Union Square CafeVery nice, a little tiredWe've been going to USC for many years. Over the last year or two, it has slipped. Still a great place, just not quite as special.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMUSC Returns to my personal #1Two visits ago I wrote of a disappointing experience -- in both food and service. Now I am happy to report that USC is back in full form, with knowledgeable, helpful and charming waiters and with exceptional food preparation and presentation. The menu is much smaller than it was before and I have to admit that I miss some of my personal menu favorites: Seared thick Tuna and lamb chops Cosa Ditta, both of which are in the first USC cook book so I will have to make them myself (not at all the same).
So welcome back my top restaurant choice!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Friday Lunch!We enjoyed everything about the Café, the service and the food were terrific. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt we were in good hands. The crispy pig salad is to die for!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMUSC is always wonderfulThe food here is always amazing. They shop at the Union Square Farmer's Market so the menu reflects what is in season. They have a speciality cocktail featured each week. Great wine choices by the glass and the bar is a great place to dine if you are alone.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful food, wonderful serviceThe food here is amazing and the service is equally as good. This place never disappoints!!!!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMTook a friend for her 75thTook a friend for her 75th birthday for lunch. Asked for a quiet table in the back which we were given. Everything about the lunch was perfect. Civilized, generous, delicious and attractive visually.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of my favorite placesI have been a patron of Union Sq Cafe for years (20+)
It has been wonderful in it's ambience, service and DELICIOUS food.
Union Sq Cafe has been my go to place for a special occasion in a low key setting.
There is the seriousness of amazing preparation, freshness, and service, but the lack of pretense is such a gift (to me), it makes the food taste even better.
A dining experience that is all about relaxed pleasure. It's not about hip or casual, it's about a lovely experience, feeling cosseted and extremely well fed. I have always been able to rely on Union Sq Cafe for a wonderful time.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently SatisfyingI have been going to Union Square Cafe since it opened in the 80's. It has always been a comfortable "go to" place for fine food and relaxation. The service has been gracious, but friendly, since it opened. The food has always been interesting, innovative and delicious. Wish I lived next door!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHasn't lost a stepI haven't been ti Union Square Cafe in many years, owing largely to the fact that I moved uptown.
I5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my friend here forI took my friend here for his birthday because he's wanted to go for a long time. It's hard to get a reservation here especially for a Saturday eveving and now I understand why; the food is outstanding. They offer a very creative menu that changes daily. The wait staff was extremely attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The portion sizes are just right and the cocktails were very well made. The decor was comfortable, relaxing and tasteful; not overwrought. This is one of my new favorite restaurants. Saturday evening reservations should be made 1 1/2 weeks in advance.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMEvolving SceneUnion Square Cafe seemed not so packed with Birthday and Anniversary celebration, but rather people out to enjoy a casual evening of terrific food. The atmosphere is casual and friendly from the start, but the wait staff's efforts are crisp and professional. The food is simple and appropriately priced. This is not a gastronomic temple, but overall is still one of the best bets one could have for an evening out in New York.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, good service. AGood food, good service. A good place for lunch or dinner5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place was fantastic.This place was fantastic. Great cocktails, wine, fabulous food. The service was OK, but it didnt hamper the experience in any way. We had a great meal and will definitely come back.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAfter all these years.......the restaurant is still excellent. I went to Union Square the week it opened (with a friend whose father in St. Louis told us to support
his friend's "kid" (Danny Meyer). Hadn't been in years and it hasn't changed a bit....A good thing! Still lovely, comfortable, welcoming, with inventive food, knowledgeable, unhurried service, and we could hear each other talk (hard to find these days). You got it right the first time and it is still perfect.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Service & Delicious FoodOne of the best seared tuna burgers I've ever had. Delicious meal all around. Will go back soon.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything worked as clockwork
AEverything worked as clockwork
