet Mignon, which wasn't really bad for $38.50, but the taste was very light and the portion wasn't enough for him. *Do not order this one if you are a man who eats alot, you will end up ordering again.* So we ordered the Steak Frites, and the portion was bigger with more sauce, which was better if he ordered this at the begining. - 3 stars 2 alcohol drinks, 3 entries, total= est $129 + 18% tips, not bad for a romantic holiday dinner Finally it was worth the price- we passed the pond and few christmas trees, which was very beautiful at night! We didn't ice skate becoz we were too full, so we ended up wathing only. Will go back during the summer for outdoor experience.

Gina C.

This was a very nice place for drinks and appetizers on a Friday night! The drinks were a little pricey, but they used top shelf booze AND didn't water it down! They drinks were exotic, crisp and very tasty! I had the huckleberry lemonade (Huckleberry vodka with a nicely balanced lemonade)...my friend got the cucumber martini...said it was pretty good. For appetizers, we got eggrolls and portablella fingers...very yummy!!! Fresh without being overly greasy...it was a nice change of pace. Definitely try it out...and the location is cool too! I love Bryant Park!

Jillian P.

Made reservations here for Christmas Eve. First of all, they asked for a credit card to hold the reservation and told me that I needed to cancel the reservation at least 24 hours in advance or else my card would be charged. When I asked how much my card would be charged if we didn't show up, they told me $34 per person (for a party of 5...you do the math...)!! Anyways, we did show up on Christmas eve (mostly out of fear of a massive charge on my card for absolutely nothing), and everything was good. Not great just good. The service was okay. I ordered the poached egg appetizer on the menu but was informed 10 minutes later that the dish is no longer on the menu (despite the fact that it WAS) on my menu. I was told that I must have been given an old copy of the menu. Appetizers were good but ordinary. I had the vegan quinoa salad for an entree simply because I rarely see a vegan option on the menu. I definitely appreciated the variety of veggie-friendly options at this place. The quinoa salad was tasty but I probably could have made it at home. My husband had the "fish and chips" which he described as "average". The presentation of the entrees is lovely and the setting is gorgeous. We probably will not go back here for dinner but we might try it out for brunch or lunch. Our out-of-town guests really enjoyed the ambiance so it was a nice experience.

Colin B.

I'm so torn. On one hand, you're sitting on the roof looking over Bryant Park. In the summer, they have a giant movie screen and thousands of people come out to enjoy old classics. It feels as if you're in Manhattan's family room. But. . . The food is seriously lacking. The bathroom is 3 flights, just kidding, 4 flights down. The service was sporadic. The margaritas were delicious and the view is spectacular. Oh, and the chips, guac and salsa were mmmmm but how do you screw up chips?

Emily T.

I went there with a friend- two girls out for dinner/ drinks around 7pm on a Monday night. I thought it was going to be a cool ambiance with the CHristmas market outside and sitting in the terrace area, but instead it was all old, boring people... very Tavern on the Green feeling and NOT COOL at all.. I felt so out of place.. I'll stick to the roof top in the summer.

Kimmie S.

Had dinner here the other night with a party of 12 or so. It's location is perfect and it's nice to cut through the park to come here. I enjoyed our Pear and Goat Cheese Salad and the assortment of sorbets were tasty as well. My Ravioli dinner wasn't a favorite; however, it wasn't terrible. This is a place to come to when you have a corporate dinner as the service never lags. If you're interested in going out, then you should head to the Bryant Park Cafe. Kimmie

Kay K.

So let me just say I am a tourist and the first time I had dinner at Bryant Park Grill it was a fun business meeting. The location is ideal when you are trying to get back to Amtrak to travel after dinner. The restaruant is airy and I have found the staff very professional. My most recent dinner in early February found a waiter who was unfaxzed by our ordering a mix of appetizers and veggies. He was gracious and appreciative of our tipping well. I look forward to continuing enjoy this restaurant when I am in the hood!

Yesenia P.

Only came here to celebrate a close friend's recent nuptials. I don't think I will be back. The menu does not have many options for me. My food was good but I'm not sold.

C M.

Saturday and Sunday prix fixe Bruch for $15. hey, just the bowl of muffins and breads they give you to start is almost worth that! The location overlooking Bryant Park, the gorgeous interior space, including the outside greenhouse (heated in winter) and table-cloth fancy atmosphere are perfect. One of the best places to bring out of town visitors in NYC, or to meet for a birthday brunch. Can't speak for the rest of the menu, but the brunch is a keeper.

Fredericka J.

We had lunch during the hoilday week and loved it. The atmosphere was festive and pretty. Our waitress was delightful and the service was excellent. Our food was very good. We will most certainly return here.

D P.

As many reviewers have made abundantly clear, the place is all about the ambiance and convenience. Yes, this is a tourist trap and yes, the food is at best mediocre, but I was kind of expecting this going into it. Overall, my meal was good - not great, but definitely not bad. I ordered the panko crusted chicken sandwich. This was really just a fancy way of saying "chicken parm" and charging $19 for it. For a $19 chicken parm, it was unquestionably overpriced. Notwithstanding the price, the food wasn't bad though. I don't think I'd rush back any time soon, with all the other options in the area, but for a quick meal with a great location, this place will do the job.

Dave L.

This is definitely a restaurant that is more about ambiance than it is about haute cuisine, but it provides a pleasant dining experience. The wait staff is friendly and the food tasty enough. But in terms of polish and sophistication, it definitely doesn't rank with the city's top-tier establishments--which is disappointing considering that the prices here are just as high as at many of the former.

Jonathan G.

Ok, number 1: the location and the atmosphere come in at 5 stars! Drinks were food, menu was limited but was very good. Seared tuna w avocado was good, and the mixed greens made it more than just a salad. The Cobb salad was a stunning display, and i was tempted to knock my dinner partner out and steal it! Prices are ok, quality of the food is good, and the atmosphere was fantastic. Enjoy!

Maria C.

Interview season is now upon us and Bryant Park Grill has become my go to hot spot. It is perfect for a lovely September outdoor lunch. The food is hit or miss. But the ambiance is excellent and service is also great. One time I was being retarded (or perhaps, overworked and sleep deprived) - but I ordered orecchiette when in my head, I thought I was ordering the lobster salad. I don't know why... my colleague got kudos from the waiter for pronouncing an italian dish properly and I must have subconsciously wanted kudos too but i ended up pronouncing orecchiette wrong. When my orecchiette came out I was confused. The waiter, my fellow lunchers, all told me I ordered the orecchiette. But seeing the distraught look on my face, the waiter, without an argument or comment said he would exchange my dish. How nice! And the lobster salad came out pretty quickly too. They also have this bananas for bananas dish which was really interesting. So many flavors and tastes, so fun and interesting. A little on the sweet side though. Stay away from the gazpacho. It is not done well here.

Katt L.

New Yorkers flock to areas that have trees, outdoor space and cocktails. The food is fine, but not the reason I go there. A nice cold beer or a glass of wine with good company in outdoor space is awesome.

Grace L.

Bryant Park Grill is anything but elitest. It is the staple of NYC dining, with an outside dining area under umbrellas and leafy green trees overlooking the park and also a bar and rooftop area for after-work parties or just to grab a beer. The quality of the food and service, especially at around noon time is stellar and I usually take the daily special when I'm eating here for lunch with a colleague. On weekends when the weather is warm, I invite an out of town guest to dine outside with a glass of wine overlooking the park and the sunbathers and yea the ocassional tourist snapping pictures. The atmosphere is relaxing and easy going, unlike the pervasive mood of the city, and it's a nice getaway from a day of hustling at the office. When you walk into the restaurant, there is a quaint little bar with a few seating areas by the window overlooking the outdoor dining area. The main dining area to your left has tables perfectly spaced with clean white cloths and a few men and women in suits talking quietly about business. With the high floor to celing windows, there is just enough amount of sun and warmth to take your mind out of the cubicle where youve belaboured all morning. Bring your work colleagues, executives after a board meeting, a dear friend from out of town, and they will all thank you. Don't bring your kids, or a first date you're trying to impress, because I can think of more kid-friendly and romantic places in the city that won't cut through your wallet and that wont make you feel out of place among the suits and power shoes and ties and A-line skirts. Otherwise if you have a few titans of the universe that you want to impress or have a work-lunch date, then bryant park grill is your first choice.

Diana N.

I came back here recently to grab a drink after work with some old coworkers since its conveniently located in between our offices. It gets really crowded after work - and there are suits everywhere! However, once you find a spot at the bar in the far right, or a small table, it's a super chill location to catch up with people. The bartenders are attentive so there is minimal annoyance. A convenient and fun place to chill out during warm weather.

Srini V.

.-:**-(--)-**:-. !!! The setting is incredible for midtown Manhattan, especially when seated in the open. The food on the other hand is less impressive. The ravioli was quite acceptable but my colleagues who partook of sandwiches seemed content but not thrilled. The server was not great at monitoring progress...sigh. Well, all said, a great spring and summer time lunch option for those cooped up in office buildings in the neighborhood.

Denis K.

Fancy smancy well to do. The patrons dined dressed in a certain level of professional refinement, but what else can you expect for a restaurant smack in the middle of mid-town? The roving appetizers were good, but were safe easy pieces that required little by way of culinary skill. I saw chicken skewers, flank steak strips, and bruschetta etc. I ate a couple skewers. They were fine. The best part, naturally, was the view of Bryant Park. In a bit of a rainy day, the greenery perked up and the wafts of fresh wet air breezing through soothed many-a fearsome number cruncher. *Note: I actually just came here for a reunion my former Firm was throwing. Hence my review will is limited in scope, and not a true dining experience. Still, I found Bryant Park Grill to be a pretty ok place though I imagine the location would tack on quite a premium to each dish. review 6/30/2008 I.M.Y.

Ryan B.

Went here for lunch during the week with some coworkers and was pleasantly surprised. The menu is really large for lunchtime. I went with the skirt steak sandwich. It was very good. Others at my table got the ravioli and the lobster roll. Everyone seemed to enjoy there meals. The service was fine, nothing spectacular, but it was kind of nice to be left alone. The place is pretty expensive for lunch, but you're paying for the view of the park and the general location and atmosphere. My only real complaint was the restaurant was so loud. I could barely hear the people at my table since others were talking so loudly.

Traci D.

Cool and cute place to eat outside It seems very popular with the after work crowd. The service was great. They refilled our water and breadstick things often. The food was good. I got the Grecian chicken salad. It was good but my chicken was a little dry.

Megan C.

Went here for a book club brunch meetup and it was the perfect spot for the activity. Pretty amazing to be able to have a conversation/discussion at a nice place during the peak brunch hours. In Bryant Park, you know it is not going to be cheap. And while I have to say the food and service are good, they aren't exceptional. I am sure this is an especially great spot during the summer, so I will go back then and make any necessary revisions to my review.

Don F.

Great atmosphere with windows overlooking the park. People at host stand were very friendly and welcoming once I could squeeze past the obnoxious and completely entitlement-complexed clientele who seemed entirely comfortable flopping their coats and limbs all over the limited entry way space with no "excuse me" to be found. I was then seated right away and offered drinks and homemade breads. I ordered a delicious split pea soup and had the goat cheese ravioli. Texture on ravioli was a bit rubbery, but it was quite tasty. Only delay in service was when running bill. Overall, a great place.

P R P.

Pros - Beautiful location and outdoor seating, Appetizer of Crab Cakes was really good. Cons - Entree food taste and quality was poor (had the Pork which was like rubber). Overall - Would go back and just order appetizers and enjoy the location.

Stephen C.

Momma! I've made it big! This classy establishment is located smack in between the NYPL and The Pond. The food was excellent and the drinks were strong. (Which might partially explain why there was such a long line at the men's room.) Because of the cold weather, the staff had erected a large tent and decorated the area with potted trees and dazzling Christmas lights--simply lovely! When we wandered upstairs, we found a great view of Bryant Park; importantly, that also had a full buffet and complimentary bar. The service was great and the staff extremely pleasant--they even offered to help me and my friend take pictures!

Nick R.

Maybe it was the fact that it was Fashion Week and the tents were all up in Bryant Park, but coming to brinch here on a Sunday morning really made me fell like I was having a real "NY" experience. As we were walking in, we were almost run over by paparazzi who were taking pictures of none other than my personal icon, ROSE MCGOWAN! OMG, I almost peed my pants with excitement. I managed to get some great pictures with her right out front of the restaurant. Inside, things just got better - fashionistas, debutantes and tourists all comingled harmoniously. The hostess was glamourous and very friendly. She got us right in and sat us at a fantastic window location. Fresh breads, muffins and pastries were immediately brought to the table along with coffee and mimosas. Heaven! Our waitress was both knowledgeable and friendly - no attitude at all. She did substitutions for us with no complaints and was very easy to talk to. We managed to get everything we wanted and then some! All in all a wonderful experience. We didn't experience any of the "blah" other people mentioned in their reviews. I would highly recommend this place to anyone and look forward to going back!

Tom C.

The Bryant Park Grill may have one of the most beautiful dining locations in NYC, sitting on the edge of the European-like Bryant Park and the glorious main NYC Library. But my praise ends there for this sadly mediocre restaurant. In a city with amazing food, I could not imagine suggesting that anyone go here. First, the quality of the food does not match the prices. I had a remarkably flavorless goat cheese ravioli that were floating in an equally flavorless broth. Second, it is very vegetarian unfriendly. One member of our party ordered the one vegetarian item on the entire menu, early in the evening, only to be told they were out of it. Our wait staff offered no alternative, even with prompting. Pathetic. Third, there were long periods when no wait staff were anywhere near our table in the large outside dining area.

Elizabeth I.

Lovely location - outside right in Bryant Park. Other than that there really is little I can say about my experience here except it was poor. I ordered pancakes which looked lovely but had absolutely no taste to them. Additionally, I waited for 15 minutes and no wait staff came by to ask if everything was OK and see if I needed/wanted a refill on my iced tea. Good place for having a drink on a nice day. Wouldn't recommend this place for a meal though. Rather poor.

Cin S.

Awesome location, decent service, and rooftop bar is great when the weather is nice. Would not recommend going their for food though. Been there a couple of times for both lunch and dinner. Everything is just OK. Edible, but kind of blah and disappointing.

Christie O.

THE REVIEW BELOW WAS POSTED ON A THURSDAY. BY FRIDAY, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE VENUE HAD PERSONALLY CALLED ME TO APOLOGIZE. FANTASTIC AND GENUINE RESPONSE - REALLY APPRECIATED. SOCIAL MEDIA AT ITS BEST. I had made a reservation at Bryant Park Grill (a venue I have been to many times for numerous professional events over the past 5 years) for 8 people at 7PM, with the note that one person (me) would be closer to 7:15PM. The response to that was, "absolutely no problem, we will sit the party at 7PM." Fantastic. I arrived at 7:15PM to my family at the bar, saying the table wasn't ready at 7PM and the hostess said "maybe 20 minutes." We all had a glass of wine and waited. As I finished my glass, I realized some time had gone by (it was 7:45PM by then) and approached the hostess. We (my mother, who had checked in) and I walked to the hostess to truly kindly check on the status of our table (as we were enjoying catching up with family at the bar, we weren't in a huge rush). She (the same woman who had told us 20 minutes and she would come find us when the table was ready) immediately said she did not have our name, that if we were waiting for a table, we had to check in outside (though she had not previously stated that). We went outside and they of course, did not have our name and the outside hostess said she could not help. When we walked back inside, now realizing we have been waiting for 45 minutes for a table of 8 that we were apparently not going to ever get, the hostess IMMEDIATELY took insanely rude tone and began talking as if we had NO business being in her restaurant, had checked in wrong and were truly (not exaggerating) not privileged enough to be at the restaurant. This is all on top of the outside hostess dismissing me when I originally walked into the venue, said, "I'm with a party that had a reservation." Without asking the reservation time or name, said, "they are not here." Incredibly rude and insulting. Long story short, we got a table after being verbally abused (the ONLY reason we stayed was that we were a table of 8 at now 8PM on 40th and 6th Ave). When given our table, there were 7 chairs. I kindly asked for an 8th, as the reservation was for 8 and we had 8 people... the outdoor hostess snapped, "your friend [tone implied] said, 7." I replied, "the reservation was for 8 at 7PM, we need another chair, thank you." It took 10 minutes to get another chair. Service was fine (though a little slow, nothing I would complain about on any other night), and the food is decent... interesting and varied menu, albeit a bit pricey (though again, nothing I would complain about on any other night... you're sitting outside in Bryant Park and it's beautiful). I have rarely felt more insulted by the lack of customer service and plain disregard for a party who was planning on spending a significant amount of money at a restaurant. I will likely not be visiting again unless required for a professional event.

Kristen M.

I would say the main reason to eat here would be for the location and ambiance. You are literally looking over Bryant Park, and it is pretty and calming and just plain nice. The service was pretty good. I had a turkey burger that was yummy, and I killed the tall, skinny bread sticks they put on the table. My friend ordered the hummus plate, I would advise anyone else not to follow her foot steps in that respect. For the price and the location, it's worthwhile. Also, this place gets HOPPIN during happy hour (although they have none) with the after-work crowd. Damn.

Jessica R.

One star for atmosphere, one star for location. Had a business lunch here and while the setting was conducive for discussing our project, the food was the worst part of the meeting. All 5 of us did not enjoy our lunches and we had 3 different dishes. I had the crab cakes and found they lacked seasoning. Overall, everyone commented that their dishes needed seasoning. I enjoyed my drink at the bar and would come back for that., but I would never order food here again.

Gloria H.

The food and service were excellent. The best thought was the view. Although it was a dreary, rainy day, the view of the park (I had a window seat) was the most picturesque - it was a day in early May and the leaves were just blooming

d l.

go to TGI Friday instead it's not worth the money

Bill B.

Food was good but nothing special. A bit pricey for what it is but nice location. Not much choice for kids.

Our first time in New York and after enjoying spending some time in Bryant Park during the day I noticed the restaurant that was right inside the park. After looking at the menu we booked the table via Open Table online. The food was really tasty, the service was brilliant, and it wasn't too expensive at all! (We didn't go to any other restaurant in NY as we kept our money for shopping). It has lovely views over the park and the atmosphere is very pleasant. I would love to go back here!

Flo T.

i am stupid and i ordered the mediterranean plate at a grill style restaurant, shoulda gotten a burger or somethin. my order was tasteless and the bread/pita was gross. the pita seemed like it came from one of those packaged pita breads you can buy at your local pathmark. the bread was stale. however, the fries were delish, as i'm sure the burger would have been too...stupid stupid. next time i will know better, if i ever come back. we also ordered 3 pitchers of margarita, though im not a heavy drinker i had a glass and it was very yummy, and definately hit me. another pro is definitely the location and the fact that its a nice outdoor space. the service was also friendly.

Mark G.

Great place to sit outdoors on a beautiful late spring night. Service and food quite good. This is a winner.

Heather K.

We had lunch here on Christmas day, the prefix menu. Everyone's food was fabulous - perfectly cooked steaks, delicious duck, excellent salad starters and soup. Service was warm and welcoming. Great location. Could not have asked for a better holiday meal, especially with out-of-towners!

Steve M.

Bryant Park at Christmas time! The BPG really gets you in the holiday mood. I went here on a Saturday night for a black tie event. Outside everyone was enjoying the shops and ice rink. Inside the BPG, all was festive as well. The rooms sparkled with gorgeously decorated Christmas lights. Dinner was superb. The bartenders were friendly, quick and made some killer martinis. Great place to host any type of party.

Tony W.

Went here with a few co-workers/vendors for dinner on Tuesday. The weather was perfect so the outside bar area was packed, but the space is well designed and big enough to be enjoyable. We were seated around 6:30 at one of the outside tables with no trouble. Waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable. I had the Mahi Mahi (based on a recommendation) which was delicious. I will definitely go back for the atmosphere and food quality.

Andrew B.

Grabbed a quick lunch here with a coworker on a beautiful New York day. It's a great place to have a relaxing lunch, though it's not cheap and it fills up fast. The service was quick and attentive; the Cobb Salad with Chicken ($18) was delicious, and the portion was perfect for a normal-sized human such as myself. Recommended on a nice day, and if the company is picking up the tab.

Scott K.

