The owners of The Lion have revamped the former faux Euro, sleezy 90s club into a sleek townhouse restaurant. Love the ‘griege’ (grey+beige) color palette, accented with the large French style floral arrangements. Good lighting, atmosphere, with celebs and other power players sprinkled throughout the dining room. (Jerry Springer, Al Roker among others). Away from downtown rifraf, it’s a fabulous and safe place for the 1%-ers to hang out and air kiss. For such a sceney spot you wouldn’t expect much from the food, but they deliver. Chef was brought in from Gotham Bar & Grill, and staff are all well trained and polished. Lamb chops, fois gras, tuna tartare are among the best items on the menu. Pasta was gloppy on one occasion and sublime on another, so some things have been inconsistent… but for the most part they’ve got a good thing going here with a loyal crowd. Older couple (both on crutches!!) hobbled in one night so they must not have wanted to give up their valuable reservation! Worth the treck uptown for client entertaining. Oh and psssttt, there’s a private drinking lounge downstairs behind a bookcase, so check that out too if you can… complete with cool vintage rock and roll pics and art which is a nice touch.
Crown
24 East 81st Street
New York NY 10028
tel: +1 646 559 4880