When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Hill and Bay
Why Hill and Bay is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hill and Bay is a welcoming dining destination nestled between the Murray Hill and Kips Bay neighborhoods in New York City. This establishment stands out as a great place to meet up with friends due to its inviting atmosphere, fair prices, and a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether guests are seeking a hot cup of coffee, a refreshing cocktail like an icy martini, or a full meal, Hill and Bay offers options for various occasions including lunch, brunch, and dinner. The menu caters thoughtfully to vegetarians, fish lovers, and meat eaters alike with shareable plates that encourage communal dining experiences. The venue features pleasant outdoor seating on a quiet side street, enhancing the ambiance for relaxed social gatherings. Its accessibility features and neighborhood-friendly vibe make it a convenient and comfortable spot for groups large and small. Additionally, Hill and Bay maintains a friendly bar scene, perfect for casual meetups or post-work drinks. Regular patrons appreciate the excellent food quality, attentive service, and balanced value offered by the establishment, making it a popular choice for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Here's what people think of Hill and Bay
As of recent, Hill and Bay holds a 4.3-star rating based on 689 reviews.
Customer reviews of Hill and Bay generally reflect a very positive overall experience, with an average rating of approximately 4.3 out of 5 based on nearly 700 reviews. Many reviewers praise the food quality, describing it as excellent with standout items like great burgers and well-crafted drinks. The service frequently receives high marks for being attentive and friendly, contributing significantly to guests' satisfaction. The ambiance is often highlighted, especially the outdoor seating area on a quiet street, which offers a pleasant and relaxed environment. Positive remarks emphasize aspects such as a well-rounded menu suitable for different dietary preferences, fair pricing, and a vibrant yet comfortable bar scene that draws locals and visitors alike. However, some negative feedback points to issues like higher than expected additional charges (including taxes and service fees) which some guests find disproportionate to their perception of food quality. A few concerns regarding the maintenance of outdoor seating—such as tables being blocked by stored items—have also been noted, detracting from the otherwise pleasant outdoor experience. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming majority of reviews conclude that Hill and Bay provides an enjoyable dining and social experience with great value for its price. This positive consensus underscores its reputation as a friendly neighborhood spot ideal for gatherings of various sizes and occasions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Patrick McEvoy
Love this NYC restaurant every time I head into the city for NYU Epilepsy doctor appointments. Cool atmosphere. The comfort food feeling takes some anxiety out of a doctor visit.
Student Cancer Prevention Coalition
We had a great time and hill and bay! Service was friendly and swift. Restaurant was clean and so nicely decorated for the holidays! Lots of great deals/happy hour - I highly recommend the hangover helper breakfast sandwhich!!
Leah Fletcher
Visited this restaurant several weeks ago with some friends and I cannot stop thinking about the amazing salad I ordered. The other dishes looked and smelled delicious too! Cool vibe, felt very comfortable as soon as we walked in. Looking forward to my next time dining here
Douglas Blake
One of my go to spots In the neighborhood. Perfect spot to hit for lunch before a movie. Absolutely love their wraps the chipotle chicken wrap might be my favorite in the city. The French onion soup is also quite good as is the Mac and cheese. So far there hasn’t been anything I wouldn’t recommend. I do wish they had a slightly better beer list but the ones they do have give you plenty of options. As I mentioned it’s a great place to go before a movie and every week they have a new movie themed cocktail.
Lloyd Holmes
This place represents the apex of the dining experience. The dish showed understanding of complementary flavors. Their team combined warm approaches with kind service. This establishment gives visitors what they want. This place offers complete joy.
How to reach Hill and Bay
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Website: None
Why Hill and Bay may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hill and Bay with your friends? Hill and Bay offers a unique blend of casual comfort and upscale New American cuisine that makes it an ideal spot for social gatherings. Located conveniently in the heart of Manhattan, just across from a popular movie theater, it provides an accessible, lively, and inviting environment where groups can relax and enjoy themselves. The restaurant’s warm and friendly atmosphere encourages camaraderie and conversation, making it perfect for catching up with friends or celebrating special occasions. Guests appreciate the attentive staff who go above and beyond to accommodate large groups, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. Whether you're seeking a place for brunch, dinner, or drinks, Hill and Bay’s approachable yet sophisticated menu caters to a variety of tastes, including vegan and vegetarian diets, thus ensuring no one is left out. The presence of outdoor seating adds flexibility, letting groups enjoy fresh air alongside their meal in good weather. Altogether, Hill and Bay successfully combines good food, excellent service, and a comfortable vibe — the essential ingredients for memorable gatherings with friends or family.
What activities does Hill and Bay offer that make it perfect for group meetups? Hill and Bay’s offerings extend beyond just delicious food and drinks, making it a versatile venue for groups. One highlight is its lively happy hour, where friends can gather over well-crafted cocktails and shareable appetizers, fostering a convivial, relaxed setting for conversation and laughter. Brunch at Hill and Bay is also a favored activity, especially for larger groups; the kitchen’s willingness to accommodate big parties ensures seamless service even during busy hours. The menu’s creative New American dishes, from savory eggs and sausage to indulgent French toast and standout items like tater tots, provide a diverse range of flavors and serve as great conversation starters. The ambiance—from the light and bright front to the more intimate rear dining areas—offers different spaces suited to various types of group dynamics, whether you want casual catch-ups or a cozy celebratory meal. Additionally, Hill and Bay hosts private events, including birthdays, weddings, graduations, and corporate meetings, proving their ability to tailor the experience to your group’s needs for a special occasion or a casual meet. This flexibility in activities and settings makes the restaurant an excellent choice for reunions, celebrations, or just a quality hangout with your friends.