When they say real estate is all about "location, location, location," the Bryant Park Grill is nestled in one of the best locations in the city. For me, the BP Grill is best appreciated during lunch hours on a beautiful day on the outside seating area...enjoying a crispy, flavorful grilled chicken Caesar salad, sharing a pile of their fries, and sipping a glass of California white with friends...a stunning background of the park and majestic marble facade of the NY Public Library. Even if David Blaine was doing one of his asinine stunts in the park, you just don't want to go back to work. This is only the second time I've had dinner at the BP Grill. At night, the interior looks more elegant, sophisticated, and airy than during the day. It's great for a swanky evening affair. Since this was a private dinner for a large party, everyone was served the same mixed baby green salad and we were only given two choices for the main course - grilled filet mignon or grilled salmon filet (I guess those free range chickens got off the hook this time). The mixed greens were fresh and dotted with just enough fork-friendly sweet grape tomatoes. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing was tangy but not overbearing. My medium rare filet mignon was sizable and cooked to perfection. The filet was lightly glazed with a mushroom-wine sauce, so it punctuated the taste of the meat...nice. The dish was served with yummy buttery/chestnutty fingerling potatoes (that are shaped more like swollen fingers after getting them caught in a car door...I'm just sayin'). My belly was full and happy...but, not full and happy enough...it needed dessert... Sadly, every table was served a large tray of assorted Italian cookies and confections (I was hoping for their chocolate "burger."). I dipped a couple of light crunchy biscotti cookies in my espresso...chatted up a few of my colleagues...and sealed it for the evening. I'm looking forward to my share of lazy mid-week lunches at BP Grill this summer. Hey, it IS summer!

Jason Y.

I had dinner here last Sunday with a friend and it was the perfect location after a long day wandering the city. We opted for the outdoor sitting, which contributed to a great ambient environment. The outdoor sitting area was quiet and private enough to have a conversation with someone. The bread seemed a bit stale, but was tasty anyways. Our entrees were both good. If you spend the day dealing with the hustle and bustle of city life, then Bryant Park Grill provides a nice reprieve before entering city life again.

Walt N.

I work near BPG and eat there from time to time, usually ordering "business lunch" fare: a salad and a club soda. But I was moved to write today by what I just ate, and am sitting at my desk still enjoying, if only in memory: the scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, caviar, and brioche toast dish. The salmon was seriously good, and we eat a lot of smoked salmon at our house. Really thinly sliced, light, light smokiness and tanginess, not chilled too much. Delicious. And the brioche was the right textural counterpoint to the other components in the dish. The bill was $16, or about $20-$21 with tax and tip. How many times have I paid more than half of that for a cardboard wrap or cafeteria-table Mongolian BBQ in this neighborhood? Or across-the-street pizza, heavy with Sysco "mozzarella," for $10. Today's meal put BPG back on my map as a monthly--or even biweekly--lunch treat.

Calvin W.

I came here for brunch with a few friends on a rainy Saturday in March and ordered the smoked salmon. The food was okay - I sampled a few dishes that my friends ordered and I wasn't completely blown away by it, especially for the price. I imagine people come here because 1) its at a great location with a great view of Bryant Park 2) the restaurant itself is quite nice and 3) the service is impeccable. While the food was nothing to rave about for the price, I feel that the overall experience was good enough to merit a 3-star rating. The bill came out to be about $100 for 4 people.

Tyler W.

Good Upscale Ambiance and if they just turned the entire place into that bar they'd have a winner on their hands. As it was the food was good, I can recommend the crab cakes. The crowd was wonderfully attired, upscale yet playful. The women had that elegant "you only find this in Manhattan" look that was a pleasant accompaniment. There is a projector showing an animation of flowers growing and moving which is quite breathtaking to start, and fascinating after a few drinks. You've been warned!

kb j.

This restaurant is nicely located in Bryant Park. Dining is in a huge well-windowed airy room. The service is efficient and the food is nicely-prepared. Lots of different choices on the menu (but not focused on any particular cuisine).

Julio H.

Great location, decent prices and so far the food I have tried is very good. Admittedly have just had the Turkey Club, I tend to get very attached to things. The fries are also plentiful and good. Next time, I will try some of the more elaborate dishes. Good place to take an out of towner on a spring day. Service was fine both times I went.

Peter T.

decent service, lots of space to accommodate parties, and families. decent food, nothing out-of-this world. Very California Cafe-like. The Calamari appetizer was a plus. Generous portion of lightly-fried calamari and is paired with a light salad. Skirt Steak Sandwich was a 3/5 stars. Three open-faced miniwiches with good-quality meat, but somehow ended up lacking flavor. I would like to see a Kobe Beef Burger on the menu or something, but instead it is entirely absent of a burger at all. nice setting, positive atmosphere, compromised by mediocre food.

Jo Anne G.

I've thrown a corporate party here and have had lunch with co-workers many times. Never disappointing. It's especially nice in the spring and summer, being right in the park and all. Most recently, I had dinner here on a Monday night with 3 friends. After a major walk around midtown, we were happy to be able to tuck inside and warm up. I ordered the grilled salmon fillet served atop spaghetti squash with polenta croquettes in a maple Burgundy butter sauce. Soooo yummy. It was perfect, really. I wish there were more polenta croquettes, though... they were really more "morsel" than "croquette"... nevertheless, they were crispy and cheesy and delish! Others in my party ordered the pan roasted duck breast, the mahi mahi and the penne primavera. Everyone left happy and full. Friendly staff and quick service. This is a nice place to take an out-of-town friend for an impressive NYC meal.

Brandon M.

My family and I had a good time at the Bryant Park Grill. There are probably 3 good reasons for this: 1. they didn't freak out when we rolled the bugaboo in and requested a high chair; 2. after wading through the unwashed masses in times square it was nice to be in a relatively open area with pleasant views of the park; 3. our brunch was tasty and served with a very large basket of fresh pastries. The brunch menu was typical faire (thus the four stars), but it was delivered promptly, as advertised and with a smile. I enjoyed my quiche and the Challah French Toast the neighboring table ordered smelled amazing. I only have two complaints. First, our drinks were mediocre and sort of small for the price. Second, one of the hostesses looked like someone just shot her dog. Seriously, everyone else was smiling and happy and this place had to have been making money hand over fist...so why so glum chum?

Steeeeeeeve H.

Bryant Park Grill is conveniently located close to my office and I had dined there on numerous occasions (All thanks to the little green guy). Bryant Grill is nothing to write home about, but does offer a solid menu for any first time diners. I was not impressed but also not disappointed. If this will be a first time visit for you, I would recommend the calamari salad for appetizer and the sea grill for entree. The calamari salad is served in a generous portion and can easily become an entree for a light lunch. As for the dessert menu, it offers the usual bells and whistles for any grill restaurant. Nothing too extraordinary. Overall Bryant Grill earns 3 stars. It is a mediocre restaurant that is ideal for group lunches. I personally would not dine there on my own accord.

Denise L.

Since it was Vday, my co-worker and I decided to get out of the office and have a "real" lunch. We're lucky enough to work just across the street from the park, so we decided to head to Bryant Park Grill for a treat. We decided to share, so we started off with the special, steamed pork and shrimp dumplings over sauteed vegetables. These little dumplings were very good and the creamy sauce it was served with gave it less of a traditional Asian taste. Then we had the grilled chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo and a side of taro chips. The sandwich was pretty good. It was fun going here to eat, but it was that outstanding.

Ma-e M.

i wish i have plenty of money so i can come back. this restaurant is a little bit pricey. you have to be rich to eat here or you have to have debts to eat here whichever it is, i wish to be part of it. i feel like that i'm being served by top chefs but the only thing i feel sorry is myself because at the end of the meal, my stomach might be big but my eyes will pop out when i see the bill. well, thank god it was last year when my company had its christmas party here and probably had negotiated the price for its employees that meets our small salary. its location, the inside, the outside - it's the place to be seen. hmmm, maybe, in the future, i'll have another opportunity to indulge.

Michelle S.

I'm giving this a two star since the food technically didn't taste bad. The experience left a lot to be desired and I won't go back. It took forever to get waited on and then when we finally selected wine it wasn't available. The waitress brought us the better wine list which had a wine that I know to be $10 in the store. This happens all the time but still not off to a good start. I ordered the pot roast and mac n' cheese appetzier for dinner and it was fine and the portion was appetizer sized. My teammate ordered the risotto entree and it was the smallest plate of risotto I have ever seen. When she mentioned that this was a very small amount of food, they immediately took it off the bill. Made us wonder if this happens frequently. Since she was still hungry we ordered the cheese plate. When I asked if they were local cheeses and if they could just tell me about them, I received blank stares. I was then told one was blue, one was cheddar and he ran off to come back and to tell me the name of the other. I'm sorry if this makes me a snob but if you advertise that you have local cheeses on your menu, then please know something about the food from your region. I think we would have been better off getting the crepes from the kiosk in the park then spending the money we did here.

Bob V.

Great place for a romantic lunch/brunch. The park is gorgeous and the restaurant is well integrated into the park. Of note, the Bryant Park Hotel with it's gold gild overlooks the restaurant and is the famous subject of Georgia O'Keefe's New York painting.

Lucy Z.

I've gotten both food and drinks here. I'm surprised by how dead this place is around happy hour time (probably because there are in fact, no happy hour specials). I've also been here separately for lunch. The menu is eclectically American - oysters, salads, burgers, steak frites, etc. I enjoyed an apple-and-Gorgonzola cheese salad (very refreshing for summer) and the grilled free-range chicken (mundane, but surprisingly tasty). The reason I give this place 3 stars is for the unbelievably slow, inattentive service. The hostess took us to three different tables before deciding to let us sit (this was outside). The waiter was mostly MIA and when he'd reappear, it took the whole table about 5-7 minutes to wave him down. I recommend this place if you have a few hours to kill on a slow Friday and you're eating on the company tab.

B D.

Very nice lunch location. It was great to take in the holiday shops outside and then come in for some delicious lunch. The bean soup was very good as well as the coucous salad. Definitely make reservations as it gets very crowded, especially at the holiday time. Our waiter was very professional and we look forward to a return visit.

Jamie P.

Good place to pop in for a nice glass of wine- especially on a rainy day, which NY has been having a lot of. Very preppy place and an all American grill type of place.

Donald K.

Bryant Park Grill has an absolutely perfect location. It's right in the middle of midtown, yet is in a park-like setting. The service is not terrible, but not what you would call really good either. The food is also nothing to write home about. It's all about the atmosphere. Grap an outdoor table in the spring to do some of the best people watching in the city.

Lisa G.

On a hot summer night Bryant Park Grill, is perfect for sipping a cold beverage or dining outside. After 6 pm, the bar tends to get crowded and fast. There is 2 sides at the bar, the left side is for dining. You have to stand and wait if you want a table for them to call your party. On the right side is the bar area. They have a couple of small tables to sit down but they fill up fast.One night they had a rum promotion and were giving out free mojito's, which was great. Its a great location to meet friends after work and perfect walking distance to Grand Central or the subways.

Michael D.

Yes, it's a little pricey. Yes, it's a little touristy. But sometimes I can be a real sucker for the atmosphere... go after 9 on a weeknight and it's less crowded and you can enjoy the cool breeze and stars with your significant other... it's quite nice then.

Diane D.

Great place to sit outside and people watch. Drinks are good but food is average. Lobster roll had very little meat to it and too much sauce.

hoon l.

nothing special and expensive grilled skirt steak sandwich was good. i recommend. chicken sandwich was bad...pool

Jennifer Y.

Dining here is a pleasant experience if you're looking to dine al fresco. Food is elegantly presented and good although I would not say up to par with elegant restaurants in the area. I had the artichoke ravioli which was delicious. My dining companion had the cod which was average. The crowd at the bar here is a bit more grownup and refined then the crowd at the cafe. Overall, I think dining at here is beautiful for a first date or something a bit more special however, I prefer the laissez faire atmosphere at the cafe.

Judith C.

I went for lunch, it was fine. The decor is a little dated. The food tastes much better when someone else is picking up the tab.

Mark C.

The food is above average brunch fair that satisfies but doesn't dazzle. The location and atmosphere is magnificent on a bright summer day. It's an interesting tradeoff. If your goal is to seek out a great meal, consider other, better options for your money. Jean Georges is a couple subway stops away and blows away the food here. But if your goal is to while away the time with old friends in a great location over a good meal, few things beat a rooftop view of Bryant Park for brunch. People watching here is like: Attending a charity event, that charges fifty dollars a plate, and serves burgers, "come'on" you complain, but you miss the point. Enjoy the view.

Meredith F.

Had dinner here early on a weeknight (the restaurant was only half full) before walking to a play nearby. The whole experience was just sort of... blah. The restaurant itself is pretty, in a great location at the edge of the park up against the back of the library. It was a convenient meeting place. But the food was unmemorable. Not bad, but not great either. I had seared scallops that were raw in the middle (not sure if that's worse than overcooked) and gritty. The rest of the food was fine, and our salads were delicious, but our server was obnoxious - popping gum while she took our order. I just feel like I could spend $150 on dinner and wine at dozens of other, better restaurants in the area, so why return?

Sarah B.

If you are looking for an ambience a bit more upscale in Midtown, I highly suggest the Byrant Park Grill. This is the best location in town if you want to have a light lunch in a nice restaurant and enjoy being in one of the most prized parks in Manhattan. The food is not phenomenal but the salads are nice, and the location and ambience cannot be beaten in this part of town.

Michael E.

Very good food, nice atmosphere... But service is very spotty (ie never refilled water)--not what I'd expect for a restaurant of this quality.

C. M.

"A-OK" sums it up well. It's in a great location and good for what it is: a place for a business lunch. There's no "wow" factor, and if you expect the price to correlate to the quality, you'd be underwhelmed.

Jenny S.

If you feel like having your nose planted in someone elses arm pit go here ( hey-you never know, I wont judge!)

Brian T.

three stars is the perfect description for bryant park grill - just average. more upscale than a cafe, the food doesnt taste really bad or really good. the menu was boring (hanger steak, stuffed chicken, chicken/roasted pepper sandwich, pork chops, etc). i got the stuffed chicken with a root vegetable sauce. i ate it and quickly forgot what i thought about it.

Dylan S.

Great location with view of ice skating rink (at least at this time of year). You can sit inside or outside. Very good service and reasonably diverse menu of American food offerings. Very good location for a business lunch.

Haley M.

I came here with a co-worker, and thankfully I like her a lot because it would have been very intimidating otherwise. This place is pretty romantic, with the white table cloths and small tables-for-two along the endless sea of windows that look out onto Bryant Park. With such a cozy atmosphere, I would have loved the food to make me feel all warm and tingly, too, but it fell just short of that. I knew something was wrong when I noticed the whole menu was printed in Comic Sans (sorry...bad graphic designer moment). The soup I has was described as a "white bean soup" and having just come back from Italy, I guess my expectations were a little high because the soup was watery with a few beans and veggies floating in it. The beets in my salad still had the hard roots on them. In fact, I'm pretty sure those beets came straight from a can. But the wine and service were good, as was the company and the view - I'm glad it wasn't an actual date though, because then I would have been a lot more disappointed.

Tony L.

This place is alright. Really you're paying for the beach umbrellas and the esplanade overlooking the lawn. Sure, you're not eating those things, but I guess it helps the food go down easier. A friend and I had dinner here once. We had salmon and a sandwich. Both were pretty solid. It was late, after the sun had gone down, I think that robbed us a little bit of ambiance. Either way, there was still something about this place that didn't fit right, something that made me felt like I was eating at a glorified theme park restaurant. I don't know what it was, but something seemed a little off...

cecille p.

cozy and classy...nice locaton!

Alma Z.

Great location. So so food. If you're more into ambience than cuisine than grab a table(if you can find one during lunch time) sit down with a book and a drink and chill.

Annie W.

The brunch I had here was really good but not worth the price. It came with a basket of assorted muffins/breads which were mediocre and tasted like something that you'd buy pre-boxed from a grocery store.

Mary Ellen C.

The setting is lovely, but both times I've been here the food and service were lacking. I would think twice before I'd return a third time.

Audrey J.

Solid fare in Midtown. Went here with our secretaries, and it was a good time all around. Nothing too special, but if you come here on a warm summer day, the people watching and outdoor dining would add a star in my books. I had a grilled tuna steak and a warm apple crumb pie a la mode for dessert. The pie was gosh darn good.

Arlyne B.

Location, location, location! Pretty modern-looking place, bright open view of the park, near transportation. Food is okay but nothing to rave about. I go only for the location.

Pamela d.

Really obnoxious reception, bad service, bland food. Thought we would go to this nicely located grill restaurant for a relaxed/ laid back Christmas dinner, so when I was in the neighborhood I made reservations personally at the counter. Only to find out that they didn't have it in the computer when we came in. That can happen, right? But to have the waiter look at you as if you are lying about having made reservations, that is just plain rude! And not offering to seat you even when we could see there was plenty of space, that is just obnoxious. As we were getting ready to say 'whatever' and leave, the owner passed by and offered us a seat in the 'Holiday garden'. We took the offer, but it turned out to be a cheap and poorly decorated version of the regular seating, with garden chairs, a cold breeze that had me wearing my coat through dinner, and untrained waiters. OK, the appetizer and the dessert were not bad. But the Christmas turkey was. And for post-dessert pleasure, we saw a cute little mouse walk past our dinner table.... (really!) I mean, garden seating, OK, but please keep the garden creatures away from my x-mas dinner.... I wouldn't thing about going there again any time soon!

Gourmet G.

The renovation of Bryant Park eliminated the winos, two-bit drug dealers, and hustlers hawking Rolex rip-offs and resulted in the grafting of this contemporary dining spot to the rear of the New York Public Library. The large, noisy interior has massive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a terrific view of the people-packed green expanse stretching to Sixth Avenue, but preferred seating in the spring and autumn months is on the patio or rooftop garden, both of which have a first-come-first-served policy, so be prepared for a wait. Sadly, neither the pricey food nor service match the surroundings. The menu is so eclectic it lacks focus - you'll find everything from Caesar salad to soft-shell crabs to gnocchi in a bland sauce to scrambled eggs with crabmeat and spinach, and while none of it is dreadful, neither is it particularly good. Service is slow and indifferent. All in all, this proves the belief that there's an inverse relation between a restaurant's location and the quality of its food. Far less disappointment is to be found in the adjoining cafe.

Blake C.

Great ambiance and good food! The potatoes were seasoned perfectly, the eggs had just enough flavor and the bacon (well it's hard to screw that up) was great. This place isn't so much about the food as it is about the location. And the location is superb!

Latoya G.

this place is decent. the service was good. the food was tasty... it's just not a place that i would return to. i believe the prices just didn't justify everything above. . the taco appetizers were unbelievably nonexistent for $15 SHAME! the pork chops with apple chutney and sweet potato puree was good. great french martini but extremely small amount given.

Yuna D.

Bryant park grill only gets two stars because of ambience. Their interior decor and location attract unknowing diners starving after ice skating and holiday shopping. However, the best thing on their menu is the sprite and my friend's diet pepsi. If youre a foodie, you dont want to come here. I'm by no means an expert on food but my friend's pasta was way overcooked, and the sea grill i got had unseared scallops, tough shrimp and ridiculously tough lobster. I felt like i was wrestling with it. I also had the lychee cocktail which was straight up hard vodka in a martini glass with a lychee in it. I wanted a cocktail, not a oversized shot of vodka. The servers are really neglectful too. You need to literally flag them down in order to put your order in and they dont check up on you, nor do they offer a dessert menu. its like they dont care about the place. it just shows how lazy people are when the hostess and servers are chit chatting at the front of the house. What a waste of space for such a place of potential. Did I mention that the bill came out to 60 dollars for a sprite, cocktail and entree? No appetizer, no dessert, nada. 60 dollars for less than mediocre food. By the way, theres a person in the bathroom who keeps it spick and span and offers you a towel. Having said that, its kind of creepy having a woman stand in front of your stall, and bathroom service isnt going to get you 5 stars for a restaurant, mate. ... I feel like I paid 60 dollars for bathroom service.

andrea p.

Nice food, ambiance and great for large groups. The location is fantastic and well maintained .

Andrew S.

