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| AMERICAN/ CAJUN/ BBQ
Ouest: American. 2315 B-Way @ 83-4th; 23/22/$63; 580-8700; New American; Chef Tom Valenti; Upscale comfort food; Wonderfully prepared cuisine; Sexy scene, very romantic & date friendly & spacious; Polished service; Retro style room. $29 2-course Sunday Brunch; Port Shank, Leg of Lamb, Short Ribs, Steak, Salmon, Tuna, Cod, Rabbit and nice array of appetizers. Dovetail: American. 103 W 77th @ Columbus; 26/22/$69; 362-3800; Extremely upscale New-American; Gorgeous food creations; Works of art on your plate; Pricy- & limited menu (see online); Received 3-stars from NYT and 1-star from Michelin; Two levels; Fine dining and certainly the presentation and service are the greatest strengths. If you like the options on the menu – go – it will be prepared top notch. Whym: American. 889 9th Av @ 58th; 21/18/$41; 315-0088; Creative Cuisine; Great use of exotic spices; Nightclub feel with a bar scene; Eclectic menu; High energy space; New America “scene” restaurant. Bar Americain: American. 152 W 52nd @ 6th -7th Av; 23/23/$62; 265-9700; Owned by Bobby Flay – his American brasserie; Mega Bistro; Very spacious though a bit noisy; Eclectic menu including a top Raw Bar and steaks. Brunch is served as well, though pricy ($17-$24 drink not included); Dinner menu includes Duck, Red Snapper, Venison and Lamp Chops – 10 items; Appetizers are amazing. Thalia: American. 828 8th Av @ 50th; 23/22/$47; 399-4444; Creative dishes; Great for Brunch as well; Very good date spot with spacious, well done décor. Fun location near nightlife. Excellent Raw Bar. Spacious bar area. Gracious service. Delta Grill: Cajun. 700 9th Ave @ 48th; 21/17/$35; 956-0934; Apologies to foodies but this place has outstanding southern and Louisiana classics; Jumbalaya is the best; Crawfish amazing; Gumbo; Blackened catfish; Also, cheapo bar specials cool laid back décor. Fun, reliable option in the area. Always popular and they have live music on weekends. Glass House Tavern: American. 252 W 47th @ B-Way-8th; 21/21/$46; 730-4800; Perfect for pre-theatre; Huge place with stylish décor- more airy than tavern; Top notch service will get you to your show on time; Bi-level setting; Brunch, lunch, and pre-theatre specials available; Rock Shrimp Risotto; Lamb Shank; Lots of fun pasta dishes; Fresh Mozz; Just a fun place a large crowd can all enjoy.
Bourbon Street Bar: Cajun. 346 46th @ 8-9th Av; 20/21/$40; 245-2030; Classic New Orleans setting complete with wrought iron fencing; Alligator on menu; Classic Jambalaya; Tasty cuisine and great place to have a drink anytime. Be prepared – much more of a happy hour/ late night bar scene than a restaurant but if you want great pub/ Cajun fare – this is it. Umm Crawfish Mac N Cheese!!
Daisy May’s BBQ: BBQ. 623 11th Av @ 46th; 22/7/$23; 977-1500; Amazing smokey ribs, chicken and Southern classics; Tasty sides; Get it to go; Stay – if you like a dive-diner setting. Real south in NYC. The BBQ overall is great for NYC standards and good-solid for overall standards; They do get that nice smokey flavor right. Drink it down with amazing sweet tea served in a mason jar. Film Center Café: American. 635 9th Av @ 44-5th; 20/17/$27; 262-2525; Amazing all you can drink brunch; Great Low key bar scene; Upscale diner fare for dinner; Trendy and excellent food. Artists from the school across the street. $39.95 dinner for 2 featuring 2 entrees, an appetizer and a carafe of sangria or wine or beer; Food = Amazing for diner quality… not so for a gourmet meal. Brunch is way to go. 44 & X Hell’s Kitchen: American. 622 10th Av @ 44th; 22/19/45; 977-1170; Essentially a storefront with outdoor dining in summer; Fancy versions of comfort food; Incredible Mac n cheese; Lively bar scene as well. Gay friendly vibe; Lunch, brunch and dinner served; Lobster tacos on menu; Great mix of meat and seafood dishes and lots of amazing appetizers; Solid for any palate. Virgil’s Real Barbecue: BBQ. 152 W 44th @ B-Way-6th; 20/13/$33; 921-9494; American; Known for perfect ribs; Meat lover’s heaven; Burgers and Barbecue chicken. Barn-like joint; Fairly authentic. Fun time. Pulled pork, beef briskets. Aureole: American. 135 W 42nd @ B-Way-6th Av; 26/24/$99; 319-1660; High end players and celebrities frequent the bar; Impeccable service and gorgeous décor- fairly modern; Prix-fixe only dinner in dining room for $89; Can eat in large bar-room for much less (Apps- ~$17, Entrees ~$35); Delicious menu for those who can afford it; The epitome of high-end American. Hill Country: BBQ. 30 W 26th @ B-Way-6th Av; 23/16/$33; 255-4544; Large, two level new restaurant as of 2008; Looks like a roadhouse; Communal tables; Cafeteria feel; Authentic BBQ ribs, pulled pork and southern classics; Have fund gaining 3 pounds; Sides are outstanding; All kinds of daily dine-in deals; Brother Jimmy’s level ambiance. Abe & Arthur’s: American. 409 W 14th @ 9th Av-Washington; 22/23/$68; 646-289-3930; Popular hotspot that doubles as a wine & champagne bar; Extremely trendy with great energy; Steaks and seafood on menu; Good looking crowd; Located in a very popular area; Mac & Cheese, Creamed spinach sides amazing; Best described as a New American, limited menu steakhouse. Trestle on Tenth. American – Swiss. 242 10th Av @ 24th; 21/18/$49; 645-5659; Swiss owner infuses his influence into new-American; Brick walled décor; Garden in summer; Limited, often changing menu of creative dishes; Pleasant Chelsea experience. Red Cat: American. 227 10th Av @ 23-24th; 24/20/$53; 242-1122; Standout; Phenomenal New American-Mediterranean influenced cuisine; Homey feel. Young, hip crowd with energy; A+ service; Tops for area; Ideal eclectic sort of feel. Cookshop: American. 156 10th Av @ 20th; 23/19/$51; 924-4440; Frequently changing menu; Creative, unique dishes; Modern décor and great staff. Excellent brunch; Farm fresh, healthy ingredients. Farm-to-table mentality; From creators of “Five Points”; Uber trendy and always welcoming. Limited dinner menu; Lunch, breakfast and afternoon dining available. Perry St: American/ New French; 176 Perry @ West; 25/24/$67; 352-1900; From the Jean-George empire; Perfect service and an elegant, awe inspiring setting; NY Times 3 stars; Way far west location; Prix Fixe options; Crispy Calamari; Chili Crab Dumplings; Weekend brunch – 2 small plates & dessert for $28; Sea Bass, Crusted Tuna; Poached Lobster; Grilled Cod; Stirip Steak; Short Ribs & even a cheeseburger. Little Owl: American. 90 Bedford @ Grove; 25/18/$54; 741-4695; Mediterranean influenced; Extremely tiny (10 tables) but epic good food; Soft Shell crab; Intricate cuisine; Flawless preparation. Bone-in pork chop stands out; Try brunch here… outstanding; Foodies flock here; Wildly popular and with limited space so reserve in advance; Skillet braised calamari; Lobster risotto; Fish options. Blue Ribbon Bakery: American. 35 Downing St @ Bedford; 24/19/$43; 337-0404; Bistro-bakery – don’t eat too much bread! Perfect for brunch- massive menu featuring many sandwiches and served Saturday as well; Thriving vibe; Huge appetizer list; Wonderful cheese selections that can be ordered for table; Fresh fish, lamb and steak available; Large dessert menu; Mas: American. 39 Downing St @ Bedford; 27/24/$85; 255-1790; Market driven cuisine with freshest ingredients; Six course tasting menu ($95); Four course prix fixe for $68; Epic wine list; Expensive so beware; Extremely well reviewed across the board; You can order a la carte as well; Check out website – well described menu that gets the mouth watering. Home: American. 20 Cornelia @ 4th St; 22/17/$42; 243-9579; Midwestern style roasted chicken; Mac ‘n’ cheese in a skillet is all the rave; Genius takes on comfort food; Eclectic menu; Fabulous brunch. Intimate setting; Short ribs to die for; Try the back patio or go off hours for more privacy; About 10 appetizers and 10 main courses to choose from. Market Table: American. 54 Carmine @ Bedford; 23/20/$49; 255-2100; Very popular space started by two successful chefs; Top service, New American menu; Barnyard-chic décor; Seafood is outstanding. Great setting for a meal with friends or a date; Somewhat of a limited menu; Old Bay fries and sautéed broccoli rabe are amazing sides; Short ribs, Sea Bream, Halibut, Scallops. Brunch menu. Annisa: American; 13 Barrow @ 7th Av & W 4th; 28/24/$77; 741-6699; Very expensive but so highly reviewed: Michelin 1 star; Foodies dream; Complex dishes impeccably prepared; $75 5-course tasting menu; Chef Anita Lo shines; Check out menu on line- fabulous; First class service and stylish, modern décor; Incredible restaurant; 12 tables- make a Rez; Entrees- $30-$36; Commerce: American. 50 Commerce @ Barrow; 23/20/$59; 524-2301; What a fantastic brunch place; Also, known for an incredible bread basket; No cash policy; Gorgeous neo-modern space with murals on the walls; This is a proper new-American restaurant- large list of appetizers that all sound delicious and creative, but with ingredients we all know; Cheese platters available; Mmm desserts. Perilla: American. 9 Jones St @ Bleecker-W 4th; 26/21/$56; 929-6868; Owned by Top Chef TV show winner Harold Dieterle; Huge hit, and popular New-American spot; Small space; Complex, unique dishes. Often changing menu- see online. Grilled Branzino often on menu; Dark Chocolate Souffle; Spicy Duck Meatballs; Duck Breast entrée; Just 18 tables – make a Rez; 6 course tasting menu for $70 is a great deal. True winner of a restaurant. North Square: American. 103 Waverly @ MacDougal; 23/19/$47; 254-1200; They try to pass off as a quaint American bistro with great service and they succeed; Excelltn Brunch menu - $20 prix fixe includes a drink; Very nice dinner menu: Grilled Shrimp, Lobster Risotto, Tuna Tartare, Lots of salads, Roasted Lobster, Short Ribs, Duck breast, Cod, Filet, Yellowfin Tuna, Rack of Lamb, Scallops, Arctic Char. Blue Hill: American. 75 Washington Pl @ MacDougal-6th Av; 27/24/$82; 539-1776; Michelin gives it 1 star and NY Times 3 stars; Farm to table philosophy; Freshest possible seasonal ingredients; Celeb hot spot but unpretentious; Well presented, smallish portions; Haut cuisine for sure; Critically acclaimed; Limited menu so check online 1st but what is served, is memorable! Blue Ribbon: American. 97 Sullivan @ Prince-Spring; 26/18/$52; 274-0404; Late night dining specialists; Eclectic menu including Fried Chicken, Cheese Fondue, Oxtail, Burgers, Lobster...has it all! Fairly small in size; Tons of items to choose from- huge menu; Oyster perfection; Just a fabulous restaurant – nothing wrong; Even pigeon on the menu. Raw bar. Jane: American. 100 W Houston @ LaGuardia-Thompson; 22/17/$40; 254-7000; Amazing, imaginative, and fairly priced American classics like the Jane Burger; Hanger Steak; and Ahi Tuna; Top of the line Brunch; Friendly staff; Great selection. Go for lunch or brunch only to get the best experience; Satisfying and inexpensive; French Toast and Bloody Marys stand out. Duane Park Café: American. 