How is the food at Hill and Bay suitable for group dining? Hill and Bay excels in offering a menu that caters to diverse tastes, an essential factor when dining with a group. The restaurant specializes in creative New American cuisine with a mix of comfort food and upscale dishes, satisfying a range of preferences. Their signature items like the Angus beef burgers are especially popular for their moistness and rich flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser. For those preferring lighter or non-meat options, Hill and Bay accommodates with vegan and vegetarian choices that never compromise on taste or presentation. Many guests highlight specialties like crispy Brussels sprouts with a hint of sweetness and their mac & cheese, which has a fan following among families and groups alike. The varied menu means everyone in your party can find something enjoyable, promoting a shared dining experience where all appetites are met. The kitchen’s dedication to quality is clear in customer feedback praising freshness, flavor, and thoughtful preparation. For larger groups, the staff can also help with recommendations and modifications to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are respected, which enhances the group dining experience.
Why is the atmosphere at Hill and Bay ideal for social gatherings? The atmosphere at Hill and Bay strikes a wonderful balance between casual comfort and subtle sophistication, perfect for social meetups. Reviewers describe the space as light and bright in the front and cozier towards the back, offering options depending on the mood of the group or nature of the gathering. The venue’s vibe is inviting without being overly formal, making it suitable for everything from casual brunches with friends to more intimate dinners with family. Staff attentiveness and friendliness contribute significantly to the welcoming feeling, helping guests relax and focus on enjoying each other’s company. While the décor is stylish, it remains understated, emphasizing warmth and approachability rather than flashy aesthetics. The availability of outdoor seating also adds a refreshing option, especially during pleasant weather, allowing groups to dine al fresco. This thoughtful design and service contribute to an atmosphere that fosters connection and enhances the overall experience of gathering here.
What makes Hill and Bay a convenient and well-connected venue for group events? Hill and Bay’s location in Manhattan’s Kips Bay neighborhood is a major advantage for groups looking for a centrally accessible meeting point. Situated at 581 2nd Avenue, it is near public transportation routes and within easy reach of various city attractions, including the nearby AMC movie theater, which makes planning group outings convenient and fun. The restaurant offers wheelchair accessibility and outdoor seating, making it inclusive and adaptable to different group needs. Moreover, Hill and Bay’s hours—from 8 AM to late evenings during the week and weekends—allow for flexible scheduling, whether you want a brunch gathering or a late-night get-together. Guests appreciate that they can reserve tables, a critical feature for groups, as it ensures the party will be accommodated without long waits or surprises. The venue’s experience hosting private events also speaks to its reliability; they have successfully hosted everything from corporate meetings to weddings and fundraisers, demonstrating professionalism and capacity. This combination of location, amenities, and proven event management makes Hill and Bay a practical and attractive choice for group meetups.
What special services and features enhance the group experience at Hill and Bay? Beyond the regular dining services, Hill and Bay offers several features that enhance the experience for groups and special occasions. Their weekly specials present an opportunity for groups to enjoy discounted drinks and meal promotions, adding value to the meetup and encouraging guests to try new menu items without stretching the budget. For more formal or significant gatherings, the restaurant’s private event hosting capabilities are notable. They accommodate everything from birthdays and baby showers to corporate events and fundraisers, handling logistics and catering needs with professionalism. The ability to customize menus and seating arrangements further tailors the experience to the group’s desires. Additionally, the staff’s reputation for going out of their way to satisfy guests—even preparing brunch after hours—reflects a commitment to customer care that can make any meetup feel special. The presence of outdoor seating also offers a relaxed environment that is particularly appealing for social mingling in warmer months. These features collectively make Hill and Bay not just a place to eat, but a venue capable of delivering memorable experiences for groups of all sizes.
How does Hill and Bay accommodate dietary preferences and accessibility requirements? Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in group gatherings, Hill and Bay offers a thoughtful menu that caters to a broad spectrum of dietary needs. Their New American cuisine includes options for vegans, vegetarians, and those with other dietary restrictions, ensuring that all guests can find satisfying dishes without compromise. This inclusivity extends to their willingness to customize orders and accommodate special requests, which is particularly valuable in diverse groups. From plant-based entrees to classic comfort foods, the menu balances creativity with accessibility. In terms of accessibility, Hill and Bay provides wheelchair-accessible facilities and seating, making the restaurant welcoming to guests with mobility challenges. Outdoor seating adds another layer of accessibility and comfort, especially for those who prefer or require open-air environments. These measures demonstrate the restaurant’s dedication to creating an inviting environment where everyone, regardless of dietary or physical needs, can enjoy their time together comfortably.
What do customers say about the service and value at Hill and Bay? Customer reviews consistently highlight Hill and Bay’s strong points in service and value, essential components for group meetups. Many patrons praise the staff for being friendly, accommodating, and attentive, even when handling large parties or unusual requests. Such positive interactions contribute greatly to the overall dining experience and make guests feel appreciated and cared for. The restaurant is often described as offering very good food at reasonable prices, especially considering its Manhattan location where dining can often be costly. The balance of quality and affordability means groups can enjoy a satisfying meal without financial stress, an important factor when organizing gatherings. While some reviews note that the outdoor seating area has room for improvement in maintenance, the general consensus is that the venue offers good value for money and a pleasant dining atmosphere that justifies repeat visits. Overall, customers feel that Hill and Bay delivers a dependable, enjoyable experience in both service and cost, reinforcing its appeal as a group destination.