How is Union Square Cafe restaurant rated?

Name: Union Square Cafe
Address: 101 E 19 St., New York, NY, United States, 10003
Telephone: (212) 243-4020
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.4

Union Square Cafe

4.4

6947 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe has re-opened in its new location on 101 East 19th Street. Founded in 1985, Union Square Cafe was one of the originators of contemporary American cuisine, and remains a destination for warm hospitality and Chef Carmen Quagliata's thoughtfully executed, creative cooking. Union Square Cafe is Danny Meyer’s first restaurant and the birthplace of a generation of widely lauded, award-winning restaurants, as well as the starting point for the careers of many world-renowned chefs.

Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and also earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times.

Union Square Cafe is a non-tipping restaurant. Hospitality Included.
We look forward to welcoming you soon. Reservations are available at UnionSquareCafe.com/reservation.

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What 6,947 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.1Ambience
4.0Value

Noise • Moderate

95% of people would recommend it to a friend

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WS
WillSk
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Reviewed on September 4, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
We came last night (early) without a reservation and was able to get a table. We immediately were greeted by Monique the Sommelier, who first had us taste USC's brand Tassin by the glass. It was a very delicious start to our night. Then Monique led us to a vintage Billecart-Salmon Cuvee which knocked our socks off! For the end our evening she recommended the best Madeira I have ever had. For dinner, Michael walked us through the menu and made some amazing suggestions. Then at the end we were greeted by Chris the manager, who made sure everything was perfect. Thanks USC ! Will & Phyl of Whitestone
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Reviewed on March 1, 2017
overall5foodserviceambience
I was there for lunch and our waiter was Rocco. The service was excellent, but more than that his personal attention and when I mentioned a particular wine he brought us a sample. Overall, in every way his help was exemplary. It was a pleasure for my hostess and myself. When I was home I decided to make a reservation for late in March. I had been told by others that there were no openings, but Laura, who was helping me on the phone, understood my story about having wanting to go there for my birthday with these same people, but the restaurant was not open. And so, after a wait of about five minutes, Laura came back with an available opening for me. She was charming and sincere and of course most helpful.
D
Daddoo63
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall5food4service5ambience5
It's not news that Union Square Cafe is a classic New York restaurant. The neighborhood, and NYC, for that matter, owes it a great deal of gratitude. I will be one of the faithful waiting with bated breath for the return of this wonderful restaurant when it reopens in spring 2016!
P
Peter
New York Area
329 reviews
vip
5.0
329 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2015
overall5food4service4ambience4
Final days before the move to 19th street in the spring. The portions are getting larger than ever (cleaning out the fridge) and the favorites are rapidly falling off the chart. You see calamari at almost every table. I had to have one last USC burger before the closure. I hope the new venue delivers what we have come to rely on here.
B
Bari
New York Area
72 reviews
vip
4.0
72 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience5
I'm so sorry to see this grand old lady leave. It's always been such a treat to dine there. Hopefully, with the new location will come some new personnel. Danny Meyer has always been known for his well trained help -- from the time of reservation to the end of the meal. This hostess was the worst! Yes, we were a tad early, but were not seated until 45 minutes after our reservation time (even though , upon arrival, she told us that we would be on time). She never kept us informed and seemed annoyed when we asked "how much longer"? The no tipping was not in effect there. Hopefully, things will again be GREAT with the new USC!
W
Wildcat76
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fortunately we were in town and able to enjoy lunch at this location the last week they were in this location. As always the food and service lived up to our expectations. Looking forward to next time we are in town at the new Union Square Cafe.
JM
JamesM
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had brunch on a Sunday here with group of 4. Food was very good especially the cinnamon buns.
V
Vijay168
New York Area
40 reviews
vip
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food is good but not excellent enough to spend $125 for lunch.
CS
CS5328
New England
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time in - Finally made it for a lunch because we couldn't get a dinner reservation ..they were Very busy since they are closing for a move soon . Great meal / very good service .. Just an all around teriffic spot .. I'll love to go back to their new place on 19th St for dinner ..
p
paprikaj
New York Area
120 reviews
vip
4.0
120 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2015
overall4food3service3ambience4
We are regular lunch patrons and thought we would try the Saturday brunch. We were not impressed by the breakfast options and would definitely go back to the lunch choices. We still love the restaurant and are waiting to see its next phase after the move.
M
Morty
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb service, hospitality. Excellent, creative cuisine. Looking forward to reopening/relocation next spring after about 30 years in present location.
a
amperstine
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
We wanted to eat here one more time prior to the move, as we love the experience of eating in that space. The servers were helpful and attentive, and the food was wonderful, as always! Looking forward to our next meal in the new space!
l
larklavan
New York Area
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Excellent food--sad that they're being priced out of this location.
EP
EPL212
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
3.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2015
overall3food4service2ambience1
Quite disappointed. We were sat upstairs on a mezz level - remote, baron, eh. We ordered a bottle of champagne which took forever. We asked our server a number of times if it was coming but his only response was, they can't find it. After we asked the 3rd time (20 min later) I had expected him to suggest we order a different bottle but nope, he waited. Finally we ordered another bottle. I ordered oysters. They were very nice but very gritty. Spitting shell residue outweighed the flavor. Then my burger came, I had asked for it to be prepared at a medium temp and it came black/blue. Overall, underwhelming. Absolutely didn't live up to its reputation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 28, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
I ordered the pasta prepared with a parmigiano reggiano sauce and shaved white truffles. The dish was outstanding!! I will go back just to have it again.
