Additional Coverage:
- We spent $145 to eat like finance bros at Tommy Bahama and are shocked to admit we get the appeal — but not the food (businessinsider.com)
Midtown’s Unexpected Power Lunch: Does Tommy Bahama Deliver on the Hype?
Midtown Manhattan is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling corporate energy, a landscape seemingly at odds with the laid-back, Floridian vibe of Tommy Bahama. Yet, above a sea of resort wear, this clothing store with a restaurant chain has become an unlikely hot spot for the city’s power lunch crowd. We ventured into this tropical “oasis” on a recent Tuesday to see if it truly lived up to its newfound reputation among Wall Street’s elite.
Our mission: to experience the “finance bro” midday meal firsthand, as reported by Grubstreet. Our server confirmed the restaurant’s growing popularity since January, noting that employees seek a reprieve from the concrete jungle, and banks often host parties here.
A Slice of Florida in the Big Apple
Located on 45th Street and 5th Avenue, Tommy Bahama’s strategic placement is undeniable. It’s mere minutes from major corporate headquarters like JPMorgan, Bank of America, PwC, and Morgan Stanley. The restaurant’s website boldly declares it an “oasis” and a “refuge” – ideal for business lunches.
Ascending a spiral staircase from a quiet bar, we entered a dining area packed with collared shirts, quarter-zip pullovers, and an impressive array of wristwear. The interior, with its wooden shutters and palm plants, immediately transported us to a Naples, Florida, beachfront home.
That is, until a glance at the heavy outerwear draped over chairs reminded us we were, in fact, still in New York City. Interestingly, 11 of the 29 Tommy Bahama restaurants nationwide call Florida home.
The staff were notably friendly and relaxed, swiftly relocating us to a better table when one became available. While many diners enjoyed summery Aperol or Hugo spritzes, and bottles of blue Saratoga spring water adorned most tables, we opted for basic tap.
Our visit revealed a predominantly male clientele, though our waitress mentioned it used to be even more so. Mondays and Fridays, she noted, are typically slower lunch days, likely due to remote work schedules.
Behind the Scenes: A Busy Midday Rush
With a 12:30 p.m. reservation, the restaurant steadily filled throughout our meal. By 1:20 p.m., the bar was occupied, and a bustling group of waiters congregated by the kitchen, managing a window overflowing with burgers and salads.
Despite the crowd, the dining room never felt cramped. Tables were sufficiently spaced, allowing for private conversations, yet the lively background hum created an energetic atmosphere.
The only “deal talk” we caught was a departing woman expressing interest in bringing ESRT, owners of the Empire State Building, on as a client. The layout, it seems, is well-suited for a semi-private, casual business lunch.
Pricing and Popular Picks
For Midtown Manhattan, the menu prices weren’t a shock, though they felt more aligned with dinner than lunch. The cheapest entrée, for instance, clocked in at $31.
We observed one table of four almost exclusively ordering the macadamia-nut-crusted fresh catch, and our waitress confirmed the ahi tuna poke bowl as another popular lunch choice. Salads also made frequent appearances, a fitting option for a midday meal.
Our Culinary Journey: High Hopes, Mixed Results
We kicked off our meal with the “world-famous” coconut shrimp appetizer, priced at $23. Arriving swiftly, the shrimp were perched on a papaya and mango chutney, adding a layer of sweetness to the coconut coating.
The accompanying cabbage salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette and cilantro, was a refreshing highlight. However, we found the dish overall to be too sweet, leaving some shrimp uneaten.
Next, the $33 wagyu French dip. As a relative newcomer to French dip sandwiches, I (Jordan) expected caramelized onions and Swiss cheese.
Neither was present, despite “sweet-and-sour onions” being listed in the description. I found myself removing some of the sliced beef to make the sandwich more manageable, feeling a bit silly picking at valuable wagyu.
While the broth was good for dipping, I yearned for thinner slices of beef and additional ingredients.
My (Alice’s) choice was the $46 seared ahi tuna entrée, though our waitress later revealed the poke bowl was the more popular tuna option. The best part of the dish was undoubtedly the carrot, corn, shishito, and mint side salad – a welcome palate cleanser after my half of a coconut shrimp.
The tuna itself was merely “okay,” a touch bland. A quick, coworker-mandated inspection of the tuna’s sear (due to a poppy seed allergy) added a moment of lighthearted camaraderie to our otherwise professional lunch.
Underwhelmed, Yet Understanding
To our surprise, we were presented with two complimentary desserts: piña colada cake and malted chocolate pie. The cake was incredibly sweet, with the pineapple flavor barely discernible, though the whipped cream was, predictably, excellent. The chocolate pie, Jordan noted, was the only dish that tasted exactly as it looked – an Oreo crust is rarely a misstep, but we agreed we wouldn’t order it again.
For a total of $145, we were admittedly underwhelmed by the food. Yet, the surrounding diners seemed perfectly content, and the service was efficient without feeling rushed.
Tommy Bahama, as a Wall Street go-to, presents an amusing paradox. While many firms are moving south, this beach-themed restaurant brings a taste of Floridian charm to 45th Street. In its palm-filled dining room, it’s easy to momentarily forget you’re in the heart of Manhattan – until you glance out the window or at the gentlemen in Charles Tyrwhitt vests at the next table.
The restaurant’s noise level and layout are genuinely conducive to a productive, relaxed business meal, offering an easy escape from the city’s relentless pace. Provided the food appeals to you, it’s clear how Tommy Bahama has cemented its place as an unlikely power lunch staple. And at a price comparable to a steakhouse dinner, it’s nothing the corporate card can’t handle, right?