|
|
| AMERICAN/ CAJUN/ BBQ
Ouest: American. 2315 B-Way @ 83-4th; 25/22/$63; 580-8700; New American; Chef Tom Valenti; Upscale comfort food; Wonderfully prepared cuisine; Sexy scene, very romantic & date friendly; Polished service; Retro style room. Pinch & S’MAC: American. 474 Columbus @ 82-83rd; 23/10/$15; 686-5222; All they serve in Macaroni and Cheese and Pizza by the inch; Served about 15 different ways with a multitude of toppings; Mac Done in hot skillets; Multiple types of pizza can be ordered – each few inches different. Dovetail: American. 103 W 77th @ Columbus; 26/21/$67; 362-3800; Extremely upscale New-American; Gorgeous food creations; Works of art on your plate; Pricy- & limited menu (see online); Outstanding. 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 @ 6-7th Av; 23/22/$60; 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. 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.
Bourbon Street Bar: Cajun. 346 46th @ 8-9th Av; 20/23/$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.
Daisy May’s BBQ: BBQ. 623 11th Av @ 46th; 23/6/$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. 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 a diner; Trendy and excellent food. Artists from the school. 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. 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. 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. 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. Klee Brasserie: Eclectic-American. 200 9th Ave @ 22-23rd; 21/19/$52; 633-8033; French and Austria influenced New American (if that is a cuisine); Standouts include Mini Lobster rolls; Duck with plums and honey; and Rhode Island Monkfish. 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. Little Owl: American. 90 Bedford @ Grove; 24/18/$54; 741-4695; Mediterranean influenced; Extremely tiny (10 tables) but epic good food; Soft Shell crab; Intricate cuisine; Flawless preparation. Home: American. 20 Cornelia @ 4th St; 22/17/$44; 243-9579; Midwestern style roasted chicken; Mac ‘n’ cheese in a skillet; Genius takes on comfort food; Eclectic menu; Fabulous brunch. Smallish. Market Table: American. 54 Carmine @ Bedford; 23/19/$49; 255-2100; Very popular space started by two successful chefs; Top service, New American menu; Barnyard-chic décor; Seafood is outstanding. Annisa: American; 13 Barrow @ 7th Av & W 4th; 27/23/77; 741-6699; Very expensive but so highly reviewed it makes it. Foodies dream; Complex dishes impeccably prepared; $75 tasting menu; Chef Anita Lo; Check out menu on line (click the name here!) Perilla: American. 9 Jones St@ Bleecker-W 4th; 25/20/$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. Blue Ribbon: American. 97 Sullivan @ Prince-Spring; 25/17/$50; 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. 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. Shorty’s.32: American. 199 Prince @ Sullivan; 25/15/$42; 375-8275; Gourmet Comfort food from a celebrity chef; Out of control tasty; High end Mac & Cheese; Short Ribs; Chicken; Fish. Comfortable setting; 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; Limited menu. 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 chef Amanda Freitag; Limited menu of top prepared food; Like dining in the Hamptons; Great appetizers. Upscale casual. Mercer Kitchen: American. 99 Prince @ Mercer; 22/23/$56; 966-5454; American-French; Mercer Hotel Restaurant; Very sleek and cool; Celeb spot; Upscale professional crowd; Impeccable. Run by Jean-George Vongerichten; Delicious. Savoy: American-Med. 70 Prince @ Crosby; 24/20/$54; 219-8570; Amazing restaurant with ultra fresh ingredients used in imaginative dishes; Two levels, fireplaces; Romantic setting; Seasonal food & drink menu.
Eight Mile Creek: Australian. 240 Mulberry @ Prince – Spring; 20/15/$37; 431-4635; Great energy; Kangaroo on menu; Garden, Pub & Formal dining area; Upscale Outback. Tasmanian oysters. Bar scene. Little Giant: American. 85 Orchard @ Broome; 22/18/$42; 226-5047; New American cuisine; Daring dishes; Cool décor; Happy staff; Rising star; Small open kitchen; Seasonal ingredients; Mac n Cheese! The Orchard: American. 162 Orchard @ Rivington-Stanton; 23/22/$51; 353-3570; Tables well spaced; Innovative Med-inspired fare; Top for the area. Hip but mature types; Sexy vibe and great wine list. 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. 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; Epic food; Too small- 10 tables; Food produced is work of art. Public: American. 210 Elizabeth @ Prince-Spring; 23/24/$53; 343-7011; Wonderful eclectic menu; Unique offerings, incredible surroundings; Hip, trendy feel; Popular date spot. Creative dishes – even Kangaroo on occasion & Tasmanian Sea Trout. Five Points: American. 31 Great Jones (3rd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/21/$47; 253-5700; New American cuisine; Incredible Brunch; Large, open kitchen; Skylit location; Eclectic Menu & popular with stylish crowd; Brook running through middle; Top notch service; Seasonal menu. Knickerbocker B&G: American. 33 University Pl (near 4th Av) @ 9th St; 20/18/$46; 228-8490; Focus is on steaks at less than steakhouse prices; Large portions; 70s décor. Non-pretentious; Live weekend Jazz; Dependable- notch down from top meat emporiums. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 cool bar scene & amazing drinks; Expensive here b/c this place is an all-time NYC institution. Memorable evenings. Chef Michael Anthony Blue Smoke: BBQ. 116 E 27th @ Lex-Park: 22/17/$42; 447-7733; Best BBQ in city; Live Jazz; Smokehouse; Melt in your mouth ribs; Excellent Sides; Danny Meyer owned; Excellent beers to choose from & excellent Bourbon bar; Pulled pork. Houston’s: American. 378 Park Ave@ 27th; 20/29/$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; Great place for a within budget American meal. Avon Bistro: American. 155 E 52nd @ Lex – 3rd Av; 752-9587; 23/20/$41; Menu consists of grilled and seafood selections all at bistro prices (fair). Trendy for the area and a cool pre-game dining spot. Menu changes seasonally & has French & Italian accents. Buffalo Mozz & Salmon dishes stand out. 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. | |
|