Cindependent Film Festival

Sits directly across from Lincoln Center, so you can't beat the location. Known for its rooftop bar with skyline views.

a boisterous Lincoln Center institution on Broadway, right across from the opera house. Loud, lively, and buzzing with pre- and post-theater energy, it's built around a massive antipasto bar loaded with 50+ hot and cold Italian dishes. Expect thin-crust pizzas, classic pastas, chicken parm, and a warm wood-and-brass dining room that's been feeding the Lincoln Center crowd for decades. Great for a quick bite and cocktail before curtain, or a late, lively nightcap after.

the lively American brasserie right across from Lincoln Center on Broadway. Big, buzzy, and open early to late (breakfast through late-night), it draws pre/post-theater crowds, Upper West Side families, and neighborhood regulars alike. Known for craft cocktails and diner-brasserie classics. Sidewalk cafe seating in warmer months, private rooms for events, and a dog-friendly patio.

a vibrant, upscale Mexican spot directly across from Lincoln Center, now located on the mezzanine level of the Empire Hotel (44 W 63rd St), after 25+ years at its original nearby location. Festive and lively, it's known for tableside guacamole, over 100 tequila and agave spirits, signature pomegranate margaritas, and Mexican classics like enchiladas, chile relleno, and fajitas en molcajete. The new flagship spans 400+ seats with multiple bars and private event spaces — great for pre-theater dinner or a post-show cocktail, though some longtime regulars note it's noisier and busier than the old spot. Open daily, including breakfast for hotel guests and UWS locals.

a classic New York saloon-style pub at 44 W. 63rd St, at the base of the Empire Hotel, right across from Lincoln Center. Opened in 2007 as an offshoot of the original 1884 Third Avenue "Vatican of Saloons," it keeps the old-school NYC vibe: raw bar with hand-picked oysters and clams, legendary Cadillac Burger, steak frites, lobster rolls, mac and cheese, and hearty comfort food, plus craft cocktails and cold beer. Lively and often packed pre-theater — street-side seating, a main dining room, and a cozier (if darker) downstairs bar. Reservations recommended before a show, though the bar is always first-come, first-served.

a bakery-cafe at 1928 Broadway, a short walk from Lincoln Center. It's a cozy, all-day spot open 7:30am–9:30pm daily, known for its pastries (lemon tart, cannoli are favorites), sandwiches, flatbreads/pizza, and coffee drinks like cappuccino, chai latte, and matcha. Good for grabbing a quick bite or working on your laptop, though a few reviewers note it can run pricey and gets warm/busy during peak hours. A solid casual option for breakfast, a pastry break, or a light meal near Lincoln Center.

a French cafe at 152 Columbus Ave, near Lincoln Center. Open daily (7:30am–6pm weekdays, 8am–6pm weekends), it's known for its charming, tasteful decor and a make-your-own breakfast plate menu — pick your items à la carte. Standouts include the Croque Maman sandwich, shortcake pancakes, banana walnut bread, almond croissant, and classic chocolate chip cookie, alongside solid drip coffee and americanos. It's popular and can get a genuine line on weekends, with limited seating, but service tends to be fast and friendly even when packed. A cozy, pretty spot for breakfast or a coffee-and-pastry break before or after Lincoln Center.

the cafe inside the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at Film at Lincoln Center (144 W. 65th St). Open daily, wifi-equipped, serving coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and light bites. Handy for a quick coffee before or after a screening — FLC members and ticket holders get 10% off on screening days.

A historic, boutique building near Central Park West. Small property with limited rooms, but consistently well-reviewed for charm and service — feels more like a hidden gem than a typical hotel.

Top-tier luxury with sweeping Central Park and city views. Elegant, spa-like atmosphere, excellent service — but priced accordingly, easily the most expensive option on this list.

Boutique property near Columbus Circle. Good location, chic design, moderately priced.

Reliable mid-range choice, easy walk to Lincoln Center. Free breakfast, friendly staff, comfortable if compact rooms — a solid, no-frills option for the price.

Garden-inspired restaurant and bar in Over-the-Rhine with craft cocktails, elevated seasonal fare, and a spacious outdoor patio.

Cozy tapas and wine bar on Vine Street known for shareable small plates and a well-curated wine and cocktail list.

Small, relaxed cocktail bar and restaurant tucked in an alley off Court Street, serving an eclectic small-plates menu.

Underground Italian restaurant with a rustic brick-and-wood dining room, known for its wine cellar and inventive rustic Italian dishes.

Cincinnati's original upscale steakhouse, housed in a former 1880s police patrol building and serving prime dry-aged steaks since 1981.

Modern diner in Over-the-Rhine putting a chef-driven spin on classic comfort food, known for its matzo ball soup and hearty brunch plates.

Roman-style sandwich shop in Mariemont serving Italian sandwiches on house-made schiacciata flatbread.

East End deli known for Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, open for lunch and dinner six days a week.

Cincinnati chili institution famous for its secret-recipe chili served over spaghetti as a Way, or piled onto a Coney.

Food and beer hall centered on fried chicken and Southern sides, with craft beer, cocktails, and a lively blues-driven atmosphere.

Nautical-themed neighborhood gastropub with house-smoked wings, craft cocktails, Sunday brunch, and live music.

Underground speakeasy-style bar set in century-old lagering tunnels, offering craft cocktails and nightly live music across two themed rooms.

Laid-back riverside bar in the East End serving smash burgers, wings, and rotating local drafts.