Introduction to the Power Lunch
The power lunch obituary gets written every few years—usually by someone who’s never closed a deal over Dover sole or a mound of Petrossian. Here’s what they miss: Manhattan’s midday theater isn’t fading. It’s just gotten more strategic and, as the kids say, "aesthetic.” Sure, twenty-somethings on social media might pan these old-school establishments, but step inside and you’ll find the same mahogany-paneled dining rooms, the same waiters who remember your usual order from four years ago.
Evolution of the Power Lunch
The difference? The real dealmaking has spread throughout the city like smart money chasing returns. Midtown still draws the corporate card crowd—those places with the dramatic tableside Caesar salads and rolling dessert carts that give you something to look at while discussing hostile takeovers. But pay attention to where the actual decision-makers go these days. You’ll find venture capitalists in NoMad’s boutique hotel restaurants, creative directors stealing talent in Hudson Square bistros and private equity types discovering Haitian cuisine in Financial District hot spots.
The New Rules of the Power Lunch
The new rules are simple: ideally there’s wifi that doesn’t cut out mid-pitch, lighting that makes everyone look closable and service that knows when to disappear. Whether you’re interviewing someone you’ll lowball, celebrating a deal you almost lost, or sitting down to the lunch that determines if you’ll need to update your LinkedIn, these 15 New York City restaurants still drive more business decisions between noon and two than any boardroom in Manhattan. The legendary three-martini lunch can still be found—though it might have evolved into a bottle of organic Sancerre, and the server probably already knows about your nut allergy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power lunch is alive and well in Manhattan, it’s just evolved to become more strategic and aesthetic. The real dealmaking has spread throughout the city, and the new rules of the power lunch include wifi, good lighting, and excellent service. These 15 New York City restaurants are the places where business decisions are made, and they continue to drive the city’s business landscape.
FAQs
Q: Is the power lunch dead?
A: No, the power lunch is not dead, it’s just evolved to become more strategic and aesthetic.
Q: Where do the actual decision-makers go for lunch?
A: Venture capitalists go to NoMad’s boutique hotel restaurants, creative directors go to Hudson Square bistros, and private equity types go to Financial District hot spots.
Q: What are the new rules of the power lunch?
A: The new rules include wifi that doesn’t cut out mid-pitch, lighting that makes everyone look closable, and service that knows when to disappear.
Q: Can you still find the legendary three-martini lunch?
A: Yes, the legendary three-martini lunch can still be found, though it might have evolved into a bottle of organic Sancerre.
Q: What makes these 15 New York City restaurants special?
A: These restaurants drive more business decisions between noon and two than any boardroom in Manhattan, and they continue to drive the city’s business landscape.
