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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Union Square

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275 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
1. Papillon Bistro and Bar
3.9
Excellent(1065)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 26 times today
Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The exquisite decor is the perfect setting for Papillon's culinary delights. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from Central Park, Museum of Modern Art & the famous 5th Avenue shops, Papillon offers a fun environment where our guests feel like family. Our deceivingly large space offers dining experiences to match your every mood, whether you’re enjoying a craft cocktail on our sidewalk café, mingling with colleagues in one of our private rooms, or delighting in dinner and a show at our Opera Night on Saturdays. Get to know our killer staff, and enjoy a sense of community with a little something for everyone. At Papillon Bistro & Bar, every night is made better with just a touch of sophisticated debauchery!
A photo of Casa Mono restaurant
2. Casa Mono
4.7
Exceptional(2811)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Union Square
Booked 45 times today
Casa Mono and its sister restaurant, Bar Jamon, are located next to each other on Irving Place and 17th Street, just east of Union Square. Awarded three stars from The New York Times in 2015 and a Michelin Star in 2009 (and every year since), Casa Mono is a tapas bar restaurant inspired by the cooking of Spain’s Costa Brava.***Keeping our guests and staff safe is our number one priority.We are strictly following CDC, OSHA and NYC Health Department guidelines.***
A photo of Barbounia restaurant
3. Barbounia
4.6
Exceptional(3974)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Gramercy Park
Booked 75 times today
Located in the heart of Gramercy in New York City at 20th Street and Park Avenue South, Barbounia's atmosphere and design, which complement and attract a fashion, music and entertainment clientele, takes you off the busy streets of Manhattan and transcends you to the middle of the Mediterranean. With a spectacular open kitchen, tall arched ceilings divided by Moorish columns, large wooden communal tables, and pillowed banquettes; you feel the magnificent energy emanating from the kitchen, staff and patrons.
A photo of BONDST restaurant
4. BONDST
4.8
Exceptional(3174)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • NoHo
Booked 108 times today
BONDST, located in NoHo, is a trendy downtown restaurant with a warm minimalist interior design. The cuisine is new Japanese with European and Asian influences. BONDST is Citysearch's 2007 and 2008 audience award winner for Best Sushi in NYC, as well as the 2008 audience award winner for Best Martini in NYC.
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
5. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(29514)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 358 times today
Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast.Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's!We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties.Your safety is our priority. As of 3/7/22, NYC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.
A photo of Craft restaurant
6. Craft
4.7
Exceptional(7009)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Gramercy Park
Booked 21 times today
Dine at Craft to experience Tom Colicchio’s signature ‘What's Local Is Best’ cooking with an always evolving collection of simply prepared dishes created to highlight high quality, seasonal ingredients. “Simple doesn’t mean simplistic,” Tom says in his book, Think Like a Chef, and the food at Craft serves as proof. Perennial favorites include pan-roasted diver scallops, braised beef short ribs, and a bounty of Greenmarket sides. We also offer our a la carte dinner menu for takeaway through craftrestaurant.com & local delivery is powered by Caviar. *Unconfirmed reservations may be subject to cancellation.* Experiences offered during our normal hours of operation are always in addition to standard reservations and can be accessed by selecting your desired dining time.Don't miss our new Summer Happy Hour - available ALL SEASON LONG - 5-6:30pm at the bar or on the patio featuring top-shelf cocktails, veuve cliquot rosé, peeko oysters & lobster rolls.
A photo of Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron restaurant
7. Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron
4.3
Awesome(6938)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Gramercy Park
Booked 152 times today
Serra by Birreria is a vibrant bar scene with a warm and inviting ambiance. Reviews rave about the excellent bar, sensational drinks, and lively atmosphere. One customer even noted, 'Great atmosphere - loud and energetic.' Another review highlighted, 'Cocktails are really good at the bar.' It's a great spot for a date or casual business dinner with great food, a nice wine list, and friendly service.
A photo of Palma restaurant
8. Palma
4.8
