I disagree. I had my bday cake which was a red velvet cake from Billy's and it was so dry. I actually had it for another party and felt the same way.

I hate Koryodang. It's too expensive and the service is horrendous. I don't get it.

I like Tisserie on 17th. Very cute and great baked goods/treats. There's an upstairs where you can hang out.

I also like City Bakery. Solid food and big place to hang out with several friends.

I love Wondee Siam. It's cheap and very authentic and good.

Pam Real is also a good choice.

Pongsri is also excellent.

I've been to all 3 and keep coming back to Lupa. I like it because it's more casual and the food is just fantastic. I always have a great meal there. Babbo is great and so is Del Posto, but I wouldn't go back over and over again.

I like Tamarind a lot. It's beautiful inside and the food is solid.

I also really like Bread Bar (associated with Tabla) because the food is great and the atmosphere is fun and service is good. Tabla is good too but not as authentic.

I also like Mirchi, but that is more casual and maybe not the best for a 50th bday dinner.

I like Stanton Social a lot which is where I went for my bday a few years ago. It's fun and has solid food and the food is fun to share.

Blue Ribbon, Union Square Cafe and The Harrison are also fun and good choices for American food.

If you like seafood, I like Esca a lot.

Check out Milanes on 25th between 6th and 7th Avenue (closer to 7th Avenue). The best cuban sandwiches there. I think it's what you are looking for.

Here are my favorites from all the rib joints:
1) Daisy May beef ribs - falls right off the bone and is HUGE.
2) Daisy May sides - best sides
3) Hill Country moist brisket the best out of all. It is so juicy.
4) Dinosaur BBQ for chicken wings (I would travel all the way up there just for the wings)
5) Blue Smoke - best Kansas City ribs

Never been to Virgils! And never liked anything at RUB.

Sala 19 is so underrated and so good. My fave is the pork tortas (sandwich or something like that) with melted cheese.

Kum Gang San is my fave. Shilla isn't bad either. Both are on 32nd. Woo Lae Oak is overpriced and not authentic.

I think Stanton Social would be fun. Good, solid food and cool atmosphere. And food is sharable.

I'd go to A Voce. It is wonderful and the food is fantastic, atmosphere is good. Get the duck meatballs (I think that is what I had that was so amazing). I didn't think it was noisy at all. I went on a date there and it was perfect.

L'Impero is also a great choice. You really can't go wrong either way.

Bar Americain is fantastic and fun. It's not on the UWS, but it's close and still on the west side.

Insieme is a great call. Great location, solid food and fun. Brasserie Ruhlmann is also a good choice and perfect location, may be a bit pricey but worth it.

Momofuku, Momofuku Ssam, Mermaid Inn

I love this place, as I do with all Bobby Flay's other restaurants (Mesa Grill and Bar Americain). My favorite dish is the lamb shank with ozzo. I also love the flatbread appetizer. But, I like their prix fixe lunch even more. It's a great deal for only $25 for 3 courses. I always go during my work breaks to get the pork sandwich.

This may be too pricey but I was at The Modern for a private dinner and it was exquisite and just plain amazing!

Mesa Grill is having a Thanksgiving dinner special.

Cookshop in Chelsea or Mesa Grill in Flatiron. Fun places an yummy food!!!

The burger with blue cheese. Unbelievable. The string fries are a hit too. It comes with the burger.

Blue Hill is just such good food and romantic and cool. But, if you really want to splurge, go to Le Bernardin!

Bar Americain is perfect for pre theatre.

Clinton Street! Best pancakes in the city. So cute but LONG wait. Normas is solid but more expensive and more sceney. I like both, but Clinton is better, I promise.

There's Black door on 26th on the other side of 6th Ave. There is gstaad which is across the street.

Love Mesa Grill! Have you been there for brunch? It's so good there, esp the bread basket which has lots of coffee cakes and breakfast scones.

I have been to all 3 and love all of them for different reasons. Mesa Grill's brunch is so underrated. It's different at all places but the quality of food and big bold flavors stand out. And, they are really fun places to dine as well. Bolo is great for a neighborhood and cozy experience. Bar Americain is great for clients and the food has never been disappointing. NEVER. They all get top notch reviews in my book.

I'd second Mesa Grill. Their brunch is so tasty and the bread basket is to die for.

This is one of my fave restaurants in NYC. The popovers are to die for. So cheesy and fluffy. The salads are great to start with. The ribeye is the best but the braised short ribs come close. I had the luxury of having the Kobe cuts and yes, they are worth the $$$! The desserts are the the perfect topper (think about getting the sundae!)

Completely agree. A Voce is OUTSTANDING and the noise did not bother me at all and was able to have a conversation quite easily.

Zen Palate