A most satisfying experience5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMstill great, but...For a long time Union Square has been our favorite NYC restaurant. Food always wonderfully fresh, with a delectable blend of flavors but not too extreme- what I liked to call gourmet comfort food. But what truly put Union Square over the top was the service. The totally professional the staff is always extremely knowledgeable but 'friendly enough to make you feel at home without being overly so. This is all still true but the service on our last two visits was just slightly more rushed, less personable- hope this isn't the beginning of a trend.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGracious service, lusciousGracious service, luscious food. A luxurious afternoon.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOver the top wonderfulThis was my third visit, and it remains my favorite restaurant in NYC. The halibut is the best I've ever had, the wine list is daunting but amazing, and our waiter (Max) made the whole experience that much better. I come to NYC 2-4 times a year, and now that i know this place, I'll be here for at least one meal every visit. Don't miss a dinner here. Simply the best.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experience,greatWonderful experience,great use of locally grown produce. Chef creates wonderful appetizers. Always a treat. Busy, fun atmosphere.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLike rediscovering an oldLike rediscovering an old friend. You can just pick up where you left off. With great food enhanced by excellent personal service. Run don't walk.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBucket ListHave always wanted to dine here, and finally lucky enough to get lunch reservation booked weeks in advance. Our server put us at ease, never rushed us and was friendly, informed and attentive as were busers and runners alike, despite packed house. Great by-the-glass wine and beer list, awesome oysters, perfect charred sirloin carpaccio, tasty tuna and USC burgers, generous fries, and lovely subtle candle in dessert by considerate server noting a landmark birthday. All lived up to USC's rep as iconic NYC destination.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMParents visitingIm living in new york city, Im from Mexico, and my parents were visiting me last week. We went to the Union Square Cafe to have dinner on a friday night, and let me tell you that everything was amazing: food,, service, the overall experience. I had heard that the Union Square Cafe was one of the most remarcable restaurants in NYC, now I know why.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMA classic in NYCExcellent food and service. This place has all the bases covered.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingEntering USC the reception is prompt, friendly, considerate and sets the tone for an outstanding experience. The food and selection is outstanding (on this visit we shared spagettini and fettuchini) but what stood out is how carefully, even when busy, the service mae us comfortable.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMRecommended heavenI had already come across this restaurant a few years back but had not been able to book a table. Its' name came up again when I mentioned to a work colleague (who is a native New Yorker) that we were planning a visit to NYC and she said this restaurant was still great. We loved it. Our waitress was professional and fun and was able to help with the menu - the food was presented beautifully and was well put together with a great balance of fresh and innovative flavours. Loved the vibe and would definitely return.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMYes, yes, yes...Now this is what I am talking about! What a great find. It's perfectly located in the heart of Union Square, the staff is remarkable, and the food...well, the food is just brilliant. I know the menu is seasonal, but if you happen to get in this spring the Scallop Crudo is a light and delicious starter with a little spicy kick to it and the Rainbow Trout was spectacular. I also tried a bit of the duck which was also incredible if your in the mood for meat. They have great seasonal cocktails and a notable wine list (even by the glass). I definitely hope to visit again soon!!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMUNION SQUARE CAFE IS CONSISTENTLYUNION SQUARE CAFE IS CONSISTENTLY A TERRIFIC DINING EXPERIENCE. THE FOOD AND SERVICE IS ALWAYS TOPNOTCH.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellence Without FlashSuperb food--I had three appetizers instead of an entree, and they were varied and delicious. The place is low-key but obviously of high quality4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMnever failsStaff are very knowledgeable about the menu which changes often and always creative with seasonal fresh foods incorporated. Great wine selection and again staff very helpful in choice selection. We generally entertain clients here who enjoy good food and they always leave happy4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific as always, a no-brainerTerrific as always, a no-brainer for wowing an out-of-towner!4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe first visit here was aThe first visit here was a delight in every way. Creative menu, attentive, not hovering, staff. VERY BUSY!4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch at USCThis is a wonderful place. Service is amazing. My daughter dropped her phone in water and the waiter brought over a bucket of rice to put the phone into which drew the water from it. After a couple of hours the phone worked! As a brunch place it wasn't quite up to my expectations - some interesting items on the menu but the over-all selection was weak. I would have liked to see more choices and some interesting takes on some of the classic egg oriented brunch dishes. We have had dinner and lunch at USC. This resto remains a favourite but I felt their brunch wasn't quite up to the very high level of their other meals. If Danny Meyer could train government workers to be as astute and helpful as his staff, the world would be a better place.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's one of our favorite placesIt's one of our favorite places to eat whenever we come to NYC. Delicious and unusual food, attentive service, and fantastic martinis.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb FoodUnion Square Cafe never disappoints. The four people in our party ordered different dishes (for lunch) and each was outstanding. The service was friendly and attentive. We also got a quiet table in the back, which made conversation easy and pleasant.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific meal all around.Terrific meal all around. Will defintiely go back.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAlthough it was hard to getAlthough it was hard to get a reservation, we loved this restaurant and highly recommend it.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWilliam James said, I believe,William James said, I believe, there is nothing more concrete than atmosphere. The atmosphere at USC was alive but not too obtrusive, and therefore made conversation easy during a very good meal.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMReally gracious service givesReally gracious service gives the experience of the great food and lovely setting that extra something special that makes for a memorable evening. A perfect place for a special celebration.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe'll be backWe were visiting NYC with a friend and all agreed -- we had one of the best dinners ever! Our second time there in 10 years, and it seems even better this go around, with no fails; we ordered many dishes and a delicious wine. Excellent service, perfect timing, refreshingly competent execution of every item.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMQuiet and intimate in the Big AppleWe had a wonderful before theater meal. When we arrived, the restaurant was pretty empty, but by the time we left it was getting much fuller, and to our amazement, the noise level was pretty low. We were seated at a lovely corner banquet type table. Very private and separate from other tables.
The server was quite animated and attentive, and the food was really delicious. The broccoli rabe side we ordered was a little over salted, and she happily provided us a replacement. The chocolate/hazelnut banana bread pudding with sour cream ice cream for dessert was beyond heavenly.
All in all, it was a great experience, would love to return.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of my Absolute FavoritesUnion Square is hands down one of the best restaurants in the city. Every time I go there, I have a great experience. Food, service, everything is always top-notch.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner with friendsI took two friends to share an early dinner. The service was attentive and not overbearing. The food excellent. The timing not rushed. We enjoyed the moderate level of background conversation as we were able to carry on our friendly conversations.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMUSC always a winner!! TheUSC always a winner!! The food is sublime and the staff is simply wonderful.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional service staff,Exceptional service staff, very attentive yet not intrusive. Food was very good for brunch, i look forward to return for dinner.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely and dependable. ConsistentlLovely and dependable.
Consistently fine food and good service.
Charming.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently Great!!!Excuse me while I rave. Celebrated our 15th Anniversary at USC last night and everything was excellent!!! Starting with the wonderful fresh baked bread which was served with olives, an olive oil pistachio dip, and butter. Awesome Mint Juleps served in the proper pewter cup. Started with crispy artichokes off the "snack menu" then split the appetizer sized sweet pea ravioli with Lobster sauce we wiped both plates clean with the bread. Then my wife had the crispy Rainbow Trout and I had the Sirloin with bone marrow mashed potatoes and Cippoline onions. Both entrees were absolutely delicious, plates cleared. Our server Haley was attentive and so nice. This was my fifth time here and have never been disappointed. My Favorite restaurant in NYC!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb food, impeccable service,Superb food, impeccable service, lovely decor. Casually elegant. Union Square Cafe never fails to please.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAs great as I remember....I first visited USC 16 years ago and its (at that time) innovative approach to modern American food - treating great, local ingredients simply and with respect and love - had a big impact on my own passion for food (sourcing, cooking and eating!). Living in the UK, I've been waiting to come back ever since....... And it didn't disappoint! Whilst it has moved from being a game-changer to being part of the NYC culinary establishment, it still sticks to its much-imitated principles and delivers beautifully cooked and memorable food, topped off with charming and knowledgable service. Already, I'm looking forward to my next visit......4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a fabulous brunch here.Had a fabulous brunch here. Have wanted to come here for a very long time and was not disappointed. While definitely a special occassion type restaurant, it was anything but stuffy. The food was great. I had the sweet potato, seafood hash. I would highly recommend it. Others at our table sampled the Chorizo and English Pea omelet and the French toast. No one was disappointed.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AM