P.J. Clarke's at Lincoln Square

Read the numerous horrible reviews but had lunch there at suggestion of party I was meeting. He had salad and oysters which were OK. I had fish and chips and coffee. Chips were 2nd worst I’ve ever had (Beekman Pub is worst)—not freshly fried, over-reheated tough and chewy, not good potatoes, too bad they give such a large portion. Fish was just as poor. Again poor frying/reheating. Batter hard and tasteless. The two large pieces of fish themselves were OK, remoulade was poor accompaniment. Decaf coffee OK. Service below par. No refill of water. Never asked if we needed anything else or to see if everything was OK. Quick to take our order, quick to remove plates, quick to give check…sensed a unwarranted urgency to usher us out. No bread or any freebies here. At almost $20, my fish and chips were way overpriced as every other reviewer has noted. Given its preparation, the item was not worth what I might spend at Long John Silver. By all means go here if money is no object, you don’t care what you eat, and can finish eating in a few minutes.

I should know better. A native New Yorker should not eat in this tourist trap. I didnt enjoy the cool breeze coming in on a 34 degree winters day.After paying thirty seven dollars for dinner,without wine,my friend and I couldnt wait until the concert was over so we could go home and eat. If you have to eat before a concert,pack a brown bag lunch and eat it in front of Lincoln Center.

If you go here you will get poor service right from the time you swing through the revolving door. Nonchalant hostesses tell you about waiting times with empty tables visible. If you ask for bread you are told they are not supposed to bring it to you. If they get your order wrong they say they thought YOU said whatever. The customer is always wrong. And hold onto your plate because they will take it away if you're not looking! Food is pretty good but you will get nauseous with the way they treat you as a dinner guest. Go somewhere else.

First time here. Not impressed. Service so so, very dark inside, food tasted OK but was cold, and waitress did not re-appear for a while. I suppose we should have made more of a fuss, but we just gave a very meager tip. Will not return.

Came here for a quick drink after seeing a movie with friends. The place was 80% empty, but we were still told we couldn't sit at tables if we weren't getting food. After giving the host a "are you kidding me?" stare, they let us sit at a table. We did end up ordering food and a round of drinks. We ordered macaroni squares which, without warning on the menu, included bacon. Wonderful for our kosher friend. They took this back and asked if we wanted anything else instead. We ordered a $7.50 plate of potato chips (we expected to get them at the cheaper mac and cheese price or gratis...nope). They then overcharged me $2 on my scotch. None of these things in isolation would be horrendous, but when you end up spending $24 for some potato chips and a drink after getting the run around...doesn't make one eager to return.

Please understand I'm a UWS New Yorker who can be pretty demanding when I'm hungry. All I can say is that after reading the bad reviews for PJ Clarke's UWS, I was surprised to get brilliant service and wonderful food. My server from SC was Xavier and he could not have been more helpful and gracious. Even the hostess and bus boy were terrific. I had a chopped salad appetizer with Feta, chick peas, lettuces and then amazing Mussels Provencal with whole grape tomatoes cut in half. The portion was very generous and for the first time in my life of eating mussels, every mussel was open and edible. It never happened before. The fries did not come out hot, but I politely asked for crisp, piping hot fries and they arrived a short time later. The iced cappuccino I ordered was perfection. The prices were incredibly reasonable. Yes, the restaurant is noisy, but I took a seat all the way in the back on the raised balcony banquette and it was like hearing noise, but not having it bothersome, as if I was an observer. The windowed walls were open and although it was a beautiful evening in NYC (Aug. 29), it was still too warm for me & this section had great a/c going. I could not have had a better experience anywhere.

I am a Manhattanite who attends events at Lincoln Center frequently. Although obviously not haute cuisine, I think PJ's is good for being convenient, economical, and tasty. For all of you who hated your dessert, try their cinnamon ice cream. It's delicious.