Solo Saturday lunch in Manhattan, no reservations

There’s a chance I might find myself in Manhattan for lunch by myself the Saturday after next. I’m not sure I will be though, so I don’t want to make reservations ahead of time. Any suggestions for what might be fun currently, given that I’ll be dropping in solo without reservations and won’t have time to wait for a table in a crowded place?

Thanks,
-Robert

I’d just grab a seat at the bar at:

Minetta
Balthazar
The Breslin

Gramercy Tavern.

Here you go Robert:

http://nymag.com/srch?t=restaurant&N=265+346+69+351&No=0&Ns=nyml_sort_name|0

Out of this semi-extensive list, I’d recommend:

Bar Jamon/Casa Mono
El Quinto Pino
Little Owl
Spotted Pig
Locanda Verde
Maialino
Public (not on the list but an old favorite of mine in my bachelor years…sigh; http://public-nyc.com/)

Have fun.

Momofuku Saam Bar is easy on Saturday

Forget that fancy stuff. Enjoy yourself with some down home comfort food at Veselka. 2nd Ave and East 9th street in the east Village. http://veselka.com/

I’d say go for the fancy stuff–EMP has a walk in section for lunch, but unfortunately they don’t serve lunch on Saturday.

Morrell Wine Bar. Decent food. Amazing by the glass selection.

Also, Resto for good food and an amazing Belgian beer list

So that’s very helpful… rolleyes

Enthusiastic +1s here on Minetta Tavern and The Breslin. The wait-less way to get into Minettta Tavern is walking in for lunch.



I second this as well - for an informal lunch featuring excellent Asian-fusion dishes. Momofuku’s pork bun and the duck sandwich are both amazingly good.


I’ll add a couple of others:

The Bar Room at the Modern for great Alsace-inspired cuisine in a very nice MOMA setting in midtown.

Tertulia for terrific Basque-influenced brunch tapas … also, lunch would probably get you a seat in one of the communal tables (or by the bar) without the loooong waits during dinner.

Ramon - I almost recommended Tertulia but I don’t think they open until 5ish on Saturdays. I say this because when I was there in late Oct my brother and I were literally the second group in line. They actually let us wait inside until they were ready because the weather was such fail. If something has changed and they’re now open for lunch, then I highly recommend a vist. Best jamon iberico I’ve had outside of Spain. And the staff was super friendly too.

David,

Tertulia has added weekday lunch, and weekend brunch, from 11 to 3 pm.
I agree about the terrific Jamon Iberico bellota, but which unfortunately is not available during brunch. However, the regular Jamon Serrano is available. As a tapas junkie, I think these guys make some of the better ones in the city today. Yes to the friendly service.

I would give Toqueville a call to see if they are available. One of the best prix fixe lunches ($29.07) around. While at the prices they charge for dinner, I have places I like better, it’s super at the prix fixe price. Since we eat similarly, I know you’ll like it, and the times I’ve been for lunch, they haven’t been full.