I come here often for lunch when I take out co-workers and interviewees. Overall this place is good but I find the food quality to be better during the warmer months. I am not sure why that is. I realize it sounds a bit odd but I do come here several times a month. This place is always very busy as it is a popular restaurant. I recommend reservations at all times to ensure you get decent tables. My favorite item on the menu is the lobster roll. You can never go wrong here with the lobster roll. The salads here are also very tasty. Overall, the service is great and very attentive. I only give this place 3 stars due to the price of some of their items that I believe are over priced given the quality of the food. One instance would be the fish and chips. You get very few "chips" and the fish is pretty standard given how much you are paying for it. Yes I realize it is NY but if I am paying $20+ for fish n chips it should be something special. Great atmosphere and great views of the park.

Kathy A.

We went here the Saturday night after Christmas so you can expect Bryant Park to be mobbed. We walked in at 8:25 for an 8:30 reservation. The place was packed. They sat us down immediately. The restaurant was decorated very nicely for the holidays. I ordered a Cosmo to start & it was delicious. The appetizers ordered were Sushi tacos, crab cakes, duck spring roll & shrimp cocktail w lump blue crap meat. Every appy was awesome! Really tasty & fresh. The dinner menu is a little funky, each dish had a slightly weird twist. I was a little hesitant but ordered the chicken with herb & mushroom stuffing. It was very good but it did have a weird red sauce on it. Everyone liked their meal. I would definitely go back & recommend it.

Avery M.

Everything about this place is aggressively average. The service can only be described as between bad and good. The food screams ordinary. The price is neither utterly awful for New York nor good in any way. The location can't be beat. Basically you pay a lot to eat in a pleasant and well maintained park.

Stewart C.

Very good food; very average service -- had to ask for drink refills; too many tables right on top of each other; sitting in strangers laps, and "enjoying" their conversation is not good atmosphere; had the feel of a Restuarant factory -- get 'em in, feed 'em, and get 'em out.

Carrie W.

Love Bryant Park Grill! It is a tradition of ours to go there for Easter Brunch. The food never disappoints and the view is gorgeous. I have also been there for lunch and enjoyed that as much as brunch. Make sure to make a reservation. They are often busy as it is right within Bryant Park. It also isn't extremely pricey for the quality of the food that they serve.

Annabel A.

3.5 stars. Perfect location for a large group lunch. Came here with a party of 10 people and were seated at a spacious round table. Space is bright and airy. Large windows overlook the park. The menu has a good selection and portion sizes are pleasing to my eye. I ordered the pork chops with pumpkin puree and received two nice large chops on my plate that were just ooozing with juice. Sloppily delicious! Food isn't OMG amazing, but you can't go wrong if you aim for the all-american dishes. (Pasta isn't great here. I don't recommend). Highly recommend for out-of-town guests if you want to grab a solid, not overly-priced meal.

Alison P.

We came here for dinner during a quick trip to NYC. The setting is beautiful, and the food was delicious. The only issue was the noise level because when the restaurant is crowded, it gets extremely LOUD, to the point where you can't hear your dinner companions. The service was very good, even when the place got extremely busy, but if you're looking for a quiet romantic dinner, you may want to look at other options.

Anthony Joseph B.

My girlfriend and I came to Bryant Park Grill twice. The location & food was delicious and the service was attentive. Try to the Australian grazed lamb chops or their steaks! I don't have any complaints for the food at BPG, but its a place we can only afford to go once in a blue moon.

Audrey M.

Went for dinner before going to see a the tree with my boyfriend, it seemed festive and pretty. We got there early to have a drink at the bar; that took 15 minutes, to even get acknowledged. We sat down after at the table and the waiter came and did not even great us. We ordered the filet mingon and the whole chicken dinner. I would of rather eaten Kraft Mac and cheese. The waiter was nice when we saw him, but the food, honestly was just gross. The kale salad was decent at best because the figs and cheese was a nice combo with it. However, My steak was burnt on the outside and I ordered it medium, it was pretty much well done and it came with greasy side dishes. As for Brian's chicken you could get a better one from the hot chickens to go at King Kullen. This is my first review because I was so disappointed I had to share. Yuck

Thomas W.

Every time I eat here the place exceeds my expectations. The decor and atmosphere in Bryant Park is indeed unmatched. I had the Manhattan Clam Chowder, and the Fish and Chips today for lunch. The portions were modest, but the quality of the food was first rate. I cannot wait for my next meal.

Orlando B.

I don't know how this place has negative reviews??? Overall it was a great experience. The food was delicious and well prepared, i had the calamari appetizer, and the sea grill platter, both were great. My gf had the crab cakes... very good. Our waitress was very nice. I would definately be back. The ambiance was great,and the park view looked great as we ate outside on the patio. Thanks BP Grill!! :) Orlando

Lisa R.

I came here recently with work colleagues for lunch on the Grill's rooftop. It was a beautiful day, and we were overlooking the park and the lush courtyard, so the ambiance couldn't have been any better. I could hear musicians that were playing various instruments in the park, and saw performers out of the corner of my eye, most notably a juggler. It was a lively restaurant, but it was not overcrowded, nor was it overly loud. The ambiance was supreme, but the service and food quality was about average. I ordered the turkey burger since we were eating at a grill, but the quality of meat used was only mediocre. It also took a little longer than I would have expected to get our entrees. Overall, the Bryant Park Grill was an enjoyable experience, especially eating on the rooftop on a gorgeous summer day. However, the entrees are a bit overpriced in relation to the quality of ingredients used.

Krista J.

For outdoor seating in NYC, the Bryant Park Grill can't be beat! I really enjoyed my lunchtime business meeting at the Bryant Park Grill...there are a ton of seats outside (and inside, if you prefer...or if you go during the winter months), the service is fantastic and professional, the menu is extensive and everything was very tasty, plus the location can't be beat. I can't wait to go back!

Michael M.

The location and view both inside and around the restaurant is great due to Bryant Park so it is good for business or out of town visitors, plus it is easy to find. The service is ok but felt hurried, not personal. The kitchen was fair in that the food was OK but nothing memorable. The menu is scattered continental, kind of like a business hotel restaurant.

Jen G.

My husband & I had dinner at Bryant Park Grill for our wedding anniversary. We really enjoyed our meal, large portions and very reasonably priced given the location of the restaraunt. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the gorgeous view of the park only adds to the ambience. Service was fast but we were never rushed. Chocolate cake was unbelievable too! Great spot for a special occasion, I'd like to go back and try the brunch/lunch specials too.

Priya A.

Have been here several times on dates and with friends. This place is great to take out of town visitors or for a business meal. It's a great location. There is also an upstairs roodtop bar which is small but nice during the summer. The food here very good. The last time I went there I had the lamb chops which were excellent and another time before that I had the sea bass which was good but not very flavorful. The wait staff was a bit slow.

Mikie B.

Haven't been here since restaurant week in, dare I say '01/'02, but it was even better than remembered. Not sure if it was because it was Sunday or it was early (5:30) but the restaurant was blissfully quiet, which for such a caucaphonist dining room was perfect for catching up with an old friend. The waitress was friendly and unobtrusive, present but not hovering. And the food as always, excellent. Wish I still worked down the street so I could visit more regularly.

Joanie K.

Came here for lunch and sat in the Winter Dining Room - what a great experience! Loved the ambiance, the lost birds flying through, and the chandeliers.. plus it was PERFECTLY warm. you try getting that at Smoke Joint in BK. NOT happening and that's indoor seating too. food was decent, not outstanding but satisfying. which i guess is better than out of this world flavor and not satisfying. hm. prices were def. outstandingly high for the food. i had the tomato wild rice soup - delicious but will fill you up! calamari was great - came with more salad than calamari, but what was served was fresh and cleanly fried lobster roll - bread fell apart in 2 seconds and being too full from the soup.. i couldn't even finish this! it was also too cloyingly mayo.. not enough spice i felt it's a nice lunch spot. pretty standard fare, can't go wrong. and pretty.

Brendan Y.

Aside from the high ceilings and obviously great location, this place is a complete waste. It primarily exists so well-suited businessmen and ladies that lunch can have a convenient place to have an otherwise mediocre lunch. The service was abysmal. We waited forever to get served, and a corresponding forever to get our food. The room was loud, an uncompromising din of steady conversation. I normally wouldnt care, but it made conversation with anyone bt the person next to you impossible. The food obviously had been engineered by a chef but executed by cooks. It had all the thoughtful trappings of high-end presentation, but in the end it was just gloppy and uninspired. I had streak frites, and the meat was a rubbery pile of leather doused in oil and hidden beneath some stale onion rings. Basically you would never come here unless you were invited...

Wing W.

HATED it! My husband and daughter had lunch at Bryant Park Grill today. The calamari was too salty and the crab cakes were not delicious. Until today, I had never seen crab cakes I didn't like! The steak frites for the entrée were chewy and plain disgusting! To top it all, the service was subpar. We had to ask the waiter for ketchup even though the steak frites came with French fries. Needless to say, we will never come back!!!

Danny Y.

I only ordered the lentil soup, tuna taco appetizer, and iced tea. But since I have no shame, I will rate this restaurant anyway. 3 stars on an OK meal. Seriously, they faked me out when they said the taco appetizer comes with 4 tacos. What they neglected to mention was that the tacos are bite sized. My bad for not having figured that out though. Nice location though.

Grant H.

The main attraction of this place is the view. Take an outdoor table and you are pretty much in Bryant Park, a small, 8 acre patch of green, 2 blocks from time square, bordered on one end by the majestic ass of the NY public library, and on the 3 other sides by 50 story sky scrapers. In central park, never is there such interaction/tension between park and metropolis. For this, one should dine here regardless of the food. Yet the food is pretty good. For the appetizer, we took crabcakes and calamari. The crab cakes were delicious: packed with spindles of crab and only lightly fried, and garnished with grapefruit (worked quite well). It was, unfortunately underseasoned, which was unfortunately the case with the calamari, our other starter. just like the crab, the batter was light and just right, but there just wasn't enough salt and pepper on the calamari. Even when you add it yourself, it never tastes the same. For my main course, I had steak frites. Again, so close to being very good, with the easiest part messed up. The steak was very tasty, bathing in its simmering juices; the fries, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and well salted. But the steak was overcooked. I asked for rare and got medium to well-done. That it still tasted good is testament to the quality of the steak, but it could have been so much better. 3 stars for the food, 5 for the location, so I'll give it a 4 overall.

Joyce P.

Everything was delicious, but the service was lacking a bit. A smile and more frequent check ups on us would have been nice.

John R.

3.5 for dinner. Great atmosphere, decent service. The salmon special was nice and the vegetable ravioli was very nice (and good sized portion).

Samuel M.

Enter here just if you are walking by. The location couldn't be better but the food is mediocre, average, generic, tasteless and boring. The view is the only highlight. i had the gazpaccio and the avocado sandwich, nothing special, but to relax the eyes and watch a beautiful setting it was perfect. It was hot and the wine was hot too. You're really coming for the location, nothing else.

Rich W.

I was fortunate to get invited to this restaurant. It's a very nice place, not super fancy but a place to bring a customer or someone special (GF or BF or parents). I was the customer this time so I got to order as I please and enjoy it! Service was exceptional and the food was pretty good. Hint: better make reservations because that line was out the door. People watching inside was as interesting as people watching outside.

Stacy S.

Bryant Park Grill - Pricey, touristy, but beautiful brunch Bottom line: $19 brunch in one of NYC's busiest parks. Tips: Snap a photo of a bird in Bryant Park, then check-in on Foursquare to receive a FREE dessert (otherwise $9.50)! About: Bryant Park, situated between tourist-filled Times Square and businessmen & women-filled midtown office buildings, is a haven for anyone looking for a bit of greenery in the concrete jungle. Whether you want to relax, go holiday shopping, ice skating, or juggling, the park has it all. I had never been to Bryant Park Grill, the beautiful and pricey restaurant in Bryant Park, so when I happened to be in the neighborhood last weekend, I decided to check out their brunch menu. Food: When you sit down, you are greeted with a large bread basket with fresh rolls. Note: the rolls that look like they have blueberries or raisins are actually filled with olives (ew for me)! But the plain rolls are divine. Classic Eggs Benedict - With Canadian bacon, chive hollandaise sauce and roasted fingerling potatoes. Overall very good, liked the thinly sliced meat that was used. Also, the potatoes were nicely seasoned and very tasty. Mushroom & Cheese Omelet - Shitake mushroom & cheddar cheese omelet with a side of grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted peppers. This omelet had a wonderful taste, but as you can see in the photo below, the mushrooms and cheese were dropped on one side of the omelet, so the majority of the omelet was plain egg. I always prefer ingredients to be mixed in with the eggs, but if they aren't, they should at least be even throughout the dish. Atmosphere: You can't beat the backdrop of Bryant Park, especially if you are in the outdoor patio garden or rooftop garden. (Reservations recommended if you want to eat in the dining room). Service was good, the wait staff was friendly and accommodating. Overall a good experience, but unless you take advantage of the free dessert (Foursquare special), I think the value doesn't quite match up to the $19 price of the entrees.

Ann K.

We had class in right across the street so I just made sense to grab lunch here. I remembered eating here before and like the atmosphere. The windows make the space feel very open and allow a lot of natural light. The bread basket had a variety of breads served with jam and butter. I had the baked apple and curly frisee salad. I enjoyed this so much that I want to try making this at home. The petite barcelona cod cakes were really good as well. Service is friendly and fast.

Angel C.

In attendance at the New Yorkers for Parks Daffodil Breakfast Benefit, BPG was the perfect setting to appreciate the success story that is Bryant Park. Service was dandy although the food was, as many others have said, sub-par and not that tasty looking - a hunk of quiche, some wilted mesclun, unseasoned potatoes and grilled peppers, mini bagels and danishes in a basket, and a side of fresh fruit. The fruit - in no need of any preparation - was the highlight. Not enough can be said for this space though, and I would come back just for that.

Suzanne B.

Nothing as lovely as a business lunch on a beautiful day on the outdoor patio at BPG, with great views and people watching from the park. Even indoors the food and service are great, with a menu full of delicious crowd-pleasers. I've had the chicken cobb and tuna nicoise salad and the lobster roll and all three are incredibly filling for lunch, but sooo good. All of the fish I've tried there is tasty as well. Would definitely like to try dinner there if I am ever in the neighborhood in the evening.

Ryan D.

BLAH. Thumbs down on this place for sure. Nice looking place, great location and all...but the food and service was awful. Our waiter acted like he could care less about us and seemed annoyed anytime we needed something. On top of that, when we were leaving and asked the hostest for directions (we are not from NY), she gave us a huge tude. Some serious elitest NY type of stuff. We will never be back, awful. awful. awful.

Carlin Y.

Eh. The service was fine, decor and location was nice. Not the greatest fan of the food here. The bread was just average. The beer was average-priced. I ordered fish and chips, and the amount and dish setting was fine; they even included a cute little fake newspaper clipping on the plate, which was a nice touch. The fish and chips were only ok though, considering it cost me $25; sadly nothing I would come back for. That's it, not much else to say.

Beth R.

Yes, it's pretty darn touristy and a bit overpriced. But, it was so awesome to have brunch outside in Bryant Park. Not great if you're on a budget, but for a special brunch in an amazinglocation it's worth it.

Mathew M.

Just ate here last night and food was pretty good and Alec Baldwin was sitting at the table next to me. That was pretty cool.

Shradha A.

I absolutely loved the outside porch area of the Grill because it was so nicely insulated from the cold weather outside by the tent and space heaters! Our server was extremely friendly, patient and flexible! I was meeting an old college friend for a drink and this was a great venue for a quiet comfortable conversation without holding up space from other patrons! The drinks were quite good but we eventually ended up ordering dinner here too (it was cold outside and we were being lazy about finding another dinner destination) - the french onion/ rice soup was vegetarian and quite good as was the goat cheese ravioli. My friend enjoyed his crab cakes a lot as well! This establishment is quite pricey, but if you're just doing a couple of drinks and talking for hours, it works out as a great option!

Lena L.

When its: A. sunny, B. beautiful and C. work's picking up the tab, then this is my go to spot. Great outdoor space, solid salads, heavy price tag.

Karen M.

Loved it here. Made a reservation for 8pm on a weeknight. Seated immediately upon arrival at a lovely table overlooking Bryant Park. The service was 1st-rate. I really appreciated the little touches, such as a tiny carafe of simple syrup served with the iced tea. Nice. Food was delicious and the portions were generous. Prices very fair - especially for NYC. Try the Fontina Mushroom Ravioli in a Parmesan Broth - superb!

NY C.

I planned a surprise party here and I have to say the staff was awesome, so much so that a week after I went back and tipped the host another $50. They treated my guests so well, very attentive, great atmosphere (Bryant Park is cool). The food was good, the drinks were awesome....everyone at party loved the place....and the surprisee was surprised. Thanks again Bryant Park Grill

Varun G.

Location is what makes this place special. In summer, having lunch in the open area is magical. Food is good, not great but the location and outside sitting makes it taste better. There is a lot of business crowd there for lunch given there are many banks around. Expect to pay at least 30 bucks for an entre and 10 for a starter. On an average, per person cost without drinks is close to 50. You can get better food for this price but do give this place a try for the location and magic of all that NYC is about, its people.

Stefan S.

Great outdoor dining overlooking Bryant Park. The food was good but only three stars... the ambiance and view make it jump to four stars. Enjoy!

AJ A.

Soak in the lovely atmosphere and the terrace views, but don't count on a memorable eating experience.

Claire Z.

Went there with friends on the independent day - it's not easy to find a restaurant open on national holidays so I'm glad I was able to find something at the last minute (opentable + yelp is super helpful)! We ordered mussels as a starter but weren't impressed though it was recommended by the waiter, these are world's tiniest mussels I've ever seen! The soup base was delicious though, they just need to increase the volume a bit to let us not leave a clean plate in like 3 min! The entree, however, was pretty good. I ordered the duck leg and lentil salad and it was so yummy that I finished the entire plate wanting for some more, haha. My friend got the steak and frites and he said it was also good. We got a table facing the park and the view was great even on a rainy day. Definitely get an outdoor seat when it's sunny outside!

Laura C.

We went here for a business/farewell lunch. I looked through the reviews here prior to our lunch to see that the Bryant Park Grill is a mixed bag kind of place. While we didn't have to wait to be seated we were seated indoors, even though we wanted to sit al fresco to listen to the Broadway in Bryant Park. Our waiter was excellent, always appearing at the right moment and not infringing on our dining experience. The restaurant itself is beautiful and while the chairs are fun and vibrantly colored I didn't feel they really belonged there. Also, when scanning the menu their seemed to lack a theme. I was left wondering what kind of restaurant this is. I selected the panko crusted chicken with tomato sauce on a brioche bun. Our food came very quick. My serving was huge, which I was so surprised after reading many reviews grunting over their small portion size. The meal wasn't bad, but there was nothing to write home about it. The chicken wasn't dry but it lacked any real/place-able flavor. That goes for the tomato sauce as well. I can't say much for the cheese because there wasn't very much on it. The brioche was decent but while the menu proclaimed it was fresh, the bun didn't live up to that notion. I only took a couple bites of the side salad but there was no imagination to it and the carrots were chopped poorly. This place is just 'meh' to me, the only real exciting this was the location and ambiance.

Fernando P.

We love coming to this restaurant when good weather arrives. But this time we didn't have the nice experience we are used to. Poor service (not water refill, tea without spoon and sugar, had to ask for bread when other tables had it by default) and seabass wasn't as good as in the past.

Aram A.

The only thing I ever get here is the vegan quinoa and sometimes soup but each time and consistently the food has been really good. The dish is a very generous and filling portion and is usually the envy of other people at the table. Being a vegan it's hard to find restaurants such as this that have something tasty and vegan. Generally higher end-ish "new American" type places don't offer any vegan options and if they do it sucks and is just thrown together. So when I have to goto a place like that for certain events I can't say I look forward to it. This place however, while being far from a vegan restaurant has the best vegan dish I've had at a general restaurant. The service and decor are very good also as is the location obviously.

Mick S.

