The National Bar &amp; Dining Rooms Reviews List

Dined on 5/22/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great for business breakfasts and lunches. Food is always good. Service is good. Food comes out quickly. Pleasant space."

Dined on 5/22/2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 2 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Skip It

Dined on 5/21/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Had to wait to be seated for 10 minutes, not even host staff, service was very bad, the server just pointed to the tent sign that there were specials, my guest and I both ordered chicken salad which hit the table within 3 minutes of ordering and looed like it had been made hours ago."

Dined on 5/21/2013

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Review 3 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great food at a great price

Dined on 5/18/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Took my wife here and we enjoyed a great meal. Risotto, carpacio, lamb shank, grouper, and sundae and profiteroles for dessert. Come ready to eat. Nice sized portions at a great price."

Dined on 5/18/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

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Review 4 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Attractive Surroundings Food OK

Dined on 5/17/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The dining area and bar are very pleasing to the eyes. The ambience is warm and inviting. Although the staff was attentive, I did not get the congenial and welcome feeling that I receive in other restaurants. At times, I felt rushed. At times I even felt a little like I was not ordering enough to gain the wait staff's approval. The food that was served to my two guests, a Dr. of Forensics and an Ambassador, was quite beautifully presented and they both devoured it. They seemed to love it. I wish I had ordered what they had ordered. My burger appeared to be reheated and was unimpressive. The frites were soggy and I left 1/2 of them. The scoopable ketchup was delicious. I loved the coffee. I am glad my guests were pleased. I was not."

Dined on 5/17/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

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Review 5 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Iron chef quality?

Dined on 5/17/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We were new to the restaurant. The food was great, but our waitress didn't ask us if we knew the menu. We ordered too many sides - she could have informed us more in general about the menu, and was more or less going through the motions. Service could have been better."

Dined on 5/17/2013

Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch

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Review 6 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Thought it would be better....

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was excited to eat here. I watch my fair share of Top Chef, Chopped and Iron Chef America and George Zakarian appeared to win his season of The Next Iron Chef with ease. The food was good -- maybe slightly overpriced, but I was eating an Iron Chef's restaurant. The ambience was nice.

What was disappointing was the selection. Very minimal stuff on the brunch menu. Would have really preferred to have more lunch options -- whose going to eat an omelette at 2:30 PM? Also, we were actively eating our appetizer (the pistachio/cucumber/pea gazapacho) when the server came up to us and said our entrees were there. One of the waiters tried to actively take my soup away BECAUSE the food was there - the entrees should be ready for us (continued)"

Dined on 5/11/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 7 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and were very pleased with the service. I was a bit apprehensive after reading some of the reviews, but have nothing but good things to say about the National. Food was terrific, although the fish portion that one diner got was small. We were not rushed on a Saturday evening and were able to dine leisurely. I would recommend this restaurant!
When we were leaving, around 9ish, the bar scene was picking up, but the noise level was tolerable."

Dined on 5/11/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 8 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Distinctly Average

Dined on 5/10/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Ate at The National Bar & Dining Rooms with my husband during a weekend trip to New York. The restaurant is located inside The Benjamin Hotel and it's decor and atmosphere are in keeping with The Benjamin's high standards. Unfortunately the rest of our experience didn't match the decor. Although we ate rather late (our reservation was for 09:30 pm), the restaurant was still fairly busy. Service was friendly, but patchy at times. And the food was distinctly average. Mac & cheese was creamy but tasteless; the grilled octopus was overdone, the wedge salad was perfectly presented but had totally unbalanced flavors with vinegar standing out far too much. Overall, we enjoyed the atmosphere, but won't be returning for the food."

Dined on 5/10/2013

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot

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Review 9 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Didn't seem worthy of Zakarian

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"It was just a big disappointment after having the opposite experience at Lambs club"

Dined on 5/11/2013

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Review 10 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Too much noise

Dined on 5/10/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"This is a great place, really appealing setting and very good food but it is terribly noisy. We asked for the music to be turned down but it didn't happen....and the groups around us were really loud. I love the place but may not go back soon on account of the noise."

Dined on 5/10/2013

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Review 11 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Dined on 5/07/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Too Noisy for any conversation without yelling. Cannot do business in that atmosphere."

Dined on 5/07/2013

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Review 12 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

What a disappointment!

