30 Rockefeller Center | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
You've checked out the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and now it's time for a coffee, a cocktail, or a nosh. Here are pro-recommended midtown places within walking distance of 30 Rock.
COFFEE
Photograph courtesy of Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee
Located in the lower level of Rockefeller Center, they have two La Marzocco Strada MP espresso machines; two pour-over stations; two types of iced coffees, as well as pastries and liege waffles.
"They really live up to their name."
FED Pro > Pastry Chef Christina Tosi
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Concourse Level, Suite D, New York, NY 10020
Website
CAKE
Photograph courtesy of Bouchon Bakery
FRENCH BAKERY | Bouchon Bakery
Chef Thomas Keller’s casual bakery and cafe, serving sweets, sandwiches and salads.
"I love the coffee cakes and the pain au chocolat."
FED Pro > Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini
"You can take home macarons from here and experience chef Thomas Keller’s distinctive cuisine in a casual setting."
FED Pro > Chef Jesse Schenker of Recette, The Gander
Rockefeller Center, 1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020
T: 212.782.3890 | Website
Photograph courtesy of Minamoto Kitchoan
JAPANESE BAKERY | Minamoto Kitchoan
This Japanese-style confection shop features Wagashi, which contains red bean and natural unrefined sugar. They have
"It's a Japanese bakery and I love it. Go for red bean paste desserts and their soy crackers. They change their menu often."
FED Pro > Chef/Spice Blender Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boite
509 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
T: 212.489.3747 | Website
COCKTAILS
Photograph courtesy of Lantern's Keep
INTIMATE COCKTAILS | Lantern's Keep
Hidden in the back of Midtown's Iroquois Hotel, this is a tiny salon devoted to the art of the craft cocktail.
"This is a jewel of a spot with flawless cocktails. Have something regal."
FED Pro > Bartender Tom Richter of Dear Irving
"When I'm in midtown, I always have to stop by Lantern's Keep at the Iroquois Hotel and the bartender make something strong. They are quite the wizes with the stirred stuff.
FED Pro > Bartender Matthew Piacentini of the Up and Up
"It’s a great bar and the cocktails are wonderful."
FED Pro > Bartender Tristan Willey of Long Island Bar
49 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
T: 212.453.4287 | Website
Photograph courtesy of The Rum House
CASUAL VIBE | The Rum House
This Times Square cocktail bar has live entertainment and a large selection of rum and whiskey. Nice bonus, they are open every day of the year.
"The only bar in Times Square to get a great classic quality cocktail. This is a great place."
FED Pro > Bartender Tom Richter of Dear Irving
228 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036
T: 646.490.6924 | Website
Photograph courtesy of King Cole Bar
HISTORIC HOTEL BAR | King Cole Bar
In 1934, a drink called the ‘Red Snapper’ was mixed here, said to be the precursor of the Bloody Mary. Sit at the bar and stare at the famous Maxfield Parrish mural -- see if you can figure out the secret.
"I just love this old school bar."
FED Pro > Bartender Tony Conigliaro of 69 Colebrooke Row, The Zetter Townhouse, Grain Store
"I like to order a Side Car here."
FED Pro > Chef Jonathan Waxman of Barbutto
2 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022
T: 212.339.6857 | Website
RESTAURANTS
Grand Central Oyster Bar | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
SEAFOOD | Grand Central Oyster Bar
Located in on the lower lever of Grand Central station, they opened their doors in 1913 and have been packed since. Classic, buzzy and historic. There are two rooms, the front is large with counter seating and tables under tiled arches, the back bar (go through the door with the porthole) is more intimate with wood paneling and seafaring art on the walls.
"A New York classic, one of the few remaining. Opened in 1913. Of course, go for the oysters, but I also love staring at the arched terra cotta tile ceiling. Simply amazing."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Krystof Zizka of Maison Premiere
Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
T: 212.490.6650 | www.oysterbarny.com
CHINESE | Wu Liang Ye
A traditional Sichuan Chinese restaurant on the second floor of a midtown brownstone. Known for their spicy dishes that are often braised, sautéed, roasted or stir-fried.
"It’s a very famous Szechuan restaurant in Midtown, very close to Rockefeller Center."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs Yiming Wang & Xian Zhang of Cafe China
36 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036
T: 212.398.2308
JAPANESE | Sake Bar Hagi
Subterranean Izakaya with flat screen TVs, it’s the Japanese version of a sports bar. While the location is underground, Hagi isn’t anymore, so be prepared to wait for a table. Write your name on the list, give them your phone number and they'll call you when seats are available.
"Sake Bar Hagi is one of my favorite restaurants. They are open late and always packed. Try the eel tempura with plum salt."
FED Pro > Chef Joseph Ogrodnek of Battersby
"I like the yakitori here. I love this place, it’s a gem and it’s open late."
FED Pro > Chef David Pasternack of Esca, Barchetta
152 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
T: 212.764.8549 | Website
Photograph courtesy of Toloache
MEXICAN | Toloache
Pronounced toh-lo-AH-tchay. Mexican-born chef Julian Medina’s contemporary take on Mexican cuisine. The broad selection of tequilas are worth a try too.
"This is a very good Mexican restaurant. It’s more fine dining Mexican with great ingredients, well prepared and well presented."
FED Pro > Bartender Xavier Herit of The Wallflower
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019
T: 212.581.1818 | Website
DISCOVER OUR 24-HOUR NYC GUIDES
DOWNLOAD THE FIND. EAT. DRINK. IPHONE APP
EAT WHERE THE PROS EAT.
DRINK WHERE THE PROS DRINK.
SHOP WHERE THE PROS SHOP.
