Union Square Cafe Reviews

Stayed west village to help my daught move, long wkend, walking around with daughter to find place to eat. walked past union square café, haven't been there since I lived in NY over 20 yrs ago. decided to walk in on sunday eve without reservation. sat down upstairs. staff was perfect. food was amazing. have the marshmallow dessert, its a must!. daught had chicken, I had grouper, both fantastic. no need toTIP! its what Danny Meyer is famous for. This place is a must for those visiting NY , its classy, great food, its quiet and doesn't have loud touristy atmosphere, I will be coming back every time I am in town! It made an impression on me, its the kind of place I miss about NY.....

Food is very good. Service was exceptional. Maybe some of the best service I’ve had in New York City in a while. Very nice to have that happen. Host was great. Coach Chuck was great. Waiter was great. Supporting service. Staff was great. Food came out hot and well prepared.Only criticism is I think it’s a little pricier than I would like so I can’t really consider it a value, but overall good experience.

The service and wines by the glass were perfect- as was the frito misto di mare. Salads and entrees were also very good. Not sure if we would return because of traffic and congestion on the streets of Manhattan- took a long time to get down here by car from the UWS on a midweek evening. If we lived or worked closer can imagine it would be a favorite spot.

We had a wonderful dinner here! Great service, excellent food. Its carrot cake florentines are not to be missed! Highly recommended!!

If you think of dining in New York, you think of Danny Meyer and the Union Square Cafe. It's where it all began for Meyer and also the start of the Gourmet Burger trend (once upon a time only served at the bar, at the namesake's old location). Now, the new two level Union Square Cafe is on Park Ave South. The bar is still integral to the vibe, and is perpetually abuzz. The menu is American with an Italian twist and is extremely approachable with something for even the most picky eater. Grown up versions of crowd favorites. Everything from the original gourmet burger to amazing pastas and more. Nobody does relaxed elegance like Meyer, and USC is no exception. Service (which like all Meyer restaurants is included in the price of the food) too is exemplary whether you’re a regular or visitor. Desserts and pastries are also to die for. Dont skip the on-the-cart triple-layer chocolate cake with espresso ganache - you'll thank me!

Our first time at their new location. Still close to Union Square, but very attractive new space. Bright and charming. Excellent wine choices.Do try the Tuna Tartare, the Mafaldine al Ragu and the Seared Arctic Char. Nice crowd for Friday lunch. Excellent, helpful service.

Very disappointed tonight after managing to get a booking well in advance at this very popular restaurant. Travelling with my daughter from London to celebrate her 16th birthday, we arrived full of excitement. We obviously stood out as English tourists with other American couples seated before us before we were shown to a table right by the fire exit that the waiters used constantly for access. Every time the door opened, which was frequently, my daughter had to wrap her scarf round her neck due to the wind and cold that lifted our napkins and menus from the table. Our waiter was obviously embarrassed but said nothing. I asked for my wine to be taken off the bill. He begrudgingly took one glass off but still asked me for a full tip which I wish I had not paid but couldn’t find the option to not pay a tip. It was awkward and cold and sterile and a terrible experience.

The special lunch menu was superb! The Holiday decorations and vibe was truly enjoyable. Service was above and beyond what was expected. One of the guests has an allergy situation and the staff went out of their way to satisfy he requirement. Highly recommend this eatery to all visiting or being in the area.

Out door dining may be romantic, but restaurants that are not used to this venue, it can blow the whole experience out the window. USC pulls it off. The food and the service was good. The Pinot Noir (@ $90) was one of the most sublime bottles of wine that I have ever consumed (with a couple of others).

My wife and I dined here after receiving a recommendation from a chap we were seated next to at a random Chinese restaurant. I am very glad we followed up with that recommendation because we enjoyed a fantastic meal here. Although it was a busy Friday night we were still lucky to get a table with no reservation and enjoyed great service from the staff there. The food itself was excellent and my wife and I both enjoyed the three course menu which was reasonably priced at $68 (considering the quality of the food). The stand out course for me was the polenta which I still think about a few months later! Finally, being Australian and unfamiliar with the tipping culture in the US it was nice to eat in a non-tipping restaurant! Strongly recommended.

We went here for a lunch. As you enter there is a station where you may leave your coats. We had a reservation and were shown immediately to a booth on the third floor. We had a good view of the main floor dining room and even a little window outside. Four of us shared appetizers and ordered mains. We started with beverages. One person got a cider then a glass of wine. The sommelier stopped by the table to offer advice. We also ordered one bottle of sparkling water but also had tap water to drink. I had coffee. During the meal I got two additional cups when offered. Our appetizers were: frito misto, polenta, gnocchi, and leaf lettuce salad. The frito misto was good. It had some calamai but also other seafood and even fish. It as fried, of course, but very lightly breaded and fried nicely. It could have been hotter when it arrived. The polenta was good but with so much added ingredients the cornmeal was hidden. The salad was very good, with fresh greens and just the right amount of dressing. It had shaved cheese and croutons. I wasn't a fan of the gnocchi; the dish didn't look appetizing and it was heavy on cheese not potatoes. I loved the bread that came to the table. I loved it so much that I went next door after lunch to buy a loaf at Daily Provisions. For a main I shared an egg dish. I don't remember the name but two poached eggs in a small skillet with some red sauce. It was very good. One other at the table had the duck ragu spaghettini; he loved it. There was plenty of duck liver in the sauce. Another had the USC Burger with fries. The fries were unexceptional but the burger was very good. It was cooked just as ordered. All in all it was an excellent meal. The atmosphere is also good. Since we were upstairs there wasn't too much traffic. It might been to busy downstairs. Also, USC is a no tipping spot so be aware of that You may leave an additional tip if you like but we didn't. This restaurant has won five James Beard Awards and is recognized on Zaget's Most Popular Restaurants with a first place. It is the kind of experience you expect in NYC.

I returned to USC for drinks this past weekend. There is a lovely outdoors section if guests prefer to be outside. It is along 19th Street. I have been to USC in the range of 60 to 70 times over the decades starting with a client dinner the very first week it opened in 1985. Union Square was a ghost town then and owner Danny Meyer deserves enormous credit for helping to revitalize the area. Please be patient if you are a guest here. Like many NYC favs, USC is still warming up to full service levels.

I can't fault the food here, it was delicious. The staff are exceptional, the location is central and the ambience is great. The restaurant is 2 years old or so in this location, but looks as good as new. They really take care of all the details. The only reason for keeping back a point would be the price. I think $29 for an omelette (filled with burrata and greens, it comes with a tiny green salad and a half slice of toast, but no other sides) is a little expensive, even with service charge included in these prices.

If you are looking for a very comfortable place with a great ambiance come here! We met Cam at the bar and had some great conversations about Mr. Black (a fine coffee liquor) while we waited to be seated. The staff was always there when you needed them but never intrusive or over the top. And the food, drinks --- all delicious. highly recommend!

We were there when the original USQ opened; the food was then “new American” cuisine. Fresh ingredients, a twist on the traditional , great service, you were made to feel welcome. This lasted for many years and we appreciated the innovations of Danny Meyer especially the recognition of all staff as members of a team (tips included). Last night our dinner was good but not memorable, the sommelier paid a bit of attention but the service was otherwise perfunctory. When we left, nobody said goodbye or thank you. Worse is our reservation story. We had reserved for 10pm as our theatre play was supposed to end at 9:30. It lasted until 9:50. My husband called to explain the situation as we could not arrive before 10:20 or 10:30 depending on traffic; he was first put on hold and then told that they could not accommodate us, we could come and try but it would be about 30-45 minutes wait starting once we had arrived. Well. I went online and there were reservations available every 15 minutes LATER UNTIL CLOSING TIME. I made a reservation in my name which is different than my husband’s without any problem. When we arrived we could see that many tables were available and we did not have to wait long for our reservation. The host/manager just had to show his power to people who had had the courtesy to call ahead to warn they would be late.It is no longer what it was, going public may have killed the soul of the places. Mr Meyer we are sad.

And, way too noisy especially upstairs where we sat. It was a "room with a view" over the restaurant downstairs and although we were only two, the packed restaurant had us leaning forward throughout the meal. The wines by the glass were almost all over $20 a glass. The lamb had a delicious taste but was so tough, (and expensive at $47) that I ultimately left a good bit half chewed on my plate. My companion's Monk Fish was delicious. The ice cream sandwich we shared was ordinary. Service was superb. Unlikely, at these prices, we will return. After we reported our experience with the lamb and received our bill -- with nothing reduced, we politely explained to the maitre'd the problem we had, and they removed that amount from our check. Unfortunate, they hadn't thought to do that w/o our asking twice. Too bad.