9 of us had brunch at The Bryant Park Grill for a family birthday this weekend and had a wonderful time. The restaurant overlooks Bryant Park, behind the NY Public Library and is close to Times Square, midtown, and Grand Central Terminal. Some members of our party stayed at The Bryant Park Hotel, across the street and walked over for brunch. The decor at BP Grill is really great. I was here a few years ago and I don't remember the spectacular chairs in the main dining room, full of such color. They make the room really pop. We've been to brunch in Manhattan several times in the past few months and usually we've been at crowded cramped tight spaces. Uncomfortable was the operable word at the other restaurants. At Bryant Park Grill yesterday we were comfortable and relaxed. We actually had space at the table for a bread plate, a cup of coffee, and an excellent bloody mary. The front desk hosts were charming and gracious. Our servers were professional and knowledgeable. Every staff member was better than the next. We were all very pleased with the food. My mom had the Mediterranean Platter. It was amazing. It was served with a frittata and all sorts of little plates and dishes of mediterranean accompaniments (a few I remember were greek yogurt w/berries, olives, hummus, toasted breads, and other small dishes. Most of our party had omelets or eggs with sausage. The potatoes were so so good. Some other dishes we had were the burrata and tomato appetizer, fried calamari, steak frites (awesome fries) and eggs benedict. Everyone was pleased. For dessert, we ordered one carrot cake and one cheesecake. None of us really wanted dessert, but we were celebrating a birthday so a candle was in order. We figured 2 plates was enough to pass around. We were wrong. The mascarpone cheesecake was out of this world, and the carrot cake with the cream cheese frosting was phenomenal. We joked that we should have ordered 4 more. All in all, it was a 5 star experience for us. We will definitely be back.

Lea K.

Great views of the park. Since the food and drinks are very expensive you'd expect the best,but two people in my party who had poached eggs received hard boiled eggs. My chicken cutlet looked and tasted if they dipped it into tomato sauce. If anything go here for drinks and maybe just an app. Not worth it for the whole price etc Service was great!

Kent V.

Went here on a Sunday at about Noon for breakfast and it was very good! There was no wait and got seated outside under the clear awning. They have about 6-7 breakfast brunch options for $25 (this includes a coffee or tea). I had the strawberry french toast that came with some fresh berries, whipped cream, and syrup. It was soo good!!! The french toast was not too big or heavy and was just right. Ordered some OJ that was very good at $3.50. Would definitely be back the next time I visit NYC. Very nice atmosphere and great service!

John L.

If you are looking for the safe business lunch spot around midtown west then Bryant Park Grill is your place. Situated on the west side of the NY Public Library, the food has always been decent (translation safe) and the service is pleasant and attentive. You won't find any typical bar food items such as wings or burgers, but they do serve a kick ass hanger steak as well as a good lobster roll. Weekday lunch time is often filled with mid-town lawyers, ad execs and TFBs (Trust Fund Babies) which can be annoying especially you are forced to listen to their conversations bonuses, trust funds and who they screwed last night. But it is a great place for happy hours during the summer. Bryant Park Grill is good for what it is, but like many pretty faces in NY, there's nothing memorable about it.

Mary Catherine G.

NEVER GOING HERE AGAIN. used to hang out here a ton in the summers years ago and was meeting a friend before a play last Saturday so I suggested this place and was actually super-psyched to be there after a few years BUT NOOOOO. I sat at the bar before my friend got there and no service. they were busy but not crazily so. and having bartended before I absolutely get it when it takes a few minutes. but the 2-3 bartenders ignored me. no "I'll be right with you" no eye contact no pleasantries, nothing. 10 min later my friend arrived. same. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER (10+15=25!!!!!) we were allowed to place an order. that took her 12 seconds to pour (two glasses of wine). we were dumb-founded. and then never sorry, never contrite. instead they seemed annoyed we were there. it put such a damper on our evening. we recovered from it fear not but I am telling EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN that that place is a black hole. bad energy. food so average I wish it had sucked. at least that would have been interesting. I'm a New Yorker--not a tourist--I go out a lot and am happy to spend my money at places where people know how to be nice. they have 6000% lost my business. somehow I doubt they care.

Ron H.

Cant beat the location. the atmosphere is what you go here for. the food is...eh. But the location on a nice day.....wonderful.

Meri K.

Pretty restaurant, prime real estate, and good food! I particularly liked the (I forget what they called it) but basically a fancy chicken parm, from the brunch menu. I like sitting outdoors in the garden, very relaxing! Tuff to get reservations a lot of the time. Their large outdoor bar is great for happy hour in the summer months!

Stephen M.

Great setting, food and service. Food came very quickly, which was perfect for lunch on a work day. Could comfortably have sat there all day

Matthew M.

Perfect hidden gem for a casual quality dinner in midtown manhattan. Delicious offerings, generous portions and excellent service. Perfect location for anniversary dinners, business lunches, weekend family brunches. Pricing is appropriate considering location and beautiful dining room. The dining room service was impeccable and our waiter was polite, generous and respectable. Highly recommended for a date night considering it is in the heart if Bryant Park and definitely easy to reach via. Cab, foot or public transportation.

David C.

GREAT people-watching, one of the best places in midtown to dine at lunchtime, either inside (chose this option today) or al fresco, especially in the Spring. The Grill inside is filled with almost as much light as the park itself, with windows showing off sweet Bryant Park (outdoor runway for the NY Fashion Show). Try the Cobb Salad, so incredibly good, as are all the salads. Great little wine list and a few draft beers at the bar, which also has 4 or 5 tables plus bar stools. Quick tip: In a time crunch? Eat in the bar area if you can; your food will arrive within 7-10 minutes (kitchen doors just behind bar...). My colleague was amazed, and it is time proven. If you eat outside, you're looking at a half hour to get food; servers are absolutely swamped..... This place is a wonderful oasis to soak up NYC on a sunny day! Quintessential New York: old men playing chess and lovers lounging around the two-tops all day long; foreigners from all continents gawking at the pastoral scene surrounded by skyscrapers; pretty people walking through the park in chic style; great sights, sounds, and a good slice of life within the city that never sleeps. Love Bryant Park Grill for not only the food, but the peace and tranquility. Major bonus: New York Library is right behind the Grill. Best library in the country, hands down!

Jessica H.

is it pretty during christmas time? you bet, but if you're looking for a delicious meal, keep it moving. new yorkers, you know better. leave bryant park grill for a festive cocktail, but don't have dinner. it's like wedding food, but worse.

Amy Y.

Nice spot to hang out for a drink outdoors on a nice day due to its location within Bryant Park. Had lunch here and the food is very mediocre. The fries aren't crispy enough. The salmon nicoise salad had a decent amount of salmon in it, but there wasn't any dressing on the greens. Overall, quite a forgettable experience. The service was prompt and we got everything that we needed. Overall, come for an outdoor experience for drinks in the park but eat elsewhere.

Walisson A.

Great location. However, management needs to work on upgrading the service. I am sure the bartenders do a great job during the happy hours, but they need to add more staff. Waiting for a long period of time to be served is unacceptable!

Matt D.

You definitely pay for the view and the ambiance. Went on a wonderful day, perfect weather , and only a few minute wait. So far so good, ordered a margarita and white sangria. Both drinks were great, food took quite awhile to come out and waitress seemed overwhelmed. Another negative is the bathrooms are public to the park, which comes with the 50 person long line. Fish tacos were decent, fries were very good, and Caesar salad with grilled salmon was very dry and biggest negative of the meal. Overall a good experience, the location, drinks, and beautiful environment carry the rest of the experience.

Tom L.

This restaurant is your typical American place but a little bit fancier. I ordered the filet mignon medium rare and it came out perfect. Tasted great. The seafood grill looked delicious also (so I was told by the table next to us). The lemon chicken was very tender and tasty. The mussels were excellent but I did get one bad mussel. Crab cake was full of crab meat. Also ordered a bottle of the burgundy pinot noir 2010. That was a little light but did it's job. Overall I would recommend this for taking someone from out of town. I don't think it's a romantic restaurant. The staff was very nice and talkative. Came to check how we're doing a few times. There is really no view of the park from inside if you have more than 2 people since the tables next tot eh windows only seats 2. You have to sit outside if you want a view. Tip: they have a service person in the restrooms. So you might want to bring a dollar or two with you. I usually go twice in one sitting so I give like $1 the second time. The first time I don't give just to see how he treats you if you don't give anything. If he treats me nice, I'll give the second time.

Steve S.

I agree with other reviews, aside from the location this place is terrible. I cam here Saturday 12/27 for lunch I live in the neighborhood and know better but my mom was in town and we wanted something close to my apartment before seeing a movie. I figured, "What the hell. Let's go to Bryant Park Grill" full knowing it is a tourist trap. Pros: Location Cons: The hosts were completely clueless. The one short guy with the pleated pants (don't even get me started on pleated pants) asked us to go to the adjacent room to speak to THOSE hosts to be seated. Odd, but OK. The hosts in the tented room (3 of them) were also clueless. It took all three to seat a guy in front of us (party of 1). It was quite funny watching these 3 girls fumble around the computer and menus. Hopeless. We were then told if we wanted to sit inside, we had to go BACK to the pleated pants guy host station. Well, we went BACK there and told them to pretty much "seat us now". Done. Phew. Our waitress was a girl with messy black hair and she looked completely hungover. I'm not sorry to criticize her appearance. If I'm spending my hard earned money at an establishment like this I expect the presentation to be at least decent. I'm not expecting anything extravagant, but girl, take a shower before you come to work. Gross. This girl looked like she had been out all night. She couldn't even break a smile. Not surprising, we wouldn't see her after she took our order. We had to flag a bus boy when we wanted another glass of wine. The busboys also brough over our meal and didn't even bother to clear our other dishes. Who trained these people?! My ravioli came lukewarm. It was cold halfway into the meal. My mom enjoyed her fish and chips but seriously, around 24+ for fish and chips? Yikes, it looked like a pretty sad plate. Summary: Poor service. Clueless and dirty looking staff. Overpriced bland food Do yourself a favor, walk by or just have a drink here if you simply must be in Bryant Park. Don't waste your time.

Kara H.

Great food and a great environment. Its a great place to go with someone new to new york. The food is always good and the menu has a lot of variety. Great reliable lunch place.

Stephen B.

Excellent food, huge appetizers. Wonderful view of Bryant Park in the evening. Large outdoor dining area, sit and relax under the stars. Watch a movie broadcast in the park! Killer drinks!

Tim P.

I would actually give this place 2 if it wasn't located in Bryant Park. I feel like the place relies on its locale and doesn't focus enough on the quality of service or menu. Our waitress was disinterested in us and made absolutely no effort to be pleasant. In addition, it took about 15 minutes for someone to come by with water. As far as the food, I am not picky on this front: I thought the food was decent. We had a burratta and tomato appetizer which I thought was really good. I had some mushroom stuffed chicken dish that I thought was ok but would not order it again--if I ever go back that is. Doubt I'll be back for food. The bartender made a great gin martini which is important to me.

Christopher L.

I recently hosted a Christmas family dinner here. I was very pleased with the whole process. The reservation for the party was easy the, person I spoke to,was accommodating. The waiter Richard, was on point, food and service where we'll synchronized. The food was on par, everyone seemed to enjoy there meals. So all added up to very pleasant dinner.

Tyler L.

I wanted to hate Bryant Park Grill. I didn't. Did I love it? No. Did it beat my expectations? Yes. Am I ready to stop talking to myself? Yes. The dinner menu is actually quite palatable and I found I could have actually ordered several things off both the apps and entree menu. The food was good overall and wasn't terribly priced (I had the Sea Bass). The space is kind of airy and it offers zero coziness...the decor is blah. That said, looking out those huge windows onto Bryant Park is kind of humbling and you remember that you are lucky to even have these experiences. Like I said, I didn't hate this place. Overall, while the location is awesome, the BPG lacks character or a story that draws you in. The food is fine, but I don't think I would go back if it was my money.

Katie H.

This was my first time eating here, on a client lunch (I was the client!) and I was really impressed. I've heard about and obviously walked by the Bryant Park Grill a million times, but had never been in. The restaurant itself is beautiful - surrounded by windows in the main dining room and just as pretty on the enclosed terrace. I started with the seasonal soup - a spicy potato and roasted garlic soup with a middle eastern taste. My colleagues both had the burrata which they were thrilled with. I did the kale salad as my entree, with fresh and dried figs, shaved parmesan and pecans. Delicious! The menu had a ton of options that sounded really, really good. I look forward to going back again soon!

Patrick G.

Went here for dinner and was very happy with the food, service and over all experience. We had a party of 10 and with the amount of food and drinks we ordered everything came out extremely fast. We got almost all the appetizers. The mini tuna tacos, lamb, mozzarella and crab cakes were very very tasty. The best appetizer we got though was the calamari, it might have been some of the best I've ever had. Great seasoning and the perfect amount of crispiness to them. I ordered the fish and chips for dinner and I liked it a lot, couple pieces of huge fish along with a ton of fries I would recommend it for sure. Along with liking my food, everyone in my party really enjoyed the meal too. Great service and food, would recommend and come back again.

Mandy L.

the food is ok, but the Rosé - taste Horrible for the price (I am very experienced in Rosé ) The reason we got turn off by this place is when we are having outside dining the waiters who cleanup table kept pouring the water on the floor that hit our leg and shoes... He apologized only after we were staring at him right after. also those water is the leftover from the glasses on the customer's table, it can be a lot of germs inside.. quite disgusting.. if we didn't look at him, he just didn't pay any attention to realize what he did is rude. Then after the dinner he was doing the same thing again pouring the water around us.. Thank god it is not expensive shoes but still.. no one wants to get wet at the dinner. this type of service is quite odd.. I would recommend ppl who wear inexpensive shoes and outfits or dresses . i personally don't think i would return to this restaurant ever even for a free meal!

Darwaysh D.

Food was Ok. Place is nice in the summer but the food menu arrangment is lame. I went for their brunch special. It's a Prix Fixe (PF) menu and the items on their PF menu are not on their regular menu. Big deal? Whatever dude! You can't get any item, on their PF menu, you feel like trying on their regular menu at all... Again, SOOOOO, if you want to order an omelettte, and Oh I don't know try their French Toast (because you are a fatty or just a regular person who likes some desert) - even though you are willing to pay extra... NOPE...... you need to pay for another Prix Fixe serving (basically another $25+) or GO TO HELL. Yeah - #SketchyDeal.

George D.

Met a buddy of mine whom I hadn't seen in quite a while for lunch here. It was a beautiful summer day, so I wanted a place outside to lounge and take my time catching up with him. He was hanging out at the New York Public library, and this spot caught my eye as I was walking to meet him. There are a couple other nice spots on the periphery of the park, but I believe this establishment is the oldest. The view is obviously very choice for the area. The service is as attentive as you'd expect from a restaurant on the park. The food is missable, even when you're eating it. Location is the draw here.

Richard C.

This was a good meal and reasonably priced. We had the salmon and chicken pillard. Both were really good. Prices where reasonably, but we also stayed with lower priced meals. The rest of the menu was typical NY prices.

Jen L.

I had lunch here once and was trying to do a healthier option. I saw that they had a quinoa salad, and frankly, knowing the taste of quinoa and my dislike of salads in general, I wasn't expecting much. However, when I had the salad, I was refreshingly surprised how good it was! I really enjoyed my meal and if it wasn't so expensive, I would go back more often for lunches.

Abbey H.

We dined here during our stay in New York - you can reserve a table online if this is convenient for you. The service was nice and the food was delicious - we appetizers and entrees but couldn't fit in dessert. The chilli shrimp pasta is amazing! We did have a mix up with our order, my partner ordered the mushroom ravioli (which he said was nice but not amazing) but instead was bought a chicken dish. We then had to wait a little while until his correct meal was bought to the table (while my dish sat on the table getting a bit cold). The waiter apologized but nothing else was offered for the mistake so we were slightly disappointed. Overall a nice meal, not cheap but he food was nice so worth the extra $.

Anita H.

I reserved Bryant Park Grill for brunch and the ambiance was wonderful! We were seated right away and had the option to dine inside or outside. As a whole, the food was delicious! We honestly had no complaints. I highly recommend the brunch menu!

Angie F.

Perfect place for four ladies to lunch in midtown Manhattan! The outside area is enclosed in a clear tent so the view of the park is so pretty from any seat. The menu has a large selection of appetizers and entrees and the apps are big enough if you want to have a light lunch. We all ended up with the same thing. We got the crabcake with greens --it was really tasty. We also got tomato soup which was ok. In addition, Bryant Park has their holiday market starting at the end of October. This made the lunch even more fun as we spent some time afterward shopping the various vendor booths.

Steph C.

Beautiful restaurant right in Bryant Park among the decorations, holiday shops and skating rink. Went here for a company holiday party. I've always wanted to go to this restaurant but it always seemed very $$$. It looks like one of those places you take friends from out-of-town to impress them. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the service was impeccable. All of the waitstaff were very friendly and polite. We had a stunning array of appetizers that seemed Asian-themed - sushi rolls, beef and lamb skewers, seared tuna, shrimp cocktail, spring rolls, etc. The food was very good. The dinner entrees were less impressive - salads, pasta, chicken and fish dishes, some potato dish. Mainly a restaurant to go to for the ambiance, but it is a wonderful ambiance. It's a treat to be here during the holidays.

Kerri O.

There are so many things wrong with bryant park grill i dont even know where to start. One star is already too much for them. I came here today for christmas dinner with my husband and the whole experience was soo bad that I couldnt wait to get the hell out of the restaurant and to write this review. Yep thats how bad it was.. When we first arrived, the hostess asked us if we would like to sit in the "holiday room", i wasnt even aware of this room until she mentioned it and seeing it looked really nice, i said sure. Then another lady came and was suppose to take us to the table, but instead she kept asking for our last name (4 times she asked), finally she took us to the main dining room, so i said i thought we are going to sit in the holiday room but she said there is no table available and if you want to sit there you have to wait. Fine, but mind you they were the one asked us if we wanted to sit there first. Regarding the service, we had the worst waiter I have ever met in my entire life. I believe his name is Michael. Our whole 2 hours in the restaurant he did not come to ask us once if everything was ok. He actually walked past our table numerous time but he did not stop by once, i ordered a drink which I really hate; my steak knife was soo dull i couldn even cut my duck breast, but because our server never stop by to our table I couldnt get any help at all. Even when he finally came to take our plate he still didnt even ask us how was our meal. He did not once give us any eye contact. Because it is christmas we reluctantly left him a 15% tip when he deserved none. Food was mediocre at best, lobster chowder had no lobster taste at all, duck breast was just ok, panna cotta tasted like pudding from supermarket. I left this restaurant feeling extremely angry, i am not a tourist I live in NYC and have been to many NYC restaurants and this is the absolutely worst experience ever for me, I would never step foot into this restaurant again and I wish I could go back time to before I dined here.

Doreen S.

We've been to Bryant Park Grill a few times and while we've never had a bad experience, this restaurant's claim to fame is their location. This latest visit we ate on the roof deck which also has a nice bar area,moerfedt for a warm day. The food is good, although nothing outstanding. A bit overpriced but that's what one might expect in midtown Manhattan. Worth a visit for the location alone.

Ray M.

This review is for the "outdoor eating/bar" area of the restaurant. I gave the establishment two stars simply based on the frozen margaritas!! They are $14 each but are pretty potent other than that the outdoor area needs improvement! The bartenders are not friendly and behave as though they are doing you a favor by taking your order. I went with two other coworkers and asked to have our checks separate and the bartender acted as though we asked him to solve a quantum physics problem! He didn't bother to give us menus; I had to ask for one and had to share it with my coworkers!! The busmen were way more friendly, prompt, and professional than the actual bartenders. I ordered a BLT which costs $14.50 and the bacon was not even hot! For that price I expect fresh bacon and some sort of side other than a mini watermelon slice!! I can honestly say that if I return it will just be for the frozen margarita. Tip to the owner: demote your "waiting to be discovered" bartenders and promote your bus staff!

Hayley P.

It was a muggy humid Friday evening in late spring. Restaurants and bars were packed but everyone was indoors enjoying a/c. But, we love eating outside when we can (don't get that chance too often in NJ Suburbia) so opted to sit in the outdoor seating area. My one complaint - which led to deducting a star - is that the two seater tables are always so cramped and tucked away. We would have preferred a table on the out skirts looking onto the park or the street but instead our table was in an odd place - almost under the back staircase of the library. However, the service was outstanding - our waiter was professional and friendly, and our water glasses constantly filled. The food was fantastic both in taste and presentation. I had one of the best pieces of fish I have ever tasted - sea bass. It was cooked to perfection. I wish we'd have had room for desserts they looked awesome too.

Rick N.

Great place for a happy hour post-work drink, especially now that the weather's getting nice. The rooftop has a beautiful view of the park, and while it can be crowded it's worth standing. The food is ok, but I would recommend this as a drinks and apps place rather than a dinner date place. Prices are hefty but what do you expect in midtown? Rooftop is worth it.

