Friedman's: Midtown's Go-To for Delicious, Gluten-Free American Comfort Food

Friedman's Introduce

In a city as diverse as New York, finding a restaurant that caters to everyone's tastes and dietary needs can be a challenge. Friedman's, a beloved American restaurant located on West 31st Street, has masterfully solved this dilemma. It’s a place that feels both classic and contemporary, serving up delicious comfort food with an unexpected, health-conscious twist. This isn't just a restaurant; it’s a culinary haven for those who want to indulge without worry, making it a staple for locals and a must-visit for tourists.

Friedman's has built its reputation on a simple but powerful principle: to serve great food that everyone can enjoy. What truly sets it apart is its commitment to being a gluten-free-friendly restaurant. As a customer review passionately states, "The entire menu is, or can be made gluten-free. This includes pancakes, fried chicken, waffles, bread - the works." This level of dedication is a game-changer for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, allowing them to experience a menu that is usually off-limits. The ability to enjoy classics like

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

and

Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffles

in a safe and delicious way is a major highlight.

Beyond its gluten-free offerings, Friedman's excels at creating a welcoming and comfortable dining experience. The atmosphere is a perfect mix of casual, cozy, and trendy, with a decor that feels both simple and intriguing, as noted by a reviewer who found the "simple jarred veggies along the walls" to be "great entertainment." The service is consistently praised for being "good" and "kind and tentative," with food arriving "pretty quickly," a major plus in a city where time is of the essence. While the restaurant can sometimes have a wait, it's a testament to its popularity and well worth it for the quality of the food and service.

Location and Accessibility

Friedman's is located at 138 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, placing it in a prime location in the heart of Midtown South. This central spot makes it easily accessible for a wide range of people, from professionals working in the nearby Penn Station and Hudson Yards area to tourists visiting landmarks like the Empire State Building. The restaurant's proximity to major subway lines is a huge advantage. It is just a short walk from the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E trains at Penn Station and the N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M trains at Herald Square, making it an incredibly convenient dining destination.

For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available, though finding a spot can be a challenge. Friedman's is also known for its welcoming attitude toward groups, college students, and solo diners, making it a versatile spot for any occasion.

Services Offered

Friedman's offers a variety of services to ensure a seamless dining experience:

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy and trendy atmosphere with full table service. The restaurant is popular for its breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.
Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout service is fast and efficient, allowing you to enjoy your meal anywhere.
Reservations: Friedman's accepts reservations, which is highly recommended, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant often has a wait.
Onsite Services: The friendly staff is always ready to assist with any special requests or dietary concerns, making for a personalized and attentive dining experience.

Features / Highlights

Friedman's stands out for a number of key features that make it a favorite among New Yorkers and visitors:

Extensive Gluten-Free Menu: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The vast majority of the menu is either naturally gluten-free or can be made so, including items like pancakes, waffles, and fried chicken, which are typically off-limits at other restaurants.
Delicious American Comfort Food: The menu is a showcase of classic American comfort dishes, from breakfast staples like
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
and
B.E.L.T.
sandwiches to dinner entrees like
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
and a variety of flavorful burgers.
Healthy and Organic Options: The menu includes a variety of
healthy options
and organic dishes, such as the
Asian Chicken Salad
,
Grain Bowl
, and a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly items, catering to a health-conscious crowd.
Great Coffee & Tea Selection: Friedman's partners with La Colombe for their drip coffee and offers a wide range of coffee and tea drinks, including matcha lattes and hot apple cider, making it a great spot for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Welcoming Atmosphere for All: The restaurant's casual and cozy atmosphere is a big draw. It's a place where you can comfortably dine solo, with a large group, or with the whole family, as it’s noted to be good for kids, despite not having a specific kids' menu.

Contact Information

For reservations or to learn more about the menu and daily specials, you can contact Friedman's directly.

Address: 138 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: (212) 971-9400

What is worth choosing

With a menu so full of tempting options, deciding what to order at Friedman's can be tough, but a few dishes stand out as absolute must-tries. The

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

are a fan favorite and a true star of the menu. They are perfectly fluffy, tangy, and a delicious example of their gluten-free mastery. Another standout breakfast item is the

Pastrami Hash

, a savory and hearty dish that is a modern take on a classic diner meal.

