When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Glass House Tavern
Why Glass House Tavern is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Glass House Tavern is a stylish Contemporary American restaurant located in the heart of New York City's vibrant Theater District, near Times Square and major Broadway theaters at 252 W. 47th Street. Renowned for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere spread across three floors, it offers an inviting setting ideal for meeting friends and enjoying a sophisticated meal. The spacious layout ensures a comfortable dining experience without the clamor often found in busy Midtown spots. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all paired expertly with a full bar and an extensive wine list by the glass or bottle. Highlights include perfectly cooked hanger steak, colorful salads enlivened with pomegranate arils, and deliciously crafted crab cakes. The restaurant also caters well for pre-theatre dining, guaranteeing meals served in a timely manner for patrons attending Broadway shows. Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed with a lift to all floors and street-level entrances, making Glass House Tavern a convenient and inclusive location for groups. Whether for lunch, dinner, brunch, or late-night drinks, this venue provides a classy yet approachable experience in an unbeatable Midtown location.
Here's what people think of Glass House Tavern
As of recent, Glass House Tavern holds a 3.8-star rating based on 340 reviews.
Based on over 900 reviews, Glass House Tavern receives generally positive feedback with an average rating of about 3.8 out of 5. Many patrons praise the quality of the food, describing dishes such as the hanger steak, crab cakes, and mac and cheese as standout favorites. The attentive and friendly service once it begins is noted as a highlight, as well as the cozy yet spacious ambiance that provides a calm refuge from the busy Theatre District. The restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options is frequently appreciated. Additionally, reviewers value the convenient location and the pre-theatre dining option, finding it an excellent choice before Broadway performances. On the downside, some reviewers have expressed concerns about slow service at the start, occasional wait times to get attention from servers, and the relatively high prices which some feel do not always match the experience. The venue's layout is sometimes described as somewhat cramped on upper floors. In summary, while Glass House Tavern excels in food quality and atmosphere, service speed and price points contribute to mixed reviews, but overall it remains a respected and attractive meeting spot in Midtown Manhattan.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brandon Dwiggins (xXBeeDeeXx)
Not going to lie, I was unsure if I wanted to try this bar because of the location, and I was a little scared going in. But it was actually a great little bar. Very friendly staff. Jukebox with a very good sound system. Everything was really cheap. I did not try any food though. I was more comfortable at this bar than I thought I would've been. Definitely will be stopping by more often.
Cp Cp
I love this place! however, bartender Larissa has a horrible attitude and when I ordered drink, she made fun of the drink that I ordered and gave me a completely different drink than the one I ordered even after I tipped her very well not very professional. I recommend going to the bar whenever she’s not working. I’m only giving five stars because every bartender as well highly recommend Judy and Teresa.
mercuro chromic
Small neighborhood bar with 1 pool table, 1 dart board, 1 pinball, large screen TV tuned to news or sports. Music by jukebox. 6 Oregon lottery video gaming machines + Keno and scratch offs, outdoor smoking area, very diverse clientele from hookers to business persons to addicts to bar flies, to homeless. Not for the faint of heart or overly conservative person. Friendly bartenders, very good drink prices, decent bar food. Full service bar.
Wally M
Just a local dive bar that has a great bartender named Judy. Drinks are always a good pour and the jukebox is loud. I went for video poker and came back because it's a fun hangout!
Jean Burgess
It's a little louder than I like but the bartender was always willing to put together a sandwich for me after everyone else was done eating and she was closing up ~ the kind that you could make two meals out of. With all my favourite stuff ... she just kept on adding ingredients, makes me wish I'd taken a picture of it.
How to reach Glass House Tavern
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Why Glass House Tavern may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Glass House Tavern with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Glass House Tavern is a winning choice for many reasons, making it an ideal venue for a memorable meetup. Nestled in the hustle and bustle of New York City’s Times Square and Theatre District, this stylish yet cozy tavern offers an inviting environment where conversation flows easily amid an elegant ambiance. Its multi-level, spacious layout ensures that even larger groups can find comfortable seating without feeling cramped or overwhelmed by noise, which is something very important when catching up with friends or family. The warm, tavern-like atmosphere punctuated by thoughtful decor choices like white tablecloths and fireplaces adds a touch of class and comfort that elevates your gathering beyond the usual casual dine-out. Moreover, the attentive and personalized service, where staff may even greet your party by name, helps create a welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel special. For groups planning a night out before a Broadway show, its proximity to major theaters means you can enjoy dinner and drinks without the stress of a long commute between activities. The combination of a relaxing, elegant setting with flavorful, carefully prepared food and drinks makes Glass House Tavern a stellar hub for rallying your friends for an evening of good eats and great company.
What activities are available at Glass House Tavern that make it perfect for a group meetup?
Glass House Tavern offers a variety of activities perfect for groups looking to enjoy a dynamic dining experience. Primarily, the dining experience itself is central: their menu features a diverse range of contemporary American dishes, which include standout items like perfectly executed hanger steak, vibrant salads adorned with fresh ingredients such as pomegranate arils, and indulgent comfort dishes like rich macaroni and cheese. The quality and presentation of the food encourage sharing and collective enjoyment, ideal for groups who appreciate both taste and refinement. Beyond dinner, the bar serves a fine selection of cocktails—such as the highly praised blood orange martini—alongside wines that are thoughtfully selected to complement the menu and offered at reasonable prices for the NYC area. For those who love theater, the tavern’s strategic location next to Broadway theaters enables pre-show or post-show dining, allowing you and your friends to make your night seamless and stress-free. For quieter gatherings, the tavern can accommodate requests for secluded, intimate spaces like the charming room with a fireplace, offering a quiet retreat for conversation without the usual city noise. This blend of exceptional cuisine, drinks, atmosphere, and location delivers an engaging and multifaceted group experience where everyone can find enjoyment.
Why is the ambiance at Glass House Tavern well-suited for a group evening out?
The ambiance at Glass House Tavern strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and upscale charm, making it a superb setting for social gatherings. The tavern’s interior is thoughtfully designed as a large, multi-level space that avoids the overcrowded, noisy feel of many city eateries, ensuring that groups can converse easily without shouting over background din. Spaciously arranged tables allow groups of varying sizes to feel comfortable and uncramped. Elegance is subtly conveyed through simple yet tasteful elements like white tablecloths and a cozy fireplace, adding warmth and a sense of occasion for special celebrations or casual meetups alike. The color-rich presentation of dishes also adds visual vibrancy that enlivens the room, enhancing the overall dining experience. Since the tavern is a popular spot within the lively Broadway district, the atmosphere reflects both the energy of the city and offers a calm reprieve for meaningful connection. This hybrid environment—both relaxed and refined—makes Glass House Tavern a particularly attractive choice for friends and families who want to enjoy quality time together in a stylish but approachable setting.
What kind of food and drink options can groups expect at Glass House Tavern?
Groups at Glass House Tavern can expect an impressive culinary lineup focused on contemporary American cuisine with a nod to classic favorites done exceptionally well. The menu features dishes such as hanger steaks cooked to perfection, highlighted by fresh and colorful sides like salads with pomegranate arils, which provide a tasteful and healthy counterpoint. Starters like crab cakes are delicately prepared without excessive breading, paired with crunchy vegetables to add texture and flavor complexity. For those with a sweet tooth or children in the party, the macaroni and cheese is often mentioned as delightfully gooey and deeply satisfying comfort food—a treat for all ages. The drink selections complement the menu nicely, with specialty cocktails including favorites like the blood orange martini and a smartly curated wine list that’s priced competitively for Manhattan. Additionally, the tavern caters to varying group needs with lighter and quicker-bite options for those on a schedule, such as patrons heading to an evening show. Overall, the pairing of thoughtfully prepared food and well-matched drinks ensures that groups with diverse tastes and dietary preferences can find something they love.
How does Glass House Tavern’s location enhance the experience for group meetups?
The tavern’s enviable location in the heart of New York City’s Theatre District and Times Square is a major boon for groups, particularly those planning an evening around entertainment or a city outing. Being just steps from major Broadway theaters, it offers unparalleled convenience for friends or families attending shows, enabling them to enjoy a relaxed meal before or after performances without the hassle of long waits or travel. This proximity allows guests to time their dinner or drinks perfectly with their show schedule, facilitating a seamless outing that combines arts and dining. The neighborhood buzz also adds to the excitement of meeting at Glass House Tavern, creating an energetic, vibrant backdrop that is quintessentially New York while inside the tavern you find a welcoming shelter from the crowds. For visitors and locals alike, this means spending less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying meaningful social connections. Moreover, its central location makes it easily accessible by various modes of transportation, ensuring that groups can arrive and depart with ease.
