TLDR
Stunning 19th-century Victorian vibes w/ authentic antiques & Instagram-ready decor. Perfect for pre-theater drinks or themed outings in Midtown.
Instagram Posts References
This post highlights the LA Times' selection for 'Restaurant of the Year' in 2024. The featured image showcases a beautifully plated dessert, suggesting a high level of culinary artistry and attention to detail at the chosen establishment. The dessert includes a pink sorbet, intricate sugar work, chocolate crumble, and pistachios, indicating a sophisticated and modern approach to cuisine.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment is presented as an elegant and unique dining destination in Times Square, known for its immersive Victorian ambiance created by genuine photos, antiques, stained glass from Milan, a four-hundred-year-old clock, and decorative carvings from Ireland. The post specifically details a positive afternoon tea experience, featuring a lavish three-tiered presentation of assorted mini sweets, fresh pastries, and petite finger sandwiches. Beyond afternoon tea, the restaurant also serves brunch, dinner, and offers signature cocktails, positioning itself as a perfect spot for various occasions or a momentary escape from the ordinary in Manhattan.
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its Victorian-themed dining.
Details
Renowned for its immersive 19th-century Victorian aesthetic, this Manhattan destination features genuine antiques, stained glass from Milan, and detailed carvings from Ireland [2]. While the atmosphere is widely considered the restaurant's strongest asset and a draw for special occasions, the food and drinks are frequently described as adequate but potentially overpriced [3]. It is a popular, vibe-forward choice for pre-show drinks and bites, particularly for those seeking an Instagram-worthy experience [3], [4].
Food Overview
The menu offers American pub fare including items like burgers, roast chicken, and steak, which are generally seen as decent or 'good enough' for the area [3]. Afternoon tea is a highlighted offering, featuring a three-tiered spread of petite finger sandwiches, fresh pastries, and mini sweets [2]. While some diners enjoy the food, others have criticized it as average or noted that certain drinks can be overly sugary [3].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently praise the opulent, cozy, and festive environment, often highlighting its suitability for themed outings or special occasions [2], [3]. However, some diners report that the experience can be inconsistent regarding service and that the food can be perceived as pricey for the quality provided [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILLIE'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Family Run Owner Led Restaurant Recommendations
"An establishment run by owners with both Korean and Uzbek backgrounds."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For A Decent But Quick Dinner
"Notes that while the environment is fun, the food is somewhat overpriced."
NeutralFrom post: Good Midtown Reservation Choices For 40yo Mom And
"The commenter had an awful experience with both the food and overly sugary drinks, calling it one of the worst meals they've had in years."
NegativeFrom post: Good Midtown Reservation Choices For 40yo Mom And
"This user describes the restaurant as a consistent, solid staple for fuss-free dining."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Restaurant Recommendations Similar To
"Recommended as a themed restaurant choice for someone looking for a vibe similar to Beetle House, specifically noting its 19th-century Victorian aesthetic."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Uzbek Catering
"Cafe Lily was suggested as a catering option, noted for offering Korean, Uzbek, and Russian cuisine. Their website indicates catering is available and can be arranged by phone."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter notes that service at Lillie's can be inconsistent depending on the staff, but the food is average for the Times Square area. They find the servers and hosts generally friendly and it's a great photo opportunity."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter encourages the original poster to embrace the opportunity for their family to 'go crazy' with their outfits for the event, as they are on vacation."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter assures the original poster that Lillie's is great, especially for a pre-show drink and bite."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter agrees with others that Lillie's is fine, acknowledging it's touristy but not a trap. They mention going there with locals after shows and recommend a reservation."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter agrees that Lillie's is a themed restaurant in Midtown and will be fine, describing the offerings as 'good enough.' They suggest informing the server about a showtime to ensure timely service."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"A brief positive opinion on Lillie's."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter recalls Lillie's being nice when they had a Trad Irish Session on Saturday mornings, before it became more focused on Instagram."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter had a positive experience at Lillie's recently, specifically praising the steak. They found the cocktails looked decadent and the wine tasted as expected, recommending Lillie's as a solid, vibe-forward choice, though suggesting leaving Midtown for truly excellent food."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This repeat attendee confirms Lillie's is a good bet in Midtown for atmosphere, with decent food and drinks and adequate service. They also note that many attendees at the nearby 'Masquerade' event dress up, so the OP's family won't be out of place."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter advises that service at Lillie's is adequate with a booking, but can be difficult if trying to walk in. They confirm the food is adequate and enjoyable for teens due to the "over the top nature.""
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"Considering the original poster's family has picky eaters, Lillie's seems like a good fit due to offerings like burgers and fries or roast chicken. The food's flavor was described as expected and not unique."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter likes Lillie's for its ambiance and finds the food and drinks fine. They recommend arriving two hours before a show or booking 90 minutes out for timely service and consider it not a tourist trap if you don't get sick or feel ripped off."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter notes that themed restaurants like Lillie's aren't common in Midtown and that it's the best bet for the desired atmosphere, despite being touristy. They also mention that most 'spooky' themed places have closed."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This local commenter states Lillie's is perfectly fine and has been there many times. They also noted that restaurants in Midtown are accustomed to accommodating pre-show diners."
Neutral