It’s good to have friends.
It’s even better to have friends who are chefs and invite you to friends-and-family tastings. This weekend I had the privilege of attending the pre-opening soft launch of Double Knot NYC, and let me tell you… this place is not playing around. For those who don’t know, a friends-and-family event is where the owners and hospitality group invite their inner circle before opening to the public. It’s where staff gets real-world partice, feedback is encouraged, and everyone pretends they’re polite critics and not secretly judging portion sizes. Knives and beer bottles maybe used by chefs to encourage politeness.
The Space: Huge, Sexy, and Across From Radio City
First thing you notice?
This place is massive.
We’re talking 12,000 square feet, two floors, multiple private spaces, and plenty of pocketed dining areas where you can feel exclusive without being isolated. Big group? Date night? Corporate flex? Covered.
Founded by Michael Schulson, this marks his third Double Knot and his first in his home state of New York. And he clearly wanted to make a statement.
The vibe is sleek. Sexy but not try-hard. Dim lighting, clean design, and a layout that somehow feels both energetic and intimate. It sits right across from Radio City Music Hall. Literally across the street. Tourists, locals, and Midtown power-walkers will all end up here. You can feel it already.
Drinks First, Obviously
I kicked things off with my standard martini. Solid. Clean. Balanced. Service was sharp from the jump. The bar team looked dialed in even during training mode.
So far, so good.
The Appetizers
We ordered… a lot. Summer is coming, which means I’m pretending to think about my beach body while actively not behaving that way.
Here’s where things started heating up:
Edamame Dumplings
I was skeptical. I admit it. But these worked. A fun twist on something familiar, with great texture and a subtle flavor pop that makes you want another bite immediately.
Pork Gyoza
These were outstanding. Perfect crisp exterior, juicy interior, seasoned properly without smacking you in the face. Balanced is the theme here. Nothing was overdone.
Tuna Ceviche with Rice Crackers
Super fresh. Bright. Clean flavors. Looked as good as it tasted. A strong start.
Wagyu Soup Dumplings
Interesting. Good. Just not life-changing for me. Wagyu dumplings sometimes feel like a flex more than a necessity. Still solid execution.
Cheesesteak Bao
Confession: I thought I’d hate it. I didn’t. It was flavorful and fun. Would I sprint back for it? Probably not. Would I order it again? Yes. Sometimes it’s not the dish. Sometimes it’s the mood. I wasn’t in cheesesteak mode. It happens.
Robatayaki: The Star of the Show
For the unfamiliar, robatayaki is a Japanese charcoal-grilling technique. Simplified version: delicious things on sticks over fire.
We ordered:
- Chicken thighs
- Short rib
- Crispy tofu ( not Robatayaki)
The short rib robatayaki was my personal MVP. Tender. Juicy. Basically melts before you fully commit to chewing. It’s the kind of bite that makes you pause mid-conversation.
Chicken thighs were solid. Dependable. Hard to mess up. These weren’t messed up.
The crispy tofu surprised me. Slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and a nice contrast to everything else. I’d absolutely reorder it.
Sushi & Final Rounds
Then came the sushi wave.
- Toro Nigiri
- Japanese Scallops
- Double Knot “Big Eye” Tuna Roll
- Octopus
- Yellowtail Carpaccio
The Japanese scallop hit every note perfectly. Clean, delicate, balanced.
Toro was buttery without being overwhelming.
Yellowtail carpaccio? Juicy, bright, and gone too quickly.
Everything stayed consistent with the theme: refined but not fussy.
Let’s Talk Price
Here’s where I was genuinely shocked.
The Chef’s Special is $78 for 10 selections plus soft serve.
In Manhattan. Across from Radio City.
That is borderline suspiciously affordable.
I’m also very curious to see the full happy hour menu. If it’s anything like Miami’s Double Knot, it’s going to be dangerous in the best way.
Final Verdict
I’m definitely coming back.
Beautiful space. Strong execution. Thoughtful menu. Fair pricing. Hospitality already operating at a high level even before the official opening.
Shoutout to my friend Chef Russ for absolutely crushing it behind the grill.
Double Knot NYC is about to be a Midtown problem… in a very good way.
As always, what do I know? I’m just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. If you want more Top 10s steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it, click the words and keep going.