For lunch or dinner, the sandwiches are a major highlight. The

Pastrami Reuben

is a bold and flavorful choice, and their

Friedmans Burger

is a classic for a reason. Don't skip the

Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle

, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. For those looking for something lighter, the

Asian Chicken Salad

or the

Fish Tacos

are excellent, fresh options.

The appetizers are also a great way to start your meal. The

Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites

are a fantastic comfort food choice, and the

Buffalo Wings

are praised for their flavor. For dessert, the

NY Style Cheesecake

and

Chocolate Chip Cookies

, both gluten-free, are the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Ultimately, what makes Friedman's worth choosing is its ability to deliver delicious, high-quality food that is accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, fast service, and a truly impressive menu makes it a reliable and delightful dining destination. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Friedman's is a restaurant that promises a meal that is both satisfying and memorable.

Friedman's Menu

Breakfast
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (GF) $21.00
Strawberries, lemon zest, Vermont maple syrup. (Gluten-free)
Berry French Toast $21.00
Homemade strawberry compote, topped w/ fresh berries, Vermont maple syrup.
Avocado Toast $20.00
Poached eggs, chili flakes, charred lemon, thick-cut sourdough.
Farm Egg Omelette $21.00
Spinach, mushroom, zucchini, squash, avocado, potato hash, whole wheat toast.
Eggs With Style $21.00
Two eggs, potato hash, whole wheat toast, choice of bacon, fruit or turkey bacon.
Nova Benny (GF) $23.00
Poached eggs, smoked salmon, jumbo potato latke, baby kale, hollandaise. (Gluten-free)
Housemade Granola (GF) $15.00
Greek yogurt, fresh berries, almonds, honey drizzle. (Gluten-free)
B.E.L.T. $20.00
Bacon, over easy egg, lettuce, tomato, herb aioli, grilled sourdough w/ potato hash
Pastrami Hash $22.00
Sunny-side eggs, whole wheat toast.
Shakshuka $22.00
Sunny side eggs, tomato, peppers, olives, feta cheese, grilled ciabatta.
Homemade Banana Bread (GF) $15.00
Almond flour, warm strawberry compote. (Gluten-free)

Starters, Salads & Soups
Asian Chicken Salad (GF) $21.00
Cabbage, peppers, green beans, peanuts, scallion, cilantro, sesame seed. Hoisin peanut dressing on the side. (Gluten-free)
Cobb Salad (GF) $22.00
Grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, hard boiled egg, tomato. Housemade buttermilk ranch on the side.
Sesame Salmon Salad (GF) $24.00
4 oz salmon, kale, grains, pickled beets, pickled carrots, avocado, edamame, sprouts. Soy vinaigrette on the side. (Gluten-free)
Greek Salad (GF) $16.00
Romaine, feta, tomato, cucumber, olives, red onion. Oregano vinaigrette on the side. (Gluten-free)
Chicken Matzo Ball Soup
Our famous chicken matzo ball soup! (Gluten-free without matzo balls)
Tomato Soup (GF)
Vegetable Potstickers (GF) $12.00
Sriracha aioli & soy ginger sauce on the side. (Gluten-free)
Korea BBQ Wings (GF) $17.00
Sweet chili glaze. (Gluten-free)
Buffalo Wings (GF) $17.00
(Gluten-free)
Spinach Artichoke Dip (GF) $16.00
(Gluten-free)
Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites (GF) $12.00
Deep fried 3 cheese mac and cheese balls with sriracha aioli on side. (Gluten-free)
Mac N' Cheese (GF) $15.00
Cheddar, fontina. (Gluten-free)

Sandwiches & Burgers
Chicken Swisswich (B) $21.00
Bacon jam, Gruyere, lettuce, avocado aioli. grilled ciabatta, herb fries.
Pastrami On Rye (B) $24.00
Mustard, pickle, rye bread, herb fries.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich (B) $20.00
Boneless thigh, lettuce, tomato, onion pickle, sriracha aioli, brioche bun, herb fries
Pastrami Reuben (B) $27.00
Mustard, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, rye bread, herb fries.
Pan-Seared Fish Sandwich (B) $24.00
Arugula, pickled fennel, red onion, dill-caper aioli, dressed greens, herb fries.
Patty Melt (B) $24.00
Caramelized onion, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sourdough, herb fries.
Grilled Cheese (B) $19.00
Aged cheddar, American, challah bread., herb fries.
Tuna Melt (B) $21.00
Tomato, aged cheddar, toasted rye, herb fries.
Classic B.L.A.T.. (B) $18.00
Bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato, herb aioli, toasted sourdough, herb fries.
Broccoli Falafel Burger (B) $19.00
Tzatziki, feta, sriracha aioli, pickled onions, herb fries.
Turkey Burger (B) $21.00
Pepper Jack cheese, avocado aioli, herb fries.
Friedmans Burger (B) $24.00
All natural angus beef, LTO, pickle, herb fries.

Entrees
Grain Bowl (GF) $19.00
Choice of rice or quinoa, baby bok choy, broccoli, carrots, edamame and bean sprouts. Sesame-lime vinaigrette on the side. (Gluten-free)
Fish Tacos (GF) $24.00
Fried halibut, corn tortilla, guacamole, cabbage slaw, sriracha aioli, cilantro. 3 to an order. (Gluten-free)
Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle (GF) $28.00
Hot honey on the side. (Gluten-Free)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Lunch (GF) $28.00
3 pieces buttermilk fried chicken. Choice of two sides. (Gluten-free)

Sides
Toast! $4.00
Side of Avocado! $6.00
(Gluten-free)
Side Two Farm Eggs (B)! $8.00
(Gluten-free)
Potato Hash! $6.00
(Gluten-free)
Thick Cut Bacon! $8.00
(Gluten-free)
Turkey Bacon! $8.00
(Gluten-free)
Potato Latkes! $9.00
Sour cream, apple sauce. (Gluten-free)
Herb Fries (B)! $10.00
Rosemary, thyme, sage. (Gluten-free)
Sweet Potato Fries! $10.00
Blue cheese aioli. (Gluten-free)
Brussels Sprouts! $10.00
Sweet chili glaze, sesame seeds. (Gluten-free)
Cauliflower & Broccoli! $10.00
Tahini on side. (Gluten-free)
Market Fruit! $10.00
Strawberries, blueberries & orange slices. (Gluten-free)
Side Smoked Salmon! $8.00

Dessert
NY Style Cheesecake (GF) $12.00
Berry compote. (Gluten-free)
Chocolate Chip Cookies (GF) $8.00
3 Gluten-free cookies.
Chocolate Brownie (GF) $9.00
(Gluten-free)
Homemade Banana Bread (GF) $15.00
Almond flour, warm strawberry compote. (Gluten-free)

Beverages
Can of Soda $3.00
Iced Tea $5.00
Brewed with fresh mint.
Hibiscus Iced Tea $6.00
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade $6.00
Arnold Palmer $5.00
Iced tea & lemonade. Summer on ice!
Bottled Water $3.00
Cold Pressed Apple Cider
Hot Apple Cider
Topped with cinnamon.

Coffee & Tea
Drip Coffee by La Colombe
Double Espresso $4.00
Americano (B)
Cold Brew (B) $5.00
Cappuccino
Cafe Latte
Matcha Latte
Chai Latte
Harney & sons. Cinnamon.
Hot Tea
Hot Chocolate
Valrhona Chocolate with whipped cream.
Mocha!

Starters, Salads & Soups
Asian Chicken Salad *GF $21.00
Cabbage, peppers, green beans, peanuts, scallion, cilantro, sesame seed. Hoisin peanut dressing on the side. (Gluten-free)
Cobb Salad *GF $22.00
Grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, egg, tomato. Buttermilk ranch dressing on the side. (Gluten-free)
Greek Salad *GF $16.00
Romaine, feta, tomato, cucumber, olives, red onion. Oregano vinaigrette dressing on the side. (Gluten-free)
Sesame Salmon Salad *GF $24.00
4 oz salmon, kale, grains, pickled beets, pickled carrots, avocado, edamame. Soy vinaigrette on the side. (Gluten-free)
Chicken Matzo Ball Soup!!
Our famous matzo ball soup! (Gluten-free without matzo)
Tomato Soup *GF
(Gluten-free)
Guacamole & Chips *GF $15.00
Feta, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, tostadas. (Gluten-free)
Mac & Cheese Bites (7 pc) *GF $12.00
Deep fried 3 cheese gluten-free mac and cheese balls.
Korean BBQ Wings *GF $17.00
Sweet chili glaze, sesame seeds. (Gluten-free)
Buffalo Wings *GF $17.00
(Gluten-free)
Spinach Artichoke Dip *GF $16.00
Corn tortillas. (Gluten-free)
Vegetable Potstickers *GF $12.00
Sriracha aioli & soy ginger sauce on the side. (Gluten-free)
Mac N' Cheese *GF $15.00
Fontina, parmesan. (Gluten-free)
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice *GF $16.00
Eel sauce, spicy mayo, jalapeño. (Gluten-free)
Avocado Crispy Rice *GF $14.00
Yuzu, cilantro, shredded chilli. (Gluten-free)

Sandwiches & Burgers
Pastrami On Rye $24.00
Mustard, pickle, herb fries.
Pastrami Reuben $27.00
Mustard, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, herb fries.
Grilled Cheese $19.00
Aged cheddar, American, herb fries.
Grilled Chicken Swisswich $20.00
Bacon jam, Gruyere, lettuce, avocado aioli. grilled ciabatta, herb fries.
Tuna Melt $21.00
Tomato, aged cheddar, toasted rye, herb fries.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich $20.00
Boneless thigh, lettuce, tomato, onion pickle, sriracha aioli, brioche bun, herb fries.
Classic B.L.A.T. $18.00
Bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato, herb aioli, toasted sourdough, herb fries.
Patty Melt (B) $24.00
Caramelized onion, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sourdough, herb fries.
Pan-Seared Fish Sandwich (B) $24.00
Arugula, pickled fennel, red onion, dill-caper aioli, dressed greens, herb fries.
Broccoli Falafel Burger (B) $19.00
Tzatziki, feta, sriracha aioli, pickled onions, herb fries.
Turkey Burger $21.00
Pepper Jack, avocado aioli, herb fries.
Friedmans Burger $24.00
All natural angus beef, LTO, pickle, herb fries.

Entrees
Roasted Salmon *GF $32.00
Mashed potatoes, seared spinach, asian ginger jus. (Gluten-free)
Grain Bowl *GF $19.00
Choice of rice or quinoa, baby bok choy, broccoli, carrots, edamame and bean sprouts. Sesame-lime vinaigrette on the side.
Crispy Fish Tacos *GF $24.00
Fried halibut, corn tortilla, guacamole, cabbage slaw, sriracha aioli, cilantro. 3 to an order. (Gluten-free)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Dinner *GF $28.00
3 piece fried chicken w/ choice of two sides. If only one side is chosen, you will be given two of those sides.
Brick Chicken *GF $28.00
1/2 chicken, brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes with gravy. (Gluten-free)
Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle *GF $28.00
Hot honey on side. (Gluten-free)
Hangar Steak *GF $32.00
Chimichurri, roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed string beans.

Dinner Sides
Herb Fries $10.00
Rosemary, thyme, sage. (Gluten-free)
Sweet Potato Fries $10.00
Blue cheese aioli. (Gluten-free)
Brussel Sprouts $10.00
Sweet chili glaze, sesame seeds. (Gluten-free)
Cauliflower & Broccoli $10.00
Tahini on side. (Gluten-free)
String Beans $12.00
Sautéed with garlic
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy $12.00
Thick Cut Bacon $8.00
(Gluten-free)
Side of Avocado $6.00
(Gluten-free)
Toast. $4.00

