ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Harlem
Best Seafood in Upper East Side
Best French in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Brass
8.1
Inside the Evelyn Hotel, Brass functions as a sleek French-leaning brasserie for cocktails, steak frites, and late-night bites around NoMad. Guests use it as a flexible spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, small plates, and bistro staples in a room that feels more polished than a casual café but looser than fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with fries, Steak tartare with toasted bread, Tarte flambée flatbread
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Hotel brasserie energy with French classics and a strong bar program.
Who should go: Groups wanting cocktails plus French-leaning brasserie plates.
When to visit: After-work drinks or later evenings for a buzzier scene.
What to order: Steak tartare, tarte flambée, steak au poivre.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster service and full menu access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 28th Street and Broadway are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and nightlife-ready.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk early in the evening, louder and more energetic later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, vegetable-forward sides, tarte flambée variations, and a few starters work well.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and select vegetable dishes with light customization.
Gluten-free options: Some options available—grilled meats, seafood, and salads; inform your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its hotel-brasserie atmosphere feels intimate but social, giving you both energy and privacy without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible early in the evening or at the bar, but weekends after 7pm usually require a wait or advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really geared toward kids—best suited for adults and older teens due to the bar-centric vibe and late-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails-first dining, late-night French-leaning bites, and stylish pre- or post-dinner drinks in NoMad.
Skip if: You’re looking for a traditional, quiet French dining experience or a strictly food-focused destination.