September 23, 2009

Picnic Country Store New York

Proprietors Camella Ehlke and Marlon Aitcheson provoke wholesome fun (the couple also runs the well-appointed Breathe Inn in the Catskills) with organic snacks, blankets, toys for outdoors, and fresh-made sandwiches to go.

Photo: Alyson Aliano

  Food & Drink, Good Clean Fun, Organic

September 8, 2009

The Upholstery Store New York

Austrian chef Kurt Gutenbrunner’s cozy wine bar a few doors down from Wallse. The focus is vinos from around the world — for an average $7 a glass. No kitchen, but snacks are available: saucisson; paté; Murray’s cheeses; and, upon request, take-out from Wallse.

  Food & Drink, Cozy, Light Bites

September 8, 2009

Marlow & Sons New York

Gourmet bodega in the front is jam-packed with offbeat pantry items. Battered-enough saloon-like dining room is made for lingering over an insanely good caramel sea salt tart. Makes other seasonally focused eateries jealous as hell.

Photo: Courtesy of Marlow & Sons

  Food & Drink, Brunch, Hipster

September 8, 2009

A Ji Ichiban New York

Hong Kong snack food franchise with a Chinatown outpost as adorably packaged as the dried mangoes, nonpareils, and spicy dried squid themselves. Plus, there’s ample sampling of just about every treat (we suggest the sesame marshmallows, plum tablets, and milk candies).

Photo: Getty Images

  Food & Drink, Good for Gifts, Hong Kong

September 8, 2009

Pegu Club New York

A new-school sanctuary for old-school cocktailing. Mixologist Audrey Saunders sets a new standard for drinking and swilling at this cool, upstairs, vaguely colonial bar and lounge. The emphasis is on historic, researched, meticulously crafted drinks and snacks that lessen their devilish impact.

  Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Late Night