Laxmi A.

I stopped by for lunch on a weekday afternoon. Decent food - I had the salmon which was tasty but a tad too oily... The main draw of the restaurant is its location - along the periphery of Bryant park right next to the NY Public Library..

Dave H.

Star Rating 3 stars for location 1 star for outside seating -1 star for umbrella that fell in a gust of wind that should have killed someone but luckily didn't This restaurant is saved by its location overlooking Bryant Square Park. Behind the NY Public Library, if this restaurant didnt have the park vista or outside seating it would only be known to be overpriced. This is a go-to midtown business lunch spot. It's also nice to take out of town guests. Looking for a nice weekend lunch spot on a nice day? This is a great call. But it is expensive for what it is. Salads are dependable as is seafood.

Vanessa V.

This is a very beautiful place... the place and locatio were my favorite things about my evening in this restaurant. I was not happy with my food, I ordered the Asparagus and Pea Risotto and a salad... the risotto was not good, rather tasteless and the vegetables were not seasoned right... My friends were also not pleased with their entrees. What I was most disappointed about was that when I asked for Parmesan cheese they brought the Kraft type you buy in the supermarket, even in cheap restaurants you get the real thing!... not good. Then I ordered a latte and they brought some sort of a very thinned cafe au lait, which I didnt like either. We had the plate of cookies and that was good... but probably not made in house. The waiter was nice but not super attentive.

Rhoda B.

I liked. I'm a huge fan of the architecture. Had the duck. Sunny morning in the winter was the perfect time: it wasnt too busy. I'd go back to try other things. A bit pricey as tourist spots tend to be but, a great stop on your list of NYC destinations.

Jordan N.

We sat in a window seat and the view of the park and ice skating was so nice. The dinning room had a wonderful feel, the service was great, and the food even better. Really really enjoyed our time. Try the s'mores!

Alessandra F.

In spite of its lovely location, not a place where you want to come back. Our lunch started with a waiter breaking a bunch of plates near our table, without any apology for the flying porcelain pieces. It continued with a very careless and almost hostile service (we had to constantly ask for water to no avail), and finished with a very spicy meal in spite of our clear request to avoid spices for health reasons. A place to avoid.

Onelia E.

A joke at best. While offering one of the most gorgeous views of the park and cities off the terrace, the food is sadly stadium style junk. We ordered chips and salsa and guacamole- for $15, no less. The salsa and guacamole came in plastic to-go containers, salsa was def not fresh or made in house and the chips were tostitos variety. Then we got the potstickers. Still cold from the defrost. Not sure how places get away with food like this- maybe it's the view. Yes, that's gotta be it. 2 stars not 1 because the service wasn't awful.

Sean M.

For a New York restaurant to be out of staple items such as chicken, fish, apple pie and pasta on a Saturday night should have told us something. Food was mediocre at best. Two stars because the location is fantastic but otherwise I would avoid this place.

Caro L.

This review is in relation to the bar (the location is fantastic if you work in that area, that is the only reason I am giving 2 stars). BUT: Tip was added fraudulently to my bill - should I not be able to avoid going there again, I will pay cash.

Kelly O.

We had a family dinner here our first night in NYC. There was about 20 of us in our reservation. They put us at 2 circular tables, so we really weren't able to mingle within our group. The service was slow, but understandable for our party size. The food was good. They had the AC blasting in the beginning of April, so we froze the whole time. Overall, nice place & good food.

Chris P.

As everyone said, the view is beautiful. Bryant Park is my favorite park in NYC. The food is good but the prices are up there. $25 for 2 slices of (delicious) French toast, mixed berries, and an iced tea. It was absolutely delicious but you're paying for the location. Cocktails were $13 and up. Most of the lunch entrees were in the upper $20s and $30s. They have a brunch menu that's $25 for several brunch staples (pancakes, omelets, French toast) and coffee or tea. Add-ons like bacon, sausage or home fries are a jaw-dropping $6. Very happy that, at noon on a Sunday, they had a full lunch menu as well as brunch. Plenty of delicious-sounding options. Everyone in my party of 7 enjoyed their meal. Service was good and we had no wait (unexpected on a summer Sunday). On a beautiful day, or when you're hosting guests from out of town, this is a good option.

Jonathan T.

Expect NYC prices here! Not cheap or affordable. But if your looking for a good solid meal with a great location and good service then eat here! I ordered the duck confit baby kale salad and it was awesome!

Marisa P.

I am always grateful to restaurants that offer vegan options. The lentil soup was part of their lunch special. It was excellent. And the vegan quinoa tabbouleh from their regular menu was very flavorful. The winter roasted veggies included sweet potato, spaghetti squash, asparagus, mushrooms, and grilled lettuce. I had never had grilled lettuce before and it was great. Great lunch and atmosphere. We really really enjoyed it!

Rockstar S.

Tremendously overpriced for the lame food and completely disjointed menu...foods I wouldn't dare pair with one another. I settled on a pasta dish which I thought may do the trick for me as it may have included my fav artichokes but it had so many mismatched vegetables crammed into it I practically had to take it apart to eat, eating each ingredient separately. Such an unpalatable experience. Questionable waitstaff.

Tiffany F.

Good food.. Good service! Only wish there was more of a variety on the lunch menu....

Vanita K.

We had a family lunch (9 people including kids) here a few days after Christmas. It was easy to get a reservation surprisingly. When we arrived, we did have to wait 10 minutes for our table as the place was really crowded. There wasa long line at the restrooms which were surprisingly small given the size of the place.the restaurant is beautiful and though crowded, we were comfortable. The food choices were extensive as they had lunch and brunch available. The food was good and everyone enjoyed their meal. The monkfish in particular was excellent. It's not inexpensive but nice for a meal by the park which for winter has ice skating and holiday shopping and a tree. Much less crowded than Rockefeller Center. They don't have a kids menu but do offer kids pasta or chicken tenders. They have high chairs but no changing table in the ladies room. It was a great experience.

Joel C.

3 stars may seem harsh but I'm trying to avoid inflation. I enjoyed Bryant Park Grill primarily for the setting and the atmosphere, but not the food. We ate inside but the large windows still let you feel like your sitting in the park. The modern decor inside was lovely. The food, however, was just alright. Duck Breast is usually my bench mark for upscale non-steakhouse American restaurants because if they can cook the breast properly then they are on to something. However the duck breast here was just average. The fatty layer was not rendered properly leaving a chewy, slightly undercooked breast. The veggies and corn bread side were just alright. I tried my friend's fish and chips and they were pretty good. My wife's pasta was actually very good. The service was lack luster: Our server was obviously very busy (probably the fault of the hostess). Overall, I really wanted to like this place but was disappointed in the food.

Jon F.

We had Sunday brunch in the tent annex. The food was good. It was not outstanding. Prices were high but not outrageous for New York. The atmosphere is really cool. It has a great holiday feel. Great for a family. I'm had french toast which was quite good but not worth $26. You are definitely paying for the atmosphere. Service was understaffed and the meal took a lot longer as a result. We could have been done much sooner if the service had been on their game. Still, it was Sunday and nice to enjoy the time with the family. We called well ahead of time and were told they did not take reservations but were asked on arrival if we had a one. Not sure what is going on there but either make a reservation or get there early. We were in line when the doors opened and the place filled fast on a Sunday.

Jessica R.

Went for brunch on a Sunday. Beautiful decor inside of the restaurant. Colorful chairs. The waiters were very prompt and attentive and were constantly bringing us more coffee. The eggs Benedict were okay, nothing special but the sausage trio was very good. I would go back.

Ronni R.

Such a delicious meal and such a nice place I do recommend it I had the salmon so good

Aura B.

My first visit to New York and stumbled upon this restaurant. The atmosphere was not only wonderful, but my food was amazing. I was treated so well, from the minute I stepped through the front door until I left. My server Jonny was FANTASTIC! What a great guy. His recommendation for lunch was spot on and he spent extra time with me, helping me plan my walking tour for the day. I would highly recommend putting this on your list! They even have other restaurants!!! Can't wait to check them out too. :)

Petra H.

The food wasn't very good and it was definitely overpriced. However, the restaurant is beautiful, and you can't beat the location. Service was a little slow, but otherwise fine. Skip dinner there and just go for drinks at the bar--great bartender and a nice place to sit and have a cocktail.

Christine J.

had brunch here on a weekend with mom.. good food, good view of park. great for people watching.. i like the semi-outside area, where you're in a plastic tent, feeling like you're outside but in the comfort of air conditioning. lunching + coffee-ing = perfect spot.

Lindsay K.

I don't even want to give any stars to this place. Looks are definitely deceiving here. The restaurant looks really nice. We sat down and ordered our food. When we received our appetizer. Fried calamari, it was the smallest portion I had ever seen mind you a disgusting long thick black hair was included. The price was extremely expensive for such a small portion. But as soon as we saw the Nasty hair - we got up and left. Will never go or try this place ever again.

Karen M.

Came here with a friend after some shopping - it's a gorgeous place. Went for a late lunch, and it was such nice weather so it really showed off the park and everything really well. Our server was very friendly and nice. I loved my steak entree but I think the highlight of the meal was the potato sides.

Yuh-Line N.

came with a group of my favorite ladies and the boy. We shared a bunch of appetizers and ordered some fantastic entrees. The appetizers were all tasty. We ordered some ceviche tacos, mac n' cheese, kale salad, grilled apple salad, and also one of their entrees as an appetizer, the butternut squash risotto. The best was definitely the risotto, mac and cheese and their toasted apple salad. We were all going crazy about the salad. it tasted like fall and happiness. For our entrees, everyone ordered something different. The steak frites was so large that two of the ladies shared it and it still felt like a whole steak each. The kitchen and service were great since they brought them out split and plated already. Another friend of mine got the herbed chicken. she loved it and felt it was just the right amount of seasoning. My boyfriend got the duck which was perfectly done with an amazing glaze. I got the lamb which came with mashed potatoes and some veggies on the side. I enjoyed both dishes, like a true fat kid, of course. For dessert we shared a bananas for bananas. It was an amazing banana bread pudding with peanut butter ice cream. I can only say...yes to peanut butter ice cream. I must find some now. I never thought it would taste so good! Just sitting with a great view of the park and having a wonderful meal with some lovely people made the night unforgettable. We had a charming waiter and a delicious meal. All in all, win.

Whitney R.

Visiting from Australia for Christmas and New Year's Eve in New York and we decided to make a dinner reservation at Bryant Park Grill for our Christmas dinner. We found that the restaurant was beautifully decorated, the staff were friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. I had the pear salad for my entree, turkey and vegetables for dinner and chocolate mousse for dessert. It was about $85 per person but well worth the amount of food we got and the quality. Thankyou.

Somin Y.

3 stars for food / 3.5 stars for great view of Bryan Park and cozy ambience Yes, it's hard to find some brunch spot in midtown with nice outdoor seatings - there are quite number of good places in upper/lower manhattan but rare in Midtown, especially near Time Squares. Then, you should definitely check out this place. During this summer, I often invited my friends for Sunday brunch to Bryan Park Grill; I loved the outdoor seatings and great view of Bryant Park in the morning. Food is a bit pricey and not amazing but in decent quality. Service is always friendly. Wine, brunch cocktail, beer selection is also good. My favorite is smoked salmon; Mediterranean Frittata was also great and a large portion (you can actually share with your friend); Egg Benedict - nothing special. This place is quite spacious so rarely packed/busy. If you want to take your time enough to fully enjoy brunch with your friends, Bryant Park Grill is the one where you should try. I will defnitely come again on a sunny weekend morning!

Stephanie C.

Yes it's a NY landmark, and as all NY landmarks go, everything is overpriced, overhyped and just mediocre. Sounds like BPG. And it all started when I took a client for lunch here at 12:30, on a prime time Thursday. Even though I made the reservation on OPT ages ago, the receptionist said I was nowhere to be found. Thankfully they sat us down quickly because service knows how to turn tables fast. It is a beautiful restaurant, so thumbs up for decor. Our waiter was polite and blew through the specials... he didn't actually rush us but once we ordered, the food was out in mere minutes. I had the poached maine lobster salad (yes it comes de clawed!) over Israeli couscous, with avocado, endives and tomato. While the ingredients were all fresh, nothing was stellar. The best part was perhaps the cous cous which had a nicely flavored pesto sauce. The lobster, which warranted the near $30 price tag I'm sure. The plate itself was nicely presented but it was very hard to cut a hard ass lobster (though buttery, it was cold and hard) in a big bowl... a plate would have a bueno idea. My partner got the monkfish which looked better. Hot, and done in a nice orange-zesty Asian ish sauce. Came with a nice side of brown rice. I must say portions were just right- not too small, not too big. They gave us a standard bread basket - a mixture of wheat and white rolls. Meh. All in all, meh. Not worth returning but glad to have off my bucket list.

Lynn M.

We ate twice at Bryant Park Grill. One dinner of pork tenderloin and one lunch of Chicken Chopped Salad. Both meals were very tasty and perfectly prepared. The service was fine. It's a large restaurant. I would definitely recommend stopping by.

Noelle G.

Came here for lunch and even though it was packed, the service was still good. I got the burrata appetizer and it was amazing along with the steak frites which was also amazing. The desert was also amazing, a lot of choices.

Michele H.

The Morrocan lamb kebabs here were absurdly good. Juicy lamb cooked just enough, drizzled in honey and a chili pepper sauce. Get it with the fig, pecan, and shaved parmesan salad for an amazing lunch. Omelettes looked okay, but nothing special. My boyfriend loved his goat cheese ravioli. A bit stuffy, but the Grill makes up for it by being yards away from Bananagrams in the Park!

Brittany A.

Beautiful outdoor patio overlooking Bryant Park that is hard to resist on a sunny day. The food was just average - definitely not worth the high price tag, but it was edible. I will give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt that I didn't order the right items on the menu (the Cesar salad and pasta with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese). However, what makes me never want to come back here again is the service. HORRIBLE! We saw our waitress maybe once the entire time and when I am paying for an expensive meal, I expect good service to come along with it. Our iced teas were never filled up. Our pasta came out almost an hour later. When we asked one of the 3 hostesses to find our waitress for us she still never came out to refill our drinks. It it were not for the location and the beautiful restaurant's interior and outdoor patio, this place would never get business. As I quote a New Yorker, "That restaurant's service has been horrible for years". Step it up Bryant Park Grill.

Fyb F.

Bryant Park Grill is an overpriced tourist trap. I recently had lunch here with a friend and couldn't believe how mediocre it was. Her $30 entree looked completely unappetizing and tasted just as bad. It was obvious that the ingredients were not freshly made to order, which is especially gross when you're talking about fish. My Cobb salad was below average... I've had better at my local diner. The bill came to over $80 for lunch (two salads), no appetizers or cocktails, before tip. Seriously? Warning to tourists: If you're visiting the city, don't be a sucker. There are much better places to eat. I've been to this restaurant several times over the years and can't believe how much they've let themselves go.

Laura P.

Nice ambiance and food is good, but nothing special and outrageously overpriced. Waitress wasn't the nicest or very patient, either. Organic Quinoa, Grilled Endive and Wheat Berry Salad - avocado, red and green bell peppers, onions, roasted eggplant, and a serrano chili & tomato seed vinaigrette. This was a really good no lettuce "salad." Tons of veggies, good sized portion, great taste. The vinaigrette was thick and flavorful. Would get it again. Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Ravioli in a Plum Tomato Sauce - spinach, baby artichokes, roasted garlic cloves, fire roasted bell peppers, and pecorino romano. First, we wanted to sub broccoli for artichokes and the response was "we don't have broccoli." What? Of course you do. We had her check and sure enough they had broccoli and were able to substitute. We also got no peppers. Now, the taste of the ravioli was fine. Just fine. Nothing wrong with it. Nothing right with it. But here's the kicker. It was $25 for a lunch portion and NOT even homemade. They use a packaged pre-made ravioli from elsewhere and charge you $25 for a vegetarian cheese ravioli. What?! Some of the finest Italian restaurants in Manhattan serve fresh, homemade ravioli, deliciously flavored for way less than that. Even non-vegetarian ravilolis at those places are way less expensive. Are you kidding? That is kind of outrageous. There may be one or two top of the top Italian restaurants that have a ravioli for $25 or more, but very few and you can bet those would be homemade and delicious. Would not come back here ever again unless someone else insisted (or paid!).

Jessie L.

If this restaurant wasn't located in Bryant Park I would have given it one star. The food is mediocre and overpriced! I ordered that steak frites with a Stella for lunch. And my friends ordered sandwiches and Blue Moon. It was HOT HOT outside so I was looking forward to my COLD beer! It was not. It was "cool" at best. One of my friends orders came out wrong... which happens, I understand that. But if the order comes out wrong, it should be fixed with a sense of urgency. There was none. The waitress just brought out what was missing on a side dish after about 10 minutes. My meals was ok, it looked great as you can see in the photo, and the portion was plentiful, but there wasn't much flavor in the steak at all. The fries were the best part. So three lunch meals, three beers = $106. I love Bryant Park, so I had to give two stars.

Jannet H.

Place with nice views, tall glass, quality service. Food is above average I would say, bread is superb. It's a girls brunch out for us. Nice pick.

Ted S.

The food is great and the service is terrible. We waited a long time to get the wine ordered. We didn't like the wine and the waiter took the wine away. He said to give him a minute. He then went to another table. Finally he returned and told us their policy is not to take back wine unless it was corked and the manager is making an exception. You should not take the bottle away if that is your policy. Who knows what you did once you took it away. We waited a long time to order and to get out food. Our waiter never came by to see how we were doing. We received someone else's signed receipt. It was a mess.

Ang S.

The price tag seems to incorporate the beautiful outdoor setting and the direct view of Bryant Park, which is somewhat justifiable for a Friday lunch on a sunny day. The food was pretty standard, with lots of seafood options on the menu. Good portion and rich with butter in most fish dishes. Fried calamari was delicious, but I wish it didn't come out with half plate of salad on the side. The warm chocolate cake was mediocre. The service was decent and the hostess was accommodating when we asked to switch to a table in the sun.

R K.

As far as holiday parties go - we found Bryant Park Grill lacking. Under an enlarged "tent" (ambience be damned) the hors d'oeuvres were bland and boring with various entree's average at best. With no platform / stage it was difficult to see the guest speakers which resulted in continuous conversations though out the speeches. Positive Note: Great area with wonderful surrounding views of midtown Manhattan.

Gabby P.

Sunday Brunch review...no waiting at 11am which was nice. Sat outside on a gorgeous morning with a view of the park. Menu options were small but definitely enough choices...french toast, eggs benedict, etc. Portions were large...couldn't finish mine. Side of bacon was crispy and tasty. Brunch is $25 p/person which is def reasonable for what you get. It's a quiet, intimate setting in the park which is perfect for me. Service was very polite and on point...would def recommend it!

Paul G.

If you are in this neighborhood and need a restaurant, it is perfectly adequate. I find it expensive. Service is fast and efficient.

Lana S.

The food is ok, the service however is really bad. Was there a couple of weeks ago with my friend. We were so rushed. The waiter came what felt like every three minutes. We only ordered the main course. It appeared within a minute. It seemed like they had it ready and just warmed it up. And we got an attitude for not wanting to order a desert. The location and the outside sitting save this place. Would not go there again.

A. Dianne W.

The view is great, but the food is subpar, service was not very attentive, and prices are a bit extravagant for what it is.

Matthew W.

The service here was very good and the view of the park is great. The food was good but not great.

Sean R.

Food was good but pricey for what you get. Service was slow, even though it wasn't very crowded. I had the pancakes and they were quite tasty.

Mary D.

While visiting family in the US, we were treated to a Thanksgiving dinner at the Bryant Park Grill. It was a fixed-price 3-course menu, and all the options appealed to our group, so it was a tough decision. But 2 of us settled on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, while others decided on a seafood dish and duck. Everything was delicious. The wait staff were friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere was great - big high ceilings, windows all around, spacious but still cozy. It's a beautiful space overlooking the park.

Monica S.

I went with a friend for lunch. I ordered the vegan quinoa salad, he got the planko chicken sandwich. Within minutes of us ordering, our food was delivered. This means that our food was prepared way ahead of time. My quinoa was tasteless, and his chicken sandwich was dry. Considering it was about $20 a plate, I couldn't believe how bad it was. It was a massive waste of money, I will never go back.

Jerry M.

