When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Mary Lane
Why The Mary Lane is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Mary Lane is a celebrated seasonal New American restaurant located on the picturesque cobblestone corner of Bank and Greenwich Streets in New York City's West Village. Known for its bright, airy dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant creates an inviting ambiance for any occasion—from intimate date nights to brunch gatherings with friends. The outdoor dining area offers a charming al fresco experience adorned with floral-filled planters, perfect for enjoying the vibrant West Village atmosphere. Chef Mike Price crafts a market-driven menu that highlights locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine with a contemporary flair, reflecting seasonal freshness and culinary creativity. Complemented by a curated wine list and craft cocktails, The Mary Lane delivers an approachable yet refined dining experience focused on genuine hospitality. With its perfect blend of warm service, stylish decor, and quality food, The Mary Lane stands out as a favored neighborhood spot to connect, celebrate, and savor thoughtfully prepared dishes in a welcoming setting.
Here's what people think of The Mary Lane
As of recent, The Mary Lane holds a 4.6-star rating based on 394 reviews.
Reviews from guests consistently praise The Mary Lane for its warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere, and well-curated menu. Many highlight the beautiful, spacious dining room and the appealing, lively energy without being overly loud, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal. Positive reviews particularly commend the restaurant's attentive and friendly staff, fresh and delicious dishes like the burrata starter and sweet potato lasagna, and an enjoyable happy hour experience at the bar and patio. The combination of flavorful, seasonal fare and a charming setting keeps many diners returning. However, some negative feedback points to dishes that occasionally feel over-conceptualized or lack balance, such as similar sauces on different items or smaller portion sizes not fully matching the price. A few have noted occasional difficulty finding staff promptly for service during the meal's end. Despite these critiques, the majority of reviews emphasize the overall quality of food and atmosphere, describing The Mary Lane as a delightful dining destination in the West Village that merits repeat visits, especially for brunch or relaxed dinners with friends and family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Scot Krause
We had an AMAZING dining experience last night. Gorgeous space, good buzz and energy, but not too loud. Our server looked like she loved her job. Enthusiastic and happy, very friendly. Excellent service. The food - WOW! We started with the onion focaccia bread and asparagus soup, amazing. I had the risotto and a salad, both were off the charts. My wife had the short rib, succulent and meaty with a deep rich flavor, and the carrots were delicious. We had the olive oil almond cake. Perfect ending to the meal. I highly recommend The Mary Lane!
Laurent P.
We went there for brunch and really enjoyed our time there. The food was tasty, home made with dishes you do not see in any restaurant. The team is extremely caring and friendly. Next time we go there, we will book a table on the terrace which is lovely. We will definitely go back there to explore how the atmosphere is at dinner too. This is an address I would recommend for foodies and wine lovers. Congratulations to the team.
Lou M
Great food, friendly service and nice atmosphere with cool vibe in the restaurant. Cocktails, appetizers and main courses were solid - everything was presented beautifully. I was there catching up with a friend and definitely will be back when in the area. Strongly recommend the halibut and the short ribs - they were literally melting in my mouth. My only recommendation is to not make the olive oil that came with the focaccia so spicy.
Todd Fellerman
Great restaurant that's trendy. Overall very much enjoyed the experience and quality of food. I would have given 5 stars but felt that the price to value ratio of the meals were too expensive and also the ambiance was ok (very loud and crowded, so didn't feel nice or overly enjoyable).
Juanita Acevedo van Arcken
It's a beautiful place with a very fresh atmosphere! I went for brunch, and the food was amazing. The burger was fire, and the grits with shrimp and poached eggs were one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time. The pancakes were really good, too, but small. The cocktails were also delicious. Service was a 5! Thank you!
How to reach The Mary Lane
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Why The Mary Lane may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Mary Lane with your friends?
When considering the perfect venue to gather with your friends, The Mary Lane stands out as an extraordinary choice. Nestled in the vibrant West Village of New York City, this restaurant has earned a remarkable 4.6-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, reflecting a deep well of customer satisfaction and loyalty. The Mary Lane offers a harmonious blend of delicious food, inviting ambiance, and attentive service—a trifecta essential for a memorable group outing. Whether you're marking a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a relaxing meal together, this spot ensures a refined yet comfortable experience. Its beautifully renovated interior combines chic modern design with warm, soothing colors and classic furnishings, creating an inviting space that's both stylish and welcoming. The staff’s enthusiasm and friendliness only add to the warmth you’ll feel upon arrival, making friends feel genuinely valued and cared for. The Mary Lane is known for its fresh, well-crafted dishes that please a variety of palates, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, accommodating diverse dietary needs seamlessly. This mix of atmosphere, service, and compelling food quality makes it a top-tier destination for rallying your friends to create shared memories over excellent meals.
What activities and dining experiences make The Mary Lane perfect for group meetups?
The Mary Lane is a veritable hub for social dining and group activities centered around food and drink. One of the standout reasons it excels for meetups is its thoughtfully curated menu featuring dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary requirements. For example, the restaurant boasts an almost entirely gluten-free menu, as the chef has Celiac disease himself, ensuring safety and delicious options for gluten-sensitive guests without compromising flavor or variety. This inclusivity is perfect for groups with mixed dietary restrictions, avoiding the usual challenges of finding accommodating restaurants. The dishes are diverse — from enticing mushroom tartare appetizers to hearty steak options and unique vegetarian dishes like sweet potato lasagna. Each plate offers fresh, high-quality ingredients served with artistic flair, elevating the collective dining experience to something special and Instagram-worthy.
