New York City can sometimes seem claustrophobic, with so many people packed into a small place. When you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day of work or touring, finding a restaurant with a large bar area may be appealing as a way to escape the crowds. While many restaurants are tiny hole-in-the-wall type places, there are a number of dining establishments that are quite spacious in both the eating and bar areas. Keep in mind that the time you visit can have a big impact on how crowded a place may be.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue is located a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Times Square. The large bar area includes large TVs and serves beer, specialty cocktails and liquor. Menu items come in a large array of styles, including Mexican, Cajun, Creole and Soul Food. Appetizers include corn dogs, red chili, BBQ nachos, biscuits and gravy and stuffed jalapeno peppers. Entrees come with cornbread and two sides and include choices such as pulled Carolina pork, sliced beef brisket and grilled catfish. Side choices such as country greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and pecan rice are offered.
Virgil's Real Barbecue
152 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-921-9494
virgilsbbq.com/
Gramercy Tavern opened in 1994 in a landmark building and boasts the atmosphere of a classic American pub. The large bar area serves an extensive selection of wines, beers and spirits. The tavern menu includes such appetizers as baby beets, porchetta salad, calamari, carrot salad and house-cured pastrami with pickled cauliflower. Entrees such as sea bass, blackfish, mushroom lasagna and pulled pork appear as entrée choices.
Gramercy Tavern
42 E. 20th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-477-0777
gramercytavern.com/
Gotham Bar & Grill is located in Greenwich Village and has been serving customers since 1984. The dining area and full bar offer a light, airy atmosphere with high ceilings. Dinner is served in three courses. First course choices include yellowfin tuna tartare, caviar, olive oil cured white tuna nicoise and wild striped bass ceviche. Second course options include the watercress and strawberry salad, seafood salad, green tomato gazpacho and seared foie gras are offered. Main course choices include Atlantic halibut, roasted rack of pork and Thai-spiced Maine lobster.
Gotham Bar & Grill
12 E. 12th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-620-4020
gothambarandgrill.com/
