In this case, my friend had seen the website and photos that IMO make the place look a lot more hip than it actually is. I think he was expecting a swankier vibe and more of a party atmosphere. An older clientele doesn’t necessarily preclude that, of course, but in this case it did signal a more sedate experience overall.
Also, no, not all restaurants in Manhattan are that good! It’s just as easy to spend $30 an entree on terrible food and service as on great food and service in the city, if you don’t do your homework beforehand.
