Would you be willing to walk 10 blocks (not avenues). Eighteen minutes per Google. If so I'd suggest La Grande Boucherie.

Much closer, Lambs Club.

Closed? since when?

i just checked their site and they are taking reservations. Google shows them open today until 10pm.

are they slated to close on an upcoming date?

I loved cocktails on the rooftop of the Library Hotel a block east of NYPL but no recommendations for nearby restaurants. When i was there for a week, I went to other neighborhoods to eat.

Yeah I had not heard that either?

I see there was talk that they had lost their lease — but definitely still up and running.

La Grande Boucherie looks lovely — and such variety on the menu.

We have eaten at La Grande Boucherie for Christmas dinner a few times, since we have spent several Christmas days in Manhattan, and its consistently good if you like that type of French food.

Another vote for La Grand Boucherie. I had a lovey dinner there just a few months ago. DS treated me to an overnight trip to the city for dinner and a show. The food was excellent and they did a very nice job of timing the courses so that we didn't feel rushed before heading out to the theater.

Well, AI says this: "Yes, Bryant Park Grill is closing and is expected to be replaced by a new restaurant from the Jean-Georges Vongerichten group in 2025. After 30 years in business, the lease for the Bryant Park Grill, a 1,000-seat eatery behind the New York Public Library, is not being renewed by Bryant Park Corporation, which seeks a "fresh start with a new operator"."

But then https://ny.eater.com/2025/4/30/24420473/bryant-park-grill-lease-ends-squatting-jean-georges-vongerichten-nyc says they are squatting and not moving....but that was in April.

I'd prefer Bryant Park Grill due to location if I could be sure they'll still be open. We've already had one gal drop out due to her bad knee. Others are fairly fit, but I'll see what they say. Though La Grand Boucherie looks wonderful but more $$. Not sure how much they have to spend.

No recs for La Pecora Bianca?

Id be leery of eating at BPG when they may not envision a future . if you want a lower price point, le pain quotidienne is pretty good and close

i don’t know if its still there, but the Andaz hotel, across the street from the library, used to have a very good restaurant… our offices used to be nearby but it’s been 7/8 years since we moved

How many in your group, Annie?

If BPG is your best choice, I'd press forward -- yes, there is a risk but what litigation will be resolved in 3 months??

It has been 20 yr since I have been there -- but I had a great meal at Osteria Laguna which is about a 4 block walk. I still dream of the eggplant gnocchi.

I have had very good experiences with uber in the city-- if that is feasible, I would go with La Grande Boucherie. I havent been (part of why it would be my choice) and it really seems to have a great NY vibe.

Speaking of uber-- how are you getting from the train to NYPL?

Coming from CT, if they take the train it would be into Grand Central. From GCT to the NYPL is about 2 blocks, assuming you exit from the correct door. That said, I think they shared a limo last time?

My concern about BPG is not that they will be non-existent, but that the best people will have left, and a restaurant that may close (not just relocate) is tempted to cut corners and not care about reputation/reviews. I say "no."

Uber in NYC is a mixed bag. Moreso than any other place I use it, I get time quotes that are then drastically increased when I actually select a mode, and i get cancellations after waiting for some time. All this while I watch taxis pass. My experience is mostly rush hour Midtown so YMMV.

Yes, you prob come into Penn Station (now Moynihan and so much nicer!)

Yes .. and it will always be Penn Station to me!

Another vote for La Grand Boucherie. Had the best french toast of my life for brunch at the one in the West Village. It's not inexpensive, but what is in NYC?

I had dinner at La Pecora Bianca in NoMad a couple of years ago on a girls shopping weekend with my daughter. It was delicious. So that's also a good option. We ate outside so cannot speak to the ambiance inside. Loved the ambiance of La Grand Boucherie.

Just in case, I’ve been to La Pecora Bianca. There are a number of them throughout the city. It’s fine for lunch.

Not sure how many we'll be...right now it's looking like 5.