Amazing food, drinks, and service! The birds of paradise drink was amazing if you like a little spice. They brought out bread (including gluten free bread) with a dipping sauce of olive oil, garlic paste, and peppers that was incredible. We split the caviar topped tater tots, tuna crudo, broccoli (served over yogurt, so unique and one of the best veggie dishes we’ve ever had), and the limone pasta on a gf noodle (gf noodle made in house and my non-gf friend said it was amazing pasta even among non-gf. Every bite was amazing. Top tier service. So knowledgeable about dietary needs. Cute ambiance. Can’t wait to return!Dietary restrictions: Very gluten free friendly! Can modify almost every dish. Very knowledgeable about ingredients, shared fryers, etc.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
cxw
A wonderful experience—- our server was excellent — her timing was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed her gentle and lovely manner. Happy we had such a professional server.Michael Beck, our Beverage Director, was very knowledgeable and attentive to us. He assisted us throughout the evening in a kind manner. He personalized our wine experience so beautifully. Both deserve 5+++Stars The evening was special .Please let them know of this high commendation They are an asset to Union Square Cafe!.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom Blomberg
Unfortunately, we had an unpleasant experience. It began promisingly as we were courteously escorted to our table upstairs, which offered a fantastic view. Initially, no one attended to us, and after a 20-minute wait, our waiter, who appeared indifferent and blasé, approached us. Rather than greeting us, he abruptly snatched away an extra set of cutlery from in front of my mother and left without uttering a single word. When he returned with the menus, he simply dropped them on the table without any form of communication. He ignored our attempts to greet him, showing no sign of a smile or eye contact. We felt unwelcome and consequently decided to take our business elsewhere, leaving the establishment.
T. R.
The ambiance at Union Square Cafe is truly top-notch. The warm atmosphere and tasteful decor create a pleasant environment for dining. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by the disappointing service. Despite several attempts to catch the waiter's attention, he seemed uninterested in taking our order. We ultimately left the restaurant without having ordered anything. It's a shame because the ambiance surely would have contributed to a lovely evening if the service had been up to par.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lobo Lobo
The most rude staff I have ever encountered .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Claudia Deutsch
Vibrant scene, great drinks, excellent service, good food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Duck Breast
Bet Leamon
I have not eaten at this restaurant. I would not eat there either based on Lena’s cooking session on GMA3 on 3/21/2024. She could not stop playing with her hair while she was preparing her recipe. Lamb chops wrapped in hair. Health Grade F
Rich
Expect to have a good time, and enjoy the food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops Scotta Dita
Chris Davis
We had a business meal and it was great! It's a great atmosphere, it's not too loud for discussions. Service was great and we all loved the food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benjamin Ashton
The food was terrible. Like really bad. Not an exaggeration, the worst I’ve had in the city. It’s a shame to spend that kind of money when a dollar slice would’ve been
⭐️5 - Wonderful and delicious experience at Union Square Cafe where my friend enjoyed a wonderful birthday dinner!?Our favorite dish without a doubt was the Lamb Fry Bread. Absolutely a must try!? Incredibly friendly staff that thoroughly explained the menu items and made great recommendations.✨Love the overall ambiance of this restaurant. Perfect mix of lively and intimate. Great sit down bar space as well.?**Not pictured** Delicious wine options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Yasser
This was our second outstanding dinner at Union Square Cafe in the last month. As with our previous dinner, tonight’s dinner at USC was superb in all respects. The food was delicious - from the scallop dish (created in honor of the renowned Paris bistro L’ Ami Jean), pristine Tuna Crudo, decadent Arroncini, Steak Tartare, delicately cooked Cod in an aromatic shellfish broth and a rich breast of Duck. The performance of the USC kitchen was impressive; there was not an off note in the entire dinner.Union Square Cafe revolutionized “hospitality” in the restaurant industry. Tonight’s service was a reflection of this seminal service ethos. The service provided by Bob Yee was wonderful. Mr. Yee personifies the legendary warmth of service which was the foundation of this iconic, ground breaking restaurant four decades ago. Under the watchful eye of GM Mike Pernicano and long time team members such as Mr. Yee , USC remains a New York treasure.It should be noted that the USC wine list remains one of the City’s finest, with carefully curated selections from across the globe. The USC wine list is fairly priced (as it has been since the restaurant shocked the industry with its groundbreaking focus on artisanal producers from France and Italy). Such consumer friendly pricing stands in contrast to the predatory wine markups prevalent throughout the restaurant landscape.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carmen Miranda