157 Duane @ Hudson-WBWay; 25/21/$54; 732-5555; Extremely good dishes in an upscale yet trendy location; Can’t go wrong; Affordable for genre. Stately décor which features live Jazz and throwback burlesque acts; Medium-sized location reminding one of the old south; Certainly a great date spot; Seafood Bouillabaisse stands out. Marc Forgione: American. 134 Reade @ Greenwich-Hudson; 24/23/$65; 941-9401; The former Iron chef earns 1 Michelin star for his work here; Focus is on farm-to-table cuisine; Website is like reading a book on the seemingly self-indulgent team; But – food is excellent and the décor modern and attractive; Great Brunch available featuring a bottomless Mimosa for $14 and a good Bloody Mary; Limited menu and website features pictures of the food which is cool. Tribeca Grill: American. 375 Greenwich @ Franklin; 22/20/$58; 941-3900; DeNiro owned, classy New American restaurant. Spacious, reliable, great service, and an occasional celebrity. Seared sea scallops stand out; Extensive, pricy drink list. High end but quality. The Harrison: American. 355 Greenwich @ Harrison; 24/21/$59; 274-9310; Upscale New American from new chef Jimmy Bradley; Limited menu of top prepared food; Like dining in the Hamptons; Great Appetizers including Buffalo Mozz;. From owners of The Red Cat restaurant in Chelsea; Pork Shank and Veal T-Bone and the Hanger steak stand out. Mercer Kitchen: American. 99 Prince @ Mercer; 22/23/$56; 966-5454; American-French fare; Mercer Hotel Restaurant; Very sleek and cool; Celeb spot; Upscale professional crowd; Impeccable. Run by Jean-George Vongerichten; Try the butternut squash soup; Raw bar; Individual pizzas available; Skate, Sea Bass, Salmon, Haddock, Lobster, Steak and Lamb stew all on menu;
Eight Mile Creek: Australian. 240 Mulberry @ Prince – Spring; 20/15/$37; 431-4635; Great energy; Kangaroo steak on menu; Garden, Pub & Formal dining area; Upscale Outback. Tasmanian oysters. Lively bar scene downstairs – perfect to start off evening. Spicy prawn dumplings; BBQ Artichoke; Limited menu but wholly authentic. Freemans: American. Freeman Alley off Rivington @ Bowey; 21/22/$48; 420-0012; Savory American fare; They feature an excellent wine and cocktail list; Grilled sea scallops; Five Cheese Macaroni; Arctic Char; Lamb Shank; and Filet Mignon all stand out; They have a famous appetizer you must try- the Artichoke Dip which is raved about; Very trendy spot. Little Giant: American. 85 Orchard @ Broome; 23/17/$42; 226-5047; New American cuisine; Daring dishes; Cool décor; Happy staff; Rising star; Small open kitchen; Seasonal ingredients; Mac n Cheese! Try the happening brunch menu and scene – but go early; Basically, refined comfort food- all extremely affordable for the price; Limited menu only drawback. Stanton Social: American. 99 Stanton @ Ludlow-Orchard; 24/23/$52; 995-0099; Ultra cool, popular, hip spot; Eclectic food; Trendy as hell; Young, good looking crowd, often celebs; American small plates and more; Food is outstanding and best if shared; Two levels; Red Snapper Tacos; French Onion Soup. Alias: American. 76 Clinton @ Rivington; 22/15/$36; 505-5011; American comfort food; Like an upscale diner but better than that; Creative cuisine in a welcoming setting. Cool Lower East Side vibe in a spot that gets popular in the evening; Solid if not spectacular. Brunch is the best – Bloody Mary called Crustacean Mary with a chilled shrimp; Mac n Cheese to die for; Prune: American. 54 1st St @ 1-2nd Av; 24/16/$48; 677-6221; Chef is a genius; New American; Known as Brunch haven- gets packed; You must try the Bloody Mary (10 types to pick from) & order Eggs Benedict; Epic food; Too small- 10 tables; Food produced is work of art. Go early or be prepared to wait; Dinner is New American – casual setting. Public: American. 210 Elizabeth @ Prince-Spring; 25/24/$57; 343-7011; Wonderful eclectic menu; Michelin 1 star rated; Unique offerings, incredible surroundings; Hip, trendy feel; Popular date spot. Creative dishes – even Kangaroo on occasion & Tasmanian Sea Trout; Great bar to dine at or drink; Incredible wine list/ cocktails (not cheap); Somewhat crowded but great date spot; Chatham Cod, Braised Lamb, New Zealand Venison, Smail & Oxtail Ravioli. Butter: American. 415 Lafayette @ Astor-4th St; 22/23/$63; 253-2828; Besides excellent food, this is a hot nightlife destination; Cathedral-like ground floor- beautiful; Two other dining rooms too, each with own ambiance; Mac n Cheese as a side; Lots of steaks on menu; Limited entrée selection; $90 5-course tasting menu; The $14 cocktails are actually incredible; Pricy – but ideal date/ pre-evening hot spot. Five Points: American. 31 Great Jones (3rd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/21/$47; 253-5700; New American cuisine; Incredible Brunch- possibly the best in the city; Large, open kitchen; Skylit location; Eclectic Menu & popular with stylish crowd; Brook running through middle; Top notch service; Seasonal menu. Service as good as the menu; Go for brunch if your 1st time; Same owners as Cookshop; Knickerbocker B&G: American. 33 University Pl (near 4th Av) @ 9th St; 22/19/$46; 228-8490; Focus is on steaks, happily at less than steakhouse prices; Large portions; 70s décor. Non-pretentious; Live weekend Jazz; Dependable- notch down from top meat emporiums. Basically, a fin meat and potatoes type of restaurant; Get the T-bone; Overstuffed sandwiches are amazing. Graffiti: American. 224 E 10th @ 1st-2nd Av; 25/15/$48; 677-0695; Gorgeous little wine bar; Perfect for light fare before heading out; Also a great date spot or for a drink pre-dinner somewhere else; Foodies love this place; Fair prices – wine is $8 / glass or $25/bottle. Food is Eclectic in style with Indian influence. The chef has appreaed twice on the Iron Chef. 15 types of wine on the menu. Gotham B&G: American. 12 E 12th @ 5th; 27/25/$75; 620-4020; New American; $31 prix fixe lunch; Terrific food; Always wonderful. Manhattan institution; Perfect service; Dates, Business or Casual. Majestic room & epic service; Soft Shell crab in season. You can’t go wrong here. Michelin 1-star; Just an insanely popular place that always pleases; Chef Alfred Portale; Expect to pay about $100/ person with a drink; By the way – the bar is excellent. 35 page wine list on line; S’MAC: American. 345 E 12th @ 1st-2nd Av; 23/8/$15; 358-7912; All they serve in Macaroni and Cheese; Served about 15 different ways with a multitude of toppings; Done in hot skillets; So yummy. Hearth: American. 403 E 12th St @ 1st Av; 25/20/$62; 646-602-1300; Upscale yet relaxed; Exactly what the East Village needed; Pricy yet inspired New American selections; Limited, seasonal menu- ever changing with daily specials. Excellent food and date friendly; $72 7-course tasting menu; Italian dishes as well from Chef Marco Canora; Great cheese plates available; Northern Spy Food Co: American. 511 E 12th @ Av A-B; 23/18/$30; 228-5100; Better known for amazing lunch and weekend brunch; Market in the back selling local foods; Lots of farm-fresh ingredients and menu items (lots of salads); Fairly limited menu and not terribly creative, but the food is healthy and refreshing. Mesa Grill: American. 102 5th Av @ 15-16th; 24/20/$55; 807-7400; Iron Chef Bobby Flay’s Southwestern masterpiece; Margaritas are wondrous; Fun place, date spot; Bold flavors shown off in creative dishes. Must-try in area. Somewhat dated décor and Bobby Flay rarely there – to note; Try the Tuna Nachos, Mushroom Quesadilla, Port Tenderloin. Menu could be bigger. Union Square Café: American. 21 E 16th @ 5th; 27/23/$65; 243-4020; New American; So good, so popular; Inspired cooking; Walk-in Bar/ lively scene. Voted #1 Popular in Zagats; Danny Meyer owned; Seasonal ingredients; Down to earth yet perfect service; Every course will be cooked with inspiration. ABC Kitchen: American. 35 E 18th St @ B-Way-Park; 24/23/$55; 475-5829; New hotspot from super-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; Seasonal delicacies; Ultra-fresh ingredients from farm to table; Country setting; Less formal than other restaurant in his empire; 12-15 appetizers, 7-10 entrees; Extremely popular and decently affordable. Craft: American. 43 E 19th @ B-Way; 26/23/$78; 780-0880; Flagship of Top Chef TV’s Tom Colicchio; Relaxing, sophisticated environment; Spot-on service; Try the beef short ribs; Nice mix of seafood/ shellfish and meat dishes with lots of appetizers and side dishes to choose from; Seasonal menu so check the website for changes; Tasting is $110 a person; Most main courses under $35. Craftbar: American. 900 B-Way @ 19th-20th; 23/20/$52; 461-4300; Top Chef TV’s Tom Colicchio’s more casual sibling to flagship “Craft” down the block; Spot-on service; Nice mix of seafood/ shellfish and meat dishes with lots of appetizers and side dishes to choose from; Seasonal menu so check the website for changes; Brunch available – outstanding. Gramercy Tavern: American. 42 E 20th @ B-Way-Park; 28/26/$99; 477-0777; Flawless food, service; New Chef Michael Anthony; Cheaper by the front Tavern which has own menu & a cool bar scene & amazing drinks; Expensive here b/c this place is an all-time NYC institution. Memorable evenings. Tasting Menu is way to go- $116 for tasting, $88 for choice; King Crab on menu; More affordable lunch tasting menu $58. Danny Meyer owned. Cocktails $13, beer $8. Do the tavern… Blue Smoke: BQ. 116 E 27th @ Lex-Park: 22/17/$42; 447-7733; Danny Meyer’s upscale rib house; Best BBQ in city; Live Jazz; Smokehouse; Melt in your mouth ribs; Excellent Sides; Excellent beers to choose from & excellent Bourbon bar; Pulled pork outstanding; You must try the Mac n Cheese; Lively setting; Perfect for the whole family. Hillstone: American. 378 Park Ave @ 27th; 21/19/$38; 689-1090; Upscale pub highlighted by an excellent bar scene; Major after-work scene; Chicken fingers- off the menu; Upscale entrees and even sushi offered (multiple special rolls); Great place for a within-budget American meal. Other standouts: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Veggie Burger, Grilled Artichokes, Rib Eye, Arctic Char, Crab Cakes. Black Duck: American. 122 E 28th @ Lex-Park; 21/19/$51; 448-0888; Cool, pub-like setting for delicious New American including many seafood dishes; Romantic, date friendly including a fireplace; Live Jazz on weekends; Tuna Tartare, Clam Chowder, Wasabi Tuna, Halibut, Braised short ribs all on menu. Pleasant surprise and always reliable. Houston’s: American. 153 E 53rd @ 3rd Av; 20/29/$38; 888-3828; Upscale pub highlighted by an excellent bar scene; Major after-work scene; Chicken fingers- off the menu; Upscale entrees and even sushi offered; Great place for a within budget American meal. Hillstone: American. 153 E 53rd @ 3rd Ave; 21/19/$38; 888-3828; Upscale pub highlighted by an excellent bar scene; Major after-work scene; Chicken fingers- off the menu; Upscale entrees and even sushi offered (multiple special rolls); Great place for a within-budget American meal. Other standouts: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Veggie Burger, Grilled Artichokes, Rib Eye, Arctic Char, Crab Cakes. Plaza Food Hall: American. Plaza Hotel; 1 W 59th @ 5th Av; 22/25/$41; 986-9260; Located in the lower level, this Todd English eatery features 8 different counter stations; Each station prepares different foods including: seafood, sushi, dumplings, noodle, pizza, tapas, pasta, bakery, and a grill station...the great thing is that any place you sit, you can order food from all the menus; Open kitchen throughout and a market to buy food as well as a wine bar; Bloody Mary is great; Take out available; Amazing experience. David Burke Townhouse: American. 133 E 61st @ Lex-Park; 24/24/$71; 813-2121; The ultimate place to go for brunch with a date or for a ladies night/day out; Whimsically presented dishes in a doll house setting; Tons of glitz and glamour and insanely uniquely prepared dishes; $39 prix fixe 3 course brunch; “Crisp & Angry Lobster” appetizer – yes; Check out seasonal menu on-line; Just a ton of fun. Apps: $16-22; Entrees: $34-48; Service is outstanding as well; Creativity worth it. Park Avenue: American. 100 E 63rd @ Lex-Park; 25/26/$73; 644-1900; Seasonal menu and the restaurant undergoes entire face-lifts in décor as well to inspire; Gorgeous setting- townhouse feel and also eclectic; Weekend brunch; One of the best New American menus I’ve seen with more selections than usual for an upscale scene; Check out the menu on the web each season. | |
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