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[SazerVisuel]

I'd love to see a Philly list sometime. I only live about 30 minutes away from that city myself, knowing what's good to check out would be awesome.

I'm loving the NYC recommendations, too, they look so good. This thread is making me a little hungry. :lol A friend and I have been wanting to take a field trip up there to see the Art Museum, so knowing what's good to eat is a nice bonus.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Wylie!

Jealous! I'm a fan of his work and I hope he continues doing it long enough for me to try his restaurant one day.

Did you need a reservation for the tasting menu?

 

[scorcho]

Jealous! I'm a fan of his work and I hope he continues doing it long enough for me to try his restaurant one day.

Did you need a reservation for the tasting menu?

nope! you can decide as you get there. reservations aren't hard to get a few days in advance, which was somewhat surprising.

 

[SnakeXs]

Went to Ippudo a few days ago. Atmosphere's crazy. Somewhere between sexy, aleek, and campy as all hell. Unique, to say the least, and I don't think I'd change it if I could.

The ramen (modern, with some added pork belly) delivered. Just thinking about it is making me wish I had some right now. Damn it being so many layers and so involved that I'd prolly not wanna try to recreate it.

 

[Weapxn]

Last March, I ate at Southern Hospitality. For what it was, it wasn't bad. I'm used to real Texas BBQ too. Decent enough if you're away from home.

 

[JzeroT1437]

Heading down to Park Slope/Williamsburg/Green Point to scope for new apartments--any food suggestions while I'm there?

 

[smirkrevenge]

Went to Spotted Pig last night. What a scene. Even the staff taking down names in the front had the could-care-less, West Village attitude about them.

Ordered the crispy pig ear endive salad and the famous burger. The crispy pig ear salad was pretty great, but oversalted. Holy F, the burger was also salty. WAY WAY WAY oversalted. I don't think I'll be returning. Has anyone had a similar experience there?

 

[scorcho]

Went to Spotted Pig last night. What a scene. Even the staff taking down names in the front had the could-care-less, West Village attitude about them.

Ordered the crispy pig ear endive salad and the famous burger. The crispy pig ear salad was pretty great, but oversalted. Holy F, the burger was also salty. WAY WAY WAY oversalted. I don't think I'll be returning. Has anyone had a similar experience there?

the burger is super salty, which isn't helped by the healthy dollup of Roquefort right on top.

you should also try out Bloomfield's new place - the Breslin Bar and Dining Room http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/breslin-bar-dining-room/

a fantastic lamb burger and other assorted goodnesses. of course classic Bloomfield staples like pig ears graces the menu in some fashion.

 

[Nex Superne]

One place probably worth mentioning on the bar list is Bar and Books, one of (well, three of, really) the only whiskey and cigar bars in the city. Smoking isn't exactly my thing, but a lot of other people do enjoy it, and there are only a handful of bars left in NYC you can actually smoke in.

They're unique, but I wouldn't recommend them. I don't think they're attuned to those seeking good drinks, or even those who like good cigars. More of an overpriced atmosphere thing.

okay, so got back a lil' bit ago from dinner at WD-50.

Cool, thanks for the report.

Went to Ippudo a few days ago. Atmosphere's crazy. Somewhere between sexy, aleek, and campy as all hell. Unique, to say the least, and I don't think I'd change it if I could.

The ramen (modern, with some added pork belly) delivered. Just thinking about it is making me wish I had some right now. Damn it being so many layers and so involved that I'd prolly not wanna try to recreate it.

Aside from the wait times, I like Ippudo a lot. Certainly the best Kyushuu-style, tonkotsu broth Hakata-men you'll find in the city. Rich and porky noodle bliss.

Last March, I ate at Southern Hospitality. For what it was, it wasn't bad. I'm used to real Texas BBQ too. Decent enough if you're away from home.

The closest you'll get to Texas BBQ in NYC is Hill Country. It would probably be considered mid-tier BBQ at best in real BBQ towns, but it's pretty good for NYC and way better than most major cities. I'd avoid Southern Hospitality.

Went to Spotted Pig last night. What a scene. Even the staff taking down names in the front had the could-care-less, West Village attitude about them.

Ordered the crispy pig ear endive salad and the famous burger. The crispy pig ear salad was pretty great, but oversalted. Holy F, the burger was also salty. WAY WAY WAY oversalted. I don't think I'll be returning. Has anyone had a similar experience there?

As mentioned above, their signature burger is very salty; topping it with Roquefort cheese will do that. Definitely not for everyone, especially if you're looking for a more traditional cheeseburger.

And it's "couldn't care less," not "could care less!"

 

[Particle Physicist]

Oh my, this thread just made me incredibly hungry!

 

[Barrett2]

I had brunch with friends at 202 in Chelsea Market a few weeks ago. I can't speak to any of their other food, but the brunch was delicious. French toast was incredible.

And thanks to OP, I went to Two Little Red Hens Bakery in the UES last night. Oh...my... god. Best cupcakes I have ever had in my life. This surpassed my previous favorite cupcake place; Sugar Sweet Sunshine in the East Village.

 

[Barrett2]

My dad is in town and taking me out to dinner tonight. Any thoughts on a great place in Hell's Kitchen? Im' unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

 

[Nex Superne]

And thanks to OP, I went to Two Little Red Hens Bakery in the UES last night. Oh...my... god. Best cupcakes I have ever had in my life. This surpassed my previous favorite cupcake place; Sugar Sweet Sunshine in the East Village.

Yeah, I really like the cakes and cupcakes at Two Little Red Hens. Pricey for sure, but excellent. The Brooklyn Blackout (chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate pudding) is amazing.

My dad is in town and taking me out to dinner tonight. Any thoughts on a great place in Hell's Kitchen? Im' unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

I'm too late with these suggestions, but Yakitori Totto is very good. For Ethiopian, both Meskerem and Queen of Sheba are there.

 

[Nex Superne]

I'm taking my girlfriend to Le Bernardin in NYC next month. Anyone been to that place before? We were thinking of getting the two prix fixe menu's are sharing with each other

One of the absolute best restaurants in NYC! If you go the prix fixe route, highlights on the current menu:

Sea urchin roe on a bed of jalapeno-wasabi jam; seaweed salt; wakame-orange scented broth
Stunning presentation, served directly in the sea urchin shell; a must if you like sea urchin, as its quality at Le B is exceptional

Seared langoustine, mache, wild mushroom salad, shaved foie gras; white balsamic vinaigrette
An essay on balance; foie gras is used as an accent, enhancing the delicate langoustine

Surf And Turf: escolar and seared Kobe beef; sea bean salad and eggplant fries; Mr. Kaufman's pesto and anchovy sauce
Le B's most popular main course, and it's easy to understand why; buttery fish and impossibly tender Kobe beef will appeal to everyone

Baked lobster on a bed of truffled foie gras stuffing; brandy-red wine sauce
This blew away the butter-poached lobster dishes at French Laundry and Per Se and is absolutely worth the $15 supplement

But the entire menu is incredibly strong, so I don't think you can go wrong with your choices.

 

[Nex Superne]

Just had a busy day of eating in NYC. Started with blueberry pancakes slathered with maple butter and buttermilk biscuits with raspberry preserves and butter at Clinton Street Baking Company, followed by lunch at Jean Georges, where the yellowfin tuna ribbons with avocado purée, spiced radishes, and soy-ginger marinade and the parmesan-crusted confit of chicken leg with lemon-butter sauce were truly exceptional (accompanied by champagne, of course!). Then we had espresso macchiatos at Joe the Art of Coffee, followed by those wondrous dry aged Black Label burgers with caramelized onions and pomme frites and an unimpeachable chocolate soufflé at Minetta Tavern, and concluded with a nightcap at Death and Company with a Oaxacan old fashioned (tequila, mescal, orange bitters, flamed orange rind) and the truffled aged cheddar mac n' cheese. Not a bad way to follow up Per Se from a couple weeks ago.

Good times.

 

[SnakeXs]

Just had a busy day of eating in NYC. Started with blueberry pancakes slathered with maple butter and buttermilk biscuits with raspberry preserves and butter at Clinton Street Baking Company, followed by lunch at Jean Georges, where the yellowfin tuna ribbons with avocado purée, spiced radishes, and soy-ginger marinade and the parmesan-crusted confit of chicken leg with lemon-butter sauce were truly exceptional (accompanied by champagne, of course!). Then we had espresso macchiatos at Joe the Art of Coffee, followed by those wondrous dry aged Black Label burgers with caramelized onions and pomme frites and an unimpeachable chocolate soufflé at Minetta Tavern, and concluded with a nightcap at Death and Company with a Oaxacan old fashioned (tequila, mescal, orange bitters, flamed orange rind) and the truffled aged cheddar mac n' cheese. Not a bad way to follow up Per Se from a couple weeks ago.

Good times.

I'm not sure wether I hate you, or love you...

...or plan to recreate your exact steps sometime soon.

 

[nitewulf]

Just had a busy day of eating in NYC. Started with blueberry pancakes slathered with maple butter and buttermilk biscuits with raspberry preserves and butter at Clinton Street Baking Company, followed by lunch at Jean Georges, where the yellowfin tuna ribbons with avocado purée, spiced radishes, and soy-ginger marinade and the parmesan-crusted confit of chicken leg with lemon-butter sauce were truly exceptional (accompanied by champagne, of course!). Then we had espresso macchiatos at Joe the Art of Coffee, followed by those wondrous dry aged Black Label burgers with caramelized onions and pomme frites and an unimpeachable chocolate soufflé at Minetta Tavern, and concluded with a nightcap at Death and Company with a Oaxacan old fashioned (tequila, mescal, orange bitters, flamed orange rind) and the truffled aged cheddar mac n' cheese. Not a bad way to follow up Per Se from a couple weeks ago.

Good times.

on a monday?

i need a different career it seems...

 

[jon bones]

death and company has some excellent cocktails and they always seem to have caol ila stocked.

you ever been to the back room?

 

[Nex Superne]

death and company has some excellent cocktails and they always seem to have caol ila stocked.

you ever been to the back room?

Nope, I usually just stop in for a drink or two; going off-menu there is especially fun. I wasn't aware there was a back room.

 

[jon bones]

Nope, I usually just stop in for a drink or two; going off-menu there is especially fun. I wasn't aware there was a back room.

pm'd

 

[aorange999]

Great thread, I tend to be a bit of a closet foodie myself and have been to many of the establishments listed in the OP (I think all of the steakhouses!)

Just did a Brooklyn food/drinking/dancing binge the other day where we started at Stone Park Cafe for brunch, napped in the afternoon had dinner at The Vanderbilt which has some amazing cocktails and really excellent well prepared food, danced at Soda Bar and finished off the evening with a nightcap at Weather Up!

The only problem I was in my tipsy state I didn't know that Weather Up was a cocktail 'experience' place and ordered a Jack and ginger ale. I was served a tasty rye with a home made ginger-honey soda! I couldn't believe it. Bars and restaurants are definitely stepping up their game in Brooklyn.

 

[GiJoccin]

My friend just got back from New Orleans, and he asked me if there were any bars in the city where they make relatively complicated mixed drinks, and use their own homemade bitters and fruit juices. Anybody know of any bars that might fit the bill?

 

[Nex Superne]

My friend just got back from New Orleans, and he asked me if there were any bars in the city where they make relatively complicated mixed drinks, and use their own homemade bitters and fruit juices. Anybody know of any bars that might fit the bill?

Yep, just refer to the OP (ok, technically the third post). Death & Company and PDT are among the best cocktail bars in the US and will satisfy hardcore cocktail geeks with rare liquors, house-made infusions, bitters, fresh-squeezed juices and custom ice; on Friday and weekends, be sure to arrive at opening time (6 pm) or you'll probably be in for a lengthy wait. There are many other great cocktail bars in NYC, but these get my highest recommendation and are generally a step above.

 

[jon bones]

The "Benton's Old Fashioned" at PDT is perhaps the finest cocktail I've had in NYC. They infuse their bourbon with bacon. It's smokey and delicious.

 

[captmcblack]

Are there rules to PDT/Death and Company?

Like what to wear or who to bring, or anything stupid like that? I've wanted to go to PDT for a bit, but I wanted to make sure I didn't violate any unspoken rules or anything like that.

 

[Nex Superne]

Are there rules to PDT/Death and Company?

Like what to wear or who to bring, or anything stupid like that? I've wanted to go to PDT for a bit, but I wanted to make sure I didn't violate any unspoken rules or anything like that.

I think the main thing is the customer's general attitude towards drinking. If you're inexperienced with cocktails, if you order off their cocktail list and are willing to expand your tastes with unfamiliar ingredients and drinks, all the bartenders at those places will respond very kindly to you. The atmosphere is on the subdued side; no loud talking, no picking up girls at the bar, no bothering other people you don't know, no standing room, and definitely no drunkenness (you will be asked to leave). Other than that, just enjoy yourself, order something off the cocktail list, and remember that mentioning vodka of any kind usually pegs you as a philistine!

 

[nitewulf]

the bartenders are very nice and friendly. the bouncer will try to intimidate you. be sure to go early on. do try the crab cakes.

 

[jon bones]

Are there rules to PDT/Death and Company?

Like what to wear or who to bring, or anything stupid like that? I've wanted to go to PDT for a bit, but I wanted to make sure I didn't violate any unspoken rules or anything like that.

also, don't answer your cell phone in PDT

 

[Nex Superne]

on a monday?

i need a different career it seems...

I'm currently a student in the Boston area; I don't expect to be able to get away with this type of gluttony after entering the work force. :lol

 

[MickeyKnox]

If we're also counting speakeasy(s) then I'd be remiss not to plug Angel' Share, great atmosphere, great drinks (pricey but totally worth it)

Tricky to find/get in to, go to THIS Japanese restaurant, walk up the stairs and look left, there will be a dark wood wall with a "secret" door, go through and enjoy.

While it's great for a date, don't even think of going in a group or you won't get 3 feet in the door.

 

[Wellington]

Went to this place Vareli on the Upper West Side the other night with a lady friend. The drinks did the job, the seasoning on the food was exceptional. Nice place if you want to try some Mediterranean food.

http://varelinyc.com/

 

[Quadratic]

This is an awesome thread I'm going to bookmark it. I'll be in NYC this weekend. I'm hoping to try a few of these places out.

 

[Nex Superne]

Updated several old URLs and added some new entries.

 

[SnakeXs]

I missed this thread. ;_;

 

[entremet]

Just had a busy day of eating in NYC. Started with blueberry pancakes slathered with maple butter and buttermilk biscuits with raspberry preserves and butter at Clinton Street Baking Company, followed by lunch at Jean Georges, where the yellowfin tuna ribbons with avocado purée, spiced radishes, and soy-ginger marinade and the parmesan-crusted confit of chicken leg with lemon-butter sauce were truly exceptional (accompanied by champagne, of course!). Then we had espresso macchiatos at Joe the Art of Coffee, followed by those wondrous dry aged Black Label burgers with caramelized onions and pomme frites and an unimpeachable chocolate soufflé at Minetta Tavern, and concluded with a nightcap at Death and Company with a Oaxacan old fashioned (tequila, mescal, orange bitters, flamed orange rind) and the truffled aged cheddar mac n' cheese. Not a bad way to follow up Per Se from a couple weeks ago.

Good times.

:drools

 

[SnakeXs]

I was looking over my ever growing list of places I wanna check out/revisit and it's getting massive.

I need a fucking job. ;_;

 

[YoungHav]

you rich bastards. I've been to none of these places.

Any cheaper Korean food places in NYC w/decent portions of meat>?

 

[Zyzyxxz]

gah I wanna book a flight to NYC and starting eating my way around.

But alas saving for culinary school takes priority.

 

[coldvein]

do i have to wear fancy pants to enter these restaurants?

 

[SnakeXs]

do i have to wear fancy pants to enter these restaurants?

Considering the breadth and scope of what's been listed, that's hard to answer.

 

[Vox-Pop]

Considering the breadth and scope of what's been listed, that's hard to answer.

I've always wanted to go to a super fancy restaurant wearing shorts and a Minor Threat shirt.

 

[coldvein]

just curious. i understand that certain restaurants are going to have dress codes..it's just kind of a funny topic to me. i HAVE walked into some pretty nice places with jeans and a minor threat t-shirt on, and been treated very well, and then tipped the kids pretty well. never been told "you can't come in here dressed like that", cuz generally if i'm going to a nice place in a big city or whatnot i do some research and avoid the "you must wear fancy pants in here" joints..

 

[Zyzyxxz]

just curious. i understand that certain restaurants are going to have dress codes..it's just kind of a funny topic to me. i HAVE walked into some pretty nice places with jeans and a minor threat t-shirt on, and been treated very well, and then tipped the kids pretty well. never been told "you can't come in here dressed like that", cuz generally if i'm going to a nice place in a big city or whatnot i do some research and avoid the "you must wear fancy pants in here" joints..

well I do believe in dressing up to at least business casual for some of these nice ass places. Le Bernadin does have a dress code but for the quality of the food they could ask people to wear the scalp of animals and they probably would.

 

[Davidion]

you rich bastards. I've been to none of these places.

Any cheaper Korean food places in NYC w/decent portions of meat>?

Cheap? Not really, unless you want to go to Picnic Gardens in Queens where the meat is decent and all you can eat.

Otherwise everything else Korean BBQ in NYC generally falls within the same price range, panning less a bit more outside of Manhattan.

well I do believe in dressing up to at least business casual for some of these nice ass places. Le Bernadin does have a dress code but for the quality of the food they could ask people to wear the scalp of animals and they probably would.

Exactly, dress codes have generally been relaxed to simple business casual especially with the economy being what it is. The black tie vs wifebeater and shorts is a false dichotomy at these places.

Oh, and as a matter of their profession, if you're allowed to sit down at the restaurant, it's the waitstaff's job to treat you like a king regardless of how you look.

I've walked into Picholine wearing an Old Navy shirt and jeans (Still have to hurt my GF for pushing that I wear that outfit), and it's more embarrassing to me than anything else. I love t-shirt and cargo shorts, but the idea of wearing such an outfit rolling into Le Cirque or something is just gross.

 

[mr stroke]

I've always wanted to go to a super fancy restaurant wearing shorts and a Minor Threat shirt.

went to LE BERNARDIN in a suit. The family behind us came in shorts and t shirts and were forced to wear the loner jackets or go home.

 

[Barrett2]

Quick: What is a good hamburger place? I want Shake Shack, but damnit I refuse to wait two hours in the line at the Madison Park location! I need alternatives! Preferably a sit-down place.

 

[Nex Superne]

Quick: What is a good hamburger place? I want Shake Shack, but damnit I refuse to wait two hours in the line at the Madison Park location! I need alternatives! Preferably a sit-down place.

The UWS location generally has much shorter waits. The line also moves faster, since the kitchen is much larger than the Madison Square Park location.

Other than that, I'm not sure what thin patty, fast-food style burgers I can recommend. I used to like Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien, but their burgers seem to have seriously declined in quality.

 

[scorcho]

Quick: What is a good hamburger place? I want Shake Shack, but damnit I refuse to wait two hours in the line at the Madison Park location! I need alternatives! Preferably a sit-down place.

Bill's Bar and Burger - highly rated by everyone but the impostor that replaced The Bruni.

 

[iddqd]

I`m going to be in New York in two weeks, thanks for making this thread!

Any tip for a good Ramen Restaurant?

 

[smirkrevenge]

I`m going to be in New York in two weeks, thanks for making this thread!

Any tip for a good Ramen Restaurant?

ippudo, but be prepared to wait.

if i don't want to wait, i go to rockmeisha and sit at the bar.

setagaya has really gone downhill since it's opened (they even closed one location) and minca is only so-so.