The food it was remarkable, the balance of all the dishes was spot on. You can see that the leadership at the kitchen is incredible well done.I took a drink at the bar upstairs and the barman was super nice and he explained how he was inspired for the citrus salad of chef Lena to create this drink. It was delicious.Service impecable since you entrance until you leave the restaurant.Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Hecht
Haven't been here in quite a while, maybe 10 years. I forgot why I loved this place. From the initial greeting to the professionalism of every staff member, WOW, what a difference from a normally nice experience at a top restaurant.The building is incredibly well appointed, with tables spaced comfortably apart to enjoy being with other people, but not close enough to have to limit your conversations or hear, others.Got there a bit early to wait for my wife, sister-in-law, and other 2 sons, 26 and 29. I told them, the guys, who have never been before, they were in for a great experience.The bar itself (see pix) is really comfortable and nice and a few couples were eating there and enjoying themselves.When we all arrived, we were brought to our really nice table on the 3rd level. Really nice looking area. A bar was close by, as well.You notice immediately, how well trained the entire staff that serves and looks out for you, are. The waiter came by with some specials and we hit the jackpot ordering them. A potato puff with caviar on top and a salad with incredible dressing (dijon vinaigrette) and a pasta dish (Fettucine Al Limone). All fantastic.For the main meal, the 5 of us ordered, 2 cod with clams- dishes that had a light sauce that I could have used a loaf of bread (and wish I did) to dunk up every drop...just great, one kid had the chicken, one the jerk spiced Honeynut Squash. Just some of the best food , all of us, agreed.The attention to our needs, the refilling of drinks, water, bread tray, and just watching us without feeling you were being observed, points to the incredible training that these serving teams have been immersed it. A few of us that loved the series, The Bear, thought of the episode, where the cousin, RIchie, works in that top restaurant, starting off cleaning Forks, but then realizes how a great restaurant operates and THIS WAS Union Square!, but not on TV.We have two desserts (both great) and I even had a great cold brewed iced coffee to go with it. When we were done, the servers even asked the gals for their coat checks and went downstairs to bring up their jackets.All in All, one of the best culinary experiences (food and service and ambience) that I have experienced in New York (been here my whole life) in like 20 years. Did I mention, that with multiple drinks, 3 appetizers, 2 desserts and 4 main courses, that the entire check (before tip) came to about $500. For the level of food, service and entire dining experience , incredible value. We live on Long Island and go to really good places and spend that amount per person , for the service and ambience that is 3 rungs below Union Square.Keep doing what they are doing!
Amazing food, drinks, and service! The birds of paradise drink was amazing if you like a little spice. They brought out bread (including gluten free bread) with a dipping sauce of olive oil, garlic paste, and peppers that was incredible. We split the caviar topped tater tots, tuna crudo, broccoli (served over yogurt, so unique and one of the best veggie dishes we’ve ever had), and the limone pasta on a gf noodle (gf noodle made in house and my non-gf friend said it was amazing pasta even among non-gf. Every bite was amazing. Top tier service. So knowledgeable about dietary needs. Cute ambiance. Can’t wait to return!Dietary restrictions: Very gluten free friendly! Can modify almost every dish. Very knowledgeable about ingredients, shared fryers, etc.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A wonderful experience—- our server was excellent — her timing was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed her gentle and lovely manner. Happy we had such a professional server.Michael Beck, our Beverage Director, was very knowledgeable and attentive to us. He assisted us throughout the evening in a kind manner. He personalized our wine experience so beautifully. Both deserve 5+++Stars The evening was special .Please let them know of this high commendation They are an asset to Union Square Cafe!.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately, we had an unpleasant experience. It began promisingly as we were courteously escorted to our table upstairs, which offered a fantastic view. Initially, no one attended to us, and after a 20-minute wait, our waiter, who appeared indifferent and blasé, approached us. Rather than greeting us, he abruptly snatched away an extra set of cutlery from in front of my mother and left without uttering a single word. When he returned with the menus, he simply dropped them on the table without any form of communication. He ignored our attempts to greet him, showing no sign of a smile or eye contact. We felt unwelcome and consequently decided to take our business elsewhere, leaving the establishment.
