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  4. Manhattan
  5. Gramercy / Flatiron

élan - Permanently Closed

4.2
4.2
320 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Élan is a contemporary American restaurant located in Manhattan that serves refined yet casual international cuisine. Chef David Watluck has created an exciting, whimsical menu that draws inspiration from all corners of the globe. From the Chinese-inspired General Tso's sweetbreads to the classic French terrines, guests can find something delicious that suits their mood. To further illustrate the diversity of Élan, a typical three-course meal might look something like this: sea urchin guacamole with taro root chips to start, grilled shrimp lo mein for dinner, and a southern style maple cream pie for dessert. There is also an a lá carté menu available for both the dining room and bar area, which Élan has decorated with art installations from both established and local up-and-coming artists.

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, French, Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: Wednesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am - 3.00pm Credit Card information is required for parties of 5 or more

  • Phone number

    (646) 682-7105

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, élan can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Private Dining Coordinator: (646) 682-7105

  • Neighborhood

    Gramercy / Flatiron

  • Cross street

    Park Avenue South

  • Parking details

    Street parking after 7PM Daily and Weekends

  • Public transit

    N and R trains at Broadway and 23rd Street<br />6 trains at Park Avenue South and 23rd Street<br />4 5 6 and Q trains at Union Square<br />M and F trains at 23rd and 6th Avenue

  • Additional

    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 320 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2
4.2 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. Annk

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Food scene doesn't get any better than a Chanterelle and Elan. None else can fill these shoes. Sorely, sorely will miss!
  2. MinetteG

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything at Elan...sorry it has closed. Hope to be notified if the chef opens another place.
  3. Bonnie

    New York Area

    855 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    855 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2016

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    It matters not what my review is: Elan closes tonight. It would be to the benefit of all New York diners to hope that David and George find/make another opportunity to use their talents for the benefit of us all.
  4. Lame

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Too bad it's closing soon. Go while you can. Excellent prix fixe menu for the price.
  5. PaulG

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The 3-course prix fix menu was perfect and it was a fabulous deal in NYC dining. The dinning room filled up nicely at 8:00ish. I've seen mixed reviews and that the restaurant is closing. That's too bad. It really should do well. I'd certainly return.
  6. JennytheCat

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2016

    overall4food3service2ambience3
    It's closing soon which is too bad. The food was good, maybe not good enough and the service was close to but not quite surly. But the guys about to be out of a job....
  7. thaiflip92

    New York Area

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2016

    overall5food4service3ambience4
    I finally made the effort to explore this restaurant on what I thought was the last day. The restaurant was only serving a prix fixe menu - 3 course meal for $40. I had the privilege of meeting one of the owners - George. George informed me that they are extending business. Meg, my server for that evening was good, but she could be better. She neglected to inform me of the other specials that was off the menu that evening. However, her accommodation and hospitality towards was good. Meg provided a great sales pitch on the popular dishes to try and her recommendations were on point. Overall this was one of best prix fixe meals I have had in a while because every dish tasted better and better. The food experience left a lasting impression and I am sad that this place was closing. I told three of my friends and convinced them to come to this restaurant. Therefore, I will definitely be returning. Hopefully, they will extend their business until the end of the month. For pictures and dishes check out my blog: Tablespoons and Teaspoons http://tablespoonsandteaspoons.com/ Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpoonsTt Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tablespoonsandteaspoons/?ref=hl
  8. HWeil

    New York Area

    983 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    983 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Elan is set to close in mid-March. I'll be very sorry to see it go.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    this place is great go while you still have the chance chefs like this are rare.
  10. mickymouse

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unfortunately it does not matter how much I can rave about the food, décor, service, etc since the restaurant is closing.....a great gastronomic loss as far as I am concerned.
  11. MarkJ

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything that came before us--food, drink, service--was full of thought and consideration. A real pleasure to eat at such a welcoming and delicious place.
  12. nobody

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The $40 prix fixe is a steal, not to mention the wine discounts. Paired with a former NYT four star chef's food who is actually in the kitchen and you cant go wrong. Several of Chanterelle's former servers are on staff providing warm and exacting service.
  13. Bonnie