Bryant Park Grill, in some ways, represents a lot about what I dislike in a restaurant. A place where a nice and unique atmosphere is supposed to make up for mediocre food at high prices. However, Bryant Park Grill manages to serve great food in a very cool environment - the best of both worlds. I made my way in for lunch one afternoon and I was seated in the covered outdoor area with a clear ceiling. It was a nice change of pace. I ordered their equivalent of a chicken parm - "Panko Crusted Chicken Sandwich on Grilled Brioche roasted tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, market greens". I was not at all expecting what was placed before me. A very large plate consisting of two enormous panko crusted cutlets covered in a tomato sauce with a truly stunning orange color. There was plenty of melted mozzarella and two pieces of perfectly charred bread. In an attempt to avoid staining my shirt before heading back to work, I made the executive decision that this sandwich was, nay, had to be eaten with a fork and knife. The chicken was moist and the sauce was delicious. Everything worked together flawlessly, it was seriously one of the best chicken parm sandwiches I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Sure, the dining room felt a little stuffy and the service was average but I would happily return here in the future and order the exact same sandwich.

Franky A.

Excellent spot for business lunches. Great food with a beautiful view of NY's nicest park.

Irina K.

Very nice place, good good. A bit pricey though.

Leslie B.

The food was delicious and sitting outside and people watching was so fun this place was great. while a little on the expensive side, it was well worth it.

Rachel H.

The scenery here couldn't be better - lovely view of Bryant Park. We were staying nearby at the Andaz last week and weekend and wanted to grab dessert one evening. The hostess was incredibly rude, saying that we could come in if we wanted, but they were closing in 30 minutes, and they would have to rush us. As we considered it, she said she would recommend going to somewhere called "CRT" nearby instead so we wouldn't be rushed. We appreciated the suggestion, but thought it was strange the way she discouraged us from staying. My husband asked her what CRT was and where it was. She actually rolled her eyes and said "You know, CRT - it's just down the block". We left and pulled CRT up on Yelp and Google Maps, and there wasn't any CRT. It must have stood for something else. At any rate, a few days later we made it in for lunch. There was a different hostess but she was equally short with us. I heard her taking the same attitude with other guests who came in as well. We did have a nice lunch - the food was quite good and our server was very friendly and offered nice suggestions. The prices are quite good considering the location. We especially enjoyed the burrata and heirloom tomato salad and the crab cake.

Helen C.

UPDATE: after noticing that this restaurant responds to negative reviews on Tripadvisor I posted a review there as well. Not surprisingly, I received no responds which just affirms how racist this establishment is. Don't support racism by giving your hard earned money to people who believe they are superior to others because of the color of their skin.

Emily G.

Good for drinks; Not good for dinner I've always walked by this place thinking how much I'd like to go there... so we finally did. The atmosphere was just as beautiful as I imagined, but the food wasn't quite as good as I expected - especially for those prices. It definitely wasn't terrible, but nothing memorable. As far as going just for drinks, it's a great place to be. In the summer months you can sit outside and get a great view of the entire park, and in the winter you can walk outside strait into the Bryant Park Christmas Shoppes. I would recommend this place as somewhere to go strictly for atmosphere...especially around Christmas time... if you're not concerned about prices. (You also can't beat having the Bryant park shoppes right outside.)

Peter S.

One of the worst meals I've ever had (and i eat out for business a couple nights a week). The Steak Frites featured the toughest meat I've ever tried to masticate. We ordered medium rare, but received over-cooked, rubber-like meat. Could not chew through it. The fries were cold, oily and soggy. Really terrible. The spring rolls we ordered as appetizers were cold and soggy as well (they were supposed to be hot), and had clearly been sitting out for too long. The plate was thrown together in a very inelegant fashion, which was a precursor for the wretched main course to follow. The fish was rubbery and over-cooked, and lacked any distinctive flavor or highlights. The wait staff was feckless and inattentive. I've been going to Bryant Park Grill for some time now, and have detected a very noticeable decline in food quality (as if the place felt that location and decor was good enough to not bother with creating quality meals). Despite the lovely location, do not go to Bryant Park Grill if you desire edible food served by staff who care about your dining experience.

Will C.

Check out the Foursquare deal where if you take a picture of a bird in the park, you get a dessert on the house. You'll be surprised how hard it is to find a flying fowl in the heat of summer. I originally took a picture of a man's shirt which read "Birdman" but it'd take a minute too long to explain the concept to the waittress so me and my buddy went outside just in case. It took a few minutes before tiny birds landed in the bushes outside the restaurant--approaching with an iPhone turned out difficult as the birds shuttled away as you approach. Nonetheless, we got the free dessert. The lobster roll was also really decadent, but nothing to write home about. The other entrees looked just as good. And get desserts...its the cure for the stressed. Great for a business lunch and out-of-town visitors. Take pictures of birds as you wait if you don't have a reservation.

Gabby L.

Delicious and creative food in a lovely setting, moderately priced for Manhattan. Highly recommend both the baby kale salad and the butternut squash risotto.

Ameena D.

I've been coming to Bryant Park Grill for more than a decade and it remains a good standard. The Good: Pretty restaurant, great location, friendly servers. Menu is expansive and offers something for everyone. Love the complimentary bread, the quinoa, the mahi mahi, and the chicken. The Bad: While the food is good I do think that prices are a bit high, especially for the quantity one receives. The Bottom Line: This place won't blow you away but it's a good ambiance and a good meal. We'll definitely keep visiting Bryant Park Grill.

Cat D.

No complaints here, at all. I really liked the ambiance of the place. For the app, i had the Burrata Mozzarella & heirloom tomatoes, entree: grilled atlantic salmon filet and dessert: had the banana for bananas. I enjoyed every bite of my meal. Will be coming back for sure.

Li G.

Good Experience. Nice food and nice wine. The view was excellent at night.

D C.

Highly recommended. Came with some co-workers and everything we had was delicious. The location and atmosphere cannot beat. Bar scene is fun after work.

Jason S.

Location, location, location; BPG is a great place to bring family or friends from out of town but that's where the fun ends. I'm all for a relaxing brunch, the servers are polite nice people but they are clearly overworked and everyone suffers for it at the expense of time. The food is average to good depending on what you order. The burrata app was very good on the other hand the only thing enjoyable about the steak frites was the frites. The steak was garbage to be polite.

Sophie F.

My company has hosted its intern farewell party here for as long as I've been there. For the past few years I've been in charge of handling this. Every year I get recommendations to try something new and every year I kindly say, "no dice". And I have my reasons: 1. This place is a block away from my job. Working with the folks I work with, proximity is key. One way I pitch this event is telling people that it's close enough for them to return to the office to do more work. Although it's rare for someone to return to work, the line works. 2. When trying to impress interns and convince them that NYC is where it's at, you have to do something that screams NYC. What's better than Bryant Park? An event overlooking Bryant Park. NYC with a fancy twist. Freaking score! 3. While a part of my job is technically "event planning", the events person at the venues do all the work. I pick the date, menu, booze, and pay for the whole shebang. The events person for BPG is truly amazing. She is responsive and takes care of the small details like setting up and making sure we have amazing wait staff. She tells me when the food should be set up and recommends good passed cocktails. Every hors d'oeuvres I ordered were passed in equally rotation. I hate when the good stuff is only passed once or twice. Not at this place. I always show up early to make sure everything is in order. Not a good use of my time since everything is always perfect here. 4. If there is a high probability of rain you can rent a tent (pricey but worth it). If chances are small or the rain is light, the gigantic umbrellas will do the job. And of course my contact was stalking the weather days before my event and kept me very updated. Can't wait for summer 2014 when I get a chance to repeat this event.

Debbie E.

Came here by myself on warm late summer evening. I did not have reservations and was quickly seated at a small outside table (note this is was still relatively early in the evening by New York standards and it did get more crowded later). Service was prompt and my food came out super fast and was piping hot. I had the pork chops with a side of asparagus, and a glass of Sauv Blanc. The pork chops were on the smaller side. The apple chutney was tasty. The asparagus were also on the smaller side, surprising since it was in season. The wine was a decent pour. Pork chops, asparagus, and a glass of wine was $51 before gratuity. Pricey, but I knew that going in.

Eleanor K.

I really like coming here for a relaxing lunch after walking down Fifth Avenue. The service is fine and I have never had to make a reservation for this place. The tables aren't scrunched together so you don't feel like you are packed in like sardines (like a lot of NYC restaurants) with tasteful decor. Best feature are that the windows are huge so you get a lot of natural light while dining, which is also unusual in the city. Recommend: -Daily Selection of Oysters -Charred Pork Chops (sweet potato puree with calvados apple chutney) -Steak Frites (tender grilled hanger steak, hand cut French fries, frisee salad) Serving sizes are pretty generous

Rick B.

Service was great. The staff was very friendly and did not rush. The view of Bryant Park from the outside seating area is great of you're seated closer to the park (they cover it during the cold months) or if toucan get a window seat inside. A little over priced but the food is high quality.

Christine C.

I love heading to the Bryant Park Grill for lunch. Central location, outdoor seating to people watch when the weather is nice, nice decor and huge glass windows to look outside if you're sitting indoors, quick service, and good food. I have been here at least a dozen times for lunch, and it hasn't disappointed us yet! If you find yourself here in the summer, do yourself a favor and get the gazpacho. I am totally obsessed with it. My friend and I tried to get the waitress to get us the recipe. I don't know if it's the avocado puree or the sherry vinaigrette, but something is addictive. Other dishes that I've sampled here: Cod cakes - Too fried for me. I thought they would be more of a crab cake texture, but these were deeply fried Crispy calamari - Standard but good Quinoa salad - This was good, but not great. Granted, I had just had the quinoa salad at Spring Street Natural the night before, so I think I was unfairly comparing the two Pork chops - I liked these a lot more than I expected. The dish is a bit on the sweeter side, and I usually don't like entrees that tend towards sweet. The portion is huge, and the sweet potatoes are divine Seasonal fish dishes - Fish is my go to and usually my favorite dishes here. These are seasonal, so I can't really point to something specific, but I have enjoyed the halibut, cod, and salmon in the past

Georgina L.

I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS ISN'T A DIRECT REVIEW FOR THE BRYANT PARK GRILL. this review applies to the NEW YEARS EVE event held there for this past NYE (2014-2015). i have no other way of getting this review out to the public. i was told that the BPG rents the space out to some "other company" and they ran the NYE event. i have no idea what company that is. all i can tell you is that i bought the tickets through "CRAVE TICKETS", online. nearly all aspects of the event in which company "X" was responsible for pretty much sucked. food - not good, bar - they couldn't even make a french martini and had only one type of red wine and one type of white wine. music - misleading, they played a decent mix in the beginning but then it became nothing but techno, club music. they advised people to get there early to avoid a long line but they wouldn't let us in, not even into a waiting area. many people stood out in the cold for a minimum 30 minutes. the worst part of the event was the restroom situation. they set up a couple port o johns for the men near the coat check (btw that was $5 per coat) and there was a ladies restroom downstairs (two or three stalls). i should have taken pictures of the lines. they were insane. the men in our group waited on line for about 50 minutes. with that said, most can imagine how long the ladies had to wait. the place was not prepared for this nor was it probably abiding by code. sooo many people complained. my sister being one of them. she was above and beyond upset and desperate for the bathroom. finally someone escorted her to the employee bathroom. nonetheless, too many people suffered. i actually STOPPED DRINKING because i didn't want to wait on line for the ladies room. that was just wrong. my husband went outside and thankfully wasn't arrested. i was among a group of six and we will NEVER go back. we know how to have a good time though and we had a blast despite the pitiful, major shortcomings of the event. finally, my husband overheard someone say that "they didn't take care of this from last year"....sounds like they had the same problem(s) in the past. my advice is if they have the event next year, find out if its a new company running it and ask about the bathroom planning! thankfully, we don't have to worry about selecting a place for next year...AUSTRALIA/Sydney here we come!

Jennifer L.

It's one of those iconic places located in and near other iconic landmarks with it being situated in Bryant Park and right behind the famous New York Public Library. I wanted to try this establishment since it is iconic but I just never got a chance to until until I had a work lunch. Lunch is usually really packed so be sure to make reservations or get there early. We sat on the rooftop with a nice view of Bryant Park and buildings overwhelming us from above. We ordered a bunch of salads and sandwiches for lunch. The food was standard- the salads were good and sandwiches nicely made. I think you could easily opted for a more economical version at the Wichcraft in Bryant Park, but for the view and atmosphere, Bryant Park Grill is nice.

Derek A.

A bustling, lively atmosphere that can look quite striking on a beautiful sunny day in New York, Bryant Park Grill is a garden-like setting in Mid-Town that serves a wide range of classic dishes. The food is good if unimpressive - you go there for the atmosphere and to network, not necessarily for the food, but you probably won't leave unsatisfied either. I tried the New England Clam chowder (yes, I know, I'm from New England and had white chowder in New York) and it was good. Not great, but good. Next came the "panko breaded chicken breast with roasted tomato sauce and melted buffalo mozzarella on a ciabatta roll" or as it is less eloquently called, "chicken parm sandwich." Again, quite good, but hey, it is still a chicken parm sandwich. Not worth going here if you're looking for an amazing meal, but worth going if you're looking for a good meal with a nice atmosphere on a nice day.

Amanda P.

We started with the fried calamari. The flavor was good but some pieces were chewy. For dinner I got the quesadilla and it was so oily I needed to eat it with a fork and knife. My husband got the pulled pork sandwich and it was so greasy he had to take off the bottom bun! Staff wasn't very friendly either. And while we were eating a piece of bark fell off a tree and landed on my head. Probably won't come back.

Albert L.

So even having been by Bryant Park many times, didn't know this place existed. Well, now I do. Tucked off to the side of the park and behind the library, this grill is actually really nice. The main area is dark but well-lit and definitely caters to the business crowd. They also have an additional dining "pop-up" area if you'd like to enjoy more of a garden experience. This is where my group sat for dinner. There was lots of space, maybe only 1/3 full, on a Friday night. Our server was really nice and accommodating, and she was happy to banter. Apps came out quickly. The calamari was nice and crisp on the outside, with a soft (not chewy) squid on the inside. The heirloom tomato and burrata dish was also fresh. The mains came out timely as well, and they were great. I got the persimmon salad, which had a nice balance of veg, fruit, and oil. Nothing overwhelmed each other on the plate. My friends liked their pasta, chicken, and steak dishes as well. We finished up and chatted up for a while after our check was all sorted out, and the staff had no qualms about that. If you ever find yourself in the area on a quiet night, drop by the grill for a relaxing evening in the park.

Alyssa S.

Beautiful venue for brunch. I was fortunate to score an outdoor table on a sunny spring day. Perfect atmosphere for brunch, although quite pricey. Brunch entrees were $25 for moderate portion sizes and a coffee or tea. Everything we tried was very good, but not fantastic. The ambiance was more memorable than the food. Still a good option for an outdoor brunch and they take reservations, unlike most other brunch places in the city. I am glad I tried it once, but I probably won't return, at least not in the near future.

Tara K.

This is a very well known restaurant, located in Bryant Park behind the New York Public LIbrary. It is gorgeous location, especially if you sit outside. Our party of four spent about 4 hours here on a Friday night. Reservations were easy to make. The food is 4-5 star quality. We had about 4 appetizers ( Yay for the calamari and cheese plate nay for the caesar salad). The entrees were all delicious, even though I often eat vegan, their vegan option did not sound that appetizing so I went for the mushroom vegetable ravioli, which was very good but not out of this world. Service was good but often, they seemed a little overwhelmed as this is quite a popular spot.

Adam Y.

A great look inside and out. The facade is all vines which I love, so I decided to try a lunch salad and I was very impressed. Try the poached Maine salad and Israeli couscous salad. I was loving it! I will be back for that dish when I'm in the Bryant park area.

Christopher R.

Sigh, if only the food were as great as the location. The restaurant is located on the edge of Bryant Park (if the name was any hint) and our table was in a shady corner away from the street. This offered us great views of the park while keeping us out of the direct sun. It was quite nice. Unfortunately the food was just alright. For appetizers we shared shrimp cocktail, lamb tacos, burrata, and calamari. I would try another of their 15 or so appetizers before I went back to any of those. My lobster roll was atypical in a bad way. Not sure why they strayed from the traditional models (you know, essentially butter or mayo based lobster salad on a buttered hot dog bun) but they did and did so poorly. This was basically a lobster tail in two pieces on a too-big baguette with a lot of mayo, red peppers, and capers...tons of capers. It came with a pretty lazy side salad. Steer clear of this one. In summary, either come here and order anything but what I ordered or just get drinks and hang out.

Bret A.

Walk around Bryant Park and enjoy the scenery and then take an outdoor table at the Bryant Park Grill. There is indoor dining as well, but the patio seating is great for people watching in nice weather.The library and park have ongoing events at the park providing entertainment as well. The fresh bread is crusty and fresh along with the cheeseboard. The entrees were interesting and excellent. All items had good sized portions. The server was interesting, helpful and excellent! This was a great outdoor dining experience in the heart of New York City and my favorite of the trip! Will definitely go back!!

Erum R.

Definitely enjoy this place, especially during summer/spring/fall. I've come here numerous times for either an after work drink or for a full fledged meal. The outdoor seating area is very nice and pleasant and looking out onto the park is beautiful. It's a busy part of Midtown but at Bryant Park Grill you can enjoy an outdoor setting without too much noise and some great service. The outdoor menu is very good and has your traditional bar food, but definitely of better quality. You can get your typical calamari or fries but it will taste a million times better than the various Irish pubs down the street. I came here once for lunch and was very pleased with the food. Their Goat Cheese Ravioli is amazing and melts in your mouth. I've heard the filet mignon is also very good. My aunt once ordered it and since it was about 12 oz they offered to serve her just half of it and wrap the other half up to take home, which they did beautifully. Not bad service! Once vice: my mom and aunt waited a good 15-20 minutes for someone to finally come over and take their order. This appears to be an ongoing issue at Bryant Park Grill based on other reviews I've read on their Yelp page. They don't typically tend to be very busy, so I don't understand the reason behind this. If you're dining in it's definitely a good spot to get a little dressed up, but also fine to have a quick lunch midday while running around the city. Presentation of food is also beautiful. I love the open, garden feel of this restaurant and plan on visiting for years to come.

Jimena V.

I really like this place. Location is great, the server was very friendly and attentive. The food was great too! Can't complain; will definitely go back again but during the summer time because I just love sitting outside =)

Rebecca L.

Beautiful view with outdoor seating in the sunshine and a delectable menu makes this a favourite spot. Be sure to get in early or make a reservation. Staff are attentive and helpful. Portions ere on the smaller size so plan for 2 courses.

K L.

Went for lunch with a group of 6 so we had a variety of meals. The food was ok, nothing spectacular but the atmosphere is perfect for summer or warm days. Love the views and general look and feel of the place.

Jen R.

I came here with 2 friends to grab an evening cocktail. When you come here you're really coming for the space. The upstairs outside is a really nice relaxing place to grab a drink and enjoy the view of the park, if you choose to sit at the tables. If you want a little more action, you can hang out over by the bar, where all the suits and young professionals congregate. I think the prices are fair, but I'm also used to New York prices. You're paying for the venue more or less. The breadsticks they keep on the table are a nice alternative to regular bread and they aren't stingy if you ask them to bring you more. We also split some small plates: the toast with tomato and mozz, offered on the terrace. It was just ok, nothing special.

John S.

Came here for our fancy honeymoon dinner during the trip and coulnd't be happier. Upscale without being over the top, friendly and attentive service, and stunning menu items. Delicious meals and it's right in Bryant Park (behind the Library) so after you are done (or before) you can stroll around the neighbourhood and enjoy the location.

Jeremy D.

We got married here four years ago, so for that reason we give it 5 stars. One of the pretty spots to eat and drink in NYC. The restaurant is stand alone in Bryant Park. Food is good but you go for the ambiance and people watching....oh, and the weddings. Recommend

Eric L.

Sat in the bar area, good service, good people watching. Wish I ordered something, but just there for a drink. Could be good tho!

Daisy C.

My husband and I like to meet here after work for dinner and drinks during the spring or fall when its nice to sit outside. We never have issues getting a table and the service is always good. The food is delicious and the drinks are nice. Try to sit outdoors around sunset time, truly pleasant.

Lindsey B.

