On the busiest days, the count of pedestrians moving in slow motion around Times Square can register as high as 450,000. Per day. On average the count is 380,000.
It's the neighborhood New Yorkers love to hate. It's also the neighborhood everyone finds themselves hungry in at some point, for Broadway theaters, for clubs, to meet visitors who don't know where else to go.
The Midtown Manhattan neighborhood, loosely defined as between 40th and 53rd streets, and 6th and 9th avenues, is increasingly populated with superior food and drink spots. Times Square has likewise managed to hold on to a handful of honored locales.
Here, top chefs and mixologists list the spots they frequent, and the dishes and drinks they order, when they find themselves in the bright, neon-lit Crossroads of the World.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop
Who says: John deBary, former Momofuku bar director, founder of Proteau aperitif.
On the top two floors of the Aliz Hotel is this offshoot of this celebrated bar, with panoramic views of the city. "The place does such a good job of creating elegant, delicious, and accessible cocktails. I'm a fan of the Balto Old Fashioned made from New York state whiskey and apple liqueur, with spiced maple syrup and bitters," says deBary. (310 W. 40th St.)
Sushi Seki Times Square
Who says: Todd Mitgang, executive chef/partner at Crave Fishbar.
Unconventional sushi is the hallmark at this high-end chainlet, which recently opened a spacious, bi-level location in Times Square. "It's one of my go-to Japanese spots. Some of my favorites there are seared salmon with broiled tomato and the tuna with tofu purée," says Mitgang. "I never leave without having the spicy scallop hand roll." (365 W. 46th St.)