Great space and very nicely decorated for the festive season. Excellent service, great food, fun ambiance. Would definitely recommend!

This is a favorite that I would go to nightly if we lived there. Food was just right- perfect preparation and unusual flavor for each offering. Not a huge selection but a variety of dishes. Creative but not excessively so- no foams or weird wonders on the menu. I kept thinking about the flavors of my roast quail and the dessert of pavlova s’more through out the next day. Service was seamless and graced without pretense. Love the place and all I can say is - go!

A typical Danny Meyer restaurant...great food, drinks, and atmosphere. We stopped about 4pm on a Friday. Duck fat tater tots with creme fraiche and caviar, arancini balls, and lovely wine. I recommend this and his other spots in NYC. And it's a no-tipping restaurant.

It was one of the best lunch experiences in New York food service atmosphere just everything I highly recommend this place diffidently on my list for next visit

We had an awesome experience at Union Square. We were celebrating my sister's 70th birthday and her first time to NYC. I'm so glad we had one of our meals here. David (our server) was so very nice and Dominick (his assistant) was awesome. They both made sure we had a special evening. The food was excellent. We all hope Dominick gets promoted to server soon!

Walked into this restaurant, four of us, in the hope of getting a table in spite of not having a reservation. The reception person was very pleasant and was able to give us a table. Nothing more to say, the service was very good and the food was perfect! Best scallops dish I ever tasted. Definitely worth it even if the price was a bit expensive. I would definitely come back.

Don't be fooled by the name, this is a truly classy restaurant relocated out of Union Square. It was my first time. Took a nice cosy table on the top floor, with a very nice dipping view on the main hall on the ground floor. The acoustics are such that it is never noisy, even when the restaurant is crowded The waiters and waitresses are impeccably trained and very smartly dressed. Our waitress oozed class yet never snobbish. The Italian food was outstanding, with both presentation and tastes. Fine dining exemplified.

We went to their new location to celebrate a birthday. Great pre-fix for $68 ( three course) well, if u include wine, that obviously will cost more. The great thing is: NO Tips accepted. Love the food!

Finally are here after wanting to for years. Generally, the food was very good, though not a lot of selection for vegetarians. First, this is excellent non-obsequious service in a low-key, refined atmosphere. The cheese-maitake mushroom polenta was good, fagioli bland, lacking flavor, goat cheese ravioli with morels and ramps was very light on morels, containing only three slices. Roasted carrots with honey were good, as were the garlic potato chips. Asparagus grilled with parm cheese was fine. One nice touch is that they offer complementary sparkling water. The desserts were outstanding, especially the sticky toffee pudding with frozen yogurt (incredible!) and s’mores Pavlova. All in all, not really up to its reputation from a vegetarian perspective, especially in this city.

We arrived for lunch - party of 3 - without a reservation and the host was pleasant and accommodating. It turns out someone cancelled at the last minute and we were able to get a booth on the upper level mezzanine. The food was great: we loved the fresh bread, the calamari appetizer, the ricotta gnocchi and the Fagioli alla Toscana. Not so great: our main server. Not friendly or welcoming, even when I told him it was our first visit. He seemed annoyed at our questions and not interested in walking us through the menu. In the end, we enjoyed the experience by ourselves when it could have been a lot better - especially for the price and restaurant’s reputation.

To start off the hostess greeted us by our names and let us know immediately that we would be seated by our reservation time. She seated us early, showing us to our seats up stairs which overlooked the restaurant. We ordered our drinks which were delicious. I had a vodka martini which was professionally made. On the waitress’s recommendation my wife had a glass of Bordeaux which was an excellent recommendation. The bread came and was not a traditional roll, but a garlic infused bread that was delicious. We both ordered a bib salad which was one of the best salads we ever had. I ordered the lamb which was tender and cooked perfectly. The flavor was absolutely amazing. My wife had the swordfish which as she said an excellent choice. For dessert we shared the tiramisu which was creamy and flavorful, a good choice. The service was attentive and efficient. I look forward to a return visit.

Angie, Rachel, Scott, Gabe, Sumiah, Julie, and Danny, thank you so much for making my experience the best. The food was to die for, and the location was perfect. I have never had a better pork chop, or a better apple cake, surpassing even my own recipe. I came on my own, and have never had a better experience eating by myself. But I was given a great seat, and was able to watch restaurant operations. Everyone there is kind, and they treat you with respect no matter what. I love it here so much, and wish that I lived there so that I could eat there more frequently.

For $72. For a three course meal of this quality is special. It’s a bit noisy but that’s the kind of hopping place it is. The service was professional and very friendly without being intrusive. The menu is small but includes fish chicken and meat, all with some interesting preparation but all tasty and excellent quality. Deserts were excellent and beautifully presented. Nice wine list Can’t go wrong here.

We had brunch at Union Square Cafe and we were not disappointed. The food was novel and delicious. Not just eggs and toast, that a lot of places call Brunch. The coffee alone is worth the trip. The service and the atmosphere were all good. They have a no tripping policy, as the tip is included in the bill, but you might want to add a little extra, as it is deserved.

We visited here for a friend’s 40th and were blown away! We’re from the U.K. so I’d booked everything online which was a breeze. On arrival we were treated with curtesy and good humour - par for the course in NYC! The restaurant is understated but you can tell by a sneaky glance at the clientele this is one classy joint! We wanted one “posh nosh “ night in the City that never sleeps and Union fitted the bill perfectly. The soft shell crab starter is to die for - I will truly never forget it! Our server Tara was a true legend and kept us entertained all evening as well as displaying impeccable service skills. She had a wonderful surprise for our friend who was turning forty - I won’t spoil it - you’ll have to visit to find out! Steve The sommelier was also amazing as were all the staff whose names I don’t recall. What more can I add? A class act in a seriously cool city. You will NOT be disappointed!

There was a group of four of us and we had a good meal and good service as well. Compared to the cost of other places I frequent...I did not think the bill was that bad when we split it 4 ways....a bit less than when 2 of us go out. I will be going back and trying out the bar areas next time.

What a truly terrific restaurant. One of the best. We took advantage of the prix fixe and had all the historic favorites of this classic restaurant. My appetizer was an outstanding broccoli and yogurt app with cranberry and roasted walnuts. Followed by a shrimp, saffron, and penne dish. The half chicken was remarkably crispy and moist, and the meal ended with a banana tart with a topping of the best vanilla ice cream I ever had. The staff was BEYOND nice, knowledgeable, and super helpful. The best eating experience we've had in years—and we eat out alot.

The food and service was fantastic on the Sunday night we dined, being Superbowl night I guess maybe the regular bar person wasn't working, my son ordered a Tequila and pineapple, what arrived was an insipid weak concoction, dare I say it was tinned pineapple juice, it sure tasted like it, and to add insult to all of that, they charged $30! Best not order anything that isn't on the menu. The food is great and we had a great night.

The food at our dinner was very good, well prepared and plated nicely. The waiter was somewhere in outer space. He was not attentive and messed up several times, including not bringing a dessert that was ordered. He seemed to be not very engaged, or maybe he was just very overworked. All in all, it was not the pleasant experience that it should have been. Since service is included in the price, it seems to me that the restaurant should make very sure that the service is commensurate with the price. In this case, it certainly was not.

Great venue inside or out. We sat outside in 20 degrees. Excellent food great for allergies. We emailed from the UK prior to our trip. One of our party has allergies to all dairy, all nuts, all egg and all fish. The chef and manager accommodated us well. Very enjoyable meal. Melissa was outstanding as a waitress, very professional and courteous.

I've been a huge fan of USC for decades. The quality of the food, service, and the successful move to the new location a few years ago, a triumph. Obviously, the pandemic has had a major impact on the restaurant industry and some allowances can be made for that, but at USC, I have noticed and experience a steady decline in the quality and the service. For one, avoid it for brunch. The food is mediocre at best, expensive for what it is, and the host staff will hound you with reminders they need the table for the next reservation even if no one is actually waiting. At dinner, it is better, but they're cutting corners and it is becoming more difficult to champion this place. I'll give it one more try (for dinner), but after that, if my experiences continue to be inadequate, I am happy to leave it for the tourists when they return. The host staff are rude. The maitre d's are vultures. The servers are kind and left to deliver the message that the establishment wants you to eat quickly and leave.

We turned up at this lovely restaurant without a reservation and they seated us quickly and efficiently. The service was excellent and we enjoyed most of the food. The fried soft shell crab was delicious. We always have Frito Misto when we go to Italy so it might have been a mistake to order it! The deserts were outstanding and highly recommended.

