Frequently cited as one of the best burgers in New York City. The patty is a specific blend of high-quality dry-aged beef, griddled until it has a deep char but remains perfectly medium-rare. It's topped with sharp white cheddar and thick-cut smoky bacon, then served on a buttery brioche bun with their famous fries. The dry-aged funk of the meat and the perfect ratio of toppings make it a city-wide benchmark.
Tips from diners
This is only available in the front Tavern room, not the back Dining Room. Arrive early or late to snag a bar stool—it's the best way to experience the burger and the tavern vibe.
A refined study in ingredient quality. The platter features a rotating selection of the season's best catch—typically including local oysters, chilled shrimp, and tuna tartare. It represents the restaurant's commitment to sourcing the finest seafood in the world. Reviewers often mention the freshness and the elegant presentation as being superior to other high-end raw bars.
Tips from diners
The oysters are remarkably fresh. Ask the bartender for a pairing from their excellent white wine list—they have some rare coastal bottles that are perfect for this platter.
A refined version of the traditional baked oyster. Fresh oysters are gently roasted with an intense amount of herb-infused butter and topped with light, crispy breadcrumbs for textural contrast. They are salty, briny, and incredibly flavor-dense, acting as the ideal palate opener for a wood-fired meal.
A technical highlight of the menu. The lasagna features dozens of paper-thin layers of handmade pasta, filled with a rotating selection of vegetables from the nearby Greenmarket and a silky béchamel sauce. It is a brilliant example of how the kitchen reinterprets a classic comfort dish through a refined, seasonal lens.
While the back 'Dining Room' at Gramercy Tavern is a formal multi-star destination, the front 'Tavern' is where the heart of the restaurant truly beats. It is a walk-in-only, high-energy space centered around a wood-burning grill and legendary murals. The menu offers a more casual but equally refined approach to seasonal American cooking, becoming a benchmark for the neighborhood and a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The Tavern room is strictly walk-in only. On weekend nights, the wait can be over an hour. Arrive at 11:30 AM right when they open for lunch to walk right in without a wait.
The large bar area is one of the most comfortable and beautiful in the city. If you're 1-2 people, sitting at the bar is the best way to soak up the high-energy tavern atmosphere and watch the bartenders work.
Gramercy Tavern is a non-tipping restaurant—the menu prices include gratuity. It's part of Danny Meyer's 'enlightened hospitality' model, ensuring fair wages for all staff.
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