The only saving grace is that the place is gorgeous and amazing location - otherwise definitely a tourist attraction and the food is sub par (even for brunch). Given the food quality it is weirdly pricey.

Joanna S.

Great location in a beautiful park, right next to the Library. The food is great. Really recommend the Nicoise Salad. The upside down Lemon Merenge dessert was to die for. Nice servers, too. Rather noisy, but that's to be expected. Weather permitting, sitting outside is recommended.

Allen T.

We ate appetizers and one entree, the monkfish. Food was 4 stars. I had to leave off the service and the recommended dessert (lemon lemone Limoni) which was all around a big let down. Atmosphere on Christmas Eve was nice and recommended bit make sure you are set up for the holiday room.

Donal O.

Good ambiance when you eat outside. Can't speak to inside. Good service. House Cabernet is good. Wings good. Quesadillas not great.

Danny S.

Dined here for the holidays and it was lovely. A beautiful restaurant in Bryant Park next to the ice skating rink. The food was wonderful and the service was outstanding. I loved the fish and chips!

Tanya G.

Had a great time here yesterday when we came with the kids after skating. Food was excellent as was the service. They knew that kids shouldn't be kept waiting so they brought the food to us right away. I would definitely come back again.

Wendy L.

This review is for a private party that I held on the rooftop of Bryant Park Grill. I have nothing but RAVE reviews when it comes to planning an event here. The staff are delightful, the team so accomodating, and the food and drink were perfect. We worked with Kristi Ohlin, catering sales manager. Hands down, she is the easiest, most accommodating, and most professional event planner I have had the pleasure of working with. Food - great selection, great tasting, and very helpful in making sure we had enough selection for kids and vegetarians. I wouldn't rate their food at the top of my list for restaurants, but for private parties, they have a great selection of appetizers, and it's all quite good on a catering level. Staff - lovely, professional, great ratio, plenty of staff and bars to keep everyone with a drink in their hand for the whole event. We also really appreciated that someone put together a plate of food for us to eat since we didn't seem to make it to any of the food tables of waiters walking around - so we got to enjoy the food ourselves, even at our own party! Location - if you haven't been to NY, Bryant Park Grill is an excellent location. On one hand, it's central in the city, walking distance to Broadway and the Theater District for people who want to see a Broadway Show. On the other hand, it's quaint, relatively quiet, and stunningly beautiful. The location is at one end of the park, and the rooftop overlooks all the greenery of the park. It definitely feels more calm and relaxing than most places in the city. If you're looking for a private party, think no further than Bryant Park Grill. Especially in warm weather when you can enjoy views from the rooftop and a bit of summer breeze!

Tanisha C.

I went to Bryant Park Grill on a Tuesday evening for dinner with coworkers. Reservations were made within a few hours of dinner without issue. There was a mix of casual diners and the after-work crowd. I had the Free Range Austrian Lamb Chops and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fairly priced at $38. I had an Elderflower based cocktail and it was quite tasty. Service was attentive and did not warrant any substantive complaints nor praise. We chatted for a while after our check arrived and did not feel the least bit rushed.

Alexa L.

Came here for dinner before a night out and it simply fell flat. When you're visiting NYC and dining out in Midtown, you expect it to be superior if you're paying about $30 per entree. I ordered the ravioli al pomodoro - just a simple pasta dish, and my friend ordered the pork chop. The ravioli tasted like something I could've made at home with dried pasta and canned tomato sauce. It was utterly disappointing. The pork wasn't as bad, from what I remember. But still, very forgettable. Just another pork chop dish. The one thing going for this restaurant is the atmosphere. The location is sublime: the restaurant's entire west wall is made of glass, so you can overlook all of Bryant Park and the beautiful skyline of Midtown. It was gorgeous. The interior of the restaurant itself is also very well decorated, and it just screams swanky. Along with a glass of wine, the check came out to be ~$70 before gratuity, and so I left Bryant Park with an unhappy tummy and an equally unhappy wallet. At least I got to enjoy a nice view as I forced down the sub par food.

Stephanie L.

When my friend suggesting meeting at Bryant Park Grill, I have to confess I was a bit skeptical. I wrongfully assumed that any place directly in the park would be an overpriced tourist trap complete with poor quality food only buffered by a stellar location. Thankfully, the food wasn't nearly as banal and bland as I had imagined it would be (I'll admit, I can be a bit snobby), nor were the prices that outlandish for a city where everything tends to be a bit higher. Yes, it is right on the park and it may be a bit touristy. However, the decor is elegant, warm and inviting. They have an outdoor seating area that would be lovely in the warmer months, but luckily for us in the winter, they enclose inside a giant clear tent so you don't freeze. Even the standard utilitarian tent though was accented with a lovely display of holiday cheer, lights, ornaments and even a giant tree! From the moment we sat down we were greeted with impeccable service. They were helpful and catered to our needs, without being overbearing. Each of my friends had different dietary needs (one couldn't eat dairy and another didn't eat meat), but they were more than accommodating. They checked the amount of cream in the White Bean Vegetable Soup, which came with aged vermont cheddar cheese and green onion puree garnish, and were able to make it feasible for the non-dairy friend. The bread we received wasn't the best I'd ever had (room temp. and soft insides), but it wasn't horrible. I did kind of have an issue with the frozen butter though. I know it's cold out, but it's impossible to spread when it's a mini ice block. As for the entrees themselves, they did seem to offer a fair range of choices, with a bit of something for everyone. The Vegan Organic Quinoa salad, was filled with colors and flavor, albeit, the quinoa was a bit on the dry side. The cuttlefish special had a full bowl of tasty slivers of cuttlefish, and the sauce added a nice punch. It came with "sushi rice" which ended up being far less gummy and dry than I had expected, and if you took a bite of each together it was good. Not amazing, but decent. My friend also said that her Steamed Atlantic Salmon Filet (with braised spaghetti squash, griddle potato herb cake, pinot noir butter sauce) was very fresh and tender. Apart from the atmosphere, which can't be beat, they do attempt some flavorful combinations, even if it does fall just a touch short in execution at times. While foodies might be a bit disappointed, it is better than your average chain. Coupled with our wonderful service I wouldn't rule it out, and there is something for even the pickiest of eaters if you're there with a group.

Jennifer S.

What you pay for here is the setting - you're in the middle of Bryant Park basically on a nice summer evening. That's what you're REALLY paying for, which is fine. The food is good enough and the drinks are well priced. I've been here a number or times - more recently a couple of weeks ago and had a salad that I actually really enjoyed. Can't remember the name, but it wasn't your regular full of lettuce salad. I recommend this spot for tourists or anyone looking to be outdoors in a part while having a decent meal.

Matthew L.

My Grandmother hadn't been to NYC to see the tree in over 30 years so I decided to take her, my handicap uncle and GF to do so and out to dinner on Christmas Eve this year. While looking for a restaurant, I wanted something between Penn Station where I parked and 50th. It needed to be on the quieter side with not too modern of a menu. After searching for a day or two I made reservations for Bryant Park Grill about three weeks prior to the day for 6:45, we arrived timely and were seated right away in the outside enclosure which was nicely decorated for the occasion. What a great little place visually, you have the park with all the shops, ice-skating and its own tree and then the architecturally beautiful library to which the restaurant is attached to. We received menus and there was not a huge selection. This worried me because of the finickiness of who I was with but we were all able to find something we wanted. Plates selected were the monk fish, pasta with broccoli rabe and homemade raviolis. Our water was very attentive and food was served quickly. The plates were not too small but not over-sized at all, what you should expect at a higher end restaurant. For the next 20 minutes none of us spoke, the food was really outstanding. Not one of the four of us had a complaint about our meal and every dish was completely clean by the end of dinner, what else could you ask for. After we were finished it did take our waiter a while to get the check and some coffee but it was pretty busy and I didn't hold it against him. I would rather wait for a bill then for my food any day. It was a great start to what turned out to be one of my favorite Christmas Eves. I would like to go back there for lunch in the warm weather, the lunch menu looked just as good and really interested me.

Stephanie Y.

Sadly enough this place was a 3 star meal, I might even say a 2 star meal. However, it is one of the more beautiful restaurants I have been to. Tucked inside Bryant Park, in an ivy covered, statuesque, brick building with an outdoor space (great for summer time) and a covered area with heat lamps, this place is almost dream like in its ambiance and decor. But, the meal stops short there. I was underwhelmed by almost everything that I was served. Lets start with the bread. The various rolls were not warm and fresh but, rather as if they had been from the lunch prior or might I dare even say the night prior. The butter was quite frozen. Now, on a side note, I'm typically not a snob when it comes to this type of stuff but, this place is fanchy shmancy so, they will be held to that level of accountability. My Caesar Salad to start was tasty but small, though that is to be expected. I then ordered the Fish and Chips (I was a little hungover the night before and thought this would be a perfect remedy, call me crazy). The chips were not good. How can you eff up fries? Talk to the cooks at Bryant Park Grill. They were cold, flavorless and and soggyesque. The 2 large pieces of battered fish were good but again not much flavor. No seasoning. None, zilch, nada. My bf ordered the lamp chops; they were delicious, I'll give it up. My bf's mom ordered one of the pasta dishes (so unmemorable I can't tell you which one), and she enjoyed it but, I on the other hand related it to mush all combined together. My bf's dad ordered the filet and used the words "It's quite tough" to describe it. I would potentially come here for just lunch and drinks to take in the beauty of this place but, I have to say I won't be coming back for the food. *** I did not pay and that is why this rating is at a 3 star If I had to have paid for this expensive bill, rating would definitely have been lowered.***

Maureen B.

Go here for the atmosphere. I had dreams of Project Runway & Design Star dancing in my mind - and needed to eat at the legendary Bryant Park. We went during December, so were treated to the ice skaters and a holiday chill. Plus Carson Kressley strolled through - and there is nothing like a star sighting to keep you slightly excited. So the atmosphere is A+ (shoulder to shoulder crowded... but very festive). For the eats: They have a nice menu of pricey salads, starters & desserts. I couldn't resist the Lobster roll, which is my all time fave sammy. It didn't disappoint, with enough giant clumps of the crustacean to satisfy the $20.00+ price tag. It was fresh with lots of flavor, and light on the mayo. I don't eat bread (gluten free I am) and was still full. We took advantage of the foursquare promo & showed a pic of a bird. The waiters didn't really know what to look for, and I uploaded a pic of my finger (naughty me) but still got the code & a free lemon meringue pie that was TO DIE FOR. Call or open table in advance - as you won't get in here on a walk in.

Suanne L.

Bryant Park Grill is a casual business lunch establishment with an unbeatable location, generous portions, and knowledgeable service. The menu is eclectic, with Morroccan lamb tacos, New England clam chowder, to seared salmon. Overall I'd categorize it as "New American." The diversity of the menu makes it difficult to choose a favorite, but I will say that the menu has more seafood and fish options than most. The lunch menu favors sandwiches and salads, but has fairly creative appetizers. Service is better than average, the food quality is average for the price point, and people watching is above average. While the Bryant Park Grill is too expensive and time consuming for my "Times Sq Lunch Lady" list ( yelp.com/list/times-squa… ), it scores well as a more casual and filling business lunch, especially in the summer with the outdoor seating.

Laura Y.

Lunch'ed here a week or so ago. Food is classic "business lunch" and is pretty good. Nothing is 'knock your socks off'- good, but the service is very reliable, the menu is flexibile so that anyone in your party can find something that makes them happy. Easy spot to grab a business lunch if you're in the area. Key tip: Better to make a reservation as this place can get busy during peak lunch hours.

Laura Kate S.

Drinks & nibbles with the husband's work group. Friendly service, and tasty food. Nice!

Nicole M.

We started off with the hibiscus drinks, which were very yummy and creative. Appetizers and food were both delicious. No one in our ten person party had anything but positive comments regarding the food. Only reason I didn't give them the last star is due to the service. Our waiter was very nice, but it took quite a while for him to even take our drink order. Once he took it we waited another 20 mins to get the drinks. This continued all night. It was obvious that the waiter was extremely overwhelmed.

Courtney S.

Bryant Park Grill was an excellent experience. The food was great, our waitress was lovely and the holiday room was beautiful. It's a nice restaurant with great ambiance. You can't beat walking around the winter shops, watching the skaters and then finishing the night with a lovely dinner.

Janet C.

To be fair, it was a gorgeous day and the place was packed. We were told there was a 15 minute wait, but there was really no way for them to find us at the outside bar, which was weird. So, we decided to eat lunch at the bar. Not easy to get a bartender, but he did ok once we had his attention...he seemed a bit stressed out. Had prosecco and ceviche for an app, which was fresh and delicious. I had a hangar steak salad. The arugula was nice and fresh, the hangar steak was tasty and well cooked...BUT...the presentation was ugly. Lumps of meat next to the salad. At the prices you charge, you can spend a few seconds on nice presentation, for God's sake. Fortunately, the bartender kept our glasses full of prosecco, so we got over the sad presentation of our main dish. The atmosphere was fun, the pour was healthy, the food was tasty. The prices are a tad steep and the presentation was lacking. C'mon, up your game...if your plates had looked better, I would have been fine with the high tab.

Judith B.

WoW, has this place deteriorated! The service was horrible. The food was pre-made and brought out 2 minutes after we ordered. My avocado was brown from sitting out. The bus boy kept trying to take my dish even though I was obviously still eating. If you are looking for freshly made food this is not the place for you.

Ryan F.

The Bryant Park Grill provides nice views of the park while you're eating, and their upstairs (and abbreviated) cafe menu ranges from small plates, to sandwiches, to large plates. I ordered up a trio of fish tacos, each served with a bead of sour cream and guacamole down the middle and had two additional salsas for dipping. I also sampled their Mediterranean platter (provided pita bread should come toasted/grilled) and Memphis pulled pork (which in my opinion was the best of all three). Portions were a tad small but that was expected as we peeked around at other patrons' orders. Service was friendly and speedy - we were in an out in less than 30 minutes, perfect timing to catch an afternoon train out to LI. I'd definitely like to return and have another go at their indoor lunch and dinner menus, as both looked exhaustive.

Arseny R.

Location is good, but I just cannot put the finger on the food. It is just not upto par for a place like this :-(

Melanie D.

don't go here for brunch on a weekend, you will regret it...unless you have anorexia. you're welcome. awful service..everything took forever, our waitress didn't smile, her misery ruined my already awful food even more...had to ask for ketchup atleast 3 times, and she just dropped it on our table finally...does she work for tips? stale bread. a $24 brunch per person for a plate of crap.. I got the scrambled eggs and sausage, it was gross. The goat cheese avocado omelette my boyfriend got wasn't any better either... it's like a zoo-kids crying and running everywhere. such a shame, looks like a beautiful place and it's in a great location but I wouldn't recommend going there for anything but a drink during the summer

Jessica P.

The best grilled salmon dish I ever had. Perfectly cooked and very delicious. We were visiting NY so this restaurant was perfect and very close to Times square. The appetizer were very good too and will definitely go back to try some more dishes when we visit next.

S M.

I've been here several times in the past with no issues but had to report on a recent occurrence. Joining a business colleague for lunch, I arrived first and was rudely told that I could not be seated because my colleague had not arrived. Was not offered a seat at the bar or even a place to stand and was refused the chance to check my coat before "our whole party was assembled". Huh? When my colleague arrived, he gave his name and we were taken to a table and seated. We were served our drinks and bread and were enjoying those when the rude hostess came over and demanded to know the name of the reservation. My colleague gave his name and she said she had misunderstood the name and that the table we were sitting at really belonged to someone else (with a similar sounding name)... We would have to move. So, with no assistance we picked up our drinks and napkins and followed her across the crowded restaurant. Halfway across the hostess stopped and said, "oh, there's no table over here either, you'll have to go back". She said this with obvious irritation as if we were the ones who had made the mistake. We turned around and sashayed back to the first table, getting stares from all the other diners who must have thought we were nuts. After again seating ourselves, we were confronted angrily by the waiter who said "this is a table for four, not two" as if we had any choice in the table selection. The hostess said she would comp us dessert to make up for our inconvenience. Well, we were not really interested in dessert which turned out to be a good thing as neither it nor coffee were ever offered. We finally flagged down the check and left. Bizarre. NB, food was OK, it always is, but it is much too expensive to have this kind of a service experience.

Rob C.

Full disclosure...I have not eaten here and cannot speak to the kitchen but my wife and I are HUGE fans of Bryant Park over the Xmas holiday and after browsing the shops in the park, we will pop in to warm up and chat over a cocktail. The bar is small but quaint...kind of a euro feel. White marble counter top, high rattan stools and polished brass beer taps. A recommendation from the current menu is the Ginger Snap Martini. Soooo good. To be clear...the bar is small (seating for 8 at the counter perhaps) so don't be surprised if you have to stand for a bit before you sit.

Magic D.

My date and I came here for a Saturday brunch. I thought it was very cute. Great settings; you have Bryant Park to one side, the library on one, and the walkway or a view of the street on another. I thought it was kind of romantic. Very quiet. Great service; very attentive but not annoyingly so--she was also very cute ;). The food itself was satisfying. Nothing mind-blowing, but it was yummy and light. Not very filling so I would recommend somewhere else if you're hoping for bigger portions, but if you just want something light and cute for a date or for a business meeting, this would be perfect.

Christina H.

what we ate- crispy calamari, country salad, lobster roll came here for a business lunch, as most people do, in late december. love the atmosphere of the holiday market outside and inside was bustling as well so make sure to have a reservation. we ordered the 3 things above to split plus a glass of wine each since it was a business lunch and almost the holidays, why not. the crispy calamari was nice and a decent portion size. the country salad was pretty tiny and not worth ordering again unless you are on a major diet and want something really small and not filling for lunch. and the lobster roll was really tasty but also by far the most expensive thing we ordered. not something i would do often, but i did enjoy my half. a good spot to take someone for a semi-casual business lunch.

Bryan W.

Beautiful location, but you get location for free if you just sit in the Bryant Park. Food is well prepared expense account fare.

Ruth Z.

Very good, very chic and particularly good food with a Japanese air, though our waiter told us the Chef is youngish and American! First off, I liked the wait staff and hostess because they were not all 20 somethings. (THe Hostess said I and my dining companion were 'cute as a bug in a rug...." and we are over 50.....). Anyhow the major problem is the NOISE, so if you are hard of hearing don't go before l or even 2 is better. It is difficult to get a table and why bother if you want to hear...Be that as it said, the food was first rate--and though it is Expensive (even by NYC standards) it was fresh and tasty and there were plenty of vegetarian opportunities. The dessert was fabulous and it might be just going for the dessert would be enough to experience the restaurant etc...

N R.

I work close by so me and my hubby walked in for a quick lunch one afternoon and boy were we surprised!! The Litchi Margarita is a MUST-HAVE!! They are pretty darn strong. Considering that they are expensive, you do get your alcohol's worth for the money. Food measures up well too. Their italian fare (pastas etc) are good and my better half was extremely happy with his Lemon Chicken dish as well. The only reason I give them 3 stars is because they try to shoo you off quickly so if you're planning to bask in the after-glow of the food, you'll be disappointed. For a quick out of office lunch with friends, I'd recommend this place although be prepared to shell out considerably more than your regular fare.

Brian C.

I came here for brunch with friends and the reservation helped us get seated immediately. Our servers were kind and the options were varied. I had the pancakes which was probably the smallest portion of food for the $24 brunch special price. Others had better and more quantity of food for the price. The ambiance was wonderful but the food was overall overpriced. I could have gotten something of similar quality for about half the price somewhere else.

John A.

Nice place with great view of the park

Julia P.

Really nice open air cafe in the park. But I would rate it a $$$$, not a $$$.

Joanna C.

I love Bryant Park, and Bryant Park Grill is probably one of the best ways to enjoy it. It can get pricey, but it's a great place for drinks after work or a long lunch (long because it's pretty crowded and it can take a while to get your food). The Crispy Calamari appetizer is delicious and you can't go wrong with pairing any of the salads with a rose wine. I wouldn't recommend getting anything heavy here (one of my colleagues ordered steak and was disappointed), but go for appetizers and lighter fare on a warm sunny day outside.

Sandy S.

