Inside the Wall Street Power Lunch at Tommy Bahama

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, where skyscrapers cast long shadows and the pace is relentless, an unexpected oasis has emerged. Tommy Bahama, the clothing store and restaurant chain, has become a go-to destination for one of the city's most formidable cohorts: the power lunchers of Wall Street.

On a recent Tuesday, a visit to the restaurant revealed a scene that is both familiar and surprising. The interior design is straight out of a beachfront vacation home, yet the environment is more work than play. Here, amid wooden shutters and palm plants, deals are discussed and business is conducted.

It bills itself on its website as 'an oasis in the big city,' a 'refuge' that's 'ideal for business lunches.'

The restaurant's location on 45th Street and 5th Avenue is strategically perfect for its clientele. It is geographically positioned within walking distance of several major financial institutions, making it a convenient meeting point for professionals.

The proximity to key corporate headquarters includes:

• Six minutes from JPMorgan's new tower
• Nine minutes from Bank of America Tower
• Five minutes from a PWC building
• Twelve minutes from the main Morgan Stanley office

Ascending a spiral staircase from the quiet bar area, the dining room is packed with collared shirts, quarter-zip pullovers, and not-so-subtle watches. The atmosphere is lively but not cramped, with tables spaced far enough apart to ensure conversations remain private.

The clientele is a clear reflection of the neighborhood. During a Tuesday visit, the restaurant was crowded with more men than women, a demographic that our server noted has historically skewed even more male. The crowd is a mix of power players seeking a break from the office.

The restaurant's popularity has only grown since it was highlighted as a financier's favorite. Our server mentioned that the location frequently hosts parties for banks and that Mondays and Fridays are typically the slowest lunch times, as many people work remotely on those days.

Despite the crowded room, the layout is conducive to business. The background din of conversation creates a lively ambiance without being intrusive. The only deal talk overheard was a woman on her way out mentioning her interest in bringing the company that owns the Empire State Building on as a client.

The menu prices are not surprising for New York City, but they seem more suited to a dinner service. The cheapest item in the entrée section was $31, and the total bill for two people came to $145 without cocktails.

Popular lunch choices observed included the macadamia-nut-crusted fresh catch and the ahi tuna poke bowl. Salads were also a common order, fitting for a midday meal. The 'world-famous' coconut shrimp appetizer, priced at $23, was a must-try item.

The food, however, was a point of contention. The coconut shrimp sat atop a papaya and mango chutney, adding a layer of sweetness to the coconut coating. While the cabbage salad was a highlight, the overall dish was too sweet. The wagyu French dip, at $33, was described as a bit too beefy, lacking the caramelized onions and Swiss cheese expected in a traditional French dip.

Despite the underwhelming food, the experience offers a clear understanding of why this spot has become a staple for the financial crowd. The service is efficient without feeling rushed, and the staff is friendly and laid-back, quickly offering to switch diners to a better table.

The atmosphere provides a mental escape from the cold and windy Midtown streets. It is easy to forget you are in the middle of Manhattan while sitting in the palm-filled dining room, until you look out the window or at the men in Charles Tyrwhitt vests next to you.

The price is comparable to a steakhouse dinner, but for those with a corporate card, it is a justifiable expense for a productive, semi-private business lunch. The combination of location, atmosphere, and service makes it an unlikely but effective power lunch staple.

The Tommy Bahama experience in Midtown is a study in contrasts. It brings a slice of Floridian charm to the heart of New York's financial district, creating a unique environment where business and leisure intersect.

While the food may not be the main draw, the restaurant succeeds in providing a refuge for professionals looking to escape the surrounding skyscrapers. It serves as a reminder that in the world of high finance, the setting and convenience can often be just as important as the meal itself.