ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Breakfast in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Brunch in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Romantic Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Trendy Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Happy Hour in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Tara Rose
8.4
Tara Rose is a cocktail-driven Irish bar with a New American menu of burgers, pastas, and hearty plates that works as well for brunch as it does for late-night drinks. Regulars treat it as a go-to for upbeat gatherings where the bar program is as important as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tara Rose Burger, Irish Chicken Curry, Fish & Chips
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Lively cocktail bar energy wrapped around a comfort-heavy American menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting serious drinks with crowd-pleasing comfort food.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or weekend brunch for full buzz.
What to order: Tara Rose Burger, Irish Chicken Curry, Fish & Chips.
Insider tip: Book brunch early; bottomless and big groups fill the room fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 2nd and 3rd Avenue are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy—jeans are fine but most guests dress for a night out.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—conversation is possible at tables but tough near the bar when it’s busy.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pastas, and a few snackable plates work well
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and a few modifiable sides
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energy and cocktails over quiet intimacy—it’s flirty, fun, and lively but not ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends and brunch are risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is primarily an adult cocktail and nightlife crowd, especially after 6pm.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group nights, cocktail-focused brunches, and upbeat social meetups compared to calmer neighborhood American spots
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a romantic low-noise date, or a family-friendly environment