New York City is a central hub for both domestic and international visitors. Home to the United Nations Headquarters it stands as a cultural crossroads of sorts, serving as a home base for many businesses; at the same time, New York's famous Theatre District and Park Avenue shopping centers draw a large faction of tourists year-round. Because of its reputation as a neutral meeting place, restaurants in the Big Apple are quite accustomed to large parties. Whether you're holding a business lunch or just want a place to celebrate your birthday, there's probably a restaurant in the NYC area that is just what you're looking for.
For an upscale dining option in a traditional Art Deco setting, Eleven Madison Park offers a contemporary American menu with a French flair. The executive chef, Daniel Humm, earned a Michelin star while still a teenager in Switzerland, and shortly after his arrival to Eleven Madison Park the restaurant was rated three stars by the New York Times. The cuisine focuses just as much on presentation as it does on taste, and each dish is considered a work of art by the chefs. The lunch and dinner menus feature specialties like Scottish salmon with daikon (a type of radish) and spring onions, bone marrow-crusted beef tenderloin with root vegetables, and Colorado lamb roasted with sheep's milk yogurt. Business lunches are held regularly here, and with advance notification, finding a table to accommodate your group will be no trouble. If your party is very large, Eleven Madison Park offers rooms that can accommodate 18-300 guests.
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10010
212-889-0905
elevenmadisonpark.com
If your party is primarily looking for entertainment, or if you have a large number of children in your group, the Jekyll & Hyde Club is a themed four-story restaurant close to Central Park on the Avenue of the Americas. Talking sculptures, staff dressed in gothic garb and drinks that belch smoke are only a few of the things you'll find here. People come here more for the fun and experience than the food, so don't come with expectations of exemplary cuisine; typical fare consists of finger food like popcorn chicken and pepperoni pizza. Specialty drinks are available for adults, while children can sample non-alcoholic cocktails. You can contact the tour group and party department if you have 10 or more people to schedule one of its party packages. Private floors are also available for birthdays and bachelor parties.
Jekyll & Hyde Club New York
1409 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
212-541-9505
jekyllandhydeclub.com
Named one of the 10 best restaurants in New York by Fodor's and declared to possess an "exciting wine list" by GQ Magazine, Ben Benson's Steakhouse has been in operation since 1982 on West 52nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. Bearing a distinctly Americana-inspired decor, it's a tourist hotspot that also attracts many celebrities in town. True to its steakhouse reputation, the menu offers a large variety of beef---including both filet mignon and a "slightly smaller filet mignon." If you're not in the mood for beef, Ben Benson's also offers other dishes like Maine lobster and southern-style fried chicken. A special "Steak Dinner for 2" is offered seven days a week, featuring a three-course menu with a choice of chateaubriand or filet mignon. The "exciting wine list" features selections from all over the world. Ben Benson's can (and normally does) accommodate a large variety of events; its private rooms can hold small parties for birthdays and corporate events, while the larger rooms are reserved for parties of up to 125 people.
Ben Benson's Steakhouse
123 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019
212-581-8888
benbensons.com
