New York City doesn’t do "chill" very well. You’ve got the sirens, the steam rising from the asphalt, and the constant elbowing of tourists on Fifth Avenue. But then, right there at the corner of 45th Street, there’s this weirdly peaceful vortex. You walk into the Tommy Bahama restaurant New York City flagship, and suddenly, the humidity feels intentional, not like a subway platform in July.
It's basically an urban resort.
Honestly, most people walk right past it thinking it’s just another shop selling $130 linen shirts. They are missing out. While the ground floor is a retail space and the sleek Marlin Bar, the second floor is where the real magic happens. It’s a massive, sun-drenched dining room that feels like it was airlifted from Maui and dropped into the Fred F. French Building, an Art Deco landmark.
Why Tommy Bahama Restaurant New York City is Actually a Local Secret
You’d think a brand like this would be a tourist trap. It’s not. In a neighborhood where lunch usually means a $20 sad salad or a "stuffy" steakhouse where you can’t hear yourself think, this place is a breather. The layout is open. They don't cram tables together like sardines. You can actually have a conversation here without shouting over a neighboring table's gossip.
The vibe is "upscale casual." Think reclaimed weathered oak siding and a monumental steel spiral staircase wrapped in brass rope. It sounds fancy, and it looks it, but the service is famously friendly. They even offer a free postcard with your check and will mail it anywhere in the world for you. Postage included. Who does that anymore?
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The Menu: It’s Not Just Coconut Shrimp (But You Should Get the Shrimp)
If you haven't had the World Famous Coconut Shrimp, have you even been to a Tommy Bahama? It’s served with a papaya-mango chutney that’s legitimately addictive. But the NYC kitchen, led by veterans like Chef Shannon Mills, goes deeper into "American-Isle" fusion.
Look, New York has a million burger spots. But the 212 Burger here? It’s specific to the city. We’re talking American Wagyu, New York State sharp white cheddar, and roasted mushrooms. It’s a heavy, savory nod to the concrete jungle outside, served in a room that smells like sea salt and hibiscus.
If you’re leaning into the island thing, the Kona Coffee Crusted Ribeye is the move. It’s served with a garlic butter that makes the coffee rub pop. Or the Miso Glazed Organic King Salmon bowl if you’re trying to pretend you’re actually healthy before heading back out into the Midtown chaos.
The Marlin Bar vs. The Restaurant
There is a distinction you need to know. The ground floor houses the Marlin Bar. This is a fast-casual setup. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and it's perfect for a quick 30-minute reset. It’s the only free-standing bar on Fifth Avenue between the Empire State Building and Central Park. That’s a wild stat when you think about it.
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Upstairs is the full-service restaurant. This is for the long lunch. The "I’m not going back to the office yet" drink.
What to Order at the Bar
- Grapefruit Basil Martini: Their signature. Grey Goose, fresh basil, and grapefruit. It’s dangerously easy to drink.
- Ahi Tuna Tacos: Wonton shells, island slaw, and wasabi-avocado purée.
- Mai Tai: They use Flor de Caña 4, Orgeat, and a dark rum float. It’s not a neon-blue sugar bomb; it’s a proper cocktail.
Planning Your Escape (The Logistics)
The restaurant is located at 551 Fifth Ave. It’s open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM most days, though Sundays they usually wrap up around 6:00 PM.
If you want the best experience, try to catch the live music. They usually have performers from Monday to Thursday (around 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM) and on Sunday afternoons. There is something surreal about watching a guy play a ukulele while yellow cabs honk outside a floor-to-ceiling window.
Prices aren't "cheap," but for Fifth Avenue, they’re fair. You’re looking at $20–$30 for most lunch entrees and $35–$55 for the heavy-hitter dinner steaks. Happy Hour is also a hidden gem here, running 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. In Midtown, a four-hour happy hour window is basically a miracle.
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Final Advice for Your Visit
Don't just go for the food. Go for the silence. In a city that demands your attention every second, the Tommy Bahama restaurant New York City provides a rare bit of "Island Time" without the $600 flight to Honolulu.
If you’re heading there soon, make a reservation for the second floor near the windows. Watching the rush hour madness on Fifth Avenue while you’re picking at a slice of Piña Colada Cake is one of the great underrated pleasures of Manhattan.
Next Steps for Your NYC Trip:
- Check their official site for the current live music schedule before you go.
- If you're with a group, ask for one of the two private dining rooms for a more secluded vibe.
- Don't forget to write out that free postcard—it's a small touch that makes the meal feel like an actual vacation.