Rock Center Cafe - Food with a View

If you are like me, you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE New York City during the Christmas season! Landmark restaurants like Rock Center Cafe are high on the list for a visit this time of year by both New Yorkers and tourists, so planning ahead is key.

This year, after several years of lamenting how I was unable to get a reservation during Christmas week, because I waited too long, I had a novel idea - why not visit the Rock Center Cafe in November!  And that's exactly what I did!

I planned a full day excursion into the city, beginning with an early lunch in the heart of Rockefeller Center at this famed restaurant.  We were joined by my dear friend Denise and her clan, which made the experience even more exciting.

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training it into the city

In NYC!

Table with Great View of The Rink

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a very friendly host staff, who couldn't have been more accommodating and gave us a most coveted table right by the window facing the famous "Rink" at Rockefeller Center!

Dining with four kids is never an easy feat, but our waiter was patient, friendly and even acted as our resident photographer, taking just the right picture, working around the bright sunlight peering in through the window.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Let's talk about the meal itself.  The food was very good. Considering this is a tourist spot, I found everything we ordered to be tasty and with a lovely presentation. Most of our little crowd of seven had breakfast - eggs and/or pancakes. (I deducted the littlest of our crowd, who is two since we did not order her a meal).  The men both had hamburgers, which they enjoyed and praised for being cooked correctly.

Though I didn't order any, I stole many of my daughter's french fries, which were delicious.  I'm not going to lie, it was pricey.  Not that we didn't expect it for a world-famous restaurant destination, but an approximate cost of $30 per head, when three of those were kids, is a bit high.

However, the experience is well worth it!  Winter is probably the most festive time to go, especially if you would like to watch the skaters gliding around or are inclined to do so yourself!  But, this American Grill serves breakfast, lunch, dinner an brunch 365 days a year offering seasonally updated menus and supporting local family farms.  

This restaurant with a view gets a thumbs up from me and you an bet we will be returning for our annual visit to this landmark location next year!
-Elisa

PS: Food pictures to follow

For Your Reference
Rock Center Cafe, NYC
20 West 50th Street
New York, NY
212-332-7620
Seasonal & Holiday Menus