Over the years, reviews of Union Square Cafe in The Times have ranged from two to three stars. As Jason Wagner, the wine director, explained one night, those are the countries that were on the list when Union Square Cafe opened in 1985. It’s the most famous thing about Union Square Cafe: The servers are always happy to help. While it flows through all his restaurants, it functions in its purest and most effective form at Union Square Cafe. This is the best place to experience the cheerful and proactive Danny Meyer service style, invented at Union Square Cafe in 1985 and worthy of landmark status by now.

Source: New York Times April 25, 2017 16:44 UTC