(212) 332-7620
20 W 50th St
New York,
NY
10020
40.7589
-73.9784
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Midtown Center
What People Are Saying About Rock Center Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – With all the commotion in Rockefeller Center it's easy to miss the discreet glass elevator descending to this underground cafe. Below, an expansive window frames the singular views of the skating rink and gold Prometheus fountain overshadowing the art deco interior. Out-of-towners munch on signature risotto crab cakes, house-made pappardelle and double chocolate--white and milk--mousse. In warmer months, the rink converts to an outdoor bar providing revelers more room for happy hour.
11/29/09
Don't Waste Your Time or Money
by jamie388 at Citysearch
We were there Thanksgiving evening 2009. We had made reservations for 6:00 with a party of five. We had bought in advance Thanksgiving dinner tickets for 59.00 dollars a person. The food was awful, the bread was hard as a rock and when we asked for fresh bread the server was very rude. He came back about 20 mins. later with more hard bread. He had no personality at all. Four of us in the party had cokes and one had water. We each had 1 refill of drink and the cost for our cokes was 36.00 dollars. Three of us had a cup of coffee after dinner and it was 5.00 a cup. So with tax at 32.00 dollars and some change and the tip was 65.00 and some change our bill was 458.00 for our Thanksgiving dinner that was terrible. Our waiter did not deserve a 65.00 tip. I would not recommend this restaurant and for sure we will never go there again.
- Pros: Location
- Cons: Overpriced, Rude Server, Very Expensive
11/07/09
All around bad...
by klwsoprano at Citysearch
My boyfriend and I recently took my parents to The Rock Center Cafe while they were visiting from out of state. As an experienced server, I was anticipating a great experience at this touristy, pseudo-busy restaurant during skating season. We showed up at 5:30 for our reservation and we were seated immediately next to the window, as I had requested. Our server approached us after putting his Blackberry phone away in his apron, and seemed annoyed that we were there. No smile, no welcome. Tried to sell us wine by the glass immediately. His suggestions seemed memorized and lacked character. In fact, it was difficult to understand him because it seemed like he didn't have a grasp of the English language. After we ordered, he left and we didn't see him again until we were having our entrees. At that time, I gave him a coffee mug back because it had a crack in it. He was annoyed to have to take care of this. It was a nice environment to watch the skaters, the food was decent, but the service was terrible. The Organic Chicken with creamed spinach is great. Salmon is o.k. Maybe try the steak. And ask for a server with personality.
- Pros: Skating Rink Show
- Cons: Lack of service, no personality, no friendliness
07/22/09
Don't waste your money
by FoozGrind at Citysearch
Ok, I am not one to really complain about dinners but I was here with my younger brother Mid July and we decided on having a nice dinner at a fancy place. Well this dinner cost a ton of money. For 2 Sirlon steaks (14oz only) and 2 ceaser salads and 2 drinks with 1 refill it was about $120 bucks before the tip. The steak had no taste. It was simply grilled (and to chewy to cut) with butter sauce on it. The menu said creamy mashed potatoes. Well mashed potatoes are my favorite dish and these tasted like instant potatoes. A side ceaser salad cost 12 bucks! Maybe i just went on a bad day, but the food tasted better at McDonalds.
- Pros: Atmospher
- Cons: Food
The Details on Rock Center Cafe
Save Money:
Summer happy hour includes nightly $5 specialty cocktails mixed with top shelf liquor.
Know Before You Go:
During the eight weeks that the Rockefeller Christmas tree is in place, the restaurant does not accept reservations. Stanchions are set up to corral crowds who are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining, Historic Setting, View Dining, Theater District Dining, Lunch Spot, Business Dining, Business Breakfast, Happy Hour, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
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