Seemor

The ShakespeareB+Worth Trying

Name: The Shakespeare
Address: 24 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

24 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016 · British restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (644 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Cozy British pub in Midtown with standout Scotch eggs, reliable fish and chips, and a $20 weekday lunch deal; service is generally friendly but can be brusque at the bar during busy moments.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

The Shakespeare delivers reliable British gastropub dining with solid food quality anchored by standout dishes like its signature Scotch egg and well-executed fish & chips. Warm wood-paneled design and authentic basement pub atmosphere create genuine appeal, though occasional inconsistency in execution—overcooked fries, variable burger quality—and intermittent bar service friction prevent a higher grade. The weekday lunch prix fixe and family-friendly approach add practical value for Midtown diners seeking cozy comfort without pretension.

Restaurant Summary

Down a short flight of stairs, you enter a wood-paneled hideaway that feels both warm and bustling. Diners talk up the staff as friendly and the room as cozy and nostalgic. One guest summed it up: "It felt like a true English pub, right in Midtown." Service shines at tables, though the bar can feel stretched when busy. The kitchen focuses on British comfort done right rather than flashy twists, with a culinary style that is elevated traditional. The Scotch egg is a signature, fish and chips satisfies cravings, and shepherd pie is hearty. Prices match the neighborhood, but the $20 weekday lunch is a smart play for value seekers. Families will find plenty that kids actually eat—fish and chips, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches—without needing a special menu. Portions are generous, desserts like sticky toffee pudding are approachable, and staff are generally accommodating, making it a solid choice with kids before a show or after exploring nearby sights.

At a Glance

Best-in-class Scotch egg for many diners
Cozy, authentic British pub setting in Midtown
Weekday $20 lunch prix fixe is a deal
Bar service can be brusque or slow at peak times
Occasional dish inconsistency (fries, burgers)

What Sets It Apart

authentic_british_pub_vibe
standout_scotch_egg
weekday_prix_fixe_lunch

What People Love

That hidden-gem basement pub feel
Scotch egg with molten yolk and crisp crust
Fish and chips that hit the craving perfectly
Friendly, attentive table service
Weekday lunch deal that feels like a steal

Points of Concern

Bar staff can be curt or slow during busy periods; multiple mentions from different dates
Some inconsistency: overcooked fries and a burnt burger reported
Add-on pricing (mushy peas extra) annoys some traditionalists
Review patterns show strong positivity with some polished language, but overall authenticity appears solid

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$52-70 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose Scotch Egg and Fish & Chips for the classic experience
Use the lunch prix fixe to sample soup/salad and a pub main
Add Welsh Rarebit as a shareable starter for cheese lovers

Perfect For

Pre-theater comfort food with a pint
Casual date night in a cozy pub
After-work beers and hearty bites
Small celebrations in a warm, tucked-away room

Location Insights

Area: Midtown East near offices and hotels; after-work crowd with business lunches and pre-theater traffic.

Safety: Busy, well-lit commercial blocks with steady foot traffic; generally safe, especially early evenings.

Nearby: Close to Grand Central, Bryant Park, and office towers; convenient for commuters and visitors.

Murray HillMurray Hill offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces with a lively dining scene that caters to office workers and residents alike. The area features a variety of casual eateries, bars, and mid-range restaurants, making it popular for weekday lunches and after-work gatherings.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–00:00 Tuesday11:30–00:00 Wednesday11:30–00:00 Thursday11:30–00:00 Friday11:30–00:00 Saturday15:00–00:00 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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