TLDR
Versatile all-day Italian spot featuring a bright atmosphere, popular happy hour, and standout late-night pasta deals. Ideal for everything from solo bar dining to casual dates and business meetings.
Details
Located near Union Square, this all-day Italian café and restaurant features a bright, airy atmosphere and a robust wine program [1]. It has become a popular destination for diverse occasions, ranging from solo dining at the bar to professional business lunches and casual first dates [2], [3], [4]. While generally well-regarded, some patrons have noted significant weekend queues that can obstruct the sidewalk [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The lamb burger and the late-night pasta specials are frequently cited as standout items [7], [8]."
Customer Sentiment
Patrons generally appreciate the restaurant's sophisticated yet approachable vibe, often recommending it as a top choice for solo diners and business engagements [2], [6]. However, some frustration has been noted regarding long weekend wait times that impact the surrounding sidewalk area [5].
Caveats
Patrons should be prepared for potential long queues on weekends, which have been noted to crowd the sidewalk [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LEON'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Rec For My Parents To Meet My
"Briefly recommended for the occasion."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find A A Great Tradition Daiquiri
"Leon's was mentioned as a place that makes a great daiquiri."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Bagels To Pair With A Spread
"This user suggests Leon's as the closest and best option for bagels."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Bagels To Pair With A Spread
"This user lists Leon's as a nearby option for bagels."
NeutralFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended Leon's in Union Sq for their $17 pastas after 9pm, stating they are exceptional."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Client Lunch Idea Union Squarenomad
"Leon's is positively endorsed as being perfect for business."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Client Lunch Idea Union Squarenomad
"Leon's is suggested as a dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For An Italian Restaurant For A First Date
"Leon's, located at 12th and Broadway across from the Strand, is recommended for its killer happy hour and light, bright atmosphere, making it suitable for a first date."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"The user expresses frustration with the long lines at Leon's, which they claim clog up the sidewalk every weekend."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Graduation Dinner Recommendations
"Leon's is mentioned as a potential place for a group to celebrate."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Solo Dining Spots To Sit At The Bar
"Leon's is mentioned as a slightly fancier option suitable for solo dining at the bar."
PositiveFrom post: Leons Italian
"The commenter visited Leon's Italian for dinner and found it to be nice but not exceptionally special. They suggested L'Artusi as an alternative and expressed a slight preference for Anton's, which is under the same ownership."
NeutralFrom post: Solo Trip Itinerary
"Leon's has a great bar area suitable for solo dining, and the lamb burger is highly recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Recs For An 8top In Gramercy For A Work Thing
"This user briefly mentioned Leons as a potential restaurant choice."
NeutralFrom post: Is Dante On Mcdougal A Cocktail Bar Only And
"This commenter mentioned that Leon's opened about a year ago, and speculated that this might have divided Anton's attention."
Neutral