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| CHELSEA / GARMENT / MEATPACKING (13th-37th; West of 6th Av) Djerdan Burek: Serbian. 221 W 38th @ 8th Av; 20/14/$35; 921-1183; Known for incredible burkes – giant slabs of flaky phyllo pie stuffed with various ingredients like spinach & cheese or beef; Kebabs; Goulash; Eastern European delights. Try the Bosnian special or Musaka; Beef Goulash excellent. Website has pics of all the food; Certainly not fancy and best for lunch. Madangsui: Korean. 35 W 35th @ 6th Av; 23/13/$38; 564-9333; Known for having some of the best, flavorful BBQ in town; Wonderful Kalbi for sure; Seafood pancake appetizer is amazing; Great for a larger group; Wonderful soups and dumplings; The BBQ is $26 or so and you get a ton of food. Best to come here with a larger group. Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 440 9th Av @ 34-35th; 244-0005; 22/19/$70; Melt in your mouth giant cuts of beef; 3 pound porterhouse for 2 for $85; Carnivore’s delight; Old school scene. Pricy. Kum Gang San: Korean. 49 W 32nd @ Broadway; 21/15/$33; 967-0909; Open 24/7; Extremely popular Korean BBQ with large menu of classics; Truly lots of fun, especially with a group; Affordable pricing. The meats are marinated to perfection and are so tasty off of the grill; Fairly cheap, like the décor, but lots of fun and great portions. The usual large array of free Korean side dishes. Shilla: Korean. 37 West 32nd @ 5th-6th Av; 22/19/$44; 967-1880; Upscale Korean BBQ house; Japanese entrees as well; Large selection of seafood or meats to grill; Plenty of a la carte- prepared items as well; Probably the best of its genre in the area. Won Jo: Korean. 23 W 32nd @ B-Way-5th Av; 21/12/$31; 695-5815; Perfectly marinated BBQ; Wood fires; Cheap; Cook it yourself at this huge BBQ house; First class food – even great fish selections. Kang Suh: Korean. 1250 Broadway @ 32nd; 21/12/$35; 564-6845; Do it yourself BBQ; Open 24/7; Also offers standard Korean fare like great Kimche and even sushi; Fried Beef dumplings; 2-levels, upstairs is better. Huge menu of soups; sauces and meats; Overall the menu is massive and a perfect spot for someone not so sure about Korean. Weak on décor and service. 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. 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. El Quinto Pino: Spanish. 401 W 24th @ 9-10th Av; 24/18/$35; 206-6900; Shoebox-sized; Meant for grazing at bar and tiny tables before heading elsewhere. Why go? Shockingly good tapas on the short menu & sangria; Pop in for 45 minutes and enjoy! 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. Francisco’s Centro Vasco: Seafood-Spanish. 159 W 23rd @ 6-7th Av; 23/13/$47; 645-6224; Lobster house, plain and simple. Come for genius crustaceans; Best is a Lobster stuffed with crab meat and swiss cheese; Cheap for the genre with huge portions. Lobster tails stand out as well; Alaskan King Crab; Crab meat without the shell; Shrimp Scampi; Escargot; Soft Shell Crabs. Tia Pol: Spanish. 205 W 10th Av @ 22-23rd; 24/15/$38; 675-8805; Small plates; Chelsea Spaniard; Tapas a la Barcelona. Lively & has top notch wines & sangria; Very small inside- seating on stools or at bar. Momoya: Japanese. 185 7th Av @ 21st; 22/20/$41; 989-4466; Simple, spacious setting; Unreal-fresh sushi; Extremely unique, tasty rolls; Menu features many cooked dishes and boxes as well; Great deal for the quality; Inventive & high quality all in one. Tons of sake available; This place is under the radar and one of the best mid-priced options in the genre. 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. Periyali: Greek. 35 W 20th @ 5-6th Av; 24/21/$55; 463-7890; Fabulous fresh fish; Mature crowd; Upscale; Formal, friendly. Classic Greek dishes. Not as seafood focused as others; Strong menu with large appetizer section. Lamb chops and charred Octopus are musts; You will think your in the Greek Islands; Greek meatballs; Crisp Calamari; Wild Salmon; Rabbit stew; Nice wine list. O Mai: Vietnamese. 158 9th Av @ 19-20th; 23/16/$35; 633-0550; Upscale for Vietnamese; Soft lighting; Good for dates; Neighborhood friendly spot; Fairly tight quarters with food that makes it worth it. As with most of its genre, the Pho is to way to go; Sizable menu with rice, and a variety of beef dishes; Grilled calamari appetizer; Socarrat Paella Bar: Spanish. 259 W 19th @ 7-8th Av; 23/15/$45; 462-1000; They feature 6 varieties of Paella and a large assortment of Tapas; Downside is communal seating at a lengthy table; Fun time. Gascogne: French. 158 8th Av @ 17-18th; 21/19/$48; 675-6564; French hideaway; Garden in back; Date spot; Bistro style fare. Honey glazed duck; $27 pre-theatre prix-fixe; Rack of Lamb with Thyme. They serve lunch, brunch (suggested) and have a decent dinner menu; Not a huge choice of selections but reliable all-round; They also have a great selection of Armagnac which I love. Suenos: Mexican. 