What makes the service at Glass House Tavern noteworthy for groups?
The service at Glass House Tavern stands out as attentive and personalized, a vital factor for groups who appreciate smooth and thoughtful hospitality. Despite some occasional waits noted by patrons, once engaged, servers provide excellent attention to detail, which enhances the overall dining experience. Guests have praised the staff’s ability to handle group dynamics gracefully, accommodating special requests such as quiet seating arrangements or recognizing celebrating parties, thus making everyone feel valued. One memorable example highlights the dining room manager personally greeting guests by name, showcasing the tavern’s commitment to providing a warm and individualized experience. This level of engagement is particularly valuable for groups who want a stress-free, memorable night where service staff anticipate needs without being intrusive. The balanced focus on professionalism, friendliness, and accommodating group specifics ensures that meetups at Glass House Tavern feel well-orchestrated and enjoyable from start to finish.
How does Glass House Tavern cater to different group sizes and occasions?
Glass House Tavern’s spacious and flexible interior layout allows it to comfortably host a wide range of group sizes—from intimate dinners for a handful of friends or family members to larger celebrations such as birthdays or reunion dinners. The sizable multi-level space ensures groups do not feel crowded, and tables can be arranged or reserved to suit specific needs, providing an adaptable environment. For special occasions, the ambiance can be tailored through private or semi-private seating areas, making the venue suitable not only for casual get-togethers but also for more formal or milestone events. The tavern’s menu diversity further supports varying preferences, enabling groups to enjoy a coherent culinary experience regardless of individual tastes or dietary restrictions. This flexibility is ideal for busy city dwellers or tourists seeking a reliable venue where the size and nature of their gathering can be accommodated without hassle. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a reunion, or simply a casual night out, Glass House Tavern’s configuration and service can rise to the occasion.
What should groups know about reservations and accessibility at Glass House Tavern?
Given Glass House Tavern’s popularity, especially due to its prime location near popular Broadway shows, it is recommended that groups make advance reservations to secure their preferred seating and avoid long waits, particularly on busy theater nights and weekends. The tavern welcomes reservations through common platforms, and special requests like quieter seating can usually be accommodated when noted in advance. For groups unable to reserve, the well-appointed bar area offers an alternative space with comfortable seating where guests can still enjoy drinks and some menu items, although it may be more suitable for smaller groups or casual meetups. Accessibility is also an important consideration for groups; the tavern’s modern multi-level space is designed to be welcoming to all guests, but if anyone in your party requires specific accommodations, it is advisable to inquire ahead to ensure a smooth experience. Being proactive about planning and communicating with the staff helps to maximize comfort and convenience for all attendees, contributing to a successful group gathering.
How do reviews of Glass House Tavern reflect on its suitability as a meetup spot?
While Glass House Tavern holds a moderate rating of 3.8 from over 340 reviews, many patrons highlight it as an excellent spot for groups seeking a quality dining experience in a vibrant part of the city. Reviews commonly praise the superb food quality, especially the expertly cooked meats and flavorful appetizers, alongside creative cocktails and a pleasant wine list. Many guests use the tavern as a pre-theater or post-theater dining destination, appreciating its convenient location and well-spaced seating that allows for intimate conversations even in a busy neighborhood. Some critiques mention occasional delays in service, though these do not generally overshadow the overall positive dining and social atmosphere. The mixture of honest feedback reflects a venue that delivers good value and ambiance for groups prioritizing food quality, comfort, and location. Such insights can help potential visitors set realistic expectations and choose the tavern confidently for their next social meetup.
What makes Glass House Tavern a unique choice compared to other NYC dining options?
Glass House Tavern distinguishes itself by combining an upscale tavern experience with the convenience of its strategic location in the Theatre District, offering both ambiance and accessibility that few other NYC restaurants match. Its ability to serve as a one-stop destination for great food, drinks, and proximity to world-class entertainment is a major draw for locals and tourists alike. Unlike some typical noisy city restaurants, it manages to maintain a more subdued, elegant atmosphere conducive to conversation and group engagement. The tavern’s food presentation and menu variety also set it apart, ensuring that meals look as good as they taste, which enhances the overall dining experience. Additionally, the personalized service and attention to detail—from greeting guests by name to fulfilling special seating requests—adds a human touch often missing in big-city eateries. This blend of qualities makes Glass House Tavern not merely a place to eat but a thoughtfully designed social venue perfect for gatherings that celebrate friendship and shared moments.