Mon 26 Oct
This was Monday, October 26.
Five Monday dinner attempts, with each room’s own door policy checked today. These are published ways in, not live seat counts. There may be a wait; we never hold tables.
We never hold, resell or book a table. Availability moves minute to minute, so go early rather than late.
J.G. Melon
Upper East Side
Green-and-white tablecloths and an old jukebox make a burger and cottage fries feel like a familiar ritual. The Third Avenue kitchen runs until 2:30am tonight, for a Monday that ends later than planned.
The way in
walk in at 1291 Third Avenue — no reservations, cash only. Monday: room 11:30am to 3am, kitchen closes 2:30am
Why we say so
Their contact page says “No Reservations” and lists Monday–Saturday room hours of 11:30am–3am. The Monday–Thursday kitchen closes at 2:30am, falling early Tuesday morning for Monday service. The browser-rendered contact page also states “Cash Only”. Contact and about pages re-read today.
Via Carota
West Village
The Grove Street osteria serves seasonal Italian food among heirloom keepsakes collected by its chefs. Choose a room that feels like a visit, and leave time for a possible wait.
The way in
ask at the door for a walk-in table at 51 Grove Street. Monday hours are 11am to 11pm; reservations also exist
Why we say so
Their site says “Walk-ins always welcome.” Its Monday–Thursday schedule is 11am–11pm, written as “Lunedi al Giovedi”. The room describes serving food and drink without pause; no separate last-order cutoff is published. A Resy link also exists; we are recommending the walk-in route. Re-read today.
Bar Torino
Hudson Yards
Above the West lobby at 50 Hudson Yards, grilled artichokes and little salumi sandwiches make a lighter evening. This is small plates rather than a full dinner, with the evening menu running from 4pm to 9pm.
The way in
walk in through the West lobby at 50 Hudson Yards, then take the stairs right. First come; Monday evening menu 4pm to 9pm
Why we say so
Their location page says “No reservations needed...Bar Torino is first come, first served.” Monday–Friday room hours are 8am–9pm. The menu separately lists evening small plates from 4pm–9pm; no last-order cutoff is stated. The mezzanine entrance is through the West lobby via Hudson Blvd East. Location and menu pages re-read today.
Me and Paul's
Greenpoint
The neighborhood dive bar on Greenpoint Avenue serves wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza from the Paulie Gee’s family. Make pizza the plan, but ask about food service before turning a late drink into dinner.
The way in
walk in at 60 Greenpoint Avenue — walk-ins only. Monday room hours are 2pm to 2am; pizza cutoff is not published, so ask before going late
Why we say so
Their location page says “Walk-ins Only.” and lists Monday–Thursday room hours of 2pm–2am. It describes wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza, but does not publish a pizza-service or kitchen cutoff. These are room hours, not a promise of food until 2am. Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and cash are accepted. Re-read today.
Kiki’s
Lower East Side
Dim lighting and exposed wood beams surround Greek seafood, lamb and mezze on Division Street. Pick a few plates to share, and let Monday slow down around the table.
The way in
ask for a walk-in table at 130 Division Street. Monday room hours are noon to 11pm; booking is recommended for groups of 4 or more
Why we say so
Their reservation page says “Walk-ins are always welcome. For groups of 4 or more, we recommend booking ahead.” The contact page lists Monday hours as noon–11pm. These are room hours; no separate kitchen closing or last-order cutoff is published. Homepage, reservation and contact pages re-read today.
None of these work tonight? Tell us what does — $12.
Your party, your neighborhood, your hour. One person researches tonight and sends three to five rooms with the way in, under 10 minutes.
We loaded every one of these pages ourselves before writing this. Check their hours again before you put your coat on.
Tonight’s five are here.