The best bar lunch in New York for eating alone

4 places in New York · by Brian · updated November 12, 2026
Photo: rubirosanyc.com

1. 1

   Rubirosa

   Italian-American pizza · NoLita

   Get: Italian wedding soup and the Rubirosa salad

   A bar seat, a bowl of soup and a salad. Nobody asks if you are waiting for someone.

   Critics: 78% liked it, from 8 reviews (2021 to 2026). Slipping: the recent write-ups are worse than the old ones. Read Michelin Guide (via Resy) 2022, Michelin Guide 2022, MICHELIN Guide 2021, Time Out New York 2026.

   The crowd: 4.4 of 5 on OpenTable (384 ratings).

   Also on these lists: B/J New York List, The best bars to eat at, The best bars to eat at in New York, The best pizza in New York worth the wait.

   235 Mulberry Street, 10012, New York · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Grand Central Oyster Bar

   Oyster bar · Midtown

   Get: The oyster pan roast at the counter

   The counter was made for one: they cook the pan roast right in front of you.

   Also on the list: The best bars to eat at in New York.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Balthazar

   French brasserie · SoHo

   Get: Steak frites or a croque at the bar

   Lunch at the zinc bar is old New York at its best.

   Also on these lists: B/J New York List, Breakfast and sandwiches in New York, The best bars to eat at in New York, Where the famous eat in New York.

   80 Spring St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Via Carota

   Italian · West Village, Manhattan

   Get: Cacio e pepe and the big green salad

   No reservations, so a single seat at the bar is the easiest way in.

   Critics: 82% liked it, from 4 reviews (2025). Read World's 50 Best (North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025) 2025, Michelin Guide, The Infatuation 2025, Time Out New York.

   The crowd: 4.3 of 5 on TripAdvisor (458 ratings).

   Also on these lists: The best bars to eat at in New York, Where locals eat in New York, Where the famous eat in New York.

   51 Grove St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing