If you find yourself on 57th Street on your next visit to Manhattan—a likely scenario, with the thoroughfare’s proximity to landmarks like Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Columbus Circle, the Theater District and more—try stopping in one of The Fireman Group’s well-worth-the-visit options in the area, whether it’s the swanky Redeye Grill or the charming Brooklyn Diner USA. Fireman Hospitality Group isn't just another name in NYC dining – it's a culinary powerhouse with a story as rich as its menu offerings. Founded in 1974 by Shelly Fireman, their restaurants are more than just places to eat—they offer experiences worth savoring. Take the Redeye Grill, where the lively ambiance perfectly complements their innovative meat and seafood dishes, or Brooklyn Diner USA on 57th Street, where classic American comfort food takes on a modern twist. Along with Fireman Hospitality Group’s six other eateries (there are eight total restaurants in the group, with seven in New York City—and one on the way—and one in Maryland), these two foodie destinations on 57th Street are must-visit spots for locals and tourists alike seeking an authentic taste of NYC dining culture.

Colloquially dubbed “The Finer Diner,” Brooklyn Diner USA opened in 1995, and the Redeye Grill debuted shortly after in 1996. Both these businesses have bustling for the better part of two decades, and they’ll soon have a sister restaurant in the elegant Brasserie 57, which the Fireman Group is poised to open later this year within Le Méridien hotel at Central Park, just a block down from the two existing locales. "Our slogan is, 'relax, you're in the hands of the Fireman Group,'" says CEO Ben Grossman. "At Redeye Grill, the managers walk around with fresh-baked cookies. At Brooklyn Diner, you'll find the classics you crave. And the staff always welcomes you with a smile, making you feel right at home." 

Read on to discover more about why these dynamic locations are excellent picks for your after-theater meals (both are excellent choices for restaurants near Carnegie Hall, each located a short walk away), cocktail hours, or private parties this season.

REDEYE GRILL

A sign marking the entrance to Redeye Grill reads, “Welcome Home,” and it’s more than a greeting–it’s a promise kept. The staff is indeed more than welcoming, reflecting the sophisticated yet warm and  comfortable American brasserie atmosphere inside. The space is adorned with vibrant art, including an 88-foot mural by esteemed artist Red Grooms, ornate floor-to-ceiling columns and striking bronze sculptures. "What makes our sculptures even more special is that they are crafted by none other than our owner, Shelly Fireman himself," says Grossman. "Each piece reflects his creativity and artistry." And when the weather’s right, you can’t beat the elevated outdoor patio, which offers unparalleled views of Carnegie Hall and Midtown Manhattan.

That’s before you’ve gotten to the menu, which boasts a wide selection of steaks, seafood, and more. Standout items include the lobster cobb salad, with avocado, bleu cheese, bacon, egg, and tomato, and the restaurant’s unique sushi burger: a deconstructed spicy tuna roll featuring fresh yellowtail tuna, creamy avocado, wakame seaweed salad, and pickled ginger, all sandwiched between sticky rice “buns” (served with the traditional wasabi, ginger and soy sauce if you choose).

Redeye’s signature item (you’ll see it on the restaurant’s sign) is the “Dancing Shrimp,” featuring a  hearty helping of crustacean (it’s available as a six- or 12-piece meal) served with an array of zesty sauces, including pineapple, ponzu, and spicy mayo. Enjoy with a side of house specialty onion rings (tempura-battered for just the right amount of crunch), or the house-made whole garlic loaf (fresh focaccia with hints of rosemary).

Finish off with an equally delectable dessert, be it a classic New York cheesecake or Chocolate Blackout Cake, the specialty Banana Cream Pie (a tempting blend of bananas and vanilla custard, topped with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate shavings), or the aforementioned oven-fresh cookies handed out by restaurant staff strolling through the dining room.

