October 15, 2009

Bill’s Bar & Burger New York

Tiny new corner spot for patties and dogs serves some of the best beef between two buns (a classic, simple burger at its sublime best).

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Cheap, Hangover Cure

September 8, 2009

Permanent Brunch New York

Early riser, night owl. No matter your sleeping pattern, you’ll never miss the first meal of the day at this new East Village joint, where it’s all breakfast, all the time. (What could go wrong at the bacon bar?)

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Breakfast, Brunch

September 8, 2009

Bar Carrera New York

Simple, cozy, concrete bar with high stools, small Basque plates, and plenty of strawberry sangria.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Late Night, Light Bites

September 8, 2009

Hugs New York

Late-night spot where a young crowd with asymmetrical haircuts dances to electro-pop and indie bands while sipping local beers (if their budgets allow). The long, tunnel-like space has a stage at the back and games like Skee-Ball in the front.

  Brooklyn, Food & Drink, Divey, Hipster

September 8, 2009

Frankies 457 Spuntino New York

Rustic Brooklyn hotbed for serious food types with a coveted outdoor garden and old stable for private parties. Envy of the neighborhood.

  BoCoCa, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Birthday Parties

September 8, 2009

Schiller's Liquor Bar New York

Keith McNally drops his usual bistro fare for German- and Cuban-inspired comfort food, drawing the look-at-me masses. Tip: If you need to catch up on work, go midday for free Wi-Fi.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Brunch, Good for Groups

September 8, 2009

Spuyten Duvil New York

  Brooklyn, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Cozy

September 8, 2009

Brooklyn Bowl New York

Rock and roll — literally — at Williamsburg’s new bowling alley/Blue Ribbon restaurant/music venue all in one. While chugging back Brooklyn-brewed beer, take note of this cool detail: The sixteen-lane behemoth is the first LEED certified bowling alley in the world.

  Brooklyn, Culture, Birthday Parties, Bowling

September 8, 2009

Blue Ribbon Sushi New York

The aptly named downtown sushi joint is modern, intimate, and wonderfully satisfying. The sake box spilleth over (until 2 a.m. nightly).

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Celebrity Sightings, Hot Date

September 8, 2009

Dell’Anima New York

It’s loud, it’s warm, and it’s delicious, but it’s a tight fit. Seems like the wee Italian enoteca is filled with yuppie-type young businessmen who recently “discovered” life below 14th Street. Oh, well.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Bar Menu, Brunch