The Ainsworth – Midtown

“They even have a DJ at night that plays modern music and has the whole place dancing in their seats!”

“Their burgers look really good, and I want to try the smaller version of the mac & cheese burger.”

“I had the truffle fries which were amazing and the turkey burger which was also really good.”

The Ainsworth – Midtown

Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes

Price range.

$$$ Price range $31-60

8 reviews

  1. As you enter its dimly lit and spacious. As I entered there was no hostess or anyone there to help direct me but I luckily found the stairs to go up to the terrace. There was a day party on the terrace. As I got up to the terrace I notice that it's pretty big and had plenty of room. There was a long bar on the left and some lounge chairs and tables along the right side as you enter. The plus side was that today was cloudy and some rain and there was huge umbrellas up to cover everyone! So the rain didn't stop the fun!

    There was also two huge flat screens on the wall towards the end. The atmosphere was great and it was nice and casual. The downside is that if you wanted to buy a drink on a debit card then it's a 40 dollar minimum!!!!!! So bring cash. I'm not sure if it's just for the particular day party but just in case! The service was good and quick which is great I was able to get my drink immediately.

    There was a lot of people which was great to have a good time! The music was ok. They do serve food but I did not order food during the visit.

    If it was a better day the terrace would be beautiful to just go and have a drink. I would like to come back and have lunch or dinner.

  2. An amazing bar/restaurant to indulge in. This place is super spacious – the lounge area is romantic, fun and intimate. They even have a DJ at night that plays modern music and has the whole place dancing in their seats! It was an unexpected surprise. The televisions all around the bar and good-quality – playing all the sports games for the watchers.

    The burgers here are to die for. I went here on a double date with my boyfriend and two of my friends. The two boys ordered the Mac N Cheese Burger. It may sound weird to some people, but trust me it was out of this world. The burgers are so flavorful, neat, and cooked to perfection. The mac and cheese was delicious. I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich and it was also delicious. It was real cooked chicken. It tasted so authentic and warm in my mouth. It was overall one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. My friend ordered the French Onion Burger. It looked great. I remember her telling me how much she loved it and how the cheese was melted to a perfection. They also give you fries and a pickle with your burger. It is well-portioned and tasty. They also have great drinks – and moderate prices. Overall, the place is definitely worth trying.

  3. Food is okay. It's a little overpriced ($12 for crudites, AKA some sliced raw veggies with a little dip? Please), and reminded me of an expensive version of Applebee's. I tried the crispy artichokes, spinach and artichoke dip, and Shishito peppers for appetizers. The artichokes were fine but they were so smothered in sauce that it was hard to taste the actual artichoke. The dip was good but nothing too exciting. The peppers were my favorite – perfectly cooked and so easy to eat 100 of.

    For my entree, I split a chicken kale Caesar salad, truffle fries and the crudites. The fries were so disappointing – barely any truffle flavor. I will say the portions were large enough to share comfortably, but again, nothing tasted exceptional here.

    I would much rather wait in line for the incredible food at Cask down the block.

  4. Awesome burgers! Really just came here because a couple online food blogs considered the mac & cheese burger a must try in NYC and even said that it may be one of the best burgers in Manhattan. I haven't tried all the burgers in the city, and I'm not sure if it would be a top five on my own burger list, but I can say that it was absolutely delicious and satisfied my every tastebud. Not only is the mac & cheese burger served with macaroni and cheese on top of the meat, but with a panko crusted mac & cheese patty below the meat too. My girlfriend's french onion burger was so so tasty too as it was completely smothered in gruyere and served with a french onion soup sauce on the side too. Besides the tasty burgers, I found the DJ playing all the right songs to get me in a party mood like Kanye West's new album mixed with some Drake and some electronic type of stuff too. I will say that there are some minor downsides: being that you cannot hear anything in here unless you are basically reading your friend or partner's lips (to be expected) and that the 17 dollar mixed drinks (same price as the ginormous burgers) were underwhelming and loaded loaded loaded with ice.

  5. The Ainsworth is a clean, spacious, and classy bar in midtown. I overall really liked the vibe! The music, however, was very loud, so it was impossible to have a real conversation once the place became more packed. Honestly wished this was a club instead at that point.

    The cocktails here are $16 each, so definitely on the pricey end! I had the Ains Martini, their signature drink, and my goodness, it was way too bitter for me. I think it was the grapefruit flavoring that caused this unpleasantly bitter taste. I've never been a huge fan of grapefruit though, so perhaps others who do may find this drink much more delightful than I did.

  6. Please sit down before looking at the picture. If you are over 55 and/or have a history of falling, please get a LifeAlert before looking at the picture or have a loved one nearby.

    MAC & CHEESE BURGER
    -Again, please be seated.
    -Beautiful, creamy ethereal mac and cheese flow down like a waterfall from the top of this burger, pouring over a beef medium-rare burger, nestled atop of a mac-and-cheese baked patty
    -Worth it, EVERY time ($17)
    -Phenomenal fries
    -If I had ONE criticism, they could improve the bread

    Nice clean restaurant connected to the Hilton Garden Inn on E 33rd St; upscale tables in back, small quaint booths and little tables in front where sliding door windows open up to sunshine and gentle breezes; a L-shaped somewhat cramped bar with plenty of TVs and golden taps; decent craft selection; upstairs terrace w/ rooftop bar – frequent bday party celebrations

    Recommended: Mac n' Cheese Burger

  7. Great location for midtown happy hours! The drinks are reasonably priced, and the food looks good too. The only time I was here was when one of my coworkers attempted their burger challenge. Unfortunately, he did not complete it BUT the Ainsworth staff made our entire (large) group very comfortable and the DJ actually played music to the mood of the eating competition. It was a fun atmosphere.

    I really do want to come back for their food. Their burgers look really good, and I want to try the smaller version of the mac & cheese burger. If you are around the area and looking for a fun happy hour spot, check this spot out. There are plenty of seats at the bar areas, standing room, and a ton of tables for you and your crew to park. Will be back!

  8. I was here for a Terrace day party. It was nice I believe there were three people celebrating birthdays. The service was good. The bartenders were nice for the most part and quick with getting your orders.
    The drinks were pricey I guess since it is NYC…using credit cards were a $40.00 minimum which really shouldn't happen, like your forcing drinks on people. (Just my personal opinion).
    The place was dark upon entering on the street level and there's a sign directing people upstairs for the terrace. I've been to the Ainsworth on 26th street and I actually like it much better, but this place is fine for midtown. I would come back for the terrace on a sunny summer day.

Rate and write a review

East 33rd Street 45
New York 10016 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Tuesday, 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Wednesday, 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Thursday, 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Friday, 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Saturday, 6:30 am - 2:00 am
Sunday, 6:30 am - 12:00 am