Ted’s Montana Grill on 51st Street brings a welcome dose of hearty Western flair to the Midtown dining scene. This outpost of Ted Turner’s bison-focused restaurant chain manages to feel like a genuine oasis amid the corporate surroundings, with its warm wood paneling, pressed tin ceiling, and leather booths creating a cozy atmosphere that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

What makes Ted’s stand out in a neighborhood filled with expense-account steakhouses is its unique focus on bison – leaner, more flavorful, and more sustainable than traditional beef. The bison burgers are justifiably famous, with juicy patties that retain their moisture despite the meat’s naturally lean profile. The bison pot roast offers pure comfort food satisfaction with a depth of flavor that makes you wonder why you don’t eat bison more often.

The service hits that sweet spot between friendly and professional that’s sometimes hard to find in Midtown establishments. The staff seems genuinely proud of the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable practices and happily guides first-timers through the menu’s bison offerings.

While it’s technically part of a chain, Ted’s doesn’t feel cookie-cutter – there’s an authenticity to the experience that’s refreshing. It’s an ideal spot for a business lunch that won’t put you to sleep afterward, a pre-theater meal that won’t break the bank, or simply a reliably satisfying dinner when you crave something hearty but don’t want standard steakhouse fare.