SOUTHGATE Bar & Restaurant
“South Gate wasn't cheap, but including tip, we spent under $100 per person, which isn't bad for such a superlative meal.”
“It's the restaurant at the Jumeirah Essex Hotel on Central Park South in New York, and the executive chef is Kerry Heffernan, of Eleven Madison Park fame.”
“Escorted into the brightly lit back room with chiseled mirrored walls and a fireplace at one end; and a large, clearly projected sport game screen at the other!”
SOUTHGATE Bar & Restaurant
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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I had breakfast here twice and lunch here once. Nothing was that memorable.
Breakfast items: The breakfast BLT was more of a stack of eggs and bacon on thick-cut bread. The French toast was sweet and flavorful with fresh fruit but one morning it was done well, but the second morning it was only half cooked. The farmer's omelet was very large with lots of fillings and the breakfast potatoes were the most flavorful item of all the meals.
Lunch items: My sister got the duck starter, and she seemed pleased. Someone else got the pastrami sandwich, which was on the small side but had good proportions. The pretzel hoagie was a good change. I had the Little Gem salad, which was disappointing – leafs of uncut lettuce with only a few apples and diced-up butternut squash.
The location is great – right on the park and with staying at the hotel, it was also convenient.
The food was edible and the decor was NCOs. That's about as good as it gets here. The French fries looked like straight-out-of-the-bag frozen, soggy Ore Ida fries, and the "ramen" I'm pretty sure was a can of chicken noodle soup they poached an egg in. Broth was salty and flavorless, chicken was had little knobs that definitely weren't fresh. The duck was pretty good, but out of six meals at the table, one good plate isn't saying much.
The ambiance is first class along with the service. The breakfast buffet is pricey bit really good.
Also note the eggs Benedict are superb, and not to be missed.
Wobbly table, meh food, and inconsistent service are not what I expected. The place looks beautiful and is a little pricey so I expected something better.
I had a pasta dish with about 1/2 of the flavors mentioned on the menu, my BF had the fatty lamb.
The cocktails we had were excellent! As was the bottle of prosecco. The service was good up until our food was removed from the table. We got our check about 30 minutes later which was LONG after we'd finished drinks/chatting. We couldn't even visually find the waiter. It got weird especially since no one else was dining there.
Lesson learned and we won't be back.
I've walked by this place quite a few times but never really gave it a try – I was pleasantly surprised by the attentiveness of the bartenders and how nicely done the interior was… they definitely managed to have quite a large bar area as well as a lounge / seating area without that boisterous din effect. For a hotel bar you obviously get a lot of out-of-town'ers but I really also like it as a neighborhood bar – perfect place to meet friends for a few drinks and conversation. The food was also excellent – very fresh shrimp cocktail, and the Mushroom & Kale salad was a favorite.
I can't say I have ever had a bad meal in a Marriott ever. This is a JW Marriott which should be a lot better and upscale over a regular Marriott.
First off this place only had a few tables that were occupied, they sat us down at a table only to find out the one right next to us was taken by 2 people.
Found that odd, next they asked if we wanted fresh squeezed O.J. and I said "yes" and out comes some concentrated water down nasty juice.
The only thing that was done right on the buffet was the fresh fruit selection, everything else was sub par. I still can't believe this was a JW Marriott.
Oh well, will never come back here if in Central Park.
Came again tonight w/ a girlfriend.
Very classy. Great drinks. Server let me test my wine first. Nice pour. Complimentary nuts.
Pricey but on CPS so they have to pay the rent.
Really nice place, atmosphere. I WILL be back.
Wonderful choice while waiting for our room to be ready here at the Essex House! Escorted into the brightly lit back room with chiseled mirrored walls and a fireplace at one end; and a large, clearly projected sport game screen at the other! Nice!!!
Was elated to see the starters and shared plates on the menu – out of the foie gras they were; so I reverted to their ROASTED LONG ISLAND DUCK BREAST – duck perfectly cooked drizzled in the mulled wine syrup; accompanied with the apple slices and crispy Brussels sprouts – Delicious!!!
Next, came the surprise of their BABY KALE CAESAR – I didn't read the full description on the menu – so, when it came to the table, wow – I learned of the murray cheese shop burrata on top – it was a decadent surprise to an absolutely wonderful perfectly dressed salad! Heavenly!!!
Southgate is definitely a restaurant/bar that I'd come back to for shared plates and drinks with friends! A big thumbs up to our waiter, Richard, so personable and attentive throughout our time spent there! Will be looking out to be seated at his section time and time again!
Cheers!