Visited recently and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The staff were all helpful and polite without being overbearing or in your face. The ambience was fantastic, vibrant and full of life - very cool. The food was good but not particularly exciting, the dessert wines came in a foot tall presentation stand which seemed overkill rather than high end. For a casual business dinner however it was overall a great atmosphere and I would definitely return.

Tempura Zucchini Fritti was a scrumptious start to our meal. A nice fall cocktail “Cherry on top” combines flavors to tantalize your olfactory and taste buds. Pork chop and Heirloom Tomato salad was so good!

When the Union Square Cafe was on 16 Street and Union Square West, I used to go very often for a drink and appetizer at the bar, or lunch the r dinner. I always left happy. The new location on 19 Street and Park Avenue South leaves me cold. I am sure there is a similar staff and chef. It’s not the food. It is the ambiance. Sorry.

This was a fabulous way to celebrate a night out with family. The prix fixe was a good option, and the wait staff handled a party of 12 with ease. Wonderful meal

Having been to the original location of Union Square Cafe--and having been sorry to hear they lost that charming space--I was curious to see the new digs on 19th Street. The place still has a lot of charm, still has split-level dining, and still buzzes with a great vibe. My son and I enjoyed a great time here. I started with some oysters, 3 each of 4 types (East and West coast varietals) and each was briny, bright, and wonderful. My son had a steak that was perfectly prepared while I had the stuffed quail, which was roasted to absolute perfection and deeply flavored in every bite. The sticky toffee pudding I had for dessert was great but my son's whimsical dessert take on a S'More was a real delight: topped with what looks like a roasted giant marshmallow, underneath is a fantastic graham cracker ice cream in a chocolate sauce. Visually stunning, tasted even better. The only slight hiccup was with the service. Dan Meyer restaurants are known for their hospitality and our service was still overall good but just a little scatted. I had to ask 3 times before they brought the complimentary bread and a drink order or two seemed to languish a bit too. Union Square has gone to a non-tipping price point now but hope that will not prove to under-motivate the servers to keep up the standards. All in all, though, highly recommended once again.

If I could give this place zero stars I would. The service was horrendous. The staff and management literally do not care nor do they even pretend to care about providing a welcome environment. The food was disgusting! I wouldn’t wish this place on my worst enemy. Please, do yourself a favor and avoid this place like the plague.

Having not been in New York for a few years we were really keen to revisit one of our old faves. The restaurant still maintains its incredibly high standards. The restaurant has moved to a hospitality inclusive menu which means that you don’t tip which is really novel for the US. As a customer it means it’s like saving 20% when you look at the prices! The food was delicious. Delicious bread and butter. Fluke crudo and the polenta were the standout starters. The scallops were out of this world. And the service was warm, charming and attentive. I consider this place a must visit NYC restaurant. Fantastic.

Recommended as her favourite Restaurant by a long term New Yorker who lived in the area but who doesn't drink. Perhaps this was our mistake for the drinks were half the bill. The restaurant offer a three course special @ $68 plus tax a head but we had to fight for it when the bill arrived, which put a sour note on our experience. But the food was good! The female sommelier was very good at her job recommending a local beer to start @$21 plus tax, followed by 2 glasses of Prosecco and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. The final bill $309 incl. tax plus tip. When the tip is added, this was an expensive meal.

Missing, my once beloved and favorite upscale NYC restaurant by a coveted colleague in the food industry - actually a veteran that set the standard for quality food and outstanding hospitality - this is what is missing! I got over the new location for USC years ago, but what I won’t get over is this; sloppy dressed (jeans! and a weird flowery shirt with a messy cardigan over that and her hair in a clip as in I ‘just rolled out of bed’ look) hostess asking for our name and phone number before we are seated, aggressive wait staff hounding us to order ‘drinks’ (we are not the bar crowd of diners), a menu that is so pedestrian (especially at these prices) I want to scream. First, it’s never a good idea to tell the guest that literally just sat down - or is trying to sit down at the table - that “…you’ve got little time to order because the kitchen closes in 10 minutes…but I don’t want to rush you…”. Now if this is the case that the kitchen closes in 10 minutes then why didn’t the sloppy hostess mention this when we arrived? Second, where’s the lunch menu that is on the website??? How about something more exciting than a turkey sandwich, or a plate of pasta? We ordered the potato & cod croquettes and the crispy duck wings so we could then go elsewhere for a real lunch. While the croquettes were passable the crispy duck wings were disgusting. Chewy outer coating, not crispy, doused in sweat & sour goopy sauce with diagonal slices of scallion (where is this outlined on the menu?). Even if there was a description for the guest the actual taste is abysmal - think old meat as in dry, cooked twice or hanging out in the ‘fridge for days before cooking and flavorless, except for that sauce (which tasted as if it came from a bottle). Really nothing but ICK. Today it seems that the press and fame a restaurant receives during the marketing and advertising efforts often turns the place into a tourist destination in the worst of ways - the chef and staff cannot keep up or don’t want to keep up. Our lunch experience felt as if everyone gave up. Back to the hostess…this person should stand out from the rest of the crowd and not look like the worst-dressed person in the restaurant. Remember they represent your brand! The waitstaff needs to stop drink-shaming guests…we may just be the ones that will tip you for showing up and not based on our dollar-intake. As for the menu, bring back the creativity, innovation, flavor profiles and class and stop trying to take the easy road.

I had two meals there in a recent trip. In both cases we had tables where we could talk without shouting, and our waiters were attentive and knew their menus. Food is good without being outstanding, with enough variety for vegetarians and those avoiding high carb dishes.

Consistently good service and cooking at this establishment. The many times over the many years haven eaten at this restaurant have produce very good meals, in a pleasant atmosphere. It is a crowd pleaser.

You are spoiled for choice in NYC yet this is the only restaurant we don’t mind visiting again and again. We have never been disappointed and if we can’t decide where to go, we always end up here. Don’t expect innovative and gimmicky dishes, however. Everything is restrained and understated but solid and satisfying. I think they have the best pastas and gnocchi. We love their well thought-out menus for Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, convenient for someone who loves food but can’t cook.

Besides Europe this is one of the first resturant not does accept tips. The service was great and the food was a enrage for the price. The menu is very limited. One thing I can say that the espresso was excellent. I am a big espresso drinker and it was one of the best I ever had. I can not complain about the food prices because everything made up for it. If you are a wine drinker the cheapest bottle of white wine is 48.00.

This is a must if you want a leisurely lunch in the Union Square district. We had visited the world class farmers market in Union Square and then strolled over for a family lunch lasting more than three hours. We were unrushed, and sampled a variety of menu offering. Oysters tres fresh. Duck fat tatter tots unique Chicken liver sandwich- OMG Four of us finished off the leisurely unrushed meal with three scoops of gelato and ice cream ( grape gelato was amazing)

Outstanding dinner, fantastic food, great experience. Abdul was amazing. We will be back the next time we are in the city!

My wife and I were celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary, and our day plans changed last minute and allowed for a late dinner. So I took a chance and called Union Square Café for a 9:30 reservation. They were able to accommodate us! Being such an 11th hour plans change, I wasn't able to get flowers to the restaurant. Learning this, and even though it's not something they (or any restaurant) normally does, they sent someone out to get a single rose to greet my wife at the table upon our arrival. From there, I cannot say enough about the perfection of the food, the sensitivity and elegance of the service, the sophisticated ambience, and overall extraordinary experience. Wow, thank you USC, the best dining experience of our lives! We'll be back again soon!

had a very pleasant afternoon with family and friends there on new years day....lovely designed restaurant with impressive bar. our waiter Noel was very hospitable and a good waiter. the food was delicious especially the pappardelle...they know now to make it the correct way..the only comment I would make has to do with the price as it relates to the small portion size.... the waiter did explain this is a no tip restaurant so the high prices reflect the fact the tip was included(although we gave more because of the good service) that made the price more palatable but i still think the serving size for both wine and food should be a little more ample....if hospitality is supposed to be a mark of the restaurant then meager portions do not reflect that

Had always heard great things about USC, and I finally got the chance to visit with a friend during the holiday season. We walked in and got a seat at the bar, and had cocktails and bar snacks. Loved the high ceilings and festive holiday decor. Right around dinner time the place became an absolute madhouse, but we were lucky enough to get a table. We got the prix fix meal and loved every dish. I especially liked the lamb flatbread. Our server was excellent as well.

The Union Square and its entire restaurant group it TOP NOTCH. Get the 3 course price fixe! Wonderful oysters. The caviar topped "tater tops" are top notch.

This was our 2nd time we booked for brunch on a cold Sunday and we loved it more than the 1st time. The menu is not the typical where you can find Omelettes, Eggs Benedict, etc...it's a menu that has more variety. We ordered the Parker House Rolls (some delicious breads with cheese, onion), Duck Liver Mousse and we both ordered French Toasts with bacon con the side. Everything as delicious and the French Toasts were extraordinary ! We will definitely be back..

With an inside/outside dining table choice, I chose inside. The two story setting was picture perfect to view, as we were escorted to the upstairs back room. This meeting room space was nicely appointed, but I should have insisted on upstairs or downstairs in the main room for the ideal ambience. The menu gave fine choices. The hen of the woods appetizer was unique, tasty and would order again. Lamb shoulder was simply divine. Though I could appreciate the fresh linguini pasta we chose, it was far too salty. After a few bites, I wondered why I didn't send it back. Having the bread to sop up the appetizer and lamb shoulder juices captured those special tastes. The service was most professional.

We ate here whilst staying in NY in July 2023. One of the best meals I ate in NY. Beautiful lamb chops. Our kids loved the duck ragu pasta. The restaurant is relaxed and had very friendly and efficient staff. Lovely spot for dinner.

I took my friend here for her birthday. We both had an excellent rack of lamb which came with delicious potatoes with gruyere cheese that were like potatoes Anna. The rack of lamb was tender, delicious and cooked perfectly. We also had a yummy pumpkin pie tart paired with an orange colored sherbet but I forget what it was called. We had delicious wilted spinach and Brussels sprouts as sides. Everything was really tasty and our waiter, Juan, was attentive and had a good sense of humor. The restaurant itself is very attractive with a nice bar area with tables for dining (we ate there) and an attached open dining room. There is also upstairs seating over the bar in a private balcony area and additional upstairs dining over dining room with balcony seating overlooking dining room. Their floral arrangements were very attractive also.

In NYC for a business trip and enjoyed a superb dining experience for dinner. Our waiter was a veteran; so friendly and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience much more enjoyable. The drinks, the food and the service was incredible; would highly recommend this restaurant. Even though this is a no-tip restaurant, the prices are very reasonable for a incredible meal in NYC!

We had the perfect, quiet table. The server was friendly, fun and helpful. The food was exceptional. Tuna appetizer was delicious and the pasta with lemon was divine. We didn’t want to leave!

Great location. Wonderful staff. Tremendous Food. Came here on a Saturday for lunch. Had the Fritto Misto and the Bacon Cheese Burger and a couple of Grimms. Enjoyed every bite and every swallow. Thank you USC. I will keep coming back on every visit to NYC.

Even with a new location, this cafe continues to produce good food and excellent service without sticker shock prices. As with all Danny Meyer properties, this is a senior staff who exude loyalty and menu knowledge. We hit right at high noon and the place was bustling. but got a table almost immediately. Food took a little while to appear, but it was well worth the late and not unexpected , given that it was December. Service was good and assisted by the mgr.. as our server had his hands full. The menu has many options, and you can get an excellent entree for a very reasonable New York price. We would highly recommend that you dine here or at any Meyer property to get a very satisfactory meal, good service and reasonable prices.

This is an excellent choice. The atmosphere is old style attractive and comfortable. The staff is efficient and cordial. Food preparation and presentation is high quality. So why not a 5? Size of portions are rather small for all four of us and we are not big eaters. Another plus at least on 2 Sunday nights was ample street parking on 19th street. Positives far outweigh the one negative.

From the cocktails to the service, and the food, Union Square Cafe is one of the best (have been approximately 3x since it re-opened). Its new location is gorgeous and timeless. The servers and bartenders are impeccable, offering great service and cocktails. It is hard to get a reservation, so either make one in advance or get there early to get a seat at the bar, which is lovely. Lunch is also great. Try to sit on the second level, which overlooks the rest of the restaurant. Highly recommend.

Living in CA, we just do not get to NYC very often; however, when we do visit, we always make sure to have at least one meal at USC. This time we had lunch after coming off of a cruise. Our dishes included a corn pasta that resembled tiny raviolis, a creamed potato soup with sun chokes, a great salad, and of course, their Tuscan beans. Our young waiter was very enthusiastic and helpful. Their wine list is extensive and, considering the no tipping policy, reasonably priced for NYC. We love the new 19th street location. Our only really minor drawback was that 3 of us ordered the biscotti for dessert, only to learn they had sold out. That was a bit surprising, but did not materially detract from the experience. We love this place!

Still the best restaurant in NYC in my opinion. For my birthday dinner last night, my husband took me to our favorite restaurant where we've been celebrating our major events for the past 24 years, Union Square Cafe, which was absolutely incredible. Special thanks to our server, Dylan, and to Manager Michael Beck, who went out of their way to make our night so special. The broccoli appetizer was off-the-hook, a must-order, and hubbie's lamb and my steak were both amazing. My chocolate cake and hubbie''s pineapple pavlova were both transcendent. The cocktails, the bread (they even brought my husband the best gluten-free bread he's ever had - he has Celiac Dx), the warm service by all the staff, it was so special. Thank you all.

High priced, limited menu, small portions trying to be fancy by providing small portions. My friend said the tuna burger was fantastic. My grilled shrimp salad was good, just a very small pirtion for the price

Nothing wrong with this place. Food is excellent, ambiance is perfect, location is flawless and service is just what one needs to appreciate everything else.

Recent dinner for special occasion with family. We were seated upstairs, warm day in nyc, obviously no a.c. available, upstairs was uncomfortably hot. We tried multiple times including mid meal to move without success. Other tables nearby complaining as well, some left. Waiters were apologetic but no help from management. For a restaurant of this quality that prides itself on service and attention to detail, this seems inexcusable. Food and service otherwise were good.

I came here for lunch with my coworkers and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and food. The service was amazing as all Danny Meyer restaurants are. The servers were very knowledgeable friendly and helpful. I don’t understand how all restaurants cannot develop this level of service, as it brings satisfaction to the customers. I had a monkfish po’boy and it was so tasty! My coworker next to me had the tasmanian sea trout and I had a bite and it was amazing. My coworker on my other side had the chicken Milanese and that was also very good. The bread they put on the table was delicious and they had to keep bringing out bread because we kept finishing lol. This place does cost a pretty penny but it is totally worth it. P.s. tip is already included which makes it a lot easier for everyone.

Make a reservation. A popular local spot where a lot of folks are regulars and the staff is familiar with them on a quite friendly level. Engaged waitstaff, good to very good service. Boring wine list with the usual suspects - - be a nice improvement if they had some more interesting wine choices. The food was good, not great or memorable, but solid and comforting. Had the pork chop, unfortunately, it was tasteless. All else was good, nothing that sticks out.

Atmosphere was lovely and the service was excellent! Many wonderful menu options however the quality of the food did not meet our expectations based on all of the reviews we saw. The chicken paillard was fair and the lobster squash soup was a disappointment. The Brussel sprout and apple salad was very good. The fettuccini al limone was on the dry side.

Did you know that the Restaurant Week special of $45 for two courses from the main menu is held every single day at Union Square Cafe? This was a surprise. Jennifer had always wanted to eat at USC and as Restaurant Week started on January 20th we had lunch on the 23rd. As we entered the room was buzzing with diners. We sat upstairs and perused the menu. Natalie, our server, brought us a plate of house made bread with a spicy garlic sauce. Each bite of this warm bread smeared with the garlic sauce was ambrosial and is replenished if asked which we did. Jennifer ordered the garlic potato chips, broccoli with candied pecans and pomegranate and the celebrated burger. She washed it all down with a ginger ale. The citrus salad and trout were my choices. The chips were tasty and I noticed other tables had also chosen it. Unfortunately Jennifer’s burger had cheese on it which she didn’t want but decided not to say anything. We were too full to order desserts but did look at the menu. Service at USC is always impeccable. I have eaten here a few times and for restaurant week. Now we know that we can come here for lunch any day of the week. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Reserved table for 4 for Friday 5/3 for a special Birthday celebration. Food and wine were excellent but our server was inattentive and disengaged. Seemed disorganized and lost track of us. Previous visit had been marvelous all around. We assume this was just an “off night” but disappointing nonetheless for an anticipated special occasion.

A very pleasant place and excellent food. Very kind personnel. Not so cheap but it deserve a visit. Good wine selection.

Inviting and not excluding in any way shape or form. Famous and rightly so with a real sense of food and drink in the city of New York. At the bar we're two great plates of Carpaccio and Polenta. The aged beef is sliced just as it it should be with a touch of mushrooms and mustard. The Polenta is grits with great flavors and richness. Bartenders are just right for this place and the room is restaurant seduction.

We were seated within minutes of arriving for our reservation. Everyone in our party of 4 was pleased with their choices. The service was excellent and our water glasses were kept full with the specific water we ordered. No complaints about any aspect of our visit.

Service and atmosphere are great. Food and value scored low. Dishes I recommend avoiding: garlic potato chips (greasy), heirloom tomato salad (fine, but nothing special), chicken scarpariello (ok, but such an unpleasant plate with no sides or veg), mushrooms (not delicious), apricot dessert. In other words, nothing I ate was worthy of a top-rated restaurant, which is what their prices announce them to be. On top of that, the wine list is ridiculously expensive, and the cocktail I had was nothing special either.

Fantastic, bloody loved it!!! The pork chop I had was the best pork chop ever, and I know a thing or two about pork chops and my wife's chicken, well I don't normally like the breast meat, too dry, but that chicken was the next level. Excellent service from start to finish as well. .Thank you. Simon and Katarina

My wife and I have been coming to USC since the 1980s. We had a wonderful experience this visit. We both had the price fix menu. My wife had prosciutto and peaches for appetizer, lobster for her main and blackberry corn ice cream parfait with Carmel corn. Yummy, tasty and delicious. I had the Tuna appetizer, Lamb Chops with sides and Peach, meringue, berries dessert. We each had a glass of wine to pare with our meal. My wife a French Chardonnay and I had a Barbera. Good service.

I used to love this restaurant way back when but the overall food quality has gone down drastically. Salad was not fresh, too much dressing, Burrata had no taste, ravioli was cold, truffles were not fresh. I do not plan to return and I do not recommend

A great selection of dishes including for my wife a Vegetarian. Pork Chop a must deserts also excellent

Many years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Danny Meyer's book, "Setting the Table": solid management principles combined with stories about great food - what's not to love?! Beyond the great read, the book left in me a wish that I could one day visit Danny's restaurants in New York. This week, I brought my son and daughter on our first-ever trip to NYC and the first meal stop we made was at Union Square Cafe. From what I learned about Danny's restaurants through reading his book, I expected to encounter staff that went above and beyond, a well-managed restaurant, and exceptionally good food. I was not disappointed! Every staff member we encountered helped create a wonderful experience. Our server, John, was friendly and made us feel like he had all the time in the world to answer our questions. We never felt rushed. By his own words, we knew he loved his job, but his actions told us that long before his words did. Even though we didn't order dessert, John couldn't have us leave the restaurant without a small fruit platter with a greeting written in chocolate. Mike, the restaurant manager, learned that we had been excited to visit Union Square and took the time to personally welcome us. He shared with us his favourite dishes and checked in with us frequently. Tyrone, the sommelier, added a special touch to our evening. He was professional and yet friendly. Knowing that we were in New York for the first time and celebrating my son's birthday soon, Michael (another senior staff member), took a polaroid photo of us and wrote out a special greeting for us to remember the evening. The food was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed it, but everything tasted better because of the kind attentiveness of the staff. Thank you to the USC staff for meeting and exceeding expectations!

Went with a group of business friends and will go back in a heart beat. Wine selection was fantastic followed by amazing octopus linguini

Visited last night for the first time even though we live close by in Greenwich Village. First the positives. The staff from the podium at the front door to the servers are young, earnest , pleasant and could not be more accommodating . Guests are a mix of tourists and out -of-towners with a scattering of locals. I suspect that many are in search of a “New York experience,” This is not a “ cafe” although it tries hard to establish that tone. There is s long , busy bar facing the entry with 3 levels for dining. I was advised to ask for the second floor overlooking the main room. It was a good idea. The noise level is moderate at that level and it is conversation friendly. As for the food it is just OK and it is expensive. A green salad consisting of only lettuce cost $19. ( it could easily serve 2 people. Halibut was $44 and the pork chop was also expensive and tasty but was far too fatty. I expected more from the food and was disappointed. The experience is positive based on the ambiance and welcoming staff but the food quality could be improved. The no tipping policy is helpful but the prices reflect that policy Unlikely to return.

Absolutely excellent. Great welcome and super polite staff. Restaurant has a great atmosphere and is a beautiful dining room. Menu and wine list excellent and food is top notch.

This restaurant has a no-tip policy -- and the service is extraordinary. The drink menu is interesting, with some really fun cocktails. The menu, however, is very limited. Best thing there is the burger, which is not on the menu! But ask for it. It's tops.

Union Square Cafe keeps the same quality mood, food and service over the years that I come for meal over 15+ years. This time we visited at brunch / lunch time on Sunday and I missed some items on the menu shown on Trip Advisor. Will be back for dinner next trip to NYC.

We went to the prior location of Union Square Cafe for years and I think they have a lot of devoted customers who happily followed them to their new location. This is the kind of place you go to and then want to go back to because you know it's going to be consistently good and you will have developed your favorite dishes (for example, I can't imaging going here and not getting the burger). Where you want to sit in the restaurant depends on what you're going for - we sat on the main floor where I felt I had a good view of all the action and was part of it - on the other hand, the tables upstairs, especially those adjacent to the railings, have a different perspective (you're an observer rather than a participant). Crowd skews older and this may be because there are truly many customers who've been coming here for quite a while now. Or maybe it's just not considered a "hip trendy place", which sometimes can be a nice respite from the buzz. I don't mean to imply the place is "dead" - it's absolutely not. Plenty of happy customers enjoying a very good meal! I can't pinpoint exactly why, but I always leave here feeling life is good. Portions are very generous.

We recently visited this restaurant for dinner. The food is excellent and the wine list is vast. Bob looked after us and he was welcoming and charming throughout our visit. A really fine dining experience.

I stopped going to Union Square Cafe since the relocation, and decided to return to the new location and I am glad I did. From the receptionist to the waitress and food runners, everyone was so friendly with smiles. On top of that, everything we ordered was so tasty. The price was very reasonable and no tipping required! What a wonderful evening it was.

From the outset we were welcomed into the beautiful cafe. Our waiter, Patrick, could not have been more helpful. We chose the $45 luncheon special and the food was divine!

Went there for lunch. Excellent food, the staff was very courteous and we never felt rushed by the servers.

We went to Union Square for lunch. We reserved several weeks in advance, you need to at this restaurant. Our reservation was at 1:00 and we, (four of us), were seated promptly. After a few minutes, we ordered. It took close to a hour to get our food. We questioned our server several times about the delay, only to be told the kitchen is backed up. The food was up to their high standards. The tuna burgers were excellent, as well as the fish special. On the way out, I looked for the manger, to express my frustration with the delay, but could not find one. I did call and speak to an assistant manager, who responded to me via email. Her response, was simply your server was upset about the delay, and that I should contact her, the assistant manager, and she will help me when I return to the restaurant. This is not what I would expect from a high quality restaurant.

Overall this is a nice place, but I don't put it in the excellent class. Good, not great. Nice facility, very busy, crowded. Started with a nice foie gras. Salad was also good, and a very nice size. We had the white truffle pasta -- it's the seasonal special. It was great, best course of the night. From there we went to the duck and the cassoulet, neither of which were as impressive. Service was good and friendly.

Union Square Cafe had been recommended to us, and we really liked the warm welcome and buzzy atmosphere there. The food was pretty good - I had the delicious tomato salad, the perfectly fine grilled fish (never an exciting but always a safe option) and the blueberry tart which was nice, but I didn't like the slightly weird ice cream that was served with it. The service was excellent and friendly and we had a lovely evening.

Service wonderful. Food exquisite. Every time we travel to New York we eat here. Very good value for money. Thank you.

My husband and I have been coming here for 15 years and we hope this was just an isolated incident. I ordered a tuna burger that tasted as if a pungent spice had been mixed into the burger. I could not pinpoint the spice, I thought maybe anise or fennel but either way I did not like it. I asked both the waiter and the manager if there was spice in the dish. The waiter said the dish was 100% tuna. I asked him to smell the dish and he declined. A manager then came over and the manger confidently said the dish was purely tuna, salt, pepper and aioli. Both the waiter and manager pushed back on me implying that I was wrong. This was evident in both their verbal and non-verbal messaging. They were both dismissive. At the end of the managers table visit we asked that she go back to the kitchen and confirm that there was nothing else in the burger. About 10 minutes later, after my husband had finished his dish, she came back and told us that there was Coriander in the burger! Not a light spice - and - no mention of it on the menu. When the manager came back to tell us this, she lightly apologized but made no adjustment to the bill despite the fact that the staff was completely dismissive while not knowing the ingredients of the dishes on their own menu. All the while after my husband had finished his entire entree before I was served a replacement. Not up to USQ par.

