Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in New York City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

SHI

4.9

4.9 (1081)

$31 to $50

Pan-Asian

Long Island City

About the restaurant

SHI is a gorgeous new waterside Pan-Asian restaurant in Long Island City. Featuring a full bar and lounge it is the perfect spot to start a wonderful night on a date, or just friends going out together. It’s gorgeous dining room has floor to ceiling bay windows that showcase the entire city skyline like you have only seen in pictures. SHI's eclectic menu of Asian style serves Japanese style, Vietnamese style, Chinese style, and a full sushi bar as well. When the weather is warmer, seek the outdoor terrace for your dining pleasure. This sleek restaurant should be classified as sexy and fun.

Top review

Louis

Dined on 12 May 2025

The ambience was comforting. So much variety on the menu to choose it took a while to decide but the choices were great. Seasoning was a definite plus. The staff was very welcoming. Would definitely go again.

Francie

4.9

4.9 (7)

$50 and over

American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Francie is a Michelin-starred New York Brasserie with Italian and French influence. Francie is located in a limestone-clad former bank building and has the convivial feel of a neighborhood gathering place. Chef-Owner Chris Cipollone and Pastry Chef Justin Binnie serve a seasonal menu inspired by European flavors and designed for flexibility: bar snacks, shellfish, handmade pastas and the famous Crown Roast of Rohan Duck. Save room for the last remaining cheese cart in NYC. Wines from around the world and classic cocktail list are presented with a flourish of seamless hospitality. Private Dining in The Vault, the former vault from the bank, is a memorable experience. On Mondays we offer 20% off every bottle of wine on our list.

Top review

Aaron

Dined on 3 May 2025

The food is really exceptional The service was great and the price is reasonable. However the only issue is the noise level is amazingly high. This restaurant really need an acoustics treatment - even without music the noise level was very very high

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Experience

Happy Hour(s)

Sushi on Me - Jackson Heights

4.9

4.9 (626)

$50 and over

Sushi

Jackson Heights

About the restaurant

Sushi On Me is a secret hideout where customers can enjoy premium omakase in a speakeasy vibe. Our chefs and staffs are committed to delivering not only the best omakase sushi but also the best omakase experience to all the guests!

Guests can enjoy both the 15-course omakase and the relaxing, speakeasy vibe in the 1-hour seating for the price of $99/person (tax and tip not included). [No vegetarian and celiac options, Can’t accommodate pregnant guests]

We have 4 seatings as follows:
5.00pm - 6.00pm
6.30pm - 7.30pm
8.00pm - 9.00pm
9.30pm - 10.30pm

Private party and at-home omakase are available, all inquiries can be made via 917-821-5598 or @sushionmenyc. 50% deposit is required as booking confirmation.

Cancellation/modification less than 24hours will result in a charge of $50/person (under all circumstances including COVID). Please make sure you can come before booking. Late arrival may not get the full experience. Inquiries can be made via IG @sushionmenyc or text 917-821-5598.

Top review

AnnieVIP

Dined on 5 May 2025

Had so much fun, and all the signature dishes were fun and inventive! We even got to do karaoke which was so much fun. Will totally be back for another fun special occasion!

Fresco's Grand Cantina

4.9

4.9 (137)

$30 and under

Mexican

Astoria

About the restaurant

**** Please note this page is for our 28-50 31st St, Queens, New York location.****

Beautiful Mexican-Fusion establishment with old-world accents and very Instagram-able throughout the restaurant. We pride ourselves with fresh locally sourced ingredients for our Authentic & Modern Mexican fare.

Best Happy Hour around from 3pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Friday. The strong & delicious cocktails and amazing service will keep you coming back week after week for any of our numerous events. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.

If you'd like to make a reservation at our other location ( Fresco's Cantina ) located at 12-14 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 - Please call (347) 808-7338.

Thank you!

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined on 4 May 2025

Beautiful space, excellent service by friendly unpretentious staff. Really good food. Not a fan of Drag Brunch but was entertained and everyone was having a great time so all's good 😊 Will definitely visit again!

SAINT RESTAURANT BAR & SPEAKEASY

4.9

4.9 (99)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

East Village

About the restaurant

Located 136 Second Avenue, the artfully-designed SAINT offers new American dishes with a globally inspired modern twist. Nestled in the heart of the grit and the glam.

The Speakeasy opens at 9PM Friday and Saturday.

Please, call or text the restaurant if you have any questions. We never use AI and you will always be chatting with a live person who actually works inside the restaurant. Large groups or special events can email EVENTS@saintny.com

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The food was delicious and service was excellent! Would definitely go back again.

Tokyo Record Bar

4.8

4.8 (13)

$30 and under

Japanese

Greenwich Village

About the restaurant

AN HOMAGE TO THE JEWEL BOXES OF VINYL IN JAPAN
Tokyo Record Bar is an izakaya-style tasting menu restaurant where we pick the food, and you pick the vibe. Located in the basement. For each seating, we will send out seven courses of food, the only thing we will ask you do is help us make the soundtrack for the night, with a selection from our extensive vinyl collection. In the mood for a drink? Don’t worry; we offer a vast selection of Champagne, Sake, Beer, and Japanese cocktails to get you right.

Just make sure you come ready to have a good time!

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Please cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations within 48 hours incur a $85 per person fee. For emergencies, email info@tokyorecordbar.com.