    New York Area

    855 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    855 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Let's hope that Elan is able to continue. The room is lovely, the service impeccable and the food extraordinarily outstanding--and often different from other restaurants. It would be more than a shame for New York to lose the talents of David Waltuck.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    You have a week left to get there, and get there you must. This was an outstanding meal and an even better value. It's really a shame to see this place closing. Ask for the seafood sausage - it's not on the menu. It's a holdover from his days at Chanterelle and who knows if you will ever get to taste that again. It was sublime.
  15. newyorkerdiner

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Sorry to see elan close. We went there to enjoy the great food one last time. Hope they will do something else soon. The entire team is great. Definitely make a reservation before its too late.
  16. Libbief

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2016

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    We arrived and no one approached our table for at least ten minutes. Drinks ordered - we had to interrupt a server fifteen minutes later to check on them. We had ordered coffee and iced tea. Food ordered - we had to interrupt a server ninety, yes ninety, minutes later to check on progress. We ordered fruit with granola and over easy eggs...two dishes that should not take long to create. It appeared as if there was one server and four bus staff, not the other way around. I can't remember if we ever saw our server again after we initially ordered. I gave two stars instead of one because the guy that eventually served our food made a joke they were raising the chickens that laid the eggs. He was very apologetic about the wait, but never explained what had taken so long. I would not go back and would not recommend this restaurnt.
  17. dehillerin

    New York Area

    213 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    213 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Upon hearing that Elan was closing, I made my first visit there, for brunch. It was a bargain at $22 with unlimited refills on the drinks. The staff was affable and willing, and the service was fine. Some dishes were exquisite (appetizer of mushroom croquettes with truffle flavor), others OK (the lamb hamburger was a great platter with sticks of fried polenta and a tasty mayo, but the ground lamb had been put together under great pressure and was not toothsome; it really resisted). The room is plain and not so inviting to my eye, so I am sorry it's going, but hoping for something better in the future.
  18. foodaholic

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The quality of the food is. Supetior. The chef was at Chantelle unti, lt closed. the menu is creative and never disspoints. Unfortunately ELAN is closing end of Msrvh. What a loss!!! I will miss ig. There are so many menu items I didn't get to try.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The dishes were delicious and perfect size.
  20. ACC1

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    This is their last month of operation. I'm very sad because this place has been my regular haunt. I'm glad the prix fixe includes all part favorites, plus additional plates
  21. HWeil

    New York Area

    983 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    983 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    elan is closing. Am not happy about that. Food is excellent, price isn't out of sight, location is convenient for me. Am glad chef Waltuck opened élan so close to my home. Don't know why he's throwing in the towel (again, as he did at Chanterelle years ago), but I'll mourn the loss of this first-rate restaurant.
  22. Mada

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After all these years we say goodbye to a wonderful chef and restaurateur. David Waltuck will be missed. Thankfully I am the proud owner of a heavily dog eared copy of Staffmeals so he won't be too far away from our family table. Thankyou David for so many years of fine, easy, elegant dining. Madalasa
  23. Bonnie

    New York Area

    855 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    855 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The news that Elan is closing is unfortunate. We have followed the chef/owner David Waltuck from Chanterelle to Elan and we hope that he stays in NYC and we can follow him yet again. Our meal, chosen from a limited pre-fixe menu, was wonderful, perhaps the best we have had at Elan. We're planning to go back again before the restaurant closes at the end of February. Everyone should do the same.
  24. Samuel

    New York Area

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2016

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Had a fantastic meal here with my wife. The food was original and innovative, but everything worked. Uni guac is superb. Tea smoked seared salmon was also fantastic. The sommelier was also great -- took great pleasure in explaining the history, geography and complex tastes of each wine we asked about, in a very friendly and non-pretentious manner. Only downside was somewhat slow service -- we sat for an inexplicably long time when we first arrived, with no menu, no water, no attention whatsoever. Similarly took too long to get a waitress's attention for the check and our coats in the end. But overall a very good place.
  25. ArnieT

    London

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    First time here and now it's closing. A terrible loss for such great food.
  26. Anonymous

