Extravagant business lunch
The Place
Café Gray10 Columbus Circle, nr. 59th Street, third floor 212-823-6338
The Reason
Impressive, expensive food, and you won’t be distracted from deal-making by the view, since the kitchen blocks it. Plus, Per Se is too slow.
Regular businesslunch
The Place
Gotham Bar and Grill12 East 12th Street, nr. Fifth Avenue212-620-4020
The Reason
There’s a $25 prix fixe menu, which means you get all that light, lofty elegance for a very reasonable price.
Flirting with a co-worker
The Place
La Lunchonette 130 Tenth Avenue, nr. 18th Street; 212-675-0342
The Reason
It’s French; they understand these things. And given its location, it’s unlikely you’ll see other co-workers, unless you work at the gas station across the street.
Bitching about your boss
The Place
Burger Joint118 West 56th Street, nr. Sixth Avenue 212-708-7414
The Reason
Tucked away behind a curtain, which increases the sense of secrecy. Booths, and plenty of ambient noise, thwart eavesdropping.
Seeing a friend
The Place
Schiller’s Liquor Bar131 Rivington Street, nr. Norfolk St. 212-260-4555
The Reason
In the late afternoon, before the evening frenzy, there’s no better place for a long chat over chicken paillard.