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

McSorley's Old Ale House New York

The last bar in NYC to admit women. The rowdy atmosphere remains in the floor covered in sawdust and demanding barmen (hint: Pay up-front and tip heavily or they’ll stand there and ask for more). The only thing to drink is the house beer, which comes in two flavors — light or dark. What’ll it be, lassie?

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Landmark, Local Brew

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

Von New York

Dark wood decor, marble countertops, and low lighting add a European vibe to this laid-back bar, where artsy types sip imported beers and wines by the glass.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Romantic

September 8, 2009

Ramen Setagaya New York

Think you’ve had real ramen? The way-popular Tokyo export serves noodles thick and thin in an amazing fishy-but-not-too-fishy shio broth. Great for solo dining (sit at the bar and watch the kitchen).

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Bar Menu, Japanese Awesomeness

April 19, 2007

Mercat New York

Barcelona style comes to Noho in subway-tiled walls, wooden tables, a wine loft, and diners clinking glasses of cava while eyeing the bar of cured meats and cheeses and sharing tapas.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Lunch Spot, Trip to Spain

August 10, 2006

Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar New York

Corridor-size digs house a bicoastal raw bar and eager, seafoodie patrons. Fifty bucks gets you a taste of almost everything on the menu.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Hot Date, Neighborhood Gem

November 19, 2009

Spot Dessert Bar New York

Asian flavors meet American style at Pichet Ong’s newest, ecofriendly sweets factory. Head downstairs for chocolate pudding with Thai coffee and cocoa pearls or white miso semifreddo.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Calorie Counts, Sweet Tooth