Spicy Moon – East Village

Spicy Moon is a relatively low-key whole-in-the-wall joint in the East Village, and actually happens to be right in the heart of the Ukrainian village. The place is rather small and casual, but nonetheless has a very comfortable and home-like vibe. The service and owners seem very caring, pleasant, and overall the vibe left a…

The Polo Bar – Midtown East

The Polo Bar has easily risen as one of my favorite restaurants in New York City. Elegantly designed by Ralph Lauren’s taste, the restaurant is ordained in handsome and classy brown leather, green plaid, and plenty of horse-related decor. A reservation is absolutely essential. Perhaps you could squeeze yourself in if you are truly lucky,…

Set L.E.S. – Lower East Side

Lower East Side has handfuls of great restaurants. Set L.E.S is a trendy little restaurant offering a lot of pub food — sliders, burgers, sides, wings, skewers, etc. The restaurant is not very large, but is comfortable enough to have dinner with a relatively large group of people. The coolest thing that this restaurant has…

Monte’s Trattoria – Greenwich Village

Right splat in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Macdougal Street lays Monte’s — a hardcore, old school Italian restaurant with no frills. Chef Pietro Mosconi has two restaurants, both of which are within the same couples of blocks — Monte’s and Villa Mosconi. I’ve been to both of these restaurants, and I…

Scarlatto – Midtown

Right around the corner from tons of Broadway theaters is an Italian restaurant draped in red called Scarlatto. The restaurