If your goal is to dine in the middle of Grand Central Station, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood will make you very happy. I had been there once before with friends and found the atmosphere vibrant and fun. But going solo as a senior, I found it loud and the service slow. Because of that, I’d say if you can go with a friend, you’ll love it. Otherwise, cross atmosphere off the list and go for the food.
When I arrived, the hostess asked me if I preferred the lounge or the main floor. I asked what the difference was and she said the main floor was quieter. I like quiet. Eating in a lounge sort of carries overtones of trolling for a pickup even though I’m way past my perky, slinky days. I instinctively opted for the main floor.
We zig-zagged through narrow aisles and dozens of patrons. The decibel level increased the farther we went. I wondered how this could possibly be quieter than the lounge.
My waitress appeared instantaneously but the visits slowed considerably after the introduction. That said, every time she was at the table, I had her undivided attention and was made to feel like I was the only patron in the place. It almost made up for the long waits between courses.
While I studied the menu, they brought warm bread and a delicious butter laced with who-knows-what that was so fabulous it made me want to order about a quart of it and take it home.
Then came the next wait. I got tired of playing games on my phone and reading the latest celebrity gossip, but I hesitated to glance around. It seemed every time I looked up, I caught the eye of a man at the table directly in my line of vision. I’m sure he thought I was eavesdropping.
Finally, the lobster bisque arrived. When they set the bowl down, the only thing in it was a lobster claw and the crouton with the sour cream on top. I thought they’d delivered the wrong appetizer to the wrong table. But then they poured in the bisque to produce this gorgeous, tasty dish. What a treat. I loved it.
Then I resumed video games until my main seafood dish arrived.
The menu said the Chilean sea bass was steamed Chinese style and served with a miso broth over a bed of spinach. It was impossibly tender and absolutely divine.
Not into fish? Well first of all, it is called Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. However, there are dishes to please every palate – filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, filet medallions and lamb chops.
But if you like seafood, they offer everything from branzino to shrimp, lobster to sea bass, and oysters, salmon, sole and more.
Still not full? Try a dessert. They have a great selection that includes bananas foster, creme brulee, meyer lemon tarte, warm belgian chocolate cake, or berries and creme.
Uncharacteristically full, I skipped dessert (very unlike me). I opted for a cappuccino and called it a night.
All in all, I’m a bit torn on whether or not a single senior would enjoy the experience. If you’re comfortable on your own, then I’d say go. If, however, you’d feel like you would stick out like a sore thumb, then invite a friend. Either way, the food is worth it.
- 4400 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, Florida
- 813-877-7290
- You Can make reservations online and unlike other fancy, schmancy restaurants, they do permit reservations for 1.
Lisa Browder 
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