311 W 17th @ 8-9th Av; 24/19/$45; 243-1333; Upscale Mexican on a secluded street; Great food worth the extra money for the genre. Lobster empanadas stand out. Margaritas yummy. Not super formal – just terribly good; Seasonal menu; All the cocktails are in fact well prepared; Date friendly or ideal for a small group; Very unique dishes & classics as well. Crema: Mexican. 111 W 17th @ 6-7th; 23/18/$46; 691-4477; Energetic place with high end Mexican, powerful drinks, & creative food choices. Steers clear from the usual Mexican fare in hopes of inspiring; French-influenced chef Julieta Ballesteros creates great unique dishes. The Guac is truly delish so be sure to order this as an appetizer; Great bar scene. I love the menu here. Da Umberto: Italian. 107 W 17th @ 6th-7th Av; 25/20/$59; 989-0303; Beautiful dining room with a strong Italian feel and well spaced tables; Fantastic Italian-focused wine list, though wines not cheap; The Antipastis are to die for- many to choose from including grilled calamari; Shrimp scampi; chicken breast with bufala mozz & tomatoes; SO many great dishes! Expect A+ level service. Matsuri: Japanese. 369 W 16th @ 9th; 23/25/$59; 243-6400; Maritime Hotel; Gorgeous décor; Sexy people; Trendy with a great lounge. Larger than life décor; Sushi fresher than a new born; Fashionable date place with model types; Non-sushi dishes are hit and miss; The ambiance makes up for anything lacking in the meal; Grab a drink at the bar beforehand. Menu huge with all types of Japanese food. Morimoto: Japanese. 88 10th Av @ 15-16th; 24/26/$75; 989-8883; Hot Sushi place; Trendy; Great décor; Date spot; Iron Chef’s Morimoto!! Much more expensive if you let chef choose (omakase). Just a cool scene all the way around. Has prepared dishes as well. High tech bathrooms; Rock shrimp tempura amazing; Just a cool, trendy spot to impress a date or out-of-towners. Enjoy the ride. Buddakan: Asian. 75 9th @ 15-16th; 24/27/$63; 989-6699; Incredible interior; Epically popular; Trendy; Sexy; Hot spot for large groups or dates; Amazing food- wide variety; Crispy crab noodles are a hit; Top shelf appetizers; Perfecto drinks. Truly one of the 5 best date spots in the city as you will be sure to impress; Good looking crowd; Reserve a week in advance at least! Del Posto: Italian. 85 10th Av @ 15th-16th; 27/27/$94; 497-8090; Mario Batali flagship; Gorgeous, large interior divinely decorated with marble and mahogany; Service is professional and helpful; Massive wine list and sommeliers to aid; NY Times 3-stars; Michelin 1-star; Five course Tasting menu is the way to go & features lots to choose from ($95); Seven courses $125; The food is just flat out unbelievable. Ideal for a special occasion, engagement, or celebration. Gorgeous bar area as well and live piano. DANI - 9
Crispo: Italian. 240 W 14th @ 7-8th; 23/19/$46; 229-1818; Hopping spot; Romantic, date friendly; Affordable and top shelf service. Gorgeous all-season back garden patio; Daily pasta specials and polenta stand out. Amazing Spaghetti Carbonara and risotto balls; 150-seat establishment; Extensive wine list; Very large menu – especially appetizers;
Old Homestead: Steakhouse. 56 9th Av @ 14-15th; 24/18/$72; 242-9040; Extremely large slabs of first rate meat; Old school feel; Great burgers as well; Top shelf drinks. Been around 40 years; Traditional dark wood setting. NY Sirloin is tops. They have a Kobe beef burger; Truffle Mac N Cheese; Giant desserts – chocolate cake is Mmm; Raw Bar; Bufala Mozz & Tomatoes; Prime Rib; Filet Mignon; Branzino, Sea Bass, Lobster – large menu. 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. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 675 Hudson @ 14th St; 21/21/$43; 699-2400; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. Fig & Olive: Mediterranean. 420 W 13th @ 9th Av; 21/20/$44; 924-1200; Very sleek and cool looking spot; Italian selections as well; Olive Oil infused selections rule; Cheese plates. Greek inspired small plates. Great wine list. Signature dish is the Beef Carpaccio; YellowFin Tuna Carpaccio available as well, almost as good; Becoming a chain somewhat with 5 area locations. Lunch, brunch available. Try the Crostini. Spice Market: Pan Asian. 403 13th @ 9th Av; 24/27/$56; 675-2322; Perfect décor; Duplex setting; Trendy; Date Central- truly ideal to impress; Attractive staff , eye candy crowd; Dishes meant to be shared – small plates; You can’t have a bad time here. Gradisca: Italian. 126 W 13th @ 6-7th Av; 23/18/$52; 691-4886; Wildly popular, known for superb homemade pastas; Fairly romantic setting and charming service; Go earlier as it can get noisy; Standout dishes include Prosciutto di Parma, Buff Mozz, Canneloni with Maine Lobster; There is a 6 course tasting menu for $80; Only major issue is the fairly minimal menu for an Italian. 
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