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Dined early on Superbowl Sunday so needless to say the small intimate restaurant was not very busy. Received friendly, attentive but not overbearing service. The chicken curry dumplings, butternut squash ravioli and brussels sprouts were delicious!! The braised short ribs and roasted chicken were very good except the sauce on the roasted chicken was a bit overpowering. They have a nice wine list and the decor is simple but modern elegant. Would recommend.
  27. HWeil

    New York Area

    983 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    983 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Elan's chef, who once presided over one of NYC's premier restaurants, closed his old Tribeca joint and has downscaled in the Flatiron district to a more modest menu with less usurious prices. His dining room may no longer be one of the city's very best, deliberately, but it's excellent nonetheless. He's still a top-notch cook.
  28. GAFNYC

    New York Area

    113 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    113 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2016

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Confused about this restaurant. I think it positions itself as an upscale eatery but yet the experience is very different. At least for brunch. Went with a few friends who like fine dining. The service seemed initially annoyed or rushed attitude. Not sure which was true. But didn't feel welcoming. The menu I think is more geared towards a boozy brunch crowd with the $22 brunch menu and unlimited mimosas. Hence some of the patrons. The food was tasty however. The only redeeming quality, but not good enough to go back.
  29. IsabellaT

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Guacamole was unbelievable and our server Nanci was fantastic!
  30. Tweedle

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2016

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We had a reservation and weren't seated until an hour after. It seemed like we got the last of the food in the kitchen. Nothing was outstanding.
  31. Steaklover

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2016

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We can here here for restaurant week - reservation at 9pm on a Thursday. We were seated 45 mins late and ordered promptly. The bread and butter were the best items we ate. The chicken dumings were served with ketchup (which the tried to call tamarind sauce). Ketchup? Come on. The skate - dry and chewy. The butternut squash ravioli - bland and on a bed of strange tomatoes and eggplant - almost gross. Dessert - not memorable. We love to go out to eat and unfortunately we will not go back to élan.
  32. mickymouse

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy dining at Elan. Have been there for brunch and dinner and never a bad moment. The food is spectacular, the service perfect, and the room lovely. Will be sure to come again.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2016

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    our server nanci was very pleasant and the food was decent
  34. JWEBBE28

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2016

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    The location and ambience but the level of service was not all there. It appeared that they were trying to be nice once they felt my energy was off from the inital point. I ended up leaving and heading over to Spice Market which was much better.
  35. aas395

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Really enjoyed our dinner here. Very interesting flavors all the way throughout the meal. Our servers were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.
  36. Deirdre

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Excellent service from the moment I walked in the door until we left. Lovely food with quite generous portions. The dining room is small and intimate but quiet. Go and enjoy!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    154 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    154 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2016

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Very accommodating to a member of our party with a broken leg
  38. GFfoodie

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2016

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Had a lovely dinner with my friend here for restaurant week. The food was interesting and eclectic. The seafood sausage was fantastic! They were knowledgable about gluten free menu items and super helpful when it came to dietary restrictions. I'd definitely come back.
  39. restaurantweekgoer

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2016

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    food was okay... nothing special given the price. perhaps it was just the restaurant week menu or the vegetarian food that i ate
  40. BuckyD23

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Elan is a very comfortable restaurant on the smallish side, stylishly decorated with good use of all space. Food ( did NYC restaurant week) was very good to outstanding. Service was first class as both waitress and sommelier were very thorough in explaining menu or wines. Both owners are involved in both kitchen and the floor. I first had a dinner prepared by David Waltuck over 35 yrs ago. Loved it then, loved it now. Next time in NYC I will make a point to return.

FAQs

élan - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 320 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for élan - Permanently Closed

43 East 20th St., New York, NY 10003

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Park Avenue South

  • Neighborhood

    Gramercy / Flatiron

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: Wednesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am - 3.00pm Credit Card information is required for parties of 5 or more

  • Cuisines

    American, French, Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street parking after 7PM Daily and Weekends

  • Public transit

    N and R trains at Broadway and 23rd Street6 trains at Park Avenue South and 23rd Street4 5 6 and Q trains at Union SquareM and F trains at 23rd and 6th Avenue

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (646) 682-7105

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, élan can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Private Dining Coordinator: (646) 682-7105

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