Midtown Manhattan's Hidden Beachy Lunch Spot

In the heart of bustling Midtown Manhattan, there's a restaurant that feels like a tropical escape. Tommy Bahama on 45th Street and 5th Avenue is a popular spot for business lunches. It's close to many big company offices, like JPMorgan and Bank of America. The restaurant has a beach house vibe with wooden shutters and palm plants. But don't forget, you're still in New York City. The staff is friendly and helpful. They quickly moved us to a better table. Many diners were enjoying colorful drinks and fancy bottled water. There were more men than women, and our waitress said Mondays and Fridays are slower days. The restaurant was busy, but it didn't feel crowded. Tables were spaced out, so we couldn't hear other conversations. The background noise made the place feel lively. We overheard some business talk, but it wasn't too loud.The food prices were high, more suited for dinner than lunch. The cheapest main dish was $31. Many people ordered the macadamia-nut-crusted fish or the ahi tuna poke bowl. We tried the coconut shrimp, which was too sweet for our taste. The French dip sandwich was okay, but it was missing some ingredients we expected. The seared ahi tuna entrée was bland, but the side salad was good. Our waitress surprised us with free desserts. The piña colada cake was too sweet, and the chocolate pie was just okay. For $145, we weren't impressed with the food. But everyone else seemed happy, and the service was good. Tommy Bahama brings a bit of Florida charm to Manhattan. It's a nice escape from the city's chaos. If you like the food, it could be a good spot for a business lunch. The prices are high, but that's not a big deal for corporate lunches.