Dessert
NY Style Cheesecake *GF $12.00
Homemade Cheesecake topped w/ warm strawberry compote. (Gluten-free)
Chocolate Brownie *GF $9.00
(Gluten-free)
Chocolate Chip Cookies *GF $8.00
3 gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.
Homemade Banana Bread *GF $15.00
Almond flour, warm berry compote. (Gluten-free)

Cold Beverages
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice.
Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice.
Iced Tea.. $5.00
Arnold Palmer. $5.00
Hibiscus Iced Tea. $6.00
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. $6.00
Cold Pressed Apple Cider.
Chocolate Milk.
Iced Chocolate. $7.00
Sodas. $3.00
Bottled Water. $3.00

Coffee & Tea
Drip Coffee by La Colombe!
Double Espresso! $4.00
Americano!
Cold Brew! $5.00
Cappuccino!
Cafe Latte!
Matcha Latte!
Chai Latte!
Hot Tea!
Harney & Sons
Hot Chocolate!
Valrhona Chocolate with whipped cream.
Hot Apple Cider!
Mocha!

Friedman's Details

Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Delivery
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite

Dining options
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Friedman's Photos

Friedman's Location

Friedman's

New York New York County New York West 31st Street

138 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA

Friedman's Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 4173 user reviews.

chicken and wafflesavocado toastlemon ricotta pancakesshakshukapastrami hashberry french toastgluten free foodlatkemadison square gardenchilaquiles

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great food for the whole family with an upscale flair. The decor was interesting with simple jarred veggies along the walls which made for great entertainment while we waited. The service was good and the food came pretty quickly. There is no kids menu but there was plenty to choose from. My son had Mac and cheese bites from the app menu, for example.
August 12 · Jessica Monagle
Absolutely delicious! The entire menu is, or can be made gluten free. This includes pancakes, fried chicken, waffles, bread - the works. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and they were absolutely stellar. They also ask if the table has any allergies, which I appreciate. It's pretty quiet and laid back. The servers were all so kind and tentative. I will definitely be back on my next NY trip!
July 05 · Cassidy
Really enjoyed my breakfast at Friedman’s during my trip to NYC. I had the “Eggs with Style” scrambled, served with a side of fresh fruit and an elderflower spritz. I ate out for breakfast or brunch most days during my stay, and this was definitely one of my favorites—it was hearty, filling, and satisfying. The bread was soft and fresh, the eggs were perfectly cooked, and everything was beautifully presented.My friend had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, which she really enjoyed—they were definitely lemony! She also tried one of their smoothies or juices of the day (can’t remember which one), but she liked it as well.Prices were very reasonable, and the service was friendly and efficient. It was not too crowded. Honestly, I couldn’t fault a thing. Highly recommend!
June 17 · Rachel
The menu has so many gluten free options! The GF bread and bun were great. They did not skimp on the amount of meat they provided us in our sandwiches which is nice. The pastrami was a bit dry- it wasn’t bad but certainly not the best pastrami. I had to ask our server for the Russian dressing since it wasn’t on my Reuben and without the dressing it would have been very dry. The fries were cold which was disappointing. Overall, the food was delicious, and I would go back to try other items.
July 02 · Isabella Perez (Bella)
I had such a great experience dining at Friedmans Restaurant — it completely exceeded my expectations! I ordered the Nova Benny, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The dish features a crispy potato latke as the base, topped with beautifully smoked salmon, perfectly poached eggs, baby kale, and a rich hollandaise sauce. Every bite was packed with flavor and the textures were spot on — it’s a must-try if you’re a fan of brunch classics with a twist.I also tried the Pan-Seared Fish Sandwich, and it was just as impressive. The fish was cooked to perfection — crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. It came on a soft brioche bun with fresh arugula, pickled fennel, pickled red onion, and LTO, which added a nice tangy crunch that complemented the fish really well. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and take pride in their preparation.What really made the experience even better was the service. The staff were incredibly helpful, attentive, and genuinely friendly. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also worth mentioning — it’s clean, cozy, and very inviting. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends or looking for a relaxed place to enjoy a good meal, Friedmans hits all the right notes.Highly recommend checking this place out. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
April 24 · Cristian A