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Not so happening places near Hilton Midtown

Going to be in the city next weekend for a night. My schedule is pretty tight already, and to be honest I am not planning on making this a culinary trip. I am looking for a fairly laid back place near the mid-town Hilton/MOMA on a Saturday night. I want something maybe a step or so above a diner, but not asian. Doesn't have ot be the best food in the world, certainly not the fanciest or most innovative, just something reliable and where I dont have to getdressed up or refinence my house for.

My backup is La Bonne Soupe.

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      1. re: Lacrosse_Gastronomic

        How are these two suggestions:
        "not so happening"
        "fairly laid back...on a Saturday night."
        "a step or so above a diner" ?

        OP: How about Angelo's Pizza?

        1. re: thegforceny

          Do you really think Benoit and the Modern Bar Room are "happening"? Angelo's Pizza is just barely step above mediocre. Pizzarte and Don Antonio would be better choices for pizza near the Hilton.

        1. re: Elisa515

          I think most people would put Molyvos in the "have to refinance my house" category. Maybe not EMP or Per Se expensive, but there are a lot of steps btw a dinner and Molyvos.

          1. re: JC2

            Really? That expensive?

            Entrees are in the $20-$30 range, appetizers under and around $10.

            OP didn't say diner prices, but asked for a step up from a diner. Seems like the prices are pretty normal restaurant ones for the area.

            When I eat around that neighborhood, I tend to go to La Bonne Soupe or to the sit-down waiter-service Cafe Europa. Although I imagine some people would say that's diner-ish.

            Speaking of diners, the Brooklyn Diner, in that neighborhood, would probably cost more than Molyvos.

            1. re: Elisa515

              sorry - i was thinking of Estiatoria Milos. You are right that Molyvos is not that expensive. and is very good.

              1. re: JC2

                Thanks--glad we cleared that up! :)

                1. re: Elisa515

                  I just took a peak at their menu. If that is a step up from a Diner, I think I am going to have to start looking at diners and fast food.

                  1. re: cloudship

                    That's not a neighborhood with a lot of diners.

                    If you don't want to go to La Bonne Soupe, check out Cafe Europa at the northwest corner of 7th and 57th (diagonally across from Carnegie Hall). There are other places in the same chain that are just take out counter service, but this one also has a sit down area where you can get wine with your meal, too. Reasonably priced good food, and great people watching if you can sit by a window.

                    1. re: cloudship

                      There's a Le pan quotidian nearby as well, def a step up from a diner but you can have a good meal for about $20 all said and done. 7th ave at 58th st

          2. It would be a bit of a walk (15-20min)but ziggy's new find is another option

            1. Agreed pizza is moving upscale (not so sure I am a fan of that), but I think /i had in mind maybe something more of a real dinner. I would normally say family style, but in New York I kinda worry what I would get with something labeled as such.

              maybe I should change the focus and say a nice wide menu with not too expensive prices?