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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Midtown South

Cocktails and Mac and Cheese

You want a cocktail paired with the unapologetic comfort of mac and cheese. It is a combination that satisfies a very specific kind of hunger.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Parker & Quinn image 1
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American restaurant

Historic decor and cozy booths create an intimate, lively atmosphere with live music enhancing the experience. Small, oblong space feels warm but can be noisy, making conversation challenging. Access to a rooftop bar offers city views and a quieter alternative to the main dining area.

Negoni stands out as a perfect example of the cocktail quality here. Cocktails are consistently delicious and top-notch with an elevated touch.

Truffle Mac and Cheese stands out with rich flavor. The dish uses shell pasta and offers a delicious, creamy texture that pairs well with other hearty options.

People are saying

"The Brunch food here is delicious and very fresh."

"You have to try their cocktails; my lemon drop was the best Iโ€™ve had in ages."

"The Mac and Cheese is creamy, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for tables during peak hours.

3

The last order is taken at 10:30 PM.

02
Butter image 1
American restaurant

Cozy basement setting with rustic white birch firewood stacked throughout creates a warm atmosphere. Excellent cocktail menu offers well-balanced drinks like mezcal-based cocktails and espresso martinis. Private spaces include an outdoor balcony and bar, suitable for networking or work events.

Unique mixes of flavors define the cocktail menu, with the Calamansi cocktail standing out for its blend of mint and frozen strawberries. Cocktails complement the dining experience with divine taste profiles.

Gnocchi mac and cheese offers a cheesy, cloud-like texture that stands out. The dish pairs well with buttery rolls and features a rich, creamy flavor profile.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have amazing, flavorful food that's satisfying."

"I craved these amazing raspberry beignets since my last trip."

"The cocktails here are outstanding and wonderful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must.

2

The kitchen closes shortly after 9 PM.

3

The restaurant offers brunch.

03
Birdland Jazz Club image 1

Jazz club offers intimate tables and perfect acoustics with unobstructed stage views from every seat. The atmosphere stays elegant and lively, filled with live jazz performances by skilled musicians. Accessibility includes an elevator for wheelchair users, enhancing the inclusive vibe.

Expertly crafted cocktails like the Maitay and Margarita stand out here. Drinks consistently pair well with the food and complement the good music atmosphere.

Mac and cheese comes cooked to order with a good taste. It appears alongside other main dishes like steak and mushroom risotto cakes.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for the great jazz music."

"It's an intimate setting with a relaxed yet elevated vibe."

"I tried the Mac and Cheese and it was full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Tickets sell out fast on weekends, so it's important to order them early.

2

You must have a reservation before you go, especially on weekend nights.

3

There is a minimum spend of $20 per person at Birdland.

04
The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store image 1

Small speakeasy with live jazz piano and retro decor reflecting its garment factory roots creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Upstairs dining offers a lively vibe with eclectic design and dim lighting. Staff and performers engage actively, enhancing the dynamic entertainment experience.

Cocktails come with live piano performances and a friendly, attentive bartender crafting each drink. Options include gluten-free choices and pair well with generous portions of finger foods.

Elevated and flavorful, the Mac and cheese stands out as a rich appetizer option. It pairs well with other bites like broccolini and fries with dips.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was phenomenal."

"The cocktails here are perfectly balanced and strong."

"The Mac and Cheese here is excellent and friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the piano bar, especially on busy nights.

2

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers on weekdays from 4-7pm.

3

Wine is half price on Mondays.

05
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern design and live DJ music create a lively, chic atmosphere with upbeat energy. The space balances a steakhouse vibe with nightclub elements, attracting a crowd looking for both dining and entertainment. Seating varies from spacious, quieter tables to booths with distinctive decor like blossom trees.

Cocktails feature award-winning spiced watermelon and creative mixes like STK & Frites. Bartenders go the extra mile, sourcing fresh basil and suggesting drinks that pair well with meals. Happy hour offers $10 cocktails alongside $3 oysters.

Creamy and rich textures define the lobster mac & cheese, making it utterly addictive. The bacon mac n cheese served with the porterhouse for two adds a savory depth to the dish.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The cocktails here are superb and fun."

"The lobster mac and cheese was amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes half off appetizers and is highly recommended.

2

Avoid 6pm bookings during the week due to happy hour lasting until 6:30pm.

3

STK has a deal for $69 per person for two, including wine and appetizers.

06
Refinery Rooftop image 1
American restaurant

Rooftop space offers breathtaking Empire State Building views with a retractable glass roof for open-air or sheltered enjoyment. Atmosphere mixes lively, well-curated music suited for dancing with occasional loudness. Crowds gather early, making reservations essential for access to this popular urban rooftop bar.

Cocktails feature citrus flavors and a good amount of tequila, like the Refinery sparkler. The pinky ring cocktail stands out as amazing. Drinks are tasty but overpriced.

Creamy texture stands out with a rich, delicious flavor. Adding bacon enhances the dish, making it more savory and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Rooftop service is so attentive and makes the experience extra special."

"The view of the Empire State Building is amazing."

"I loved the mac and cheese; it was phenomenal and creamy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour starts at 3:30 PM and is popular among guests.

3

Brunch is served until 2:30 PM on Saturdays.

07
5 Napkin Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with butcher shop decor and an open layout featuring large windows for people watching. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy during dinner to loud and busy near Times Square. Outdoor terrace seating with heaters adds a comfortable option for cooler weather.

Craft cocktails come with attentive bartenders who offer complimentary drinks and occasional surprises. The Manhattan cocktail stands out, served in a chill vibe that suits rainy nights.

Mac and cheese comes served at a good temperature, not too hot. It has a rich, creamy texture that stands out among other dishes like Korean wings and truffle Parmesan fries.

People are saying

"The food here is attentive and professional."

"The cocktails are delicious and top tier."

"I really enjoyed their creamy Mac and Cheese."

Good to know

1

Booking a reservation is recommended to avoid a wait.

2

Five Napkin has 2 Happy Hours most days: M-F from 3-6 and S-Th 9-close.

3

Going during Happy Hour makes the food much cheaper.

08
Strip House Steakhouse image 1

Old-fashioned steakhouse with velvety leather decor and strong red lighting creates a striking, sexy ambiance. Walls display vintage burlesque photos reflecting its past as a strip club. Atmosphere ranges from loud and hectic during peak times to quiet and secluded in designated romantic areas.

Blowin' Smoke stands out as a cocktail with a memorable flavor. Staff offer excellent recommendations that enhance the overall experience.

White cheddar stands out in the mac and cheese, topped with lots of scallions. The dish pairs well with black truffle creamed spinach and is a favorite alongside the fries.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked just right and tastes amazing."

"The cocktails here are expertly prepared and spot on."

"I thought the white cheddar mac and cheese was the best in NYC."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended well in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect meals to take over two hours, especially during peak times.

3

The three-course meal during restaurant week costs $60, which is more reasonable than regular prices.

09
Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Park Avenue New York City image 1

Historic building with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls creates a classy atmosphere filled with tight seating arrangements. Noise level runs high, making the space loud and hectic. Frequented by a mix of diners, the place offers a lively vibe with occasional live jazz at the bar.

Expertly crafted cocktails stand out here, with the lobster cocktail and paper plane cocktail receiving particular praise. The cocktail sauce served with jumbo shrimp adds a flavorful touch.

Lobster adds a rich twist to the mac and cheese, making it a notable side. The dish balances creamy cheese with chunks of lobster for a satisfying flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The lobster mac and cheese here is pretty good."

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and superb."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one day in advance to dine at the restaurant.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours; plan accordingly.

3

The meal for two can cost around $300, including drinks and dessert.

10
The Ainsworth Midtown image 1
American restaurant

Spacious bars and a rooftop with unforgettable views create a lively setting. Music plays loudly, especially during games, turning the bar into a club atmosphere with dancing lights. The place draws crowds for sports events and offers a cool DJ and friendly bartenders.

Cocktails feature a smooth Espresso Martini, fruity Sangria, and a signature drink called Mr. Moore. Prices range from $15 to $20, with a happy hour offering half-priced appetizers and signature cocktails daily from 4PM to 7PM.

Mac n cheese burger stands out with a rich blend of flavors. The Truffle Bacon Mac & Cheese offers a creamy, savory twist that complements the menu well.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the creative pancake tacos."

"The cocktails here are amazing and the recommendations are incredible."

"You should definitely try the mac n cheese burger; it didn't disappoint."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for special events like New Year's Eve.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, especially on weekends.

3

The venue hosts a happy hour with discounted drinks after work.

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Midtown South, New York

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