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"Un-fancy" restaurant suggestions in UWS or Hell's Kitchen for birthday dinner?

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I'm taking my fiancee out for dinner before a show on the UWS, but she insists that she does NOT want to go anywhere fancy (i.e. a place that does NOT offer tasting menus, and she does not have to get dressed up).

Does anyone have any suggestions for somewhere near Time Warner Center (UWS, Hell's Kitchen?) that may fit the bill, and is special enough for a birthday dinner? She was even amenable to a burger place, but I don't think Five Napkin or Shake Shack would cut it for this occasion.

I, on the other hand, would also be very open to suggestions that were NOT burger places, minus Thai/Chinese/Japanese restaurants.

Thank you!

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    1. re: Lacrosse_Gastronomic

      I would have mentioned Bar Boulud or Nougatine but I have a feeling you are looking more for something like the charming walk-down La Boite en Bois at 68th & Columbus.
      Less pretentious than both the above although I find them good dining options as well.

    2. The Blue Ribbon Izakaya near TWC (you can get the fried chicken)
      Salumeria Rossi

      1. Porter House in the Time Warner Center.