But dining isn’t the only draw. The Mary Lane’s atmosphere invites lingering and socializing, whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner. Its spacious dining area allows groups to sit together comfortably without feeling crowded. The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, striking an ideal balance for conversation and relaxation. Moreover, the venue features a compelling Happy Hour that heightens the appeal for groups looking to mix casual drinks with tasty small plates. While the Happy Hour food and drinks are primarily served at the bar, recent changes have expanded offerings to outdoor seating, accommodating families and groups who prefer not to be at the bar itself. This includes kid-friendly options like Cacio e Pepe arancini and a classic cheeseburger with fries, making the space welcoming for groups that include children.
The attentive and enthusiastic service at The Mary Lane also shines as a key activity component. Servers are knowledgeable about the menu and accommodate special requests thoughtfully, ensuring that the group's needs are met promptly and with a smile. Whether ordering multiple courses or customizing items for individual preferences, the staff’s professionalism enhances the collective experience and reduces logistical hassle for group coordinators. This friendly, smooth service encourages longer visits, allowing groups to soak in the ambiance and enjoy each other’s company without feeling rushed.
How does the ambiance and design contribute to an ideal group dining environment at The Mary Lane?
The ambiance at The Mary Lane is instrumental in making it a preferred venue for not only friends but families and celebrations with multiple guests. The space has undergone a beautiful renovation, described by patrons as “inviting with attention to every detail.” The interior design employs exciting accent wall colors paired with soothing classic furnishings, combining modern aesthetics with comfort. This thoughtful decor encourages both small and large groups to feel at home while offering a touch of elegance that makes any gathering feel meaningful and festive.
The restaurant achieves a keen balance between energy and relaxation. It maintains a good buzz—meaning there’s a lively but never overpowering level of background noise—perfect for conversation to flow easily without shouting. This is especially important when groups want to engage deeply without distraction or fatigue from noise pollution. Spacious seating arrangements further support socializing by allowing enough room for everyone to feel involved in discussions while also affording some personal breathing space. The layout accommodates different group sizes well, from intimate dinners to larger parties, making it flexible for various meetup formats.
The Mary Lane’s location in the West Village, a charming and bustling neighborhood of NYC known for its character and walkability, adds to its appeal as a meetup spot. Before or after dining, groups can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the area, take in the local vibe, or extend their outing to nearby attractions and bars. This makes the restaurant a convenient and attractive starting point for longer social sessions, unlike places tucked away in less accessible locations.
Why is The Mary Lane especially notable for accommodating special dietary needs during group outings?
One of the most distinguishing features of The Mary Lane is its thoughtful and inclusive approach to dietary restrictions, a critical factor when hosting group events. The restaurant’s chef has Celiac disease, which naturally influences the menu design to be heavily gluten-free friendly. This means nearly every item on the menu can be made gluten-free without compromise—a rare and prized quality given the growing prevalence of gluten intolerance and the complexity it adds to group dining choices.
The staff is trained and knowledgeable about gluten-free dining and other special dietary considerations, creating a safe and comfortable environment for guests with dietary restrictions. They proactively engage with diners to ensure ingredients and preparation methods align with health needs. This dedication extends not just to the kitchen but also to the dining experience itself, with clean dedicated fryers and careful ingredient sourcing. For groups with mixed dietary needs, this reduces the anxiety often associated with eating out and enhances group cohesion by making everyone feel welcome and included.
Beyond gluten-free, The Mary Lane also offers vegetarian options and demonstrates a willingness to accommodate requests, making it flexible for various dietary lifestyles without detracting from the quality of the food. For families and friend groups where preferences and restrictions vary widely, this versatility simplifies decision-making and ordering logistics, allowing the focus to stay on the social experience rather than the stress of food compromises.
What makes the food and beverage options at The Mary Lane stand out for a fun group gathering?
The Mary Lane’s food quality and beverage offerings provide layers of enjoyment that make group meetups especially memorable. The menu features innovative dishes that are thoughtfully plated and designed to be shared or enjoyed individually. Favorites include the mushroom tartare appetizer, famous for its flavor and presentation, and the steak entrée, noted by some patrons to surpass nearby Michelin-starred venues in quality and value. Unique vegetarian choices like the sweet potato lasagna offer a creative twist on classic comfort food, satisfying a wide range of tastes and dietary habits.
Desserts and starters receive equally high praise, often highlighted for freshness and visual appeal. The food is neither rushed nor overly pretentious; rather, it strikes a perfect balance of fancy but approachable, making it suitable for a special night out with friends or a casual brunch gathering. The portion sizes are well regulated to offer taste satisfaction without waste, typical of high-quality New York dining.
Happy Hour deserves special mention as it enhances the group dynamic by lowering barriers to enjoying premium food and drink at a more accessible price point. Cocktails and selected dishes come at reduced prices during this time, inviting groups to linger and explore flavors without financial strain. The bar’s selection and atmosphere are lively and inviting, adding a social layer for those who want a drink before or after their meal. Recently expanded Happy Hour food availability to the patio area also improves accessibility for families and those wanting to enjoy the fresh air while socializing.
Overall, the combination of an exciting, diverse menu and an appealing drink selection encourages conviviality, making The Mary Lane more than just a dinner spot—it becomes a destination where friends can celebrate, try new flavors together, and enjoy each other’s company in a warm, stylish setting.