### Overview
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Herald Square is best known for the Empire State Building and the collection of chain clothing stores that surrounds it. With Penn Station and Madison Square Garden to the west, the garment district to the north, Koreatown to the east, and NoMad to the south, Herald Square gets a lot of foot traffic. However, the dining scene has transformed from fast food staples and ho-hum delis to a surprising food-and-drink destination boasting exciting new venues.

### Restaurants to Try
#### [Samwoojung](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/samwoojung?venueId=72866/index.html)
For tried-and-true bulgogi straight from Seoul  
  
It’s a Seoul bulgogi institution serving thinly sliced marinated beef, cold kimchi noodles, and mugwort shaved ice.

#### [La Esquina Moynihan](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/la-esquina-moynihan?venueId=81243/index.html)
For casual tacos and margaritas  
The Moynihan Train Hall location has all the flavor you’d expect, including beer-braised short rib tacos and spicy cucumber margaritas.

#### [The Dynamo Room](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/the-dynamo-room?venueId=87000/index.html)
For steakhouse classics done right  
  
Known for garlic butter rolls, shrimp cocktail, and dry-aged ribeye.

#### [Café China](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/cafe-china?venueId=59237/index.html)
For Chinese hits in a gorgeous space  
  
Delivers Szechuan and Cantonese dishes like mapo tofu and pork dumplings drenched in chile oil.

#### [Tonchin New York](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/tonchin-new-york?venueId=35883/index.html)
For tonkatsu ramen  
The Japan-based chain serves top-notch tonkotsu ramen and offers lunch specials.

#### [The Irish Exit](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/the-irish-exit?venueId=83123/index.html)
For a perfect Irish pub experience  
  
Conveniently located in the train station, a great place for drinks and food.

#### [Little Dipper](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/little-dipper?venueId=81340/index.html)
For cocktails under the stars  
  
Astrology-inspired cocktails with a cozy atmosphere.

#### [Keens Steakhouse](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/keens-steakhouse?venueId=3413/index.html)
For a classic steakhouse experience  
  
Founded in 1885, known for its collection of clay pipes and perfectly cooked meat.

#### [Sendo](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sendo?venueId=93329/index.html)
For Tokyo-style sushi  
Inspired by standing sushi bars, affordable menu with fresh ingredients.

#### [Isla & Co – Midtown](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/isla-and-co-midtown?venueId=58527/index.html)
For modern Australian fare  
  
Popular for brunch with dishes like avocado toast and kangaroo skewers.

#### [Ai Fiori](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/ai-fiori?venueId=85343/index.html)
For an elegant night out  
  
Fine dining with executive chef's take on coastal Italian and French cuisines.

#### [Culture Espresso](https://www.cultureespresso.com/)
For coffee and an award-winning chocolate chip cookie
Indie café with a following for its cookies and a wide range of coffee drinks.

#### [L'Amico](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/lamico?venueId=58645/index.html)
For popular Italian fare  
  
Known for happy hour, pizzas, and indulgent desserts.

#### [Tengri Tagh Uyghur Cuisine](https://www.instagram.com/uyghur_cuisine_midtown/)
For hearty Uyghur dishes  
Known for “big chicken tray” and hand-pulled noodles.

#### [Tara Mór](/content/cities/new-york-ny/venues/tara-mor?venueId=87606/index.html)
For a modern Irish bar experience  
Located near Madison Square Garden, featuring traditional Irish fare.

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_**Chadner Navarro** is a journalist from Jersey City, N.J.  
_**Ellie Plass** is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn._