The top-grossing independent restaurants in New York
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The top-grossing independent restaurants in New York
By Megan Rowe on Oct. 22, 2020Restaurant Business’ annual Top 100 Independents feature ranks the largest indies in the nation by food and beverage sales. New York restaurants always make up a significant portion of that list, and this year represent five of the top 10. Click through to see the top-grossing New York restaurants.
Carmine’s (Times Square)
Location, location, location: New York's Times Square is a huge tourist magnet.
Top 100 rank: 1
2019 sales: $39.1M
2019 meals served: 469,803
Lavo Italian Restaurant & Nightclub
Inspired by the original Lavo in Las Vegas.
Top 100 rank: 4
2019 sales: $29.1M
2019 meals served: 198,500
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*RB estimate
Bryant Park Grill & Cafe
Bryant Park Grill was recently named one of the top ten wedding venues in the city.
Top 100 rank: 5
2019 sales: $26.9M
2019 meals served: 403,000
Balthazar
The French bistro is especially popular for weekend brunch.
Top 100 rank: 9
2019 sales: $24.5M*
2019 meals served: 519,000*
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*RB estimate
Smith & Wollensky
This original Smith & Wollensky location is not a part of the national chain.
Top 100 rank: 10
2019 sales: $24.5M
2019 meals served: 257,364
Junior’s (Times Square)
The busiest of three Junior's locations in the city.
Top 100 rank: 14
2019 sales: $23.6M
2019 meals served: 914,500
Buddakan
The popularity of this massive clubstaurant, a favorite among groups, continues unabated.
Top 100 rank: 20
2019 sales: $22.4M
2019 meals served: 221,059
Quality Meats
Parent Quality Branded debuted the French-themed Quality Bistro in New York early this year.
Top 100 rank: 31
2019 sales: $18.7M
2019 meals served: 165,148
Del Posto
Elegant, stylish, unstodgy—and pricey—Italian dining at its best.
Top 100 rank: 32
2019 sales: $18.7M*
2019 meals served: 165,148*
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*RB estimate
Junior’s (49th Street)
Renowned for its cheesecake, Junior's is located in a hub of tourist traffic.
Top 100 rank: 43
2019 sales: $17.8M
2019 meals served: 798,000
Sparks Steak House
An old-school vibe and power meal pricing characterize this Big Apple steak staple.
Top 100 rank: 48
2019 sales: $17.5M*
2019 meals served: 198,200*
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*RB estimate
Quality Italian
Italian + steak + stellar views = Success.
Top 100 rank: 49
2019 sales: $17.5M
2019 meals served: 177,337
Tavern on the Green
A rich history and a Central Park site draw the tourist trade.
Top 100 rank: 51
2019 sales: $17.2M*
2019 meals served: 250,000*
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*RB estimate
Beauty & Essex
A two-story chandelier and sumptuous banquettes complement a shared plates menu.
Top 100 rank: 54
2019 sales: $16.4M*
2019 meals served: 187,970*
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*RB estimate
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Oysters, grand architecture and a long history are the attractions.
Top 100 rank: 55
2019 sales: $16.3M*
2019 meals served: 296,000*
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*RB estimate
Keens Steakhouse
The ceiling is lined with 45,000 clay pipes, many of them once owned by celebrities.
Top 100 rank: 61
2019 sales: $15.6M*
2019 meals served: 168,301*
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*RB estimate
Junior's (Brooklyn)
New York magazine describes this original location as a diner-deli hybrid that says "classic New York."
Top 100 rank: 77
2019 sales: $13.9M
2019 meals served: 359,000
Park Avenue Summer (Autumn, Winter, Spring)
The menu changes with the seasons here—thus the name.
Top 100 rank: 91
2019 sales: $12.5M
2019 meals served: 164,531
Virgil’s Real Barbecue
Delivery has been a necessity for the first time.
Top 100 rank: 93
2019 sales: $12.2M
2019 meals served: 251,800
Le Coucou
Refined French fare is served in an airy, elegant setting.
Top 100 rank: 97
2019 sales: $12.2M
2019 meals served: 87,070
Upland
This casually chic brasserie scores with a California-Italian menu.
Top 100 rank: 99
2019 sales: $12M
2019 meals served: 171,825