Such a disappointment - We have been fans of Danny Meyer since he lived in St. Louis, but this restaurant has certainly gone downhill. From the obsequious host to the absolutely inedible octopus and everything else. The ambiance is nice, the service was rude and spotty and the food mediocre. We couldn't even cut the octopus with a steak knife and had to send it back - they clearly do not know how to prepare it! Fish was blah, appetizers miniscule and desserts uninteresting.

Union Square Cafe is a ‘must go’ whenever I come in NYC — this time it was 3 years after the previous meal and I found out the almost doubled space and moved into Park Avenue and 19 street. Another perfect experience in a new comfortable and sophisticated ambiance, with efficient and nice service... and of course, one of best foods in town. We will keep coming back to the USC. Congratulations!

When visiting NYC over the past 20+ years we have always enjoyed dining at the old USC. The main dining room was cozy and presented a comfortable atmosphere for dining. It did have its drawbacks when seated “in the back” or upstairs. The “new” restaurant is laid-out much to my satisfaction. Three levels of dining provides much needed separation for enjoyable dining where one can have a pleasant conversation for dinner. My wife and I had a 2 hour dinner without feeling rushed. After relaxing cocktails, I ordered the 3 course of fried soft shell crab...good but too spicy for the delicate crab. Lamb shank ...boneless, on a bed of nice greens, beets and fried garbanzo beans was excellent. My wife had an oyster selection...very good. Cheese ravioli...very good, but not as good as their porcini raviolis. Dessert of cheese selection was also very good. Our corner table on the 3rd level was great. I appreciate the restaurant’s seating policy of not “jamming” diners together as they arrive. Value for price is as good as it gets. Dinner for two was $175. One last comment...USC does not include tipping as part of the bill!. Unusual in the USA, but not in many other countries. Will always enjoy eating here.

It's New York, so don't be fooled and expect to make a bargain when looking for a sophisticated dinner. Yet some restaurants manage to offer high equality food, interior, service - basically everything, at a relatively reasonable price and Union square cafe is one of those places. Liked the atmosphere there a lot, which I would describe as a hip and modern interpretation of a colonial library made by a Swedish designer. Good stuff

One of the best burgers in the city. Excellent service! Great Bloody Mary. A must in the city. Very warm and cozy feeling.

Simply outstanding, again. The food is always interesting, creative, and fresh. What truly sets USC apart, though, are the people. Maitre d Savva, host Natalie, and bartender Mira were friendly, fun, attentive, and professional.

This was one of our favorite restaurants when we lived in New York. You could always count on great service and food. While the location has changed, I’m happy to report everything else is the same or better. The new space is larger and has a balcony level where we were seated. The staff is excellent. We came for dinner where the restaurant offers a $68 three course offer. You select an appetizer, entree and desert of your choice. All prices here include the tip, so the $68 is an excellent value for the food quality You start with warm bread and room temperature, salted butter. To start, we had the crudo, as well as a warm octopus and spicy sausage salad. Both were truly outstanding. For our main course we had the roasted stuffed quail and the monkfish. Both were perfectly prepared and came with delicious sides and sauces. We literally wanted to lick the plates! Just when we thought it couldn’t be better, our deserts arrived. The star of the show was a s’mores pavlova. A layer of marshmallow and graham cracker ice cream topped with a pavlova. When you broke into the pavlova, it was filled with warm chocolate. It was one of the best deserts I’ve had in recent memory. All this was complimented by a reasonably priced wine list, outstanding service and a warm, friendly atmosphere. This restaurant is a home run and will remain on my must visit list on any trip to New York. Don’t miss it!

Great cafe restaurant, wonderful service, awesome food. Dropped in for a late lunch and had an excellent experience. Lovely environment. The service was excellent. The food was awesome. Definite recommendation.

This has been a family favourite since the 90s, and we visited for a birthday celebration at our first visit to the new location. From the initial service being offered a drink whilst we waited for our table to be ready, to the helpful (but not overbearing) waitress, and the generous birthday cake they brought out, I really couldn't fault this place. And the food is amazing, every course was delicious - the 68$ 3 course menu is great value and the s'more dessert is one of the best I've ever tasted. Already looking forward to our return!

We come to New York every year and USC is one of our go to places. It's been a tradition for our family for a long, long time. That said, our latest visit to USC was great, ambiance perfect for our appreciation of New York, and employees did not disappoint and service was excellent. All that good stuff said, we have concluded that the best things on the menu are the appetizers, pasta dishes and desserts. The Frito Misto (fried calamari) was really great and a large portion too. Grilled oysters were also excellent. The best dish we had was the Mushroom Ravioli. We had the King Salmon and the Chicken for entrees but they did not seem to be up to par with the rest of the menu. Desserts were fabulous----S'Mores Pavlova and Banana Tart....so good!

We usually dine at Union Square every time we visit NYC. The food is always well prepared. The waitstaff are knowledgeable and efficient. The restaurant is attractive and the noise level is moderate. The menu choices vary depending on time of year, but are always superb.

Had a 5:30 (2) reservation. Greeted by Maitre'd, main dining room was basically empty, he turned to hostess and said "lets try this". Hostess (who was very pleasant) then proceeded to walk us all the way upstairs along the wall by the back bar. Was about to say something, but my wife said it was fine. Ordered Martinis which were served in a coupe glass, the only reason I think they would not serve a Martini in a Martini glass was they are being chintzy on the portion....which they were. Picked up wine list and Sommelier was immediately on me. I ordered his suggestion ($95). We were still drinking our Martinis and here comes the wine, tasted and immediately poured....odd that it was poured so quickly, we just started our cocktails and it was white wine (cold). My wife commented on it. Bread was delivered, two small slices (kind of laughable), was very good. Ordered, Caesar Salad, Chicken and Salmon off regular menu. Ceasar had pieces of radiccio in it that were not cut off the crown, were big and inedible we pulled them out. Salmon and Chicken Scarpariello were absolutely fantastic, and the wine was great too. So more than a few hiccups but service and entrees were good, dinner for two $300 (with the wine).

Union Square Cafe We have been fans of USC (16th Street) for decades and have grown increasingly fond of the newer 19th street location. The very good food (monkfish, shrimp over greens) remains as fresh and tasty as ever. Our long standing favorites , the tuna burger, ANY pasta, and the chicken Milanese with greens, are very good and so well executed. With a bigger restaurant on 19th street, it is mercifully MUCH easier to get a reservation too. The service is polite, polished and good and, if you get the right server, (yes, Irakli, we are referring to you) the service can be excellent. With a pretty and civilized atmosphere and very good food and service, USC is a great choice for lunch, brunch or dinner. We are long standing fans of USC and cannot wait to return.

I had lovely dinner sitting on sidewalk in beautiful weather. Service was attentive and gracious. The food was very good. The bread, Bibb lettuce salad and lamb chops were all delicious.

Amazing place with great atmosphere, service and food. Was recommended to me by someone who has been over 200 times. Very romantic setting and nice vibe. I can recommend the Bibb Salad to start and the Duck Ragu pasta for mains. You wont be disappointed!

The staff at Union Square Cafe made my daughters 17th birthday celebration memorable. The food & service was excellent. They even prepared a special menu with 17th birthday celebration printed! I booked our reservation here due to a travel blog’s notation that they’re the best restaurant in all of NY state. They did not disappoint! Thank you Union Square Cafe!

This was our first trip to the new location. With its architectural homage to the original, and pictures in the bathroom of the old rooms the room and service are like. Favorite comfy chair. There was nothing on the menu we didn’t want. The family of 6 was able to have maybe 4 of the apps, 5 of the entrees and then several snacks and desserts- with much planned and casual sharing. Excellent cocktails. The sommelier chose the least expensive Rhone on the list which was excellent and fun- matched with the duck, the lamb and the ragu. As always with Danny Meyer the staff makes you feel like friends not clients! With cocktails, wine, dessert at just under 150/piece i thought this was excellent value for a great night out

Frequented union square for many years but we have not visited since they remodeled. Totally different looking for the better. The food is still top notch. Everything single we tried on the brunch menu was delicious and beautifully presented. Artful cocktails too. This place is a must when dining in NYC.

Chosen by family that we caught up with whilst visiting NYC and it was a great choice. Classy venue with lovely service, we weren’t rushed either to order of eat. Food was gorgeous, my husband had the burger (huge) and I had the chicken milanese which was superb. No room for deserts just finished with a coffee. A lovely afternoon with family and great food.

We wanted to enjoy an outdoor dining experience while the weather was still nice and our son chose the Union Square Cafe. Good choice. We had three different meals and all were very good. The staff was very friendly and efficient.Our server was Cassie. I can't comment on the ambience since we ate outside due to current restrictions. I hope to return for another meal one day when we will be able to safely eat indoors.

