Mr & Mrs Smith

The bar at Uncle Jack's Steakhouse on West 56th Street (right across from Chambers) can't be beat! Great atmosphere, GREAT bartender, great prices, and great selection. It's the best bar in Midtown! On the other hand, Mama Mexico, a restaurant past 3rd Avenue, was incredibly disappointing. The service was the worst I've ever experienced. I actually had to go up to the bartender just to get a glass of water since the waiters couldn't be bothered. It also took over an hour just to get my burrito.

We had an amazing time at Chambers, the staff were the most helpful I have ever come across, taking cabs to get whatever we desired, at all times of the night! We had an excellent night out in the meatpacking district, eating at Dos Caminos (www.brguestrestaurants.com) and drinking on the rooftop bar of Hotel Gansevoort, what a beautiful view. Expensive drinks but worth it! Thanks!

We had Mexican lunch at La Esquina Taqueria & Cafe on the corner of Lafayette St/Kenmare St (+646 613 7100) and it was DELICIOUS! Tostada de Cangrejo is lovely fresh crab and mango on a crispy taco, Burrito de Nueva York was stuffed full of eggs, tomato, chilli, cheese and chorizo, and Huevos Rancheros is a kind of deep fried corn cake, topped with eggs and mexican beans on the side. All were superb!

Milos restaurant (+1 212 245 7400) just a few blocks away on 6th Avenue, 125 West 55th Street was fabulous - busy and great atmosphere. Wonderful food and service, but it's not cheap - upper-end London prices depending on what you are ordering and drinking. But a stylish venue and great food. A must! Pastis (+1 212 929 4844) at 9 Ninth Avenue in the Meat Packing District is a mid price-range restaurant offering a wide range of burgers and bistro food. Great service and value in a trendy area, with outside tables as well. We thought Butter (+1 212 253 2828) at 415 Lafayette Street in the West Broadway area was over-rated. Certainly a lack of atmosphere on a Tuesday night. Food was average although there is a bar downstairs and Monday night is apparently the party night down there...

Opposite Chambers is a good, old-fashioned Italian restaurant with waiters in DJs and the inevitablly well-stocked and delicious starter and dessert trolley. Extensive menu/wine list - quite traditional, almost old-fashioned surroundings inside, with a mixture of older New Yorkers and suit-clad bankers on deal dinners. We rocked up looking slightly tatty after the open-top bus tour without a reservation, but we were warmly welcomed (even though 10pm was late for them), swiftly given a table and we enjoyed excellent food.

The hotel was great for our requirements and I thought it was good value. The rooms were spotless and the staff attentive. Breakfast is a bar-affair with the basics, but enough to get you going and on the hoof with the nearby shops!! Magnolia bakery at Bleeker Street is a must for cupcakes not far from the Rock!!

When we failed to get a table for lunch at the French brasserie Balthazar in SoHo, we stumbled upon another French-style brasserie, Felix, with open windows, loud 80s music and people spilling out on to the pavement. This little gem, next to the Soho Grand, is a great alternative to Balthazar, particularly for those wanting a place with an excellent atmosphere.

For a bit of romance or just a great meal out we would highly recommend the Gramercy Tavern, at 42 E 20th Street. The whole experience was fabulous. Food, surroundings and service were all astounding. This was the best meal of our trip.