You can find everything and anything around our Central West offices that you are looking for. For instance, there is the Harvard Club and the Soldiers Club but, even if you are not a member of an exclusive club, there are many places that meet the standards of the Work Better community. Find our favorite places to get your eat-on and drink-on in the heart of Manhattan.
EAT
We cut through the many unhealthy food options that grab our attention when we're hangry or too tired to resist and created a list of the finest feel-good spots in the area. That way you won't have to spend time thinking about 'what to do for lunch' or where to take that important client. Sure, you may Seamless-ly order in, but consider stepping out and soaking-in some sunshine, smile at a few strangers and get back to work revitalized and ready to kick some ass.
Urbanspace Vanderbilt – 8 min by foot
45th Street & Vanderbilt Avenue, inside The Helmsley Building at 230 Park Ave
One of New York’s most buzzed about food halls, the Vanderbilt features an unbeatable selection of rotating food concepts and offerings from small kitchens. Our favorite lunch bites include Kuro-Obi by Ippudo's hand-crafted ramen and summer rolls filled with corn, beets, and goat cheese from TwoTablespoons – the ultimate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free street food vendor in NYC. More traditional options include Brooklyn originals like Roberta's Pizza, Red Hook Lobster Pound and Dough. Dine-in or take your food to go and enjoy it outside at nearby Bryant Park while people-watching.
Hatsuhana – 9 min by foot
17 East 48th Street between 5th and Madison Ave
Whether you are eating lunch or dinner, this upscale blond-wood sushi bar with traditional Japanese lanterns is a delightful choice for distinguished American and Japanese businesspeople alike. The raw fish quality is definitely a cut above and the grilled options are plentiful and delicious. Insider Tip: sit at the bar and inquire about the specials directly from the chef himself = guaranteed to impress your client!
Murray's Cheese – 8 min by foot
Inside the Grand Central Market, 43rd St. & Lexington Ave
If you find yourself in Grand Central Terminal at lunchtime, we recommend a pit stop at Murray's Cheese. Treat yourself to the signature Mac & Cheese or take-out a Tom Cat baguette with a mix of cheese and cured meats to prepare a fresh sandwich later in the Work Better kitchen.
Kwik Meal – 14 min by foot
Kwik Meal is a food cart run by Muhammed Rahman who used to cook at the Russian Tea Room. Grabbed your attention right? A finalist in the Vendy Awards, this cart serves a high-end chicken or lamb over rice - expect real lamb meat marinated in a mixture of garlic, cumin, coriander, onions, and papaya puree, which is topped with a homemade creamy white sauce and clean, fluffy rice. Yum! Not a carnivore? Some say, the falafel is the best in Midtown.
Uncle Gussy's – 14 min by foot
Nick and Franky Karagiorgos' blue and white Greek food truck stands every day at the same spot that once belonged to their uncle and his souvlaki cart. The family run business is well known for its quality: Enjoy the pork chunks in their souvlaki pita, the fresh tang in the roasted lemon potatoes, the savory smokiness of their loukaniko (Greek sausage), or the char on their usual Friday special: the bacon Swiss burger—which also comes with some of the crispiest fries to ever come off a food truck, according to Serious Eats.
DRINK
The weather is changing for the warmer, so we've selected the best rooftop bars for you to enjoy the epic Manhattan views while sipping on your favorite cocktail. Intimate settings, catchy tunes, and flowing spirits can be found at these New York classics.
The Skylark – 9 min by foot
The Skylark's 1,500 sq. ft. of outdoor space offers a gorgeous view of the Empire State building and downtown Manhattan. Indoors, you have the option of fine dining, lounging, as well as pool tables for a more casual after-work nightcap. Did someone say mac & cheese cupcakes and Spring Negronis?
Pod 39 – 16 min by foot
145 East 39th Street between Lexington and 3rd Ave
"What resembles an old demolished church uprooted from Italy to stand tall in the heart of Murray Hill is actually a trendy rooftop lounge on top of the Pod Hotel. Spotted Pig veterans April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman have brought this brick courtyard feel to the typically college focused bars around the area. Order the Moroccan lamb with cucumber pico de gallo on roti and get ready for the most beautiful and lust worthy Instagram shots." Business Insider, we couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Pod 51 – 20 min by foot
230 E 51st Street, between 3rd and 2nd Aves
A more casual alternative to the buzzing rooftop scene of NYC, Pod 51 has oversized lounge benches, colorful Adirondack chairs and a 12-foot long picnic table. You can bring up your own wine while enjoying homemade dishes from the ground floor’s new gastropub, Pop @ Pod. Like Pod 39, this Pod is a place promising some serious fun.
Down To Earth Options
If you prefer somewhere more mellow and down to earth, visit Winnies Jazz Bar at the Refinery Hotel for a quintessential New York experience. The Hotel is located at 63 West 38th Street and only a 8 minute walk away from the Work Better offices. They also have a rooftop, in case you want to change gears.
Timelessly dapper, the Nat Sherman's Townhouse on 12 East 42nd Street, only 7 mins away from the office, allows you to take a break from the intense pace of the city and enjoy a cigar from their amazing humidor while immersed in deep conversation about what you are puffing.
What's your favorite place in Midtown? Share it with us in a comment!
