Belgian Beer Cafe

220 Fifth Ave, NY, NY 10001

Rating: 4 - Just Fine
Visit #: 1
In brief: Finally open, the European chain, Belgian Beer Cafe, occupies a grand presence at the north-west corner of Madison Sq. Park. It's a beautiful space, open and luxuriously high ceilinged, but accordingly not a cheap place for lunch. A mere sandwich will set you back $14. On the other hand, there is a lot of beer to be had.

We looked around to a room filled, it seemed, with mostly European tourists, and a handful of work types. The open expanse of east and south facing windows makes for a beautiful dining experience, though on the pricey side. It's almost worth going though, for the bread basket alone.