Top review

Jayati

Dined 5 days ago

I have been wanting to go to Tokyo Record Bar for 3 years now. Finally got a table for 4 last week, and had a memorable evening, The food, the concept, the team are all fabulous. A unique experience.. Must go. Was so immersive to have a group playlist and listen to everyone’s choices

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Experience

Tokyo Record Bar Tasting Menu

Corrado's Cucina

4.8

4.8 (35)

$31 to $50

Italian

Great Kills

About the restaurant

Welcome to Corrado's Cucina, a new Italian restaurant & pizzeria conveniently located at the intersection of Arthur Kill Rd and Richmond Ave. in the Great Kills area of Staten Island. As a family-owned and operated establishment, we take pride in offering a dining experience that captures the essence of home-cooked meals and cherished family gatherings. From mouthwatering Neapolitan-style pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts to savory pasta dishes that melt in your mouth, our menu features items that cater to the young and old alike.

We are a welcoming space where families gather, friends toast, and memories are created. With a dedicated bar area to catch your favorite game and a private event space for special occasions, we're excited to welcome you to our home away from home, where every dish is made with love and every guest is cherished. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Anthony

Dined on 3 May 2025

We went to Corrado’s for my birthday with my wife, son, and mother in law. The food is excellent here! Presentation was very good as well. I ordered the skirt steak and Italian egg roll for appetizer. I had a mixed drink which was perfect. It’s a Saturday night so the place was loud. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner, this isn’t the place. There was a communion and the DJ was playing some good music but then everyone was talking louder to compete with the volume. Then the second DJ walked in to set up and started his set after the party let out. He played a good selection of music. The roaming photographer was a nice touch and he did a good job taking pictures which we bought two from him. Service was very good and the wait staff is attentive without being intrusive.

Ruta Oaxaca - Brooklyn

4.8

4.8 (23)

$30 and under

Mexican

Cobble Hill

About the restaurant

Our Story The goal,to guarantee a wonderful meal with authentic cuisine & fabulous margaritas,serve over 50 artisanal & ancestral mezcals,over 100 types of tequila brands in a vibrant unique atmosphere,boasts excellent service. Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine opened in Astoria 2021 with such a wonderful,successful home run that a 2nd location opened in Patchogue March 2022. Ruta Oaxaca means “Road to Oaxaca,”a historic state in the southern part of Mexico. Mr. Castillo & his Partners are keenly focused on honoring Oaxacan culinary traditions, whose fame is derived in great part from its many varieties of moles.By legend,these ancient recipes are more than sauces,they are the very focus of the meal.Ruta Oaxaca proudly features four moles,each prepared using the Oaxacan mole recipes that have made the cuisine world famous. Astoria 929-349-1228 Patchogue 631-569-2233 Woodbury 516-515-9620 Brooklyn 718-576-1507

Top review

Joshua

Dined on 4 May 2025

A wonderful spot with an attentive and helpful staff. Our party had enchiladas, margaritas, and buñuelos with mole. Everyone was very pleased. The staff is especially helpful and pleasant.

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Experience

Ruta Oaxaca - Brooklyn - Bottomless Brunch

Experience

Ruta Oaxaca - Brooklyn - Taco Tuesday!

Experience

Enjoy Happy Hour at Ruta Oaxaca - Brooklyn

The Factory 380

4.8

4.8 (18)

$31 to $50

American

Kips Bay

About the restaurant

"The Factory was a space where high and low, rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight came together as one.”

Now, put yourself back in 1962 NYC - Our “neighborhood bar / restaurant / lounge with hidden speakeasy" is subtly referencing the Andy Warhol movement while showcasing modern artful cocktails and craft beers. The Factory 380 serves market fresh creative eclectic fare, fermented grains and cocktails to rocking DJ tunes in a funky decor.

Top review

Keaton

Dined 3 days ago

I absolutely love my server. I’m there regularly for brunch & she already knew my order for drinks & food. The service is always top tier & I love the efficiency of the staff.

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Experience

Live Music Wednesdays at The Factory 380

Experience

Mixtape Bingo at The Factory 380

Experience

Trivia Tuesdays at The Factory 380

Sammy's Fish Box

4.7

4.7 (1068)

$30 and under

Seafood

City Island

About the restaurant

Sammy’s Fish Box, NY’s premiere spot for seafood . A seafood lovers paradise for those who appreciate quality seafood in abundant portions. Jumbo Lobsters, Colossal Snow Crab Legs and Jumbo Fried Shrimp can all be found on one family size platter. Fresh fish is delivered daily . Late night dining till 2:00 AM

Also know for succulent BarBQ Ribs and Prime steaks. Latin Paella is a must try, paired with Sammy’s extraordinary frozen specialty drinks or sangria, it is a crowd pleaser.

Sammy’s Fish Box specializes in Large Parties, Birthdays, reunions making it a favorite destination for special occasions. Free parking, just 16 miles from Manhattan, 8 miles from the GW Bridge , and 5 miles from the Westchester. Open all year Check us out on Facebook to see all of the happy faces enjoying Sammy’s!

Sammy’s Fish Box 41 City Island Avenue Bronx New York 10464 718-885-0920
sammysfishbox.com/facebook
#sammys_fishbox
Our Take out dept. waas voted in the "top 10" in the USA by USA Today

Top review

MALAIKA

Dined on 26 Apr 2025

We had a great time at Sammy’s Fish Box, We Usually like the Other Sammy’s (Shrimp Box) but it was Closed for Reservations. So we went to the More Lively spot across the street and it was Well worth it, We had Andrew as a server and he was good and got all our orders Correct! When he wasn’t sure of an answer about one of the orders he came back to ask. We were also greeted by the Manager Lauren who came by to see how our birthday celebration was going. The Food Was Great and very Tasty! Lobster, Shrimp, Salmon and Burgers were all very GOOD!

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