Dined on 4/30/2013

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Worst restaurant experience in years! Ordered 2 Ugly Burgers, medium and medium rare. Food arrived 40 minutes later, one well done and the other barely pink--not quite lukewarm. Fries were soggy scraps from bottom of fryer. We would have sent it all back but we were not convinced they could do better given a second chance. Waiter needs training -- served wine without letting us taste first, and left empty dishes in front our neighboring table for over 20 minutes after they were clearly finished. An $18 burger--name chef--Geoffrey Zakarian--what a disgrace! Bar seems to be lively, just can't recommend it for the food."

Dined on 4/30/2013

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Review 13 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Very disappointed

Dined on 5/06/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I had expected an amazing dining experience given the Iron Chef proprietor and the recommendations of several fans of the lunch menu. However, the food was truly disappointing. The polenta was excellent, but my burger, which I ordered medium rare, was dry, as were the meatballs we ordered. Our server also seemed way out of his depth and was a bit rude. I will not be returning."

Dined on 5/06/2013

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic

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Review 14 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Restaurant!

Dined on 5/03/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I work across the street and have been wanting to go to The National for years as I have heard so many great things. I had a business meeting and I was glad I made this choice. The service was not great though but that can improve, the food was delicious!!"

Dined on 5/03/2013

Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion

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Review 15 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Dined on 5/03/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I Had been to National before and it was very good. This time it was not as satisfying. I ordered the Red Snapper special and both the fish and the orzo it sat upon were very salty. It was pretty pricey for what we got. I was disappointed.
The service and the atmosphere were fine. I am sure Iron Chef Zakarian would not have been pleased himself."

Dined on 5/03/2013

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Review 16 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

very busy restaurant

Top 250 Contributor

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Great for a quick meeting or a fast lunch. Too busy for a catch-up lunch."

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: great for lunch

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Review 17 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Good Food, not so great service

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"My friend and I went was for drinks and light food after work. The bar was totally packed with a lot of suits. Overall the restaurant has great decor and has a great energy. We both ordered Russian Mules which were great. Then we sat down for small plates of Broccolini, Fries, Meatballs and the Cheeseboard. While dishes sound pretty straightforward, they were all executed very well and the food was delish. Only negative comment is about service. Our waiter was pushy in ordering, then slow to respond once we got our food. He came halfway through offered to get us more grilled bread for the cheeseboard and then never came back. My friend wanted to order another drink but finally we gave up on the guy and left."

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot

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Review 18 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Solid food/meh service

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The National is a great local spot in Midtown East - perfectly snuggled in between the office buildings and hotels. What was once a great down-low spot for an after work drink is now MOBBED from 5 pm to 7 pm. But lunch is still a great time to go. Especially a late lunch. Great food, fantastic drinks, an impressive tea list (yes, you read that right, TEA LIST) all marred by lazy, inconsiderate and inconsistent service from our server. Which is too bad. The National is a great spot, but of late their servers have become ... perhaps less of what I would expect?"

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 19 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Food and Great Service

Dined on 4/29/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Took some co-workers here for dinner and had a great experience. We arrived at different times so some of us were waiting at the bar (where they make an excellent lemon drop martini) and as the rest of the group arrived, we were told our table was ready but no need to rush; just let them know when we were ready. The service from the Maitre d to the server to the bartender was impeccable. The food selection was nice; a lot of very different things to choose from. We all had different entrees and desserts and they were all simply wonderful. Their take on the wedge salad was just outstanding as well. Will definitely recommend and will return."

Dined on 4/29/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot, special occasion

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Review 20 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great spot

Dined on 4/29/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Perfect for a business meeting but also cute enough for a date. Great food, nice French/1920s ambiance."

Dined on 4/29/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion

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Review 21 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Meal was good not great and

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Meal was good not great and expensive. Very pricey wine list"

Dined on 04/27/2013

2006

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Review 22 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good. The

Dined on 04/27/2013

2005

Dined on 04/27/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was very good. The service was very good. The special app, scallops, was a great pick.
Do not order their coffee or espresso. The cookie plate was a nice finish to a good meal."

Dined on 04/27/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 23 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

NTL is always good in a pinch....

Top 50 Contributor

Dined on 04/28/2013

2007

Dined on 04/28/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"NTL is always good in a pinch...."

Dined on 04/28/2013

2007

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 24 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Poor service ruine what would

Dined on 04/26/2013

Dined on 04/26/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Poor service ruine what would have otherwise been a lovely meal."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2009

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for lunch

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Review 25 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

A perfect spot to catch up

Dined on 04/26/2013

Dined on 04/26/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"A perfect spot to catch up with friends!"