L
alexL
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food and service, we are going back next week
JF
JuanF
Miami
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2015
overall3food3service3ambience3
Had better memories of the place. Everything was average and less than expected.
H
Happymay
Nashville
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had 2 children with us & the server and other wait staff were attentive and engaged with our kids. Best meal and experience we had while in NYC!
n
nfong
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2015
overall3food5service4ambience4
Henry Knight made our night memorable. It was my husband's birthday which we casually mentioned to him. Not only did he make the perfect choice for our wine, he mentioned it quietly to our waiter who then made sure our dessert came out with a candle. What a difference in service compared to the horrors of dining at Avra, 3 weeks ago.
k
katie44
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2015
overall5food4service5ambience4
we had a wonderful lunch post turkey day! max, the assistant manager, made sure to speak with us, find out how we were doing and ensured excellent service. will definitely be back for the great food and hospitality!
P
Piamariem
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
The duck ravioli was to die for
HG
HockeyGopher
Denver
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food in classy surroundings. The pecan pie is the best we have ever tasted. We will return to the new location in 2016.
a
amida
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
There is a reason why resturants stick around. This restaurant is overall fantastic. Great food, excellent service, and pleasure to visit. I was told to visit this restaurant before they lose their iconic spot. The decore was warm and welcoming. You have to go experience it yourself.
B
Beachin
New York Area
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2015
overall1food1service1ambience1
This is our 15th dinner at U.S. This is the only time we've been disappointed. The young waitress was inattentive to our needs. Drinks were delayed. I asked for menu advice she suggested halibut it came over cooked and when I mentioned it, she said maybe "she mixed it up with another's fish order but they didn't complain". She didn't move to fix it and didn't acknowledge it. Very un Union Square. Hopefully this won't carry on to your new space. E also ordered the soup and she said if we have allergies stay away from it because the kitchen sink goes into it. Strange description to say the least
B
Bird28
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Union Square Cafe will be moving locations at the end of 2015 but already have a new space for the following year. The food and service was absolutely wonderful. We received a complimentary appetizer since it was our first time and each of our entrees (butternut squash pasta, cod pasta, pork chops) were wonderful. Highly recommend!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2015
overall4food3service4ambience4
I reserved a table for my granddaughter and I, celebrating her 18th birthday. The restaurant was delightful, but the food not so much. No matter, they surprised us both when dessert included a birthday candle! Very sweet and very thoughtful of the staff to remember. Overall, we had a really pleasurable experience. Oh, and our waiter was very attentive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome awesome service, food and atmosphere!!!! Definitely going to move the new space once it's open
T
Timothy
Baltimore
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was important to have a reservation as we would have waited a long time. Fortunately we fount the restaurant on open table after a friend recommended it. The atmosphere was fantastic. Even though we were in NYC, it was a quiet and quaint, no hustle and bustle. The service was superb and the food delicious. We enjoyed the lunch experience.
w
wonderfuloutdoors
New York Area
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
Have loved the Union Square Cafe from a distance for a long time..when we heard they would be closing the original location and moving to a new spot, we knew we had to make the trip! So glad we did -- food excellent, service best I've had in years...and if they can keep the team together and move to the new spot, with an upgrade to the ambiance...it will be the home run its always been. Get there if you can before the closing date!
TB
TBall
Charlotte
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I have been traveling to USC for the past 15 years. We absolutely love the place. Great location, great food, great ambiance and great people who work there. You'd better hurry if you are going to visit them in the current location. Cannot wait to visit them in the new location in 2016.
MS
MSS1
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience5
we go each year since the USC has been in existence; every March to celebrate our wedding anniversary and at least one other time during the year.
FL
FamilyLunch
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food; adult sophistication without pretension; great service without being intrusive or overbearing.
t
tbird
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2015
overall4food5service4ambience4
I was so pleased with the special vegetable and bean plate the chef made for me. It was delicious and beautifully presented. Most chefs make little effort, so I was delighted to have a wonderful lunch in a "non" vegan restaurant.
M
Maryland
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
An 'iconic' restaurant with food, service, & atmosphere that is incomparable. The best in every way.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pasta was delicious and the lamb chops were perfect.
DM
DesiMomNYC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
We go to this restaurant about three times a year for special occasions. They never disappoint.
j
james
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2015
overall4food3service3ambience5
A long time fan of USC and I guess all great restaurants have an off night. Food has been much better and perhaps it was poor menu choices on my part. Wine list was challenging evidently due to next month's closing/move. Finally, the servers seemed oblivious (needed to get my the pepper mill myself (twice), entrée was removed essentially untouched without comment). Will be back for the final week price fixe, hopefully this disappointing experience will not be repeated.
P
Penny
New York Area
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Union Square Cafe is the kind of place you can always count on being consistent. The wait staff is always friendly and efficient, the food tastes the same each time-delicious, and the mood and vibe stays the same. It's good for a special occasion or a weekly good meal.
B
Bog206
New York Area
34 reviews
vip
1.0
34 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2015
overall1food1service4ambience4
Terrible food, no taste!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
We had a lovely brunch here on a Sunday morning. Sat for hours, with no pressure to move on. Food was good and the service was great.

FAQs

Union Square Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 6947 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