Exceptional(3341)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Greenwich Village
Booked 49 times today
Palma is nested on quaint Cornelia Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, with a hidden garden filled with fresh flowers in all seasons and a 200-year-old Carriage House for private dining in an elegant yet warm setting. White Stucco walls, beamed ceilings, a salvaged chestnut door & a beautiful garden with ivy-covered walls create an atmosphere where people relax and enjoy life with food and wine. Palma is an organic Italian restaurant, offering a taste of Italian clean food since April 2001. We stay true to generations of our family's cherished recipes and techniques. Our ingredients arrive fresh each day from Palma's garden and local markets. The menu highlights housemade pastas, fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
A photo of Legasea Bar & Grill restaurant
9. Legasea Bar & Grill
4.4
Awesome(1722)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Midtown West
Booked 103 times today
Legasea Bar & Grill is a lively spot with a vibrant bar scene, as per reviews. It's described as a place to 'meet and talk', with a 'vibe' that many enjoy. The bar area is right next to the dining area, creating a fun, bustling atmosphere. The menu offers specialty cocktails and a wide selection of beers, contributing to its vibrant bar scene.
A photo of Babbo Ristorante restaurant
10. Babbo Ristorante
4.4
Awesome(4817)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Greenwich Village
Booked 60 times today
Located on Waverly Place in Greenwich Village, Babbo opened to great acclaim in 1998 and is as bustling and popular as ever. It offers three-star dining that redefines and reinvents the principles of Italian cuisine for 21st century America. An epic, landmark wine list, an exciting, quintessentially New York dining room and expert, attentive and cordial service make a table at Babbo one of New York’s prized possessions.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • P-Rvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fantastic thanksgiving experience — too much food but that is part of the holiday. Fortunately they were so kind in packing up leftovers — fresh portions of stuffing were given instead of giving you your actual leftover. Stellar place.
    More info
    CraftPrice: Very Expensive• American• Gramercy Park
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Baltimore / Maryland •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and ambiance was over the top. Our meals were scrumptious! Each bite was a true pleasure. Can’t wait to return! The bathrooms were a bit of a disaster. Too many people without a pickup service. I mentioned it to the gentleman who was confirming guest reservations but he didn’t really care. Wine prices were a little ridiculous. But the meals and decor were 5 star! Thank you!!!
    More info
    Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC FlatironPrice: Expensive• Italian• Gramercy Park
    •
    4.3
  • Marylinevip
    New York City •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    A Beautiful and Meaningful Thanksgiving celebration...decorations were beautifully displayed, atmosphere was serene and festive at the same time...the food was delicious and the service was superb!...thank you..please don't change....
    More info
    BarbouniaPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Gramercy Park
    •
    4.6
  • Janis
    Atlanta Metro •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was fabulous!! The food was one of the best meals I’ve had. It arrived quickly and there was no wait! The staff were all so kind a friendly! Will definitely be returning!!!
    More info
    BONDSTPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• NoHo
    •
    4.8
  • Raina
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was AMAZING but service was painfully slow. We had to signal to our server multiple times.
    More info
    Casa MonoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Union Square
    •
    4.7

Discover best vibrant bar scene restaurants in Union Square

Discover the heart of New York City's vibrant bar scene with our curated selection of restaurants in Manhattan's Union Square. Each establishment offers a unique blend of lively atmospheres and exceptional drink menus, making them perfect spots for both casual outings and special evenings. From expertly crafted cocktails to inviting vibes, these venues embody the energetic spirit of Union Square’s dining scene. Whether you're looking for innovative mixology or a bustling spot to unwind, these restaurants cater to all tastes with their diverse offerings. Enjoy the blend of high-quality cuisine and a dynamic bar environment, ensuring an unforgettable experience in one of the city’s most engaging neighborhoods. Union Square itself is renowned for its eclectic dining scene, where food and drink meet culture and style. This selection emphasizes the area's reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking a vibrant nightlife and culinary excellence.

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