Various Restaurants
Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern offers seasonal American cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere, with iconic burgers and cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Various Restaurants
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern offers seasonal American cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere, with iconic burgers and cocktails.
"A classic NYC institution with impeccable service and delicious seasonal dishes."
🎯 Book Ahead for Dining Room
Reservations for the Dining Room are essential and can be hard to snag. Use Notify for alerts!
🍔 Burger & Cookie Combo
Can't get into the Tavern? The Dining Room sometimes allows ordering the famous burger and cookie.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Tavern Burger
Tavern Area
A legendary burger that's a must-try for many, often cited as a top NYC dining experience.
Seasonal American Cuisine
Dining Room & Tavern
Experience modern, seasonal dishes crafted with fresh ingredients, showcasing the best of American flavors.
Craft Cocktails
Tavern Area
Renowned for expertly mixed drinks, often praised as some of the best in the city.
Decadent Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Tavern Area
A sweet finale that often steals the show, perfect with a glass of chocolate milk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key
Dining Room vs. Tavern
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Dining Room
Reservations for the Dining Room are essential and can be hard to snag. Use Notify for alerts!
🍔 Burger & Cookie Combo
Can't get into the Tavern? The Dining Room sometimes allows ordering the famous burger and cookie.
🍸 Top-Tier Cocktails
Don't miss the cocktails, even if you're in the Dining Room; they're considered some of the best.
🍪 The Cookie is a Must
Many rave about the chocolate chunk cookie, often calling it a highlight of the meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Dining Room
Reservations for the Dining Room are essential and can be hard to snag. Use Notify for alerts!
🍔 Burger & Cookie Combo
Can't get into the Tavern? The Dining Room sometimes allows ordering the famous burger and cookie.
🍸 Top-Tier Cocktails
Don't miss the cocktails, even if you're in the Dining Room; they're considered some of the best.
🍪 The Cookie is a Must
Many rave about the chocolate chunk cookie, often calling it a highlight of the meal.
📸 Lighting Challenges
Be prepared for dimmer lighting, which can make food photography a bit tricky.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gramercy Tavern consistently earns high marks for its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and creative, seasonal American cuisine. While the Dining Room offers a refined tasting menu experience and the Tavern boasts iconic dishes like its burger and cocktails, some diners find certain food items don't always meet the highest expectations for the price point. Despite minor food critiques, the overall experience is frequently described as wonderful and worth returning for.
"We had lunch at Gramercy Tavern on Sunday with a group of four, seated in the Tavern area rather than the formal dining room. The cocktails were a fantastic start—absolutely 5 out of 5. The staff was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming.
The flatbread was excellent, one of the highlights of the meal. But overall, I was hoping for a bit more from the rest of the food. We tried the burger, pork shoulder, swordfish, tomato salad, and liver mousse. While some dishes were fine, the burger and pork shoulder in particular were disappointing and just didn’t hit the mark. The salad and mousse also felt a little ordinary.
For a place with such a strong reputation—and at this price point—I expected the dishes to shine more. Still, the service and vibe were wonderful, which made the experience enjoyable overall.
If I had to rate it: 5 stars for service and ambiance, but about 3 stars for the food, so overall a solid 3 stars."
Karl Kwon
"The Dining Room is perfect for a date as it is less crowded and reservations are easier to come by. The service was impeccable, and they even let us order the famous burger and cookie from the Tarven's menu. If you want to try their famous burger but can't get a reservation for the Tarven, give their Dining Room a try! But just keep in mind that you are unlikely to be able to order anything else besides the burger and desserts from the Tarven's menu, as they try to keep the two restaurants separate. Overall, while we had a great dining experience there, the famous burger didn't live up to its hype. It's nice, but nothing special. The cookie , on the other hand, was a winner! The Hanger Steak was delicious, tender and juicy, a little on the sweeter side. The bread was also very good 😋."
Ming Ng
"I’ve been to Gramercy Tavern many times in the past, and it’s usually a wonderful experience. The dining area is always lovely, though this time I was seated in a less attractive section, which was a bit disappointing.
The course menu started strong — the starter was full of flavor and really enjoyable. Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t quite meet expectations. The pork loin was overcooked and dry, and I ended up switching to the sirloin steak, which also turned out to be quite chewy. It felt like the quality of the meat just wasn’t up to their usual standard.
That said, the overall experience was still great. The service was excellent and truly made up for the food missteps. I’ll definitely be back, but hoping for better luck with the mains next time."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gramercy Tavern is located at 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003. It's easily accessible by subway, with several lines nearby including the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6, L, F, and M trains. Walking from Union Square or Madison Square Park is also a pleasant option.
While Gramercy Tavern doesn't have its own parking, there are several parking garages in the vicinity. It's often recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services due to Manhattan's parking challenges.
The closest subway stations are 14th Street-Union Square (N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6, L) and 23rd Street (6 train). Both are a short walk from the restaurant.