We recently celebrated a family event at USC. From booking to the end of the meal we were well taken care of. The food was as well executed as I remember from the old location, the staff were friendly and professional without hovering. Never felt rushed and they were very accommodating about one of our party who was delayed. I would not hesitate to recommend.

Fairly elegant restaurant, brilliantly trained friendly staff, solid cuisine, and exceptional wines by the glass selection which is key for me.

Wow, USC continues to be one of the best restaurants in NYC. I've been coming here for many years, back since it's old location. The "new" place is gorgeous, airy, and comfortable. Service here is off the charts. Everyone is so helpful and engaged. The menu is deceivingly simple. Dishes don't sound fancy, but when you start eating them, there are many layers of delicious flavors. For some reason, the tomatoes here are always the best. If you come in summer, get anything with tomatoes. USC uses relatively common ingredients, but they are all the best tasting you'll ever have, and used in intriguing combinations. The wine list is great, and not outrageous, unless you want that. Really, if you're new to NYC dining, I'd say that USC is a must visit.

In my opinion, dining at Union Square Café is the example most restaurants should follow in terms of quality of food and service, decor, and creativity of the dishes. We had lunch on Labor Day. The menu is concise and filled with excellent items. The Ricotta gnocchi and soft shell crab po’boy were amazing! The blueberry tart and s’mores pavlova were such delicious desserts! Presentation was done just right and not too extravagant. Service was great and all staff was professional and matched the standards that this restaurant aims for. It’s important to note that this is a non-tipping restaurant and explains the slightly higher prices of the dishes. I definitely enjoyed the experience and would love to go there again in the future.

This is the place to go if you appreciate warm, friendly service by true professionals, flavor-packed dishes beautifully prepared and presented, and an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and relaxing. Do have the signature tater tots with caviar—oh so good!

Very good gluten-free bread, no gluten-free beer, not many gluten-free dishes, but the ones I had were really tasty. Would like to be able to enjoy more that restaurant with no gluten-free friends.

We dropped in for lunch a couple of weeks' back, while waiting for our room to be prepared at a nearby hotel. A great find. We were a little early for lunch but they found us a table on the ground (first) floor, which was great for people watching! Very decent lunchtime fare and super helpful service, particularly when there was a mint tea crisis (sic). Prices are inclusive, which, coming from outside the US, I prefer. Book ahead. Recommended.

We were a party of four at dinner in early March. The wine list is extensive and makes for a very interesting read, assuming you are into wine. We selected a claret which while young drank beautifully. Carpaccio was outstanding. I had the venison risotto which was a screaming success. Desserts were all delish. The only false note on food is that the mashed potatoes of a fellow diner were overly salty. Service was very fine but not at the level of a Michelin Star. Regardless, the sommelier knew her stuff and everyone was kind. An easy choice to return to in the future.

Best meal and service in NY. The space is beautiful as well, a real treat to end our trip to NY. The food is of a really high quality, fresh and full of taste.

Fabulous night. Food was sensational. Chowder, pasta, lobster and half chicken were stand outs. Sommelier chose the perfect wine.

We've been fans practically since they opened, when I didn't have a single gray hair! Wanted lunch, it was late, but we headed to our go-to place. No disappointments except they didn't have the cod/potato croquettes which were on their online menu. My wife settled for their excellent chips and a salad. My burger was as always, fantastic.

We loved the food and atmosphere. We shared a Bibb Salad (gruyere and vinaigrette) , citrus salad and a roasted mushroom side dish, all were great. Entrees were excellent- Brook trout with lentils and the duck. Service was friendly and attentive.

What a gloriously decorated restaurant and terribly comfortable. I told the lovely waitress I was allergic to chilli and coriander and she returned from the kitchen to inform me that almost everything was pre-made and included chilli. The menu had nothing to suggest the food was spicy, which I found to be misleading, and there were only two dishes which were safe for me to eat, both of which were potatoes. Sadly we left and went elsewhere.

This is my first time back to Union Square Cafe since they moved to their new location. The new space is definitely more spacious, yet still feels "right". We were seated upstairs and found the noise level to be pleasantly low, allowing easy table conversation. We all ended up having the 3 course dinner, as it worked out to be a decent amount lower than ordering individually. I had a nice selection of oysters, while my wife had the polenta which was spectacular - she sild she could have had a huge bowl of it and been done. For the main course I had the snapper which was done perfectly and with the right amount of veggies and sauce. Two other people at the table had the scallops which were a nice size and again prepared perfectly. The fourth person has the quail, which was also quite good. For dessert the selections were interesting and not the ordinary. I had a small individually prepared baked Alaska which was a nice modern take on the old school classic. The no-tipping setup worked out to be nice. All of the wait staff who server us were very good and the final bill was very reasonable. We will be back!

I was nervous about going back to this long-standing institution after a long time away from NYC, but came way so impressed with what they continue to get right: bustling, but not too big; a friendly bar tender; good wait staff and a menu with profound flavors. We had the 3 course menu and were pleasantly surprised by the value proposition. The wine menu was a treat. Hats off to USC.

We all had the prix fixe dinner. The scallop was perfectly prepared. It had a nice crust on one side and was delicately cooked. The lamb appetizer was very tasty and different than expected. The lobster poached in butter was excellent. The most enthusiasm was for the duck l’orange. Each dessert was prepared with attention to detail. Tiramisu, the Apple cake and citrus tart were all extraordinary.

First time here and what a great experience! The service was impeccable. Attentive staff that was very knowledgeable and experienced. The food is amazing with large portions that produced a few take away boxes. Great wine list. Atmosphere is casual and busy, but comfortable with the right amount of sophistication. I will definitely be back!

Based on several previous meals at USC, I was confident that their Thanksgiving Day prix fixe at $145 per person would offer impeccable service and a high standard of cooking. What a letdown. The herb-crusted rack of pork - in essence a large, thick chop - was supposed to come ‘medium rare’, which we agreed to, but in the event they were RAW. I mean bright red, bleeding, stone cold raw. Why didn’t we send them back for further cooking ? Because nobody came by our table to enquire how our meals were. And nobody said a word when they cleared away the plates with the uneaten meat. Our waiter was robotically chirpy, rather than sincerely hospitable, which has been USC’s service hallmark in the past. She couldn’t answer questions about the dishes and irritatingly kept calling an older woman ‘my dear’. The sides were only so-so. The stuffing tasted raw, rather than roasted in drippings or butter, and without any sage or onion flavor. On the other hand, the steak, puréed potatoes and the desserts were well received, leading to the ‘average’ rating overall.

Fantastic wine selection, great service, and bustling atmosphere. Had amazing pasta and beef here with great wine to match

Union Square Cafe is a Danny Meyer restaurant, so one knows ahead of time it will offer pleasant hospitality and high-quality food, but this place is fortunately not overrated/overpriced like Gramercy Tavern or the Modern. Tasty, non-fussy food, though nothing truly original or creative: good steak tartare, scallops, and salads. My favorite dish was the Fettuccine al Limone which, when done well as it is here, is surprisingly delicious and luxurious despite its apparent simplicity. The apple cake was a good seasonal dessert.

Coming from Chicago, I wish more establishments took on this model of reflecting the true value of the price of the meal (with taxes, gratuity, etc.). I think more people would be appreciative of the whole experience and not think about how they can save money on their bill by shortchanging the wait staff. I had to do a double-take with some of the prices especially with drinks but again...you are not expecting any new charges at the end of the meal. The meal and service were amazing at this restaurant and it's a great spot for the location. I do recommend going with a small group and share a variety of dishes, grab a cocktail (or share a bottle of wine), and a couple of desserts. You will not be disappointed.

What happened to the famous Tuna Burger? I loved it. It is gone and I have asked the manager and written the owner and there is no explanation. Lazy and unforgivable.

I had always wanted to dine at Union Square Cafe. This is best a place to go when your date or Daddy is footing the bill. But it is worth it and everything is done well from service to the food. The sleepy hollow drink has an awesome Fall theme.

Once again met my daughter for lunch at Union Square Cafe (not on Union Square). The food was absolutely fantastic- (you probably already know that). All the dishes were great. It has been reviewed a million times. It's a must for visitors and locals. I do want to call out the service though. I felt like I was among the best wait staff in New York. Lidia who was our main waitress treated us like we were her family. It was white glove service without the gloves. Thank you Lidia and staff. Of course we will come back since we are locals.

After many years finally I came back to the New Located USCafe in Ny city. The restaurant is absolutely excellent for several reasons. The quality of the food, the variety of the menu and most importantly for the first time I had the best pasta in Ny city. No difference at all with a good pasta that you can have in Roma, Firenze or Napoli, perfectly cooking “al dente”, simple and tasty. The remaining of the menu is absolutely excellent and all this thanks to the passion of the executive chef Leda Ciardullo. Finally, the price is fair and reasonable for the service and high quality provided. A final recommendation, if you like old style cheese, fat and creamy “fettucine alfredo”..…please don’t come to this restaurant…..!!

