Welcome to New York City!

Marion's has been an international destination for decades.

Here is some information and answers to some frequently asked questions to make your stay in our high paced city a bit easier. We'll be talking about taxis, subways, tipping in the city, what to wear and special discounts for guests at Marion's..

Taxis:

In New York City you wave for a taxi or as it is sometimes called a cab when it is coming down the street. They are available when the center lights on top are lit. If all the lights are lit it means they are off duty. At that time if they are going in the direction you want they probably will take you. For your information: around 4pm is the shift change so it can be hard to find a taxi for about half hour. At that time you will see many off-duty lights. But ask!

To get to Marion's just say "Take me to Bowery between 3rd (Great Jones)and 4th". They know the way. People ask how much it will cost? It is hard to say because of distance and traffic but probably about $10 from midtown with the tip.The best bet is always have change of a $20 ready and you will definitely have change left over from anywhere in Manhattan. Oh, don't forget to tip. Usually thats 15 to 20% on the fare. (more about tipping below)

In general when you tell the driver where you are going just be gently assertive, like you have gone there before, and they will get you there

The Subways:

They are generally safe contrary to past opinion. We would definitely and strongly encourage you to take care like in any large city. Look for the areas closer to the turnstiles and entrances for added security.

To reach Marion's by subway:

From the Upper Eastside take the 6 we call them trains to Astor Place. When you come out of the subway Starbucks will be behind you and in front of you will be the beautiful Cooper Union Bulding. As you walk towards it make a right onto Cooper Square and we are just down the street four blocks.

From Times Square take the R or Q trains downtown to 8th Street. Walk downtown to 4th Street and make a left. Go to blocks until you reach Bowery. Then make a right and we are in the middle of the block.

From the Westside or Midtown areas you can take the D, E, and F trains. The E will mean a transfer to the F and D upstairs at the W 4th St. station. The F and D you will take to Broadway Lafayette. Now, depending on where you exit from you will be either closer to Broadway or Lafayette at Houston St. Which we pronounce like house-ton. From the exit you will proceed uptown until you reach Great Jones St. (3rd St.) and make a right until you reach Bowery and we are between Great Jones and 4th St.

Tipping in the Big Apple:

Places you usually tip are restaurants definitely, taxis as discussed, most service people like hair dressers, cleaning or housekeepers in hotels, etc. We know it is strange to foreigners that everyone gets tipped here. Just remember that workers that rely on tips because their low salaries are based on them getting them.The phrase TIPS comes from "to insure prompt service" and that is really what its all about and good service of course. Now sometimes it isn't the servers fault if things take long, so be fair. here are some tip percentages:

In restaurants the average tip is between 15 and 20%. 15 for adequate and 20% for really good service. In NYC you can double the tax and it will be a little over 16%.

In Bars: it's usually around 20%. example: $5 beer you leave a dollar, $12 martini leave $2.

If there is a cup for tips at the counter of a Starbucks or what we call a Deli (sandwich, soda, beer, cigarettes, etc.) if you fell good give them your coin change.

In a hotel, well we are generous here at Marion's so we would leave probably $5 a night for the housekeepers.

The easiest is think 15-20% in most situations.

If you ever are stuck with a question always ask. New Yorkers are much friendlier than they are made out to be. They may seem arrogant and impatient but that is because we move a little faster here.

What to wear while dining:

Basically there are no rules here. Downtown is usually very casual. Uptown a bit more conservative when it comes to what to wear. The more expensive the restaurant the more dressed usually but not always. In a restaurant like Marion's you'll find an assortment of choices made by our guests from casual to eclectic. Here we want you to feel comfortable. But we truly enjoy a guest dressed with flare.

Now for our friends for overseas:

If you make a reservation from overseas by phone or email we will give you a 10% discount on your dinner with us.

Just the Code Words: Overseas Discount

FINE PRINT: Not valid for special nights and events. We put a lot of effort in them.
The discount is on the food portion of your dinner and doesn't include cocktails, wine abd beverages

Thanks

Sign up for our Email Newsletter