Yes, Gramercy Tavern is generally accessible for wheelchairs. The Tavern area is on the ground floor and designed for ease of access. It's always a good idea to call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.
Walking from Times Square to Gramercy Tavern is possible but quite a distance (around 30-40 minutes). Taking the subway is a much quicker and more efficient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the Dining Room's tasting menu. The Tavern area is more casual and might have walk-in availability, but booking ahead is always best to guarantee a spot.
For the Dining Room, it's advisable to book several weeks, if not months, in advance, particularly for peak times or holidays. The Tavern might offer more flexibility, but booking a few days to a week ahead is still wise.
Gramercy Tavern has a smart casual dress code. While not overly formal, guests are encouraged to dress nicely. Avoid athletic wear or overly casual attire.
For the Dining Room, using reservation alert services like Notify can help you snag cancellations. For the Tavern, try visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays.
Gramercy Tavern typically serves lunch and dinner. The Dining Room usually opens for lunch around noon and dinner in the evening, while the Tavern may have slightly different hours. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gramercy Tavern is renowned for its seasonal American cuisine, its famous Tavern Burger, decadent chocolate chip cookie, and exceptional craft cocktails.
The Dining Room offers a prix-fixe tasting menu in a more formal setting, while the Tavern is more casual with an à la carte menu, known for its burger and cocktails.
Many diners find the Tavern Burger to be a top-tier NYC experience, though some reviews suggest it might not live up to extreme hype for everyone. It's still a highly recommended dish.
Besides the burger, popular dishes include the white bean soup, seasonal salads, various meat and fish entrees, and the famous chocolate chunk cookie for dessert. +2
Yes, Gramercy Tavern is known for accommodating dietary restrictions. They offer vegetarian options on their tasting menus and can often adapt dishes for vegan diners upon request. It's best to inform your server when booking or upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighting in Gramercy Tavern can be quite dim, especially in the Dining Room, which can make food photography challenging. Some visitors have noted this as a drawback for capturing clear, bright images.
The restaurant's decor itself is beautiful, with floral arrangements and warm ambiance. While food photos might be tricky, capturing the overall atmosphere and the beautifully plated dishes is still possible with good technique.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of your food. However, be mindful of the lighting conditions and other diners.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, professional photography or videography without prior arrangement is usually not permitted.
For low-light photography, consider using a wider aperture (lower f-number), increasing your ISO (but be mindful of noise), and using a tripod or stabilizing your phone to avoid blur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more structured meal, the Dining Room's tasting menu might be an option, but it's best to call ahead to discuss suitability for children. Be mindful of the restaurant's dress code, which is smart casual, and the generally lower lighting, which might not be ideal for very young children. Consider a lunch reservation in the Tavern for a more relaxed family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting during New York Restaurant Week (typically in January and July) is an excellent opportunity to try the Dining Room's tasting menu at a significantly reduced price.
💖 Couples & Romantic Dinners
Even the Tavern area, with its warm lighting and lively buzz, can be a great option for a date night, especially if you both enjoy fantastic cocktails and the iconic burger. Sharing a dessert, like the famous chocolate cookie, adds a sweet touch to the evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gramercy Tavern Experience: Dining Room vs. Tavern
The Tavern area, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and lively atmosphere with an à la carte menu. It's famous for its iconic Tavern Burger and an impressive selection of craft cocktails. Many visitors find the Tavern to be an excellent choice for a casual yet high-quality meal, and it's often easier to secure a reservation here compared to the Dining Room.
Interestingly, some guests in the Dining Room have been able to order select items from the Tavern menu, such as the famous burger and cookie, though this is not guaranteed and depends on the restaurant's discretion. This flexibility allows diners to experience the best of both worlds.
Seasonal American Cuisine: A Culinary Philosophy
Chefs like Aretah Ettarh, a 2025 F&W Best New Chef, bring fresh perspectives to the iconic New York restaurant, creating dishes that are both timeless and contemporary. Whether you're enjoying a vibrant beet starter, perfectly cooked lamb, or a seasonal dessert, each plate is a testament to the quality of ingredients and skillful preparation.
This dedication to seasonality means that visiting Gramercy Tavern at different times of the year can offer entirely new culinary discoveries. From spring's delicate greens to autumn's hearty root vegetables, the menu is a celebration of nature's bounty.
The Art of the Cocktail at Gramercy Tavern
From classic concoctions to unique seasonal creations, the cocktail menu offers a wide array of choices. Whether you prefer something spirit-forward, refreshing, or herbaceous, there's a drink to suit every palate. The use of fresh juices, house-made syrups, and premium spirits elevates each beverage.
Even if you're dining in the more formal Dining Room, many guests find it worthwhile to start or end their meal with a cocktail from the Tavern's renowned list. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients make each drink a memorable part of the overall Gramercy Tavern experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit