Savory City

Edwards

2010-03-18T19:25:00.005-04:00

If anyone has actually read more than one of these posts you'll know that I can be put in the meat and potatoes box but I'll gladly embrace it because I love me some red meat.....and especially after a long night of drinking.

Edward's Restaurant in TriBeCa is hands down the best Grilled Steak and Eggs I've ever had for brunch. Almost every time you eat steak and eggs at a restaurant you are getting sh*t a$$ grade F hanger steak but not here. The beef quality was excellent and the preparation was on point.

This neighborhood would lead one to think of trendy upscale places where you are dropping a couple hundred on brunch but Edward's is surprisingly no attitude and moderately priced. The decor is diner meets garage-esq and there is a bonus with outdoor seating. Great service and a delicious morning drink menu wrap up an all around great restaurant. My experience leaves me wanting to go back for dinner.

Edwards

136 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013-3330
(212) 233-6436

http://www.edwardsnyc.com/

Whiskey Town

2010-03-10T20:42:00.007-05:00

Claiming to be a "True East Village Bar" is a bold statement and in nowadays you have places calling themselves "dive bars" but selling $9 beers. Seriously, there is a place in NYC that does this. Anyway, Whiskey Town lives up to it's claim in a bad a$$, blackout drunk type way.

Despite being opened on Friday the 13th (of July 2007), this place will provide plenty of luck if you are looking for a night to forget. Their philosophy is simple: well poured drinks, reasonable prices, good music, a comfortable setting and great service. One if not both of the brother owners are at Whiskey Town every night.

Just to be clear, this is not your spot to go meet the love of your life....unless of course he/she is a beer guzzler that smells like a fresh shot of whiskey. Pretty dude-heavy clientele is the result of very reasonably priced drinks with no attitude. What you will find is a FREE beer cozy with the bar logo on it. Pretty good deal in my book.

Whiskey Town
29 East 3rd Street

New York, NY 10003-8907

(212) 505-7344
http://www.whiskeytownbar.com/

Pampano

2010-03-09T21:24:00.012-05:00

Midtown East gets a bad wrap but there are some real NYC staples in this neighborhood, assuming because of all the businesses. Regardless of reason, Pampano should be a new staple of yours. Part of the Richard Sandoval Restaurant Group, this "Modern Mexican" establishment is a great after work dinner spot or even just a happy hour drink. It is also owned by Placido Domingo (my favorite tenor).

This is no traditional Mexican as self claimed, sophisticated tropical restaurant that provides dynamic seafood from the coasts of Mexico. The decor matches the coastal vibe with huge leaf fans. After the must Guacamole, start with the Tacos de Langosta (lobster) and move into the Merluza (chilean sea bass) or the Churrasco (beef tenderloin). Absolutley delicious and the experience was compounded by excellent service.

Next time your planning a work dinner in Midtown or in the neighborhood looking for a good date spot, think of Pampano. Lastly, do whatever you can to get a table outside.

Pampano
209 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017-1501
(212) 751-4545
www.modernmexican.com/pampano/

Scotland Yard

2010-03-03T22:10:00.009-05:00

Most city living people are total haters on Hoboken but I assure you I am not one of them. Ever since I came to NYC I've had good friends across the river and have spent plenty of time in the Boke getting after it and Scotland Yard is one of my go-to Happy Hour spots.

Being a stones throw from the PATH would lead you to believe this bar is mobbed with people coming from the city stopping in for a beer on their way home but it's pleasingly more quiet than it's neighbors The Green Rock & Hopsons. Those places are fun too, but for the rookies.....the die hard drunks go to Scotland Yard.

I was told once that this place has beautiful bartenders on Friday happy hours but my suds slinger looked more like Al Boreland. Despite the eyesore behind the bar, our group enjoyed ourselves with inexpensive beers and good blues being played live.

So, if you find yourself on the West side of the Hudson on a weekday night, check out Scotland Yard for a good time. They make a mean Jack & Coke. This one is for you MPS.

Scotland Yard
72 Hudson Street

Hoboken, NJ 07030-5629

(201) 222-9273

http://www.scotlandyardbar.com/

Stecchino

2010-02-27T15:48:00.009-05:00

Italian for "toothpick", Stecchino shows it's wood off all over this Hell's Kitchen (or Clinton for the people denying their Hell's Kitchen existence) restaurant. A buddy of mine Danny and his father repeated their previous successes when they recently opened this modern style Italian eatery. The decor was beautiful and extremely detailed with incredible accents like warm mahogany paneling, distressed flooring and a walk over/look in diorama of the vintage neighborhood.

Have a seat at the bar and chose from extensive wine and import beer list before you sit down to dine. When you finally sit, make sure you indulge in the mozzarella balls that are stuffed with small bits of sausage as well. For your main, I recommend the Free Range Semi-Boneless Cornish Game Hen with broccoli rabe & sage crema. If you are not feeling gluttonous enough, dive into the Flourless Chocolate Torte hot buttered rum bananas and caramel and call it a night.

Ask for Danny and tell him I sent you. Also, keep an eye out for some celebs as Danny has a wide list of friends.

Stecchino
765 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10019-6333
(212) 397-2377
http://www.stecchinonyc.com/

The Blue Seats

2010-02-20T14:33:00.008-05:00

There is definitely a market for sports bars that have a slightly higher brow clientele but don't bang you over the head on price. Let's be honest, no one wants to watch their favorite team win if they are getting mugged for $7 beers. The Blue Seats is your perfect blend between sensory overload with sports, great reasonably priced food/drink as well as upscale environment.

Owned by Notre Dame grads, these guys know a thing about watching sports. This place is in the heart of the Lower East Side so it is also bustling with people. Sticking to their bread and butter, this establishment does not have a place you can stand where you do not have a good vantage point of a flat screen. I'm not sure the total tally but there must be close to 100 TVs in this joint and that doesn't even include The Blue Seats crown jewel, being their private room equipped with 10 screens and about 8 private lounge chairs with your own side table.

Head down to The Blue Seats for your next event but be sure to make a reservation for a table. While you're there, order the The Carolina Burger which is a beef burger topped with pulled braised pork belly, melted cheddar and homemade red slaw. I'm sure it was 6,000 calories but I enjoyed ever f*cking ounce of it. Enjoy.

The Blue Seats

157 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002-2290
(212) 614-1494

http://www.theblueseatsnyc.com/

Random Thoughts - Doorknob Condoms

2010-02-16T23:00:00.005-05:00

It's no secret that people are f*cking nuts and hypersensitive to anything germ related but when I saw this, I had to laugh.....

I was in a great hotel in Toronto recently and as I was coming out of the bathroom I noticed this lovely little sign/apparatus. So, let me get this straight, I just went to the bathroom...just washed my hands...and 3 steps later I need to grab another napkin like thing (doorknob condom) to make sure I don't get any germs on my hand? Give me a f*cking break. You might as well walk around with rubber gloves on. Is this really what's going to be your demise, doorknob germs? My grandfather is 87 years old and will probably live to be 100 and I'm certain the dude has never used hand sanitizer and most definitely never used a doorknob condom.

Pravda

2010-02-13T16:53:00.007-05:00

I'm a fan of Keith McNally establishments. You may not know they are linked but Balthazar, Pastis, Schiller's Liquor Bar & Lucky Strike are creations of this one man. Recently I was invited to join friends at another McNally joint recently and thoroughly enjoyed my short time spent at Pravda.

The menu boasts 60 different vodkas from 21 different countries including Kazakhstan & Vietnam. It also has a wide array interesting cocktails and martinis that you won't see on an average menu. For example "The Gogol" which is horseradish vodka & pickled quail egg. With all that, my dull self still ordered beer but a delicious Czech beer at that (Czechvar).

Pravda proved to be a not too trendy underground (literally) SoHo bar that will make for a great pre-dinner drank sport or late nightcap spot. Just south of the Puck Building, make this place a stop on your list.

Pravda

281 Lafayette Street

New York, NY
10012
(212) 226-4696

http://www.pravdany.com/

Cafe Orlin

2010-02-05T16:23:00.007-05:00

Waiting for a table for brunch just seems silly to me. Cafe Orlin has a hefty brunch crowd but my lovely date and I walked right in and sat at the mini 5 person bar for what would be one of the best brunch experiences I've had in NYC. For a blistery Sunday morning, St. Mark's place had a good amount of foot traffic albeit a much different crowd from what you would've seen 10 hours earlier.

The bartender really made our dining experience much better with incredibly efficient service. The steak & eggs were more delicious than the standard at any other restaurant where you are usually getting a pretty low grade meat for the steak portion. Cooked perfectly, I polished off my dish in expeditious caveman fashion.

Overall Cafe Orlin seemed like an awesome spot with an ideal outdoor seating patio but unfortunately I moved to Saskatchewan this Winter and the weather was roughly -5 degrees Celsius. I look forward to New York thawing out so I can experience this East Village eatery in another light.

Cafe Orlin
41 St Marks Place
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-1447
http://www.cafeorlin.com/

Random Toughts - Expert Traveler

2010-01-31T23:34:00.004-05:00

More airports should have lines like this one in Orlando...

It always blows my mind when I'm in security and see A) the lady that is shocked she is not allowed to bring a gallon bottle of shampoo in her carry on, B) the dude that is shocked his watch, belt & chain are made of metal or C) every other f*cking person that I have wasted time waiting behind.

Verlaine

2010-01-28T20:55:00.006-05:00

I really enjoy going out in the Lower East Side. Not sure I'd ever live there but socially, it might be my favorite neighborhood in NYC. The LES is also home to Verlaine which has become one of my staples for late night drinks.

This spot is unassuming and often overlooked because of the business of Rivington as well as the many other louder establishments near by. It's dark inside and surprisingly spacious with a very long bar. They have beers from 12 countries and one of the most expansive cocktail menus I've ever seen in my life. I'm talking like 60 different whiskeys and 20 different rums amongst a massive wine list as well.

The decor is cool with vintage pictures and some bizarre artwork as well. Some is NC17 but who am I to judge. Check out Verlaine next time you are in that neighborhood and don't want to wait in line and/or walk into a mobbed scene like Pianos.

Verlaine

110 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002-8800
(212) 614-2494
http://www.verlainenyc.com/

Eight Mile Creek

2010-01-17T19:08:00.016-05:00

I've been to Australia and I've been to "Australian" restaurant that are terrible portrayals of the country; focusing on all the stereotypes and not even remotely resembling the culture. Eight Mile Creek in SoHo is the opposite of every sh*tty Australian restaurant I've been to.

The authenticity is clear immediately when you enter the front bar area and are greeted by an Aussie bartender who is offering you a wide array of beers from down under and I promise you Fosters is not one of them. I like Coopers Pale Ale (green label) and they have plenty of those.

The food at Eight Mile Creek is just as delicious and genuine with Crisp-baked Barramundi Fillet and Emu Carpaccio amongst other Aussie tastes. My recommendation is to start with the Sweet Chili Crayfish Cake with red wine vinaigrette, saffron aioli and then pic your entree of choice. Do yourself a favor and hit to place when it's warm so you can enjoy the outdoor seating in their OuT-the-bAck garden. This is one of the best outdoor dining venues in my New York City experience.

After you meal head down below to the creek bar downstairs. It's dark and tight but has a ton of character. There might be some rugby on the tube and there might be some live music but definitely adds value to this establishment. I had been to Eight Mile Creek three times before I even knew the basement bar where there.

So next time you are looking for a good restaurant in SoHo prior to a night out, have a walkabout to this place. G'day Mate.

Eight Mile Creek
240 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012-5755
(212) 431-4635
http://www.eightmilecreek.com/

Kenn's Broome Street Bar

2010-01-17T17:32:00.008-05:00

"Dive Bar" always carries and interesting definition and especially in New York City. Established in 1972, Kenn's Broome Street Bar stakes it's claim in SoHo as a dive bar but in my very unimportant opinion it is anything but. In my opinion, cheap bear, sh*tty furniture and a rude bartender constitute as a dive bar. This corner pick has a wide selection of beers and they certainly are not cheap but is still a fun place to go for an afternoon of drinking.

If you can, get a seat by the window; it makes the bar feel less crowded and it's great for people watching. Kenn's has character and is a nice change of pace from the stuffiness of the surrounding neighborhood. If you are looking for late night eats, this establishment will take care of you with a kitchen that stays open very late. I recommend the fries.

Check out Kenn's Broome Street Bar for Saturday or Sunday afternoon beers and a good dose of character. Not many places in the city can say they have been around since the early 70's.

Kenn's Broome Street Bar

363 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013-2209
(212) 925-2086
http://broomestreetbar.ypguides.net/

Frank

2010-01-02T18:03:00.014-05:00

Happy New Year my peoples. 2010 huh, I feel old sometimes.

I'd like to start off the New Year posting about one of my absolute favorite places in New York. Frank in the East Village is a place a rave about to lots of people and am constantly shocked to find out that people have never heard of this place. If you are walking down 2nd Avenue it is easy to miss but once you've eaten there you'll never cruise by without remembering exactly where it is.

The entrance brings you in the wine bar portion of the restaurant so if you can grab a seat at the bar, hold on for dear life because seating is at a premium and if you don't have a reservation you could be a while and there is not much free standing area that is not high traffic. The bartenders I've encountered have been extremely friendly and helpful when eating in the bar area. When the weather is nice you can eat outside which is always a plus.

Lots of wine and cocktail selections but the food is what really sells this establishment. Seems silly to talk about the bread at a restaurant but olives and oil that compliment the bread make it a delicious start. I also definitely recommend the Steamed Mussels for an appetizer and try to order from the expansive and daily changing specials menu. I promise if you try this Italian gem you will be recommending it to all your friends.

Frank
88 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 420-0202
http://www.frankrestaurant.com/

Warren 77

2009-12-15T22:04:00.010-05:00

When you think of sports bars you usually imagine cheap beer and heavy male dominated clientele. You rarely think of a sports bar owned by a dude that actually plays professional sports. Welcome to Warren 77 owned by probably the most hated man in the NHL Sean Avery.

Not just any sports bar with loud sound systems and flat draft beer, this Tribeca establishment takes cool to a new level. They decor is vintage (but classic) action shots from American sports history. Pull up to the reverse "L" shaped bar and check out their menu. I recommend the mussels and friends, which you can kind of see being made through this tiny window that just exposes the the chef's head making it look like he is trapped behind a wall with only a stove. Once you see it, you will understand exactly what I mean.
What really makes Avery's bar cool, other than the decor, furniture, food.....is the sit down 2 player Pacman machine. I have been dying to have one of these in my home for the last 14 years. It is the single greatest video game machine out there including a screen that flips when it is your friends turn as well as a built in cup holder for your beer. These things cost at a minimum $2,000 so I don't see one making it's way to my apartment anytime soon. The sit down Pacman has several other games but we know the little yellow dude is the only one that matters.

Make Warren 77 your next stop when you are trying to find a cool place to watch a game.

Warren 77

77 Warren St

New York, NY 10007
(212) 227-8994
http://www.warren77nyc.com/

dell'anima

2009-12-06T13:53:00.011-05:00

Located in the heart of the West Village, this establishment is located just off Eighth Avenue and a stone's throw (assuming you didn't play soccer growing up) from Corner's Bistro which we all know as the most famous burger joint in the Big Apple. Be sure to have a reservation because even though dell'anima is relatively new, it has quickly become a hot spot and it's limited seating space makes walk-in dining essentially impossible. Partially owned by a former professional athlete & Ivy League grad (sup Joey B) the clientele is usually quite chic.

My recommendation is to get there about 10 minutes before your meal so you can have a drink at the bar which will be to your right as you enter. Also, as mentioned with the limited seating your reservation is almost never right on time so plan on a few glasses of wine while you wait. This is a great date spot although I don't recommend it as a first date spot because the menu is relatively complex and personally I think a place this nice for a first date is relatively cliche. Regardless of your purpose for dining the food is still delicious. If available, I like the bar to the back left where you can sit facing the 5 ft x 5ft kitchen and watch all the meals be prepared. I enjoyed the delicious Skirt Steak braised endive marmalata, salsa verde, orange, mint.

Good wine, better food, best ambiance makes for a delightful night out. It was my birthday on my most recent trip so that doesn't hurt the good time either.

dell'anima
38 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10014-1803
(212) 366-6633
http://www.dellanima.com/

Ace Bar

2009-12-05T14:39:00.006-05:00

Skee ball is probably the best arcade game out there. Throw that in the mix with a dive bar that serves dirt cheap PBR and I'm good to go. Ace Bar has more than just skee ball to attract dumb guys like my friends and me. They have pool tables and a trio of Buckhunter machines.

Some of the so called "dive bars" in NYC are contrived and try too hard to be a dive. Ultimately resulting in an attitude that contradicts the entire premise of a dive bar. This East Village hang out stays true to it's roots with cheap specials and acting host to a skee ball league. My first venture at Ace Bar was a Sunday in the Spring and we left a perfectly sunny day to enter this very dark establishment only to return to pitch dark about 5 hours later.

I had heard plenty of this place but had to try it out myself and was pleasantly surprised. Go find Ace Bar for yourself and enjoy your PBR with a side of skee ball. Don't forget to check out the lunch box collection either.

Ace Bar
531 E 5th St
New York, NY 10009
(212) 979-8476
http://www.acebar.com/

Hill Country Barbecue Market

2009-12-05T11:37:00.006-05:00

A famous man (really not famous) once said, "If I had three hands I'd kill myself." This man was referring to his passion for eating when a large delicious meal was siting in front of him. I love this man and owe him a lot so I wanted to start off mentioning DJU. He would love Hill Country in the Flatiron section of the city. See exhibit A to the right.

This eatery is ideal for gluttonous groups of men with big appetites. Before you get by the lady with the rope (once you go you'll know what I mean, right Gresh?), you have to decide whether the entire group is going to order from the menu or go with the All You Can Eat menu. What kind of sick challenge of manhood is this for six 28 year old former college athlete meat heads? Obvi AYCE was our decision. Upstairs seems like the place to be at first glance but the basement is where it's at. Long wooden tables make for the family style eating environment. At the end of the long room is a small stage where they have live music which I'm told brings some pretty good honky tonk acts. We saw no live music as it was a Fall Monday evening so football was on the big screen.

You MUST order the green bean casserole, the baked beans and the mac 'n' cheese. The corn bread is delicious too. Now, for the main platter it has chicken, huge ribs & my favorite, the brisket. Buckets of PBR went well with the meal as well. I walked out of there a good 10 pounds heavier. You really couldn't drink that much beer if you were planning on going to business on the food.

I had never heard of Hill Country, but I highly recommend you find this place for yourself and treat yourself to a night of guilty pleasures.

Hill Country Barbecue Market
30 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10010-2062
(212) 255-4544
http://www.hillcountryny.com/

Cellar Bar

2009-11-24T19:36:00.009-05:00

I love Bryant Park, everything about it. It's one of those places in the city that when you go, you find yourself saying, "why don't we come here more often". Only steps away from the plush green lawn of the park is the beautiful Bryant Park Hotel and only a few more steps under the hotel is the must go to Cellar Bar. So, get your stylish gear on and head to the cruxes of the Bryant Park hotel for this luxury lounge.

Make sure you are prepared to spend some dough for the drinks & atmosphere, but for this place I believe it's well worth it. Cellar Bar is a great happy hour spot usually filled with attractive women and suits trying to court them. The decor is simple and the 1924 architecture really steals the show. The hotel was built as the American Radiator Building which was a Gothic Art Deco. Darkness and the beats of a the DJ set the mood and make it surprisingly cozy. Try to get a table/bench area because otherwise there isn't much room to sit and get comfortable. Once you establish some real estate let the waitresses take care of you and sit back to enjoy the scene.

Make your way through Cellar Bar either after work one night or as a starting place for the night. If you live in NYC, you have to make it a point to stop by this basement Bryant Park spot.

Cellar Bar
40 W 40th St
New York, NY 10018
(212) 869-0100
http://www.bryantparkhotel.com/

Balthazar Restaurant

2009-11-22T17:41:00.009-05:00

Grab your skinny jeans (Cheech) and your ridiculous Ray Bans (that we all know look stupid) and head on down to Balthazar for Sunday brunch. This place has a very fashion forward crowd with quite a European feel. Despite the very trendy scene, the Spring Street eatery was still a fun place to dine.

The atmosphere is just cool with the old school tile floors and massive mirrors lining the walls. While waiting for a table, make your way to the bar on your right and start the mouth watering if you take one look at the raw bar in the back. My only gripe is when a place is "proud of their beer" as my Pops would say. All I mean by this is there is no reason why any bar/restaurant should charge $10 for a draft Stella when everyone knows the max should be $6. They must make be pouring it from the platinum kegs as oppose to the traditional aluminum ones.

The food was still really good despite my negatively. I had Bar Steak with Pomme Frites and my lovely date had the Salad Nicoise with seared tuna. My steak was cook perfectly however could have been seasoned better. The fries were all that. Everyone I noticed had fries at their table and I know why. I enjoyed my overall experience at Balthazar although it was slightly over priced for the final product. Definitely worth hitting up once because at the end of the day it is a very cool scene, especially on Sunday afternoon.

Balthazar Restaurant

80 Spring Street

New York, NY 10012

(212) 965-1414

http://www.balthazarny.com/

Comix

2009-11-18T22:28:00.009-05:00

If I went to comedy clubs as many times as I say, "we should go to a comedy club tonight" then I would actually have a shot of picking something up and being remotely funny. Instead, I continue to put it off and usually only venture to a show once a year on a drunken New Years Day w/ my buddy John John.

I recently had another "we should go" moment and finally followed through with it and headed to Comix on West 14th. Right in the nexus of NYC nightlife where the Meat Packing meets West Village meets Chelsea, this place is awesome for more than just it's comedy. Perfect for an early show then a stroll down to Gansevoort for a different kind of entertainment. Comix has a very cool main bar/lounge area which makes you forget you are even in a comedy club. There is also a smaller basement lounge with much less seating and a small stage where it appears as if they have open mic.

My most recent trip was a great experience with very inexpensive drinks for the Happy Hour special and great food as we were watching the opening acts. The best part was obviously the main act which was Craig Robinson, better known as Darrell from The Office. Needless to say, he was hilarious. I highly recommend youtubing some of his stand up. Ultimately, Comix gets good headliners and combine that with it's cool pregame scene makes it an over all great place to seek out.

Comix Comedy Club

353 West 14th Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 524-2500

http://www.comixny.com/

il Vagabondo

2009-11-16T19:15:00.016-05:00

Nothing says Italian culture better than bocce with friends prior to a meal. il Vagabondo is an Upper East Side land mark that has been around since the Sixties. Equipped with a full boche court in it's original dining room, this place has more character than plenty. Oh, and before I forget...the food is totally legit as well.

You could easily walk right by on your way down to 1st Avenue as you are basically just north of the Queensboro Bridge. Once you enter there is a small cozy bar on your right where you can grab a fine Italian beer if your table is not ready. Let it be known that there are two dining rooms; you have the nice one on the right and you have the bad ass one with the bocce court on the left. Obviously I always opt for the left with the red & white checkered table clothes. If you have aspirations of playing bocce you will need patience as it can sometimes be a wait. Put your name in on the board and sit down for drinks and appetizers. I recommend the Baked Stuff Mushrooms and the Antipasto.

Main courses are tough to go wrong with such classic Italian preparation. Whatever you choose, YOU MUST order a side dish of meatballs. Hopefully during this time, you were able to finagle a game of bocce in with some friends. Overall, search and find il Vagabondo and strap yourself in for a classic dining experience with a unique twist of bocce.

il Vagabondo
351 East 62nd Street

New York, NY 10021
(212) 832-9221

http://www.ilvagabondo.com/

nublu LLC

2009-11-11T21:47:00.011-05:00

You like hidden places? If you want to take your friends to an underground place none of them have ever heard of, the East Village's nublu is the place for you. With nothing but a nondescript blue neon light to distinguish this establishment, you can walk by this live music hub very easily. When you walk in, you literally feel like you just went through a secret passage into a room that no one on the outside knows exists.

Be warned, this place is dark and you won't find any Lacoste shirts in this crowd. What you will find is a surprisingly spacious music venue that presents an eclectic array of music genres and bands. Hit up the bar on the left and order 2 drinks per person so you can get yourself situated and enjoy the music.

If the music is too loud or you just need a break from the scene, head straight to the back where the nublu Garden is located. This is a great place to chill, smoke or whatever you might want to do in the outdoor area.

Maybe I'm just a geek, but I love places that are off the beaten path and not a total cliche. If you feel the same, this is your next live music destination.

nublu LLC
62 Avenue C
New York, NY 10009-6916
(212) 375-1500
http://www.nublu.net/

Ed's Lobster Bar

2009-11-09T18:37:00.011-05:00

Size & high prices don't always guarantee a good restaurant. It is always such a pleasure when you find a place that is small, quaint and moderately priced. Ed's Lobster Bar gave me just that pleasure I was looking for. After reading about it on Urban Daddy, I sought out this SoHo seafood paradise. Located just south of Spring Street near La Esquina, this establishment is very contrary in price, seating & attitude.

I ventured to Ed's on a Summer Thursday and was delighted with the service as well as the food. Famous for their Lobster Roll, I decided to go a different route and go with a special that night which included lobster & vegetables over linguini in a fra diablo sauce; it was unbelievable. They had a great selection of seasonal beers which was music to my ears, I went with the Lobster Ale. One thing that I was disappointed in was that Ed's Lobster Bar serves it's city renowned Lobster Bisque chilled in the Summer. I had to settle for the Baked Clams Oreganato and New England clam chowder which were both official.

Our table was tiny like the few others that are in the joint but the bar is where most of the action is going down. It is a long white marble top that is idea for eating. If you by chance can't get a table, have a seat at the bar and I promise you will enjoy this seafood paradise. Lastly, don't forget your complimentary Chocolobsters while you are paying the bill

Ed's Lobster Bar
222 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-3236
http://www.lobsterbarnyc.com/

M1-5 Lounge

2009-10-25T10:43:00.018-04:00

Similar to many of Patrick Bateman's walking routes, this desolate Tribeca street seems quietly scary until you walk into M1-5 Lounge. Try this place on a weekend night and it certainly won't be quiet.

This place is huge with the main floor surfacing 5000 sq ft with 18 ft high ceilings. The lofty ceilings accentuate the lavish, red-drenched walls, but the jukebox, pool table and dartboard maintain M1-5's neighborhood tavern vibe. The club name refers to the bar's zoning code. In the 1960s, the city allowed artists to live in this light manufacturing district, given that they manufactured art. Fortunately for local artists, the place is mildly priced with $5 beers and mixed drinks. I was personally shocked at my final tab being much less than I expected.

The clientele at this venue is usually heavily female dominated as the DJ is usually spinning great dance music. Raised on a small elevated stage/platform, my last encounter he had the crowd rocking to Michael Jackson mashed up with some current rap hits.

M1-5 is an enjoyable stop if you're in Tribeca looking for something you know will be solid.

M1-5 Lounge
52 Walker St

New York, NY 10013

212-965-1701

http://www.m1-5.com/

The Little Owl

2009-10-15T19:28:00.013-04:00

New York is great for a lot of things, but establishments with character are what I without a doubt love the most. The Little Owl is anything short of character.

This place is also not much of a secret as it is damn near impossible to get a reservation on within a 3 day window. Now, normally the places that are the "in" spot to go to end up sucking, being overpriced and having way too much 'tude for my liking. The Little Owl tries to defunk such a reputation with friendly service and a comfortable scene. Our reservation for 3 was for 9:45pm and the host told us our table was not ready yet so he was kind enough to recommend we head around the corner to AOC wine bar for a drink. We took heed of his advice and enjoyed ourselves.

Once you sit down, you have to get right into the baked clams. These things are big and delicious. I also saw the gravy meatball sliders which we passed on but I was pissed we did. I had the NY Strip which was cooked perfectly but was slightly more fatty than I would like. One of my 2 lovely dates had the crispy chicken with brussel sprout homefries, this dish was unbelievable. Everyone shared the fries and these are a must.

As a hefty eater, I was slightly underfed with the smaller portions but overall it was a great meal and reasonably priced including our wine selection.

One random cool thing to add to this cozy joint is the loft area immediately to your right when you walk in. It has seating for 2 people and you are perched a good 5 feet above the rest of the tables which is strange, but also kind of cool. The long and short of it is The Little Owl is rich with character and the food is enjoyable as well. Good luck with the res but once you secure one definitely make a stop when in the West Village.

The Little Owl
90 Bedford Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 741-4695
http://www.thelittleowlnyc.com/

Arthur's Tavern

2009-10-08T07:32:00.017-04:00

A comedian I like named Mike Birbiglia said in an act, "usually jazz is cool...but sometime jazz can suck" and went on to berate Kenny G. Anyway, Arthur’s Tavern has the kind of jazz that doesn't suck. Located technically in the West Village because it is on the west side of 7th ave, this place has much more of a Christopher Street flavor than a swanky vibe. Entertaining New York City since 1937 this place claims to have the best live jazz and blues music in the Big Apple. The venue has been located is in a historic building for more than 60 years.

I went to meet my buddy who was walking around killing time and just bellied up at the bar and was shooting the sh*t with the very friendly bartender. This is the type joint where you feel obligated to drink some sort of whiskey and I somehow got roped into it. Beware, the place is tight so don't go with a big group just hoping to find a place to sit. I was the odd man out standing next to (read: behind) my buddy at the bar and let me tell you, I looked really cool.

Eventually we got a table and waitress service with some of our friends. This made the night much better and turned what was scheduled to be a drink in a jazz club to a 3am drunken debacle. We listened to the incredible voice of Alyson Williams.

Arthur's Tavern had me feeling right on time and it is definitely a place I need to hit up again. This jazz house is anything from sleepy Kenny G. It's worth the trip

Arthur’s Tavern
57 Grove Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 675-6879
http://www.arthurstavernnyc.com/

Sjourn

2009-10-07T20:11:00.012-04:00

It's not everyday you find a spot with a seasonal menu let alone a daily changing menu. The Yorkville gem Sojourn has such a menu that blows away any tapas spot I've experienced. This wine bar has an eclectic taste that is a must enough if you are not a fan of the Upper East Side.

Reservations are recommended because the wine bar atmosphere keeps people sitting at their tables for longer than a traditional restaurant. The slow turnover is well justified with quality service and excellent timing/delivery on each course you've chosen. My most recent dining experience was with a party of 8 booze bags that put down 8 bottles of wine just during dinner. Normally, this would translate to a hefty bill but even the wine at Sojourn was reasonably priced.

We consumed too many delicious plates to list them all but some of my favorites were Kobe Beef Sliders, Home Made Gnocchi & Pan Roasted Scallops. The silver medal went to the Chicken Satay with yogurt curry, spicy peanut sauce & grilled pineapple. A perfect blend of salty, spicy & sweet. The cream of the crop is without a doubt the Black Pasta house-made linguini with lobster arrabiatta. Not enough words to describe.

The owner was gracious enough to talk with us for a while and even sent over several free desserts including his claimed, "best cheesecake in New York". If he wasn't right, he was pretty damn close.

Overall, great dining experience in a cool trendy scene that you would not expect to find in this neighborhood.

Soujourn

244 East 79th Street

New York 10075

(212) 537-7745

http://www.sojournrestaurant.com/

Rare View

2009-10-04T14:51:00.019-04:00

There is probably nothing better in New York City than a Thursday outdoor happy hour in the Summer. Most people have already checked out mentally for the weekend and the evenings are usually significantly more fun than the other 9 months of Thursdays.

Everyone knows there are plenty of places to go, but Rare View at the top of the Shelburne is right up there. This Murray Hill roof deck is much more attitude free unlike some of the other roof tops in NYC that are heavily guarded by d*bag bouncers most likely from the forgotten borough. My first venture here I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt & maybe even a Phillies hat but there was no one hassling me about my attire. Once you get off the elevator you immediately see a great nightlife scene. Lots of young professionals drinking moderately priced drinks. I stuck to beer, so I can't comment on the liquor but it was reasonable considering the ridiculous view.

Almost 360 views occupied my eyes and mind for the first 20 minutes and then I realized I was not paying attention to what was a great scene. We were with a group of about 10 standing, but there are plenty of tables for sitting, none were available for our large group. Drinks were really easy to get with lots of waitresses walking around as well as several accessible bars. If you are looking to mingle Rare View has it with lots of 20somethings looking for a good time. By buddy who I went with started talking to an incredibly gorgeous girl, but it didn't work out for him and we ended up crushing pizza together a few hours later.

This place is great for a Summer night if the weather is cooperating. They also have certain parts of the roof available for private events which is nice but also a risky scheduling endeavor considering it could rain. Nonetheless, Rare View is high up on my list and you definitely have to stop in even if it is only for a drink and a few minutes of enjoying the beautiful NYC skyline.

Rare View
303 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 481-8439
http://www.rarebarandgrill.com/

Wild Edibles

2009-10-02T19:44:00.009-04:00

If you want to get that down the shore fresh seafood market feeling while you are eating, Wild Edibles has to be on your list. This gets more press than Obama so you probably heard about it or walked by it in Grand Central. From Martha Stewart to Bobby Flay, this place certainly doesn't need a piker like me to write about it but I will voice my unheard opinion.

Let's talk apps, Calamari w/ Chipotle Aioli, steamed P.E.I. Mussels & the She Crab Soup. You really are good with just that but I kept going. I ordered Linguini alle Vongole Cockles, Manilla and Littleneck Clams in a Red Fra Diavolo sauce. It was delicious and I rarely don't finish my meal but w/ all the appetizers and the large portion entree I was down for the count.

This is not your romantic dinner spot nor is it the hip scene or the hot neighborhood but Wild Edibles is a solid Murray Hill staple that you should definitely hit up if you are seafood lover like myself. Enjoy.

Wild Edibles Seafood Market Oyster Bar & Restaurant

535 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10016

(212) 213-8552
http://www.wildedibles.com/

Automatic Slims

2009-10-01T18:46:00.022-04:00

This tiny little corner bar is named after an old Willie Dixon tune, this sister bar to the one in Memphis first appears the antithesis of the swanky clubs that surround it. It proves different when the after dinner crowd rolls in. For a far West Village/Meat Packing joint this place remains pseudo attitude free and young. Unlike all the $60K millionaires that hang out at the staple Meat Packing places, Automatic Slims keeps it pretty simple with simple drinks, lots of shots & loud party music that keeps the scene rocking 'til 4am.

This place is definitely tight and if you need your "personal space", it may not be up your alley so beware before you head there. As the night gets more rowdy the dance space basically disappears and tables pushed together so don't be surprised to see the female patrons making their move to the bar top. If this is not your scene, there are tons of other options near by so the neighborhood definitely adds points.

Hit up this casual joint Friday or Saturday nights and expect to dig in for the night of good music, dancing & heaving drinking.

Automatic Slims
733 Washington St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-8660
http://www.automaticslims.com/

Raoul's

2009-09-30T16:21:00.020-04:00

"Two brothers journeyed from Alsace, France, to Soho, New York. They found a little restaurant for sale. They were so poor they threw nothing out, not even the salt." Well, thank god they made the trip across the Atlantic because this little fairy tale is the beginning of what is far and away my favorite restaurant in New York City. Raoul's is a French bistro in SoHo that not only serves up delicious food but also serves a delicious slice of NYC culture.

The furthest thing from a chain style joint, this cozy place is long and narrow with one small bar and the rest dinner seating. The seating in the front near the bar is a bit on the noisy side so you will prefer to walk past the fish tank and sit in the main dining area. This area has nicer tables for larger parties and is a much more intimate dining experience. What you will notice in Raoul's is the massive amounts of art on display. The management is clearly proud of their gallery as they even display it on the restaurant website.

Reservations are definitely recommended as this place gets packed and is usually difficult to get drinks at the bar. When making a reservation be sure to make the veteran move and request a table in the "Garden Room". This back section of the restaurant is accessed through the kitchen as the hostess walks you straight through all the chaos as the cooks are hammering away. The garden is as cool as it gets for NYC dining with a much more quiet and supremely intimate environment.

Once finally seated, do not bother looking at the chalk board menu for 2 reasons: A) it's in French B) the only thing you should order is their famous Steak Au Poivre with shoestring fries. This meal is so delicious, I promise you will intentionally eat it slowly because you don't want it to be gone so fast. Some red wine, couple Moretti's & the Chocolate Trio for desert and as they say on Strong Island "fuggettaboutit".

Last side note is that the bathroom is a cool experience too as you have to walk up a tight route iron spiral staircase where you find a tarot card reader waiting to tell your fortune if you are so inclined. All this character adds to the dynamic of this incredible SoHo bistro. Make it a stop on your restaurant tour ASAP.

Raoul's

180 Prince St

New York, NY 10012

(212) 966-3518

http://www.raouls.com/

Kush Lounge

2009-09-29T21:20:00.016-04:00

I'm not sure how we got there or why we went but all I remember is a dark, bizarre scene and that I had a great time. Kush Lounge is weird, dark, loud & filled with hookah smoke but something about this LES night club is worth coming back. Walk through the winding corridors of this place passing the smaller front bar and move straight to the back bar room where there are cabanas (fancy word for tables with pillows on the benches) and a long bar where drinks are easily accessible as well as there prized offering of the hookah with a very wide array of flavored tobacco to chose from.

So my buddy (who is as equally weird as the place) order some beers a green apple flavor hookah. Now we can enjoy the energetic Moroccan atmosphere. The scene is very eclectic which makes you quasi-forget that you are in New York City while at the same time is really cool that you are still in New York City.

The DJ is building up as the night gets older and the music is right on point. As I mentioned, this place has a very unique layout and down in the pit like area (right) is where they have more tables that appear to be for the bottle service clients although I never actually found out whether the place provided such amenities. Don't be fooled by this nice looking area because it is anything but calm. This becomes the dance floor / mosh pit as the night moves on. We never ventured down, but we people watched from the arch shaped perch. It became rather rowdy and I gotta imagine anything on those tables made it's way to a mess on the floor.

To close the night out, was the grand finale at Kush Lounge. Just as weird as everything else, out from the back room walks a middle aged belly dancer outfitted in everything you would expect to see in a movie. The only difference is this woman had a serving tray on her head that was filled with about a dozen glass candles that are all lit. This oddity did her thing and everyone clapped along while hooting and hollering. It was odd but added a very cool flavor and rounded out what I thought is a great place. So, you probably never heard of it and you won't have your work happy hour there anytime soon, but I recommend you find this place on a weekend night and enjoy.

Kush Lounge
191 Chrystie St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 677-7328
http://www.thekushnyc.com/

Salt Bar

2009-09-25T19:41:00.009-04:00

Lower East Side places are none for their unique flavor and Salt Bar followed with flavor but not in the literal sense. The outside is quite appealing making me wonder what was going on inside. Once you enter the establishment, the atmosphere is very LES with a vintage looking dining room that was also the bar area and also the kitchen. Yup, one big room with everything in it. The "kitchen" was just right behind the bar.

For drinking and hanging out, this place is a great pick for a pregame spot before you venture out in to many of the fun LES social clubs. The food on the other hand was bland and over priced. I ordered the filet of beef Wellington in balsamic sauce which on paper is everything I want in a meal but it was dull in flavor and the small portions left me hungry.

My overall recomendation is definitely stop by this quiet place for a drink with the neighborhood locals before you head down to Pianos to hang out with all the out-of-towners from the Upper East Side (sorry TW).

Salt Bar

29 Clinton St

New York, NY 10002-1737

(212) 979-8471

http://www.saltnyc.com/

The Back Fence

2009-09-25T16:10:00.011-04:00

Lots of good live music venues in NYC, no one can challenge that. Where I have a slight problem is that I'm not some indie music freak or totally all about sitting in a bar watching some guy try to "make it" with his original songs. I'm totally cool with a original here and there, but I'm out tonight to have a good time and listen to some music I know (translation: covers).

The Back Fence is one of my favorite live music spots in the city for many reasons. Walk into this classic place and the first thought that runs through your head is, "this place is small." Thursday through Saturday night make sure you get there early to get yourself a table; the experience will be much better. Once seated, your good time can begin. Have a seat in these tight quarters and listen to what has always been great music in the time I have been there. The weekend acts are usually their regular list of performers and I've always enjoyed their playlist and percentage of covers to originals. My favorite performer I've seen is a guy that everyone always called Tommy Boy because of his striking resemblance to Chris Farley (if you've been there and seen him, you know I'm dead on).

This is no first date place as the music is loud, beer comes in mugs and there are peanut shells everywhere. I'm a huge peanut fan mostly at baseball games but sometimes they are good for tossing into your friends beer mug when he is not paying attention, just sometimes though. You should eventually plan on having your peanut privilege taken away from you by the waitress so make sure you enjoy them while they are on the table.

The Back Fence is a fun, no attitude place that will get you nice and rummed up while listening to quality tunes. Also, you can't beat the neighborhood as you walk out right on the happening Bleecker St of the Greenwich Village.

The Back Fence

155 Bleecker StNew York, NY

10012-1438

(212) 475-9221

http://www.thebackfenceonline.com/

Tree

2009-09-24T20:14:00.009-04:00

Not a huge TV watcher but I love me some Seinfeld and I love me some Food Network. I was watching this one show where famous chefs were talking about their "must have" foods. One of the guys mentioned the dish he loved at Tree in the East Village.

The chef's recommendation sparked my interest enough to venture here on a Thursday night. Very hidden entrance that you could easily overlook on a crowded 1st Avenue. Once inside, the front room is very narrow with very few tables but we are led by the hosest to the garden in the back which I was pumped about. Anytime I can possibly eat outdoors, I'm all about it. This particular garden was very cool and spacious. It had what appeared to be a motorized retractable roof for inclement weather. I thought this was really cool, the other two people at our table did not seem to care nearly as much as I did.

So, this TV chef dude suggested the Manila clams & mussels over linguini. What is unique about this dish is that it is made with saffron broth as opposed to the standard garlic, oil & chicken broth that we've all had a million times. Don't get me wrong, this dish was legit and there wasn't an ounce of edible food left on my plate but this said chef claimed to have ordered a duplicate dish while he was halfway through his first one. I didn't order a second but after looking at the website I kinda wish I ordered this:

Food aside, the atmosphere was great, service was great, wine list was great, prices were great and it a great neighborhood. Overall, great (someone get me a thesaurus) and I recommend it.

Tree

190 First Ave

New York, NY 10009

(212) 358-7171

http://www.treenyc.com/

Lederhosen

2009-09-24T18:58:00.013-04:00

"Lassen Sie uns\'s betrinken". If that's what you're thinking and you can't get beer off your mind that Lederhosen is the place for you. Walk down this residential West Village street and you'd never believe that behind those doors are a bunch of people getting stupid drunk.

This German beer garden is good old fashion fun. Walk in and there is a small bar on your right that hopefully you never have to use because that means there are no available tables. This is a big issue because this watering hole is no airport bar, tables do not turn over quickly. Once you get to the back room tables are set up picnic style and the chaos begins.

Food is typical German fair with brauts and sausages galore but their bread and butter is their warm soft pretzel and homemade mustard dip. All great foods needed to absorb the gallons of beer you will be consuming in Lederhosen's massive steins.

You may also want to dabble into their boot shaped glasses but be warned, this glass combined with no air conditioning has been known to make grown men (physically not mentally) take their shirts off in public places.

Das Boot is dangerous. Overall a great time and a perfect spot for a boys night of debauchery. Lassen Sie uns\'s betrinken = Let's get drunk.

Lederhosen

39 Grove St

New York, NY 10014

(212) 206-7691

http://www.lederhosennyc.com/

The Kingswood

2009-09-24T15:17:00.008-04:00

Australian meets American New and together decide to be trendy is what you get with The Kingswood. First impression when you walk into this joint is that you are no longer out for dinner but entered an upscale social scene. The bar is a very cool square shaped bar with a brass top for that aged look. It will most likely be packed with groups of girls waiting for a table, businessmen doing the same, or just a few people looking to get a drink in a place with a cool atmosphere.

It may be tough to get your first drink on a busy Thursday night, but once you do you'll actually be hoping that your table is not ready for another 45 minutes. I'm not very good with the whole luck thing therefore our table is ready seconds after we get our drinks. The restaurant is divided in 2 with front section that set up to cater more towards the bar crowd meaning that it is a less intimate vibe as the tables are close and this section flows right into the bar. On the other side is a big open area with lots of seating but you are now a good distance from the bar noise.

The food is just silly. Definitely start with the mussels with lemongrass, green curry, coconut cilantro and jalapeno. Great dipping bread is served with the meal. Mmmm, these were good. I next move onto Ruby's burger with sweet chili sauce and I'm happy as a pig in sh*t. Side of sauteed broccoli w/ rock salt to make me not feel like a total gluttonous animal.

Call this Australian, call it whatever but The Kingswood is a definite winner whether you're headed there for drinks or great dinner in the West Village.

The Kingswood

121 W 10th St

New York, NY 10079
(212) 645-0018
http://www.kingswoodnyc.com/

Von

2009-09-23T15:42:00.012-04:00

Welcome to Von. What? You can't find it? No sh*t, neither could I considering it has no sign outside and looks like a speakeasy. Oh, did I forget to mention that it's on "1st & Bowery". We'll it's actually Bleecker & Bowery but if you are on the other side of the street it reads 1st and if you walk North it becomes Bond Street rather than 2nd Street which is what Bond becomes on the East side of the street. Wait, what? Like I said, I couldn't find it either.

Anyway, this pet friendly place is very cozy and a good scene for the non-party times of the week. Very rustic and antique decor takes you back a bit to give that speakeasy feel. No TVs, nothing modern, sometimes simplicity is best. Don't be lulled to sleep by this cool place because the neighborhood is anything but slow. Come weekends, Von turns a different page.

A simple trip to the bathroom shows you the basement and Jeckyl side of this Hyde bar. Dark, crowded and loud is the lounge scene that lurks downstairs. Blown away by this discovery (I had been there 4 times before and never knew it existed) I explored for a minute and it was a very cool scene, especially considering that people upstairs (like me) probably had no idea the scene was happening.

Bottom line, this place is a hidden gem in a cool area and worth the trip. But, keep it quiet to keep the gem hidden.

Von
3 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 473-3039
http://www.vonbar.com/

Gina la Fornarina

2009-09-22T21:18:00.011-04:00

Brand new on the Italian UES spot is a great scene on a warm Sunday night. Gina la Fornarina is an open air place has one long retractable wall that makes the whole place open right up to 2nd Avenue with a bunch of tables outside. Very cool decor with good lighting and white chairs and white weather washed tables which gave a vintage effect despite being brand new.

As for the food, it is primarily tapas style with large portions as we ordered roughly 6 dishes for a table of 4. The hen was unreal and their marherita pizza was pretty tasty. Call me a geek, but I also really liked their beer glasses (right).

Overall, place was good and reasonably priced. Worth hitting it up. Go soon while it's warm.

Gina la Fornarina

1575 2nd Avenue

New York, NY 10028

(212) 535-3300
http://www.gina-lafornarina.com/

Bowery Electric

2009-09-21T17:59:00.007-04:00

If you saw it in the daylight you'd just walk right by and never think it was anything more than a closed down industrial panting outfit but inside on a weekend night proves it is worth stopping in. I would have just walked by, but 3 smokers taking a break from the dance floor said, "You should go in, definitely downstairs. It's a good time." I like good times.

You walk into Bowery Electric and my advice is to head by the goth chick with the people counter and head straight downstairs. You feel like you are still in the same closed down painting company as the place has a very rustic and "natural" (nice way of writing sh*tty) look with exposed brick and cement walls. This look is quickly forgotton when you hear the DJ blasting 80s & 90s music you'd expect to hear at a wedding. If you are not a hipster (see Ryan Boyle) and anywhere from 21-35 you most likely love this music.

Sidenote: normally you see dweeb DJs like this:

Bonus: this place had a DJ like this:

Downstairs had a big dancefloor recessed about 6 feet from the general bar/drinking area so it was ideal people watching perch for the crew I was hanging out with. The dancefloor was a good scene. Drinks were reasonbly priced ($6 beers) and I enjoyed myself. Rolled out of there around 2:15am and it was still rocking. Definitely worth a look in my opinion.

Bowery Electric
327 Bowery
New York, NY 10003-7176
(212) 228-0228
http://www.theboweryelectric.com/

Agozar Cuban Bistro Bar

2009-09-21T16:33:00.003-04:00

Thank you Bianca for having a 45 minute wait on Saturday night because it afforded me the opportunity to eat at Agozar. This place was a large "L" shaped restaurant/bar with a good scene and very good food. Their claim to fame is their Mexican Cuban fusion which was great. Not being overly in love with either of the fusion elements I was a bit leery when I saw the menu but the food did not disappoint.

Served tapas style, we had about 4 dishes that were plenty filling for 2 people. While the calamari in Dominican honey was good, my favorite was the shrimp in double garlic sauce (camarones al ajillio). Delicious taste while not overdone with garlic flavor on skewers with very thin fries sprinkled over top.

Service was good and the drinks (red wine sangria) were good as well. Around 10pm, you could tell they were changing to their night vibe a bit as the music got louder and the lights dimmed. Overall, I like the place and it's in a great area with tons of nightlife right around there.

Agozar Cuban Bistro Bar
324 Bowery
New York, NY 10012-2490
(212) 677-6773
http://www.agozarnyc.com/