So good - heirloom tomatoes were so tasty and fresh, the ravioli was light and rich and I cannot stop talking about the strawberry pavlova - it was so light and the perfect dessert. Loved the atmosphere and the music. Our server was so knowledge and enthused about the food and working there - her enthusiasm was wonderful. Will be my go to when I head back to NYC!

Finally I was able to visit this fine establishment created all those years ago by Danny Meyer and his talented team. (Although it is not actually the original premises). Wonderful from the moment we arrived. Great team members throughout providing the very best “enlightened hospitality”. The menu is quite short but I like that. Plenty of choice especially for lunch. The courgette tempura was sublime. The main, a delicious, perfectly cooked flat iron steak just how I like. We didn’t manage a dessert but definitely would have been worth the extra calories I am absolutely sure. The decor and atmosphere is wonderful. Smart, sophisticated but not “fancy”. I would recommend this to anyone who loves great food and being comfortably well looked after 🥰

Union Square Cafe remains a quintessential New York dining experience, blending timeless hospitality with a reliably strong menu. The ambiance is inviting—classy yet comfortable—making it suitable for celebratory dinners and business lunches. Service is a standout feature: staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating, often going the extra mile to split dishes or adjust seating preferences without fuss. The menu is seasonally driven and diverse, with pastas like the Agnolotti al Limone earning praise for freshness and flavor. Standbys like the 19th Street Burger and rosemary French fries are noteworthy for their quality. Crowding is a common critique, but we had no problem walking in at 4:00 without reservations. Prices are higher, but the quality and service justify the cost. Union Square Cafe’s consistency, warmth, and culinary execution secure its reputation as a New York institution worth revisiting. It makes guests feel welcome for a casual lunch or a special occasion.

What a stunning restaurant, wonderful ambience, excellent staff and superb food and wine. Thoroughly recommended!

Went last night - all 3 courses I had were great. Best was linguini & clams. very good snapper and great banana dessert. Service was very good. Also really, really liked no tipping policy. Why can't more places do this? My first time at new location - I think I liked 15th street more, but this place was still very nice and charming. Tables were a little small and too close together. I will definitely return.

Can't believe I had the good fortunate of experiencing USC forty years ago and am able to return to enjoy delicious fare. Danny Meyer's first restaurant doesn't disappoint. Went as a walk in for Sunday brunch and the host accommodated me with ease. The wait staff was accommodating and helpful identifying the food offerings. USC uses the freshest of fresh local food and it shows. I opted for a salad of baby artichokes topped with shavings of pecorino and mint. I wasn't going to order a basket of their Parker House rolls but when an ample basket was served at the next table, I had to indulge. These light and fluffy rolls were special as they had caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese folded in. My entree was a light Gemelli pasta laced with tender chopped asparagus and red shrimp with saffron. Continued much success to Danny Meyer and his team.

This was to be our splash out meal in New York. It was. Superb food, good service, nice wines by the glass. One of the first test of a restaurant is the quality of the bread. It was lovely. The duck was good but the banana tart desert was sublime. A restaurant not to be missed.

Phenomenal meal start to finish. Enjoyed a private space for a small holiday celebration. Chose from a pre fixe chosen by our host. Forgot to take pic of my beef tenderloin but it was perfect. Rare to medium rare. Appetizer was a squash with whipped feta and the dessert was a delightful mini pecan pie. Light on the sticky mix usually in pecan pie. Fabulous crust. Lovely ambiance. Packed for a Thursday night. Friendly attentive staff. Highly recommend!

From the minute we walked in the door we were welcomed as long lost friends. It really felt like we were home! Tara was a star in exceeding all our wants and needs and her suggestions were spot on. The food was exceptional and the perfect amount for us! Union square cafe is now a firm favourite in our hearts minds and soul!!

Of course, the Mother's Day food was amazing...the "tot" amuse-bouche perfect, the frittata spectacular, and the carrot cake scrumptious. The star of the day, though, were Isabel, Ellie, and the USC staff. There is no better in NYC.

Union Square Cafe We have been fans of USC for decades. The very good food (chicken Milanese, duck tater tots, kohlrabi and endive salad, Arctic char and French toast are all SO good) remains as fresh and tasty as ever. Our long standing favorites , the tuna burger (no longer offered) ANY pasta, and the chicken Milanese with greens, are very good and so well executed. The service is kind and polite, and sometimes, also polished and attentive….IF you get the right server, the service can be wholly excellent. With a pretty and civilized atmosphere, very good food and kind service, USC is a very good choice for lunch, brunch or dinner. We are long standing fans of USC, and it’s a very pleasant dining experience.

I recently had a three course lunch with a business colleague at this establishment. The facility is nice and the staff are well trained and attentive. The food, however, is expensive and very ordinary. My colleague suggested we share a bottle of wine, given wine by the glass is around $20. There are no inexpensive wines on the wine list. If you want to drink wine here, be prepared to drink only high quality wines at top dollar prices. Forget about a $10 dollar glass of "house wine." I shall not be returning; this place is simply not value for money.

The place is very close to Union square. It has a good ambience. The staff also are very courteous. The wine list is exhaustive but they don’t have New world wines which I think is a shame. The food is quite nice. It’s a short Italian menu.

My wife and I enjoyed celebrating our wedding anniversary at the Gramercy Park 'Union Square Cafe' - Saturday evening on September 9, 2023. The Cafe's location on East 19th Street at Park Avenue is easy to reach by City Bus M101-102 or 103. The atmosphere was wonderful - great menu. Our dinner (main course) 'BLACKENED STEELHEAD TROUT with Cucumber Broth, Pine Nuts, Wild Rice' and 'DUCK with Cherries' was delicious. Our appetizer = 'GAZPACHO VERDE and Tiramisu for dessert also delicius. Service was excellent.

I was such a fan of the original that I really should never have come to this new iteration. The original really was a fine dining restaurant and a wonderful experience whether with friends in the main room or on ones own at the bar. The food and the service were always memorable. There is nothing wrong with the new restaurant, its just that it feels like so many others and not special in any way. Its very noisy and the service is very slow and the food not special in any way. Tables full of young men drinking bottles of expensive wine at top pitch. Like so much these days, perhaps the world wants homogeneity and Danny Meyer has chosen this more commercial route to ensure packed venues. Good for him but we won't be back sadly.

I hadn’t tried this New York classic restaurant since it’s moved to its new location. The design of the restaurant was completely different than at its old location, and it was very comfortable and elegant. We were a party of eight. I had luggage with me and I needed to leave for the airport immediately after dinner. As soon as I arrived at the restaurant, Roger took my luggage and put a notation down as to what time I would have to leave. The sommelier was wonderful and spent a lot of time explaining the different tastes of the wines I was thinking about. The service was wonderful, the food was excellent. The wine list is outstanding. I cannot wait to go back again

Our previous experience with the establishment was totally positive. On this occasion, our expectations were only partially met. For example, I started with bibb and oak leaf salad which was quite good. But my entree, their signature chicken dish was hardly edible. Two other guests in our group reported the same reaction. On the other hand, my spouse ordered the snapper and said it was outstanding. Other members of our party also reported disappointment. Perhaps it was just a bad night. But, as indicated, it certainly did not meet our expectations.

The service is what made the meal so spectacular--attentive but not obsequious, friendly discussions about food when we wanted to talk food and great suggestions on what to order. Three of us for dinner and none of us can recall better service than what we received from Alicia. Thank you for a memorable evening. On her advice, the three of us split two salads (the winter citrus salad was scrumptious!). We then ordered two ordered duck breasts (yum) and the roast chicken which was moist and huge (enough for lunch the next day). We split the baked pear dessert; the pear and ice cream were delicious but when Alicia asked what we thought we were honest and said although yummy, we thought the pastry surrounding the pear was too thick Next thing we knew, a complimentary dish of mint chocolate chip ice cream appeared on our table. It tasted like mint just picked from the garden. Delicious! We will return. For sure.

UNION SQUARE CAFÉ- REVIEW After receiving a warm welcome from Chris Norton, the GM and Roger Maitre D’ we were escorted upstairs to a nice table. The menu was a little restrictive but diverse enough. We enjoyed the salad and the crudo as appetizers, and we had the halibut, pork chop, chicken and quail. The main courses were enjoyed by all. Liz, the sommelier was friendly, helpful and very attentive! I always enjoy the vibe at Union Square Café which remains a New York CLASSIC!