This place has really nice views of Bryant Park. A couple friends and I went here for drinks and appetizers after work on a weekday. When we got there around 5pm, there were tables available and places to sit by the bar. However, by 5:30pm or 6pm, this place was packed...people were standing around everywhere...so I would definitely recommend getting there early if possible. The appetizers were very good...we tried a bunch of them and no one complained at all. The drinks however are extremely strong..so be prepared to leave a little tipsy after a couple of them. Overall for the location, and the rooftop aspect, the price wasn't bad. I would recommend and go again...maybe next time I'll even try the restaurant.

Nick K.

Pros: - Proximity to Bryan Park (well, duh) - Cool atmosphere (especially if sitting outside) - A good lunch spot for those who work in the area Cons: - Very slow service - Mediocre burger and fries - Slightly overpriced for what it is - Difficult to get outside seating during summer months Verdict: The Bryan Park Grill banks on its location and that's about it. You could easily buy a sandwich at Cafe Charlie's and eat at a table in the park instead. However, it is a good summer spot for a light lunch and drink, preferably paid for by business associates.

Mark M.

Firstly, this is the place to go when the office is picking up the tab. Otherwise - you might be paying off your meal for a longgg time. However, I love it and you will too. - Exceptional menu...impossible to choose - The duck is OMG so good - The lamb chops are exceptional - Make sure to listen to the specials because they'll probably include something like fried risotto cakes - A great wine list - but really lacking in the area of wines-by-the-glass - A pristine interior that gives you that true New York feeling...and there is little better view of of NY's greatest gems: Bryant Park - The service is best-in-class - Very little choice for vegetarians but that's not something I'm complaining about Yum Yum Yummmmy

Diana B.

Went here with my mom and some of her friends today for brunch. i realized that it would be expensive for lunch, and while i enjoyed the ambiance and the bread basket to start our meal, i thought the food was below average and not of good value. i had banana pancakes for brunch with bourbon sauce and bananas and fruit compote. it sounded better than it was. it came out remarkably fast yet was luke warm. these were not 19 dollar pancakes! they were really small and i can make better pancakes than that. my man got a avocado and goat cheese avocado. he said it was not made with love. it lacked salt and i tasted it too and felt it was bland. thumbs down!

Kiesha R.

This is a great place for ample outdoor seating - not such a great place for smooth and efficient service, however. It's pretty slow, they miss basic touches like refilling your water, you tell them you need a couple minutes with the menu and they give you 20 minutes...you get the idea. But it's well-meaning, if that helps. The menu features a variety of options. I had the halibut with green pea risotto, which was pretty good though not very sophisticated tasting, if that makes sense. The description made it sound more complex than the flavors actually ended up being. Maybe it was the bit about lobster foam... It's not cheap, but about what I'd expect for a place like this. If you're primarily looking for a place in Bryant Park, well, bingo. And if you're looking for lots of outdoor tables, also bingo. Fine food? There are better spots. Great drinks? Also better spots. But passable.

Pamela S.

Actually, to correct a reviewer below, the Sat/Sun brunch is not a $15 prix fixe: it is $15 per entree, and that $15 does not include coffee, tea, a bloody mary, dessert, or anything other than that entree. That being said, $15 isn't bad for a dish considering it's midtown, there are white tablecloths, you'll have decent service and food, and it's a nice setting in Bryant Park. I had the smoked salmon scramble, which is oddly not on the brunch menu but on the regular lunch menu. It came with a good amount of salmon, an attractive tower of nicely scrambled eggs, salmon roe (yum!), asparagus spears which were good but cold (not sure if that was intentional) and some toasted pieces of brioche. I enjoyed my dish, and thought the bread basket was also a nice touch (good cornbread)! I wasn't too impressed by the busboy (not our main waiter) whose first guess of where to place each order was completely wrong (it felt very amateurish), but other than that we had good service. I would come here again for a family brunch (as I did today), but I wouldn't drag a friend here because I was craving their food. It's a solid bet for a semi-fancy brunch.

Max R.

Brunch this past Sunday. Not touristy at all. At least that particular day. One entrée (shared) 2x mimosas and a bellini will set you back $60. Good thing my date paid!

Michael K.

Bryant Park Grill is a respectable lunch and dinner destination in, surprise, Bryant Park. The space is large and open, lit naturally during the day thanks to a wall of windows overlooking the park. Tacky bird paintings rim the opposite wall. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the arrangement: the white tablecloths and spattering of tables across the floor reminded me of a cafeteria hall/factory wedding reception. To their credit, the food was very good. I enjoyed a salmon dish and also had a bite of steak, both of which were well-cooked and flavorful. While this is not a "must visit" restaurant, its excellent location sets it apart. If you're in the area and have the cash to spend, drop in.

D'brickashaw Z.

Meh, not great. Service could have been better. Food was just okay. Given the variety NYC offers, try somewhere else.

Vanni P.

Alright, first off you have to understand that this place is smack in the epicenter of Midtown. This implies that it will be FAST - people come here to grab a really hurried bite over lunch time and then rush back to work. BUT that doesn't mean it's not good food & service. I had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash & bourbon apple sauce, and my 2 companions had the vegan quinoa salad - both were incredibly tender and tasty and yummy, with a really big kudo going out to the articulate dressings which made the plates as subtly yummy as they were. Service was attentive and very polite (albeit fast), and the setting in Bryant park is quite lovely, if you ask me.

Sean G.

After a terrible brunch at TSQ in Times Square :-( We took our visiting guests to Bryant Park for a proper brunch over looking the beautiful park.... Food: 4.5 stars The meal was 4 stars. The French Toast was so delicious with a mascarpone mousse... knocks it outta the park. The egg's benedict were well done too. I added the Grilled Chicken on a Brioche Torpedo which was a great sandwich. The extra 0.5 stars of the brunch came from the bread basket. Holy cow, the bread basket is an unbelievable mix of breads and pastries. Great touch. Service: 4.5 stars Service was prompt and very considerate of our requests and needs. Top notch. Location: 4.5 stars The outdoor patio overlooks Bryant Park, and on a sunny morning, this is a great spot to chill out and have a great meal. Ambiance: 4.0 stars You can't beat having brunch in Bryant Park. Its such a fantastic park in such a high end area of Manhattan. Price: 3.5 stars Depending on how much alcohol you decide to have at brunch, expect to pay $20-30 per person. Overall: 4.5 stars The service, food, and location of Bryant Park Grill are excellent. I would highly recommend going out here for a great meal if you would like to visit Bryant Park. Not quite a 5 star experience but definitely a great dining experience.

Brittanie M.

I came here one rainy weekday evening for dinner with my boyfriend. Upon walking in we were immediately seated by the window and even though the weather was dreary, the view of the park was beautiful. All in all we had a good experience there. The service was a bit lacking, but the food was good. We started with the Spring Leg of Lamb Sliders which were the highlight of our meal. For my entree I ordered the goat cheese ravioli and boyfriend order the lemon rosemary chicken. My dish was good. Boyfriend said his was decent, but not great. He agreed that what I ordered was delicious as well. For dessert we ordered the Belgian chocolate cake and sorbet. The cake was yummy, but I was not a fan of the sorbet. Overall good, not great food but would visit again.

K G.

Had an incredibly mediocre birthday lunch here with my mom. I had called ahead and mentioned that it was a special occasion and was told we'd be sat somewhere nice. We instead shoved into a small corner in the back. The hostesses were disinterested and unfriendly, the food was-so-so, and the service overall didn't live up to the high-end landmark status. I emailed management to let them know about my disappointing experience, in hopes that they'd take the constructive criticism to heart, and never heard back. This place doesn't seem to care about customer service or repeat business. Won't be going back - plenty of much better places in the area.

Bill B.

If you're into a touch of NYC dining, it's, fun, loud and cosmopolitan. The food is above average.

Matt P.

Great location to have brunch/lunch. Food was good, drinks were really good. They could step it up a little bit with service/quality, nothing "blew me away".

Franny A.

If you are going to have a bangin' sounding burger on the brunch menu, then bloody well serve it. Probably the best thing cooked up in this park is no longer served at the Grill the waitress informed me after I ordered. Not happy as this was the only lunch item on the brunch menu, the waitress was snotty when I said jokingly that they should restore the item. Best part of brunch here are the homemadish blueberry muffins, carrot bread and Dickensons preserves. My friend's main ordered was banana pancakes with fruit which was passable. Now for my forced order of scrambled, homemade(?) sausage and yukon gold potatoes. Ugghhhhhhhh. Sort of a deconstructed dish, where I imagined a scramble. The dish featured a hard inedible sausage, eggs that were formed in a ramekin(lacking any flavor) and potatoes that were semi cold and semi hard. Nice touristy people watching.

KeithnKate B.

I wish I went there on a better day. Of course when I go, it is a monsoon outside. I can see what people mean when they say that the location and décor are the selling points. The restaurant rests at the foot of the park on one of my favorite streets in NYC. Instead of hooky touristy things when I have visitors I take them to this area to see Bryant Park, NY Public Library, the Rock....now I have a place to go for drinks or to eat. Even though we didn't get to sit outside, I still enjoyed my visit. Dining makes you feel like you are in a park....a really hip park. The food. We didn't order appetizers because we were doing a little pre lunch boozing. I ordered off the specials and had a fish that I never had before. It was called Sea Bream. It was a cross between trout, bass and maybe even bronzini. It was served grilled over mango, jicama and maybe even pepper. It was great! The server was right on point and knew the menu/specials. Came over when he was supposed to and I always had a full glass. I am trying to be more scarce with my high star reviews, but I have to say that this deserved a solid 4. Maybe even a 4.25. That takes into account better than average food, great atmosphere and sick location. I didn't pay but everything seemed to be priced typical for a NYC restaurant. $25-$30 per entrée. Since this was a busines lunch, my better half didnt come...which was good because i can see myself going back there on a date night!!!

Jillian C.

The location is beautiful. The food was okay but not phenomenal. The fried calamari was good. I got sea bass as my meal and it was cooked well but was very bland. The service was good. I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I will probably eventually go back just for the awesome location and I would like to give the food another try.

Marie B.

5 star company, 2 star everything else. (But since Yelp is not a review of one's company, onto Bryant Park Grill...) Where to begin... Everything started out fine. We were seated at a wonderful table near the window with a great view of the park. The waiter took our drink and dinner order. Immediately, bread was placed on our table. Next came our crab cakes and shrimp appetizer. The crab cakes were fine, a little heavy on the breading, but nothing to fuss over. So far, so good. Our entrees came; we both ordered the lamb. WOW what a mis-leading menu description. I would never have thought that 'lamb-shank reduction' meant a shredded meat mess plopped onto our chops. I could not finish the plate, which makes me sad because lamb is usually so good!! Further, the waiter gave us a butter knife to eat them with. WTF?! Too funny. The dessert was mediocre, nothing spectacular. Thank goodness my company was a lot of fun!

Nelson L.

Had a lunch here with a couple of clients this week, and had my second sub-par experience here in as many visits. I think what you're really paying for is the view and location. It is indeed one of the best backdrops in NYC to dine. Bryant park is teeming with activity and the upstairs deck is beautifully. Outside of that, there's not much to like here. The seating is very crowd and the menu, while seemingly upscale, is just very basic burgers/sandwiches and salads. They dress it up with fancy descriptions, but each time I've been here, I don't feel like the food is much better than your typical greasy spoon, except on an expensive plate and with a couple toothpicks thrown in it. Not the worst food, but for what you're paying, it a lot flash with little substance.

Carlos N.

Good service. Horrible food. When we got there, the place was friday-night full and I was concerned that service would be slow. I shouldn't have been. Service was prompt but the food was *very* bad. We asked for Pasta (strozapretti) for the kids, it was bad enough that they didn't even come close to finishing it. We had a salad with warm squid which, though mediocre, was the best thing we ordered. Special of the day: Hamachi ceviche. The fact that it had watermelon was only one of the many faults of this horrible dish. For a main course: Steak (figured it'd be hard to go wrong), but lo and behold. It was dry, tough, saltless, and had an aftertaste of some type of lighter fuel. We sent it back. The waiter, who was very prompt, didn't even ask why we were returning our entree. Go here for drinks, the location is BEAUTIFUL and service prompt, but save your hunger for somewhere else (there are hot dog stands across the street).

Hank C.

Well, the internal ambiance of the cooled main dining room enclosed was quite quiet during the hot, sunny summer day. People seemed to like the dining experience on the open patio instead. A nice bar, with a very cool computer background of a moving plant (in the "wind"). Aside from that, the food was pretty decent, actually, albeit expensive. The scallop salad is a must-try; the radish, marinated cucumbers, and scallops are done quite well. The pork chops done medium well are a bit too dry - I recommend trying them medium instead. The boy choy side was barely cooked.. I suppose some people like it that way? And the sweet potato fries were... well, fries. Greasy and mildly tasteless. Aside from that, the wine selection is so-so, but they have a decent set of servers. Worth the price? Probably not, I'd just go to the café next door if I had another option.

Samantha M.

2 Starts Only because the ambiance is appealing to me. SUNDAY BRUNCH left me feeling RUSHED and RIPPED OFF. 19 dollars for a 3 egg omelet with goat cheese and avocado, sloppily presented on a plate, honestly it could have been in a diner. The waiter was unprofessional and called us all "Sweetie" constantly we are 25 years old, where do you get the nerve? Isn't this supposed to be a nice restaurant? and NOT a diner? When seated, we were told the kitchen would be closing in 10 minutes. Bloody Mary's were mediocre and we were never brought the requested horseradish we wanted So, if you are looking for crappy diner style food and service in the heart of Bryant park, with remarkably high prices and attitude, come here. Actually, this is akin to eating in a times square restaurant... I should have known better. DO NOT Recommend.

Jacob Y.

It's Christmas time in NYC, and Bryant Park is one of my favorite spot during the season for many reasons (and no, it does not include ice skating there). So with a friend visiting this past week for Thanksgiving, we headed to 5th Avenue on Black Friday (stupid right?), and worked up an appetite, so we decided to grab a quick bite and drink at the Grill at Bryant Park. When we got there, given the cooler weather, we were surprised to find terrace open. When we got upstairs, they covered the terrace with tents and heaters, so it was not hard to choose this location instead of the crowded dining room downstairs. Ambiance-wise, you can't beat the holiday decor inside and at the park. Now, the challenge was to pick what I wanted to drink. The first thing that caught my eyes was the lychee tini. Yup...if you have read any of my other posts, I will consume as much lychee tini every chance I get. Alas, not this time. The waitress told me they were out of lychee tinis (and yes, I was thinking WTF, right?). BUT, she also did tell me that one of their drink specials was...an eggnog mixed with Captain Morgan. SCORE...Eggnog is a MUST for the holidays by my book, and Captain Morgan is my favorite rum. Yup, she made up for it quite well, and made me quite happy! Second challenge? Food. I was REALLY tempted to order the seared scallops. And I was THIS close. But instead, I opted for a fish tartar, served on fried taro root flakes, and topped with caviar. If I have not told yet, I am going to now. I am a HUGE fan of caviar. That with an order of oysters on the half shell...I was having a seafood kind of day! The verdict...My eggnog...outstanding. And trust me, it was LOADED. The fish tartar? Refreshing and so were the oysters. An absolutely great way to spend a joyous holiday afternoon!

Tyler D.

The food was good, but the view made our brunch.

Ngoc P.

I came here for a wedding but I think I can just about gather what the restaurant is capable of. I looked at the menu before I came to the wedding and saw that the prices were pretty steep. I honestly wouldn't come here on my own free will. Even the service was a bit rude. The food was a bit boring. They're trying to be imaginative but they're falling a bit flat. To start, we had a salad, I believe it was quinoa, mango, avocado, and corn. Good food leaves you wanting more, I was okay with 3 spoonfuls. And the plate was tacky too. Then, I had the filet mignon with fingerling potatoes with (I think) a Cabernet sauce. Well cooked steak, boring sauce. No depth at all. I also tried my friend's mahi glazed with soy and wasabi mashed potatoes. I didn't taste the wasabi at all, they might as well have been plain potatoes. Not a big fan of mahi either, it's a really boring flaky fish, it'd have been better if they just chilean sea bass. Before the reception, I had a few hors doeuvres (I lie, I had many) and they were pretty good. Their lobster roll filling is pretty good and so were their little mini burgers. Everything else was just a bit boring. However, the rooftop and front seating area was really nice. You get a cute view of Bryant Park and of some of the buildings in NY. I'd give this place another chance if the food had a bit more ... oomph.

Carol G.

Good food. Service was slow.

A S.

Went here with a group of 6 with low expectations (expecting average to bad service and food) - I'm not a big fan of restaurants in the heart of any tourist destination, in this case midtown manhattan. Despite 60 degree January NY weather, restaurants only about 1/2 full at 7:45 PM, we were seated quickly. Waiter not knowledgeable regarding wine or liquor selections - did not know brands of scotch carried? Really not believable when describing various meals either. Meals with fries but no ketchup (oh,since they were running out of ketchup they finally brought ketchup in cups the size of a small espresso cup), coffee with no sugar etc. Big minus 1 for wait staff. I had the duck and it was outstanding. Cooked perfectly, moist and the glazing not overpowering. A must have. One so-so filet mignon as it was the end of the strip, odd shaped and overcooked. Did not have dessert but the espresso was were brutally bad - tasted burnt and left bad after-taste. Prices reasonable, especially considering location. I'd call this a 3.5 and would return. I don't think it would be any better though the next time.

Ashley C.

Great ambiance (though a tad bit loud at times), wonderful view of the park, could accommodate 5 of us without a wait on a Monday night, great food. A tad pricey, but all of the previous made it a nice spot to take friends visiting from out of town.

Irene H.

I do. I do. I do love this place. I was married here about a month ago at BPG and how many can say that nothing went wrong during their wedding? Whether it be a loose button or a broken heel, something always goes wrong on your wedding day. Tom and Diana are great at what they do because when that SOMETHING went wrong, I had no clue. Yes, they are truly a restaurant, but they also manage a mean wedding when asked to. From directing our wedding party to cocktail hour to the setup of the restaurant, we could not ask for anything more. The food was incredible and the drinks were great as well. Just recently, someone mentioned how abundant and delicious the food was at my wedding. I like to hear that. It makes me smile, even if I didn't get to eat much of anything at my wedding.... at least everyone else was well fed. The waitstaff was amazing and so accomodating. After requesting my drink at the bar (sapphire and tonic), they must have relayed that to my waiter because there was constantly a new drink at my seat everytime I sat down. Now, that's what I call service. The look and feel of BPG was exactly what we wanted; airy and comfortable. It isnt' a wedding factory. It isn't your typical catering hall, but it was exactly what we wanted for our wedding and I can't rave about them enough.

Phil L.

I've been here twice now for business lunches. The place is always packed around peak hours as one would expect and the prices are pretty high. Entrees will fetch prices in the mid 20 to the mid 30 dollar range. It's got large glass windows for diners to look outside and enjoy views of Bryant park and crowds mingling outside. Unfortunately, whoever designed the building never took acoustics into account because it's like being in a stadium during the lunch hour, it gets incredibly loud. The food I've had here is always well executed, seasoned well, and the service is good. The food isn't spectacular where my inner fatty doesn't scream for more and that's further tempered by their high price of admission.

Harri S.

Had a lot of fun here until the check came. Came by for brunch, here's the rundown: THE GOOD: 1)Location. Tucked between the metropolitan Library and Bryant Park this place is picturesque and also a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of midtown. 2)Very attentive and knowledgable service. For instance, I needed butter it was there (whipped I might add), I asked what champagne they had for mimosas the server gave a list and defined each along with its interaction with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Kind of awesome, I know. 3) The food was really good. I think Sunday services, coupled with a shit-ton of walking enhanced this, but it was pretty delicious. I got the Classic Eggs Benedict ($15), my friend got the Grilled Calamari ($13). Also the afformentioned mimosas were REALLY good. 4) Bathrooms available and clean. THE BAD: 1)The price. While the food tasted good, the portions even though accompanied by bread were not enough (thanks in part to that shit-ton of walking). I really would have appreciated some bacon and sausage with my entree for free, instead of the extra six dollars. 2) This is kind of stupid, but the seating was awkward and the chairs were uncomfortable. The hostess would have been better off seating my friend and me closer to a window where 2 person seating was ample. 3)The ambience while the place is situated in a beautiful location, I couldn't help but feeling 20 somethings were not wanted. THE VERDICT: Ignore the stares, have yourself a meal, wash it down with your alcohol, use the restroom and get the hell out. If you are a tourist: this place is absolutely worth it. If you're looking for a satiating meal: find a better place. If you are a local: flip a coin.