From the bar, the Redeye Grill offers plenty of appealing cocktail options, from the Sunset Spritz, with aperol, passion fruit, lime and prosecco, to the fan-favorite Espresso Martini, with vanilla vodka, chocolate bitters, and a hazelnut dusting. For non-drinkers, there’s a refreshingly tangy signature mocktail, made with beet, rhubarb and passion fruit, with a hint of vanilla and finished off with an orange slice.

If you're looking to host a private party, business meeting, charity function, wedding reception, or anything in between — whether for 20 guests or 500 guests — Redeye Grill boasts versatile and stylish event spaces suitable for a wide range of occasions. For an intimate gathering, consider the Sky Room, seating up to 12 guests, while the Red’s Lounge can accommodate a roomier reception of up to 40 guests. Additionally, the Café Room can be booked as a seated event space with a capacity of 20 guests, or a cocktail reception room accommodating up to 30. Or try one of two flexible Celebration Rooms, each seating between 20-80 guests, or up to 125 for a cocktail reception. A full floor buyout — on one of two spacious settings — can accommodate up to 200 guests, while a full restaurant buyout allows space for up to 500. Meanwhile, for casual group dining, groups of up to 15 guests can be accommodated in the general restaurant.

Happy Hour is offered Monday-Friday from 3-6pm, and regular lunch pre-fixe menus are also available on Monday-Friday from 12-3pm. In addition, Redeye offers live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30-10pm (visit redeyegrill.com and check their social media feeds for specific lineup information).

890 7th Ave., redeyegrill.com

BROOKLYN DINER USA

There’s nothing like a diner for a taste of quintessential Americana, and Brooklyn Diner USA captures the feeling—and the flavors—perfectly. Fusing the comfort and familiarity of a traditional neighborhood burger joint with creative and surprising touches (managers pair formal tuxedos with high-top sneakers, for one), the ambience at the 57th Street location (there's also an outpost on 43rd St., steps from Times Square) oozes nostalgia, making for a helping of the heartland in the heart of the city.

Standout menu items at include the signature 15-bite hot dog, served with juniper sauerkraut and a side of crispy fries, the house specialty chicken pot pie (baked daily in limited quantities), and the renowned “Real Chicken Soup,” chock-full of juicy chicken and served with challah bread (you can also substitute the included egg noodles with a matzo ball for an equally resplendent matzo ball soup). If you come for breakfast (there’s a limited menu all-day, in addition to full breakfast offered every morning), you can indulge in the thick-cut cinnamon raisin French toast. Sprinkled with strawberries and pecans and doused in Vermont maple syrup, it’s named for their most legendary customer, Tony Bennett.

The late, great crooner is not the only famous patron: the star-studded 57th Street location is famed as one of the top diners in NYC, and counts Jerry Seinfeld as a regular, along with Gayle King, Emma Stone, Naomi Campbell, Christopher Meloni, and Michael Strahan. 

An on-premises bakery specializes in donuts, cakes, and pastries—some favorites are the classic Chocolate Blackout Cake and the signature Strawberry Blonde Cheesecake, piled high with strawberries and dripping in Valrhona fudge.

On the beverage front, you can order a bellini or mimosa to spice up your morning meal. The Brooklyn Bloody Mary offers a bold twist on a beloved classic, as does the Brooklyn Mule, brimming with blueberries and fresh mint (also available virgin). But if you’re really feeling adventurous, the Spicy Margarita—with jalapeño-infused tequila, agave nectar & lime—is a delicious option with a kick of heat. Of course, non-alcoholic beverages are plentiful, too – the menu not only boasts “the original egg cream” but also classic diner milkshakes (available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Oreo and gingerbread) and, for a colder night, “the only hot chocolate you’ll ever need.” Pro tip: if you’re in a need of a nip, the milkshakes can be spiked as well.

212 W. 57th St., brooklyndiner.com

THE BOTTOM LINE

You have plenty of choices for restaurants when in midtown Manhattan, but with the Fireman Hospitality Group, you’ll get an experience perfected over four decades of top-notch service, along with a real appreciation for the city’s unique blend of elegance, world-class quality, and the perfect amount of New York City personality.