Danny Meyer opened Gramercy Tavern in 1994 with an idea that would reshape how Americans think about restaurant warmth: that a serious kitchen and genuine generosity are not opposing forces. Michael Anthony, who has run the kitchen since 2006, sources from the Union Square Greenmarket with a devotion that borders on the spiritual — the seasonal tasting menu reads like a map of what grows within a hundred miles. The main room, with its floral arrangements and Arts and Crafts woodwork, feels like a country inn on 20th Street. The front tavern operates on walk-ins and serves some of the best bar food in the city.
Location
Gramercy, New York
Insider Intel
The seasonal tasting menu in the main dining room for the full Michael Anthony experience. In the tavern: the burger, market vegetable preparations, whatever the chalkboard features that day. The duck is a recurring masterpiece. Desserts are among the best in the city.
Reserve on Resy for the main dining room one to two weeks ahead. The tavern side accepts walk-ins — bar seating is first-come and well worth the wait. Lunch for a more relaxed pace at a friendlier price point.
42 E 20th Street, Gramercy. 23rd Street station (N, R, W, 6), four-minute walk. Reservations recommended for dining room — book on Resy. Tavern side is walk-in. Dining room tasting menu approximately 175 dollars, tavern dishes 18-36 dollars. Cards accepted. Danny Meyer's flagship since 1994 — Union Square Hospitality at its most complete.