Review: Beast & Butterflies at M Social Times Square Serves Up Comfort Cuisine With a View

Located on West 52nd Street, Beast & Butterflies at M Social Times Square offers a picturesque hideaway that gives you all the incredible views of the area’s vibrancy without being directly in the crowds.

If you’re going to a show, this is a perfect restaurant to check out before. Given its location, you’re right where you need to be for any Broadway act, making it ideal to enjoy a drink and a meal without feeling too pressed for time. Besides, with views like this, you’ll want to linger. 

Upon arrival, you’ll walk into the lounge area, dotted with greenery and comfy chairs that lead to the bustling bar. Here, you can pull up a chair and enjoy a cocktail cleverly named after New York icons, like the pineapple-infused "Who You Gonna Call?" -a Ghostbusters play on made with Malibu rum, raspberry vodka, and blue curacao.

But if you’re looking for a sit-down meal, you’ll want to head past the bar to the dining room. You’ll know you’re in the right place once you see the floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the views of the bright lights of Times Square. With an indoor glass perch and a wraparound rooftop terrace, there are plenty of spots to dine with a view, but we liked our seat in a comfy booth with ample views ahead and to the side.

To start, we chose the classic Mac & cheese from the “Sharing Bites” section and were not disappointed. A simple comfort dish never felt more indulgent, with creamy cheese and breadcrumbs for the perfect amount of crunch. 

Then, we moved on to the “Big Bites” and, with the help of our friendly server, opted for some of the juciest pan-seared Atlantic salmon we've ever enjoyed that was served over Swiss chard and couscous in a citrus beurre blanc, along with a massive prime NY strip steak we loved dipping into chimichurri and paired with perfectly-cut duck fat thyme fries.

If you have room (and time) for dessert, there is a modest offering of three classic choices: ice cream selected by the chef, NY cheesecake, and chocolate mousse cake. 

While Beast & Butterflies may be ideal for tourists visiting with a prime location, even New Yorkers can appreciate the picturesque views, friendly service, and comfy atmosphere. 

Beast & Butterflies at M Social Times Square is located at 226 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019. For more information or to make reservations, visit https://www.beastandbutterfliesnyc.com/location/beast-and-butterflies/ 

(Photos courtesy of M Social Times Square and Carissa Chesanek)