Make reservations. We visited here for brunch on a recent two-night trip to New York during the holiday season. When we arrived, the line for tables was out the door and I was worried we won't make it to the host stand by the time of reservations. People pushed and shoved to get in and to get out and we made it just in time to give my name so they knew we were there. During our very brief wait for our table, we were so impressed with the hosts - they were obviously managing multiple queues (we think a reservation line, a no-reservations line and maybe a VIP line too???). They worked so professionally and efficiently, it was a marvel to see. We were very impressed at the team work of the host stand. (A gentleman standing next to us complained that we were seated so quickly, his party had been waiting for 45min, so please remember to make reservations.) We were escorted to our table by one of the hosts and saw that the table intended for us was taken over by people putting their things on it, quickly pivoted to seat us elsewhere. Our table was perfect. The place was packed, but we felt we had enough room and were comfortable with where we ended up sitting - I felt like it was our lucky day. Our server came to help us very quicky and I'm ashamed to admit I was a bit rude - the coffee at our hotel was not great and my husband needed coffee right away, so when asked about water, I asked right away about coffee instead of waiting to be asked. I hope I was forgiven, after I explained the situation. Coffee was quickly supplied and replenished regularly during our meal - thank you again for this very personal touch, it was so, so appreciated! After a cup of coffee for my husband and tea for myself, we got down to the business of brunch. Benedicts - classic for my husband and smoked salmon for me. Yummmmm. The poached eggs on my benedict were perfect. I hate hate runny eggs on a benedict, which I know is not a popular opinion. My eggs were just cooked and did not run when I cut into them and were not hard either - they were a perfect medium poach. My husband's eggs were also perfectly poached and he likes his poached eggs runny. I don't know what kind of mind-reading ability our waitstaff used, but it made our brunch, thank you. The menu had a lot of tasty choices on it and I was worried I'd regret not trying the World Famous muffins, but I have to say, the smoked salmon benedict was so perfect I'd love to have it again. The restaurant was super busy (make reservations!) and was decorated for the holiday season in a sophisticated and understated style. We enjoyed seeing the wait staff turn four round tables into a completely different configuration for a large party while we finished our meal. Thank you again for a lovely visit. We look forward to another visit the next time we are in New York and we will absolutely make reservations :)