The ambiance at Union Square Cafe is truly top-notch. The warm atmosphere and tasteful decor create a pleasant environment for dining. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by the disappointing service. Despite several attempts to catch the waiter's attention, he seemed uninterested in taking our order. We ultimately left the restaurant without having ordered anything. It's a shame because the ambiance surely would have contributed to a lovely evening if the service had been up to par.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
The most rude staff I have ever encountered .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Vibrant scene, great drinks, excellent service, good food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Duck Breast
I have not eaten at this restaurant. I would not eat there either based on Lena’s cooking session on GMA3 on 3/21/2024. She could not stop playing with her hair while she was preparing her recipe. Lamb chops wrapped in hair. Health Grade F
Expect to have a good time, and enjoy the food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops Scotta Dita
We had a business meal and it was great! It's a great atmosphere, it's not too loud for discussions. Service was great and we all loved the food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was terrible. Like really bad. Not an exaggeration, the worst I’ve had in the city. It’s a shame to spend that kind of money when a dollar slice would’ve been
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
⭐️5 - Wonderful and delicious experience at Union Square Cafe where my friend enjoyed a wonderful birthday dinner!?Our favorite dish without a doubt was the Lamb Fry Bread. Absolutely a must try!? Incredibly friendly staff that thoroughly explained the menu items and made great recommendations.✨Love the overall ambiance of this restaurant. Perfect mix of lively and intimate. Great sit down bar space as well.?**Not pictured** Delicious wine options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was our second outstanding dinner at Union Square Cafe in the last month. As with our previous dinner, tonight’s dinner at USC was superb in all respects. The food was delicious - from the scallop dish (created in honor of the renowned Paris bistro L’ Ami Jean), pristine Tuna Crudo, decadent Arroncini, Steak Tartare, delicately cooked Cod in an aromatic shellfish broth and a rich breast of Duck. The performance of the USC kitchen was impressive; there was not an off note in the entire dinner.Union Square Cafe revolutionized “hospitality” in the restaurant industry. Tonight’s service was a reflection of this seminal service ethos. The service provided by Bob Yee was wonderful. Mr. Yee personifies the legendary warmth of service which was the foundation of this iconic, ground breaking restaurant four decades ago. Under the watchful eye of GM Mike Pernicano and long time team members such as Mr. Yee , USC remains a New York treasure.It should be noted that the USC wine list remains one of the City’s finest, with carefully curated selections from across the globe. The USC wine list is fairly priced (as it has been since the restaurant shocked the industry with its groundbreaking focus on artisanal producers from France and Italy). Such consumer friendly pricing stands in contrast to the predatory wine markups prevalent throughout the restaurant landscape.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food it was remarkable, the balance of all the dishes was spot on. You can see that the leadership at the kitchen is incredible well done.I took a drink at the bar upstairs and the barman was super nice and he explained how he was inspired for the citrus salad of chef Lena to create this drink. It was delicious.Service impecable since you entrance until you leave the restaurant.Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Haven't been here in quite a while, maybe 10 years. I forgot why I loved this place. From the initial greeting to the professionalism of every staff member, WOW, what a difference from a normally nice experience at a top restaurant.The building is incredibly well appointed, with tables spaced comfortably apart to enjoy being with other people, but not close enough to have to limit your conversations or hear, others.Got there a bit early to wait for my wife, sister-in-law, and other 2 sons, 26 and 29. I told them, the guys, who have never been before, they were in for a great experience.The bar itself (see pix) is really comfortable and nice and a few couples were eating there and enjoying themselves.When we all arrived, we were brought to our really nice table on the 3rd level. Really nice looking area. A bar was close by, as well.You notice immediately, how well trained the entire staff that serves and looks out for you, are. The waiter came by with some specials and we hit the jackpot ordering them. A potato puff with caviar on top and a salad with incredible dressing (dijon vinaigrette) and a pasta dish (Fettucine Al Limone). All fantastic.For the main meal, the 5 of us ordered, 2 cod with clams- dishes that had a light sauce that I could have used a loaf of bread (and wish I did) to dunk up every drop...just great, one kid had the chicken, one the jerk spiced Honeynut Squash. Just some of the best food , all of us, agreed.The attention to our needs, the refilling of drinks, water, bread tray, and just watching us without feeling you were being observed, points to the incredible training that these serving teams have been immersed it. A few of us that loved the series, The Bear, thought of the episode, where the cousin, RIchie, works in that top restaurant, starting off cleaning Forks, but then realizes how a great restaurant operates and THIS WAS Union Square!, but not on TV.We have two desserts (both great) and I even had a great cold brewed iced coffee to go with it. When we were done, the servers even asked the gals for their coat checks and went downstairs to bring up their jackets.All in All, one of the best culinary experiences (food and service and ambience) that I have experienced in New York (been here my whole life) in like 20 years. Did I mention, that with multiple drinks, 3 appetizers, 2 desserts and 4 main courses, that the entire check (before tip) came to about $500. For the level of food, service and entire dining experience , incredible value. We live on Long Island and go to really good places and spend that amount per person , for the service and ambience that is 3 rungs below Union Square.Keep doing what they are doing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A favorite NYC haunt.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5