Dined on 04/26/2013

2009

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Review 26 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

The service was bad, they

Dined on 04/25/2013

2012

Dined on 04/25/2013

2012

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The service was bad, they had us waiting for a long time even though I had a reservation. The waiter never brought our drinks until we remaindered her once the food was there. She never asked how the food was or anthiyng until she brought the check. Food tasted good ( I had the chicken and rissoto) but it was cold. It is the third time I am in this place and always similar experience, I am not returning again. Priced for the service we received and it is really noise and tables for 2 are really close to one each other."

Dined on 04/25/2013

2012

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Review 27 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent burger. A little

Dined on 04/09/2013

2005

Dined on 04/09/2013

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Excellent burger. A little to noisy for me BUT a very nice place."

Dined on 04/09/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 28 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

yuck

Dined on 04/23/2013

2012

Dined on 04/23/2013

2012

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Waited too long to be seated. Then waitress was indifferent. The food was boring and poorly executed. French fries were limp and greasy. They should be embarrassed."

Dined on 04/23/2013

2012

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Review 29 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The National was superb.

Dined on 04/21/2013

Dined on 04/21/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The National was superb. Comfortable atmosphere, attentive service, great location. The food was outstanding. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who appreciates truly wonderful food. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is a brilliant artist, and our experience at The National is one that we will never forget."

Dined on 04/21/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 30 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

When we initially arrived

Dined on 04/20/2013

Dined on 04/20/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"When we initially arrived we had requested a quiet table with our reservation; however, the seating hostess apparently didn't get the message because she proceeded to sit us next to the bar and a drink station, both of which are huge noise generators. When we requested to move to a quieter spot in the restaurant they moved us to the 50th Street side of the restaurant which was perfect. We had a quiet meal along with great food (I recommend the Ceasar Salad and the Grilled Branzino) and great service. So, besides the initial faux pas over the seating, the dining experience was very good."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 31 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

I enjoy the atmosphere at

Dined on 04/18/2013

Dined on 04/18/2013

2011

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I enjoy the atmosphere at the National, but my most recent breakfast was very disappointing. While the staff was very friendly, the service was extremely slow and it took over 15 minutes to get a cup of coffee; we ended up asking one of the servers to take our order. When the food finally came it was mediocre at best. The beef hash and eggs ended up being one overdone egg over beef brisket, which would have been better for dinner rather than breakfast. We didn't see our actual waiter until it was time to get the check."

Dined on 04/18/2013

2011

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Review 32 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

Not recommended

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very disappointed! I had the pork belly Benedict. While presentation was good, the taste was bland. Maybe Geoffrey Zakarian should focus on improving his own food first before spending too much time judging other chefs. Service was bad. The server seems to be more interested in guest turnover. He actually asked the guests in the table beside mine if they were finished when they clearly weren't. He gave me my check when I haven't even asked for it. And I was planning to check out the dessert just to give the food another chance. The restaurant itself looked nice but the service and food made it feel more like a cheap diner. Wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't go back."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

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Review 33 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Excellent food, so-so service

Dined on 04/13/2013

2008

Dined on 04/13/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food was very good, but the service left a lot to be desired. We were given a lousy table, even though there were some nice ones available. We were next to the wait station and a door. We assumed it was because we had a child with us.
We ordered a bottle of sparkling water, and then were asked three more times by three different wait staff if we wanted something to drink. The water glasses were also very spotty and we had to send those back.
No complaints about food. It was good quality, creative and cooked perfectly. But the service should have been better. It wasn't super busy, and there was plenty of staff."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2008

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies

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Review 34 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Great for the neighborhood

Dined on 04/15/2013

2002

Dined on 04/15/2013

2002

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great for the neighborhood of nothingness."

Dined on 04/15/2013

2002

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Review 35 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Not Impressed

Dined on 04/14/2013

2008

Dined on 04/14/2013

2008

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I think the menu needs some work. Restaurant needs more food that appeals to women. Waiters are a bit surly."

Dined on 04/14/2013

2008

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Review 36 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Terrible experience

Dined on 04/13/2013

2007

Dined on 04/13/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Words cannot describe how disappointed our group of five was with this restaurant. The service was lousy, which really sets the tone. The food was average at best. No one was overly satisfied with their appetizer or entree. The mac and cheese was a huge failure. I will not go back here and I will also tell my friends to not go here. Our group are all foodies and we were a unanimous thumbs down!"

Dined on 04/13/2013

2007

Special Features: notable wine list

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Review 37 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Not a great experience at

Dined on 04/01/2013

2008

Dined on 04/01/2013

2008

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Not a great experience at the National. I was expecting much more from Zakarian. This place is a typical hotel restaurant - nothing special. Just didn't live up to my expectations on food, atmosphere or service."

Dined on 04/01/2013

2008

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Review 38 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

I was a bit disappointed

Dined on 03/18/2013

Dined on 03/18/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was a bit disappointed to find that this restaurant had a Food Grade of B. Unfortunately I did not find out till I had already ordered. Wonder why management cannot take care of this. I had a carrot soup and a barley risotto - both of which were tasty. The service was just odd. The server seemed unable to interact - he was just taking an order and delivering the food. I would expect this in a fast food restaurant, but not in this place."

Dined on 03/18/2013

2011

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Review 39 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Just so glad this place is

Top 1000 contributor

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Just so glad this place is there in a neighborhood otherwise void of GREAT dining options..."

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 40 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I was staying at the hotel

Dined on 04/04/2013

2010

Dined on 04/04/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was staying at the hotel and had in-room dining the night before while I was working in my room and then lunch with business associates the next day. The braised short ribs were incredible. Just perfect. As was the polenta. We also all loved our lunch, especially the side order of brussels sprouts. Delicious."

Dined on 04/04/2013

2010

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 41 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Chocolate mousse, is to die for

Dined on 04/03/2013

Dined on 04/03/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I need to start with this phrase: The Chocolate mousse, is to die for!!! A great place to go before our play. Great food and cocktails. The waitress was a little off but it was the start of the evening so I can understand. 2nd time there and not my last..."

Dined on 04/03/2013

2011

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 42 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Not worth the price.

Dined on 04/02/2013

Dined on 04/02/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Didn't like being seated with a view of the kitchen. Very poor. Our waiter was nice, but sloppily dressed, with his tie askew. Chicken sandwich was only average. Disappointing for a meal that cost $100 for two people."

Dined on 04/02/2013

2009

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Review 43 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Just so loud! we were a party

Dined on 04/02/2013

Dined on 04/02/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Just so loud! we were a party of two so it was tolerable. Could never have worked with more than 2."

Dined on 04/02/2013

2009

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Review 44 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Warm and welcoming

Dined on 03/31/2013

2010

Dined on 03/31/2013

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The atmosphere is old world NYC, the service is friendly and efficient, the food was not spectacular, but very good. I try to eat here whenever I am in NYC anD it does not disappoint. The creamy polenta WAS spectacular, but skip the shaved truffles. It,s plenty good without them. The waiter was excellent, very welcoming. All in all, highly recommended."

Dined on 03/31/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem

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Review 45 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Maybe it was because it was

Dined on 03/31/2013

2005

Dined on 03/31/2013

2005

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Maybe it was because it was Easter Sunday but the breakfast crowd at the National was noisy with children and the staff seemed to be overwhelmed. Our waiter had trouble with the English language and got our order wrong twice! The management seem to be very nice people but they had their hands full this day."

Dined on 03/31/2013

2005

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Review 46 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Lovely spot for Easter brunch.

Dined on 03/31/2013

2006

Dined on 03/31/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Lovely spot for Easter brunch. Excellent food, great midtown location. Will return."

Dined on 03/31/2013

2006

Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 47 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

An Oasis in the Midtown Desert

Dined on 03/30/2013

Dined on 03/30/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"In the desert that is the Midtown restaurant scene, the National is surprisingly great. The food is excellent - fresh, well-prepared, slightly inventive and very satisfying, especially for the price. Went for both lunch and brunch and was happily impressed with the red snapper with sturgeon caviar on top at lunch for $27 (the caviar added the perfect salty punch) and the pork belly eggs benedict for brunch (nice mix of spice and richness). The service can be hit-or-miss, as our server forgot about us once, but the solid food and excellent ambiance are hard to beat, especially when it comes to the general Midtown area. Lunches can be loud with expense-account bankers, but otherwise the feel is nice and lively, with a good bistro vibe."

Dined on 03/30/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 48 for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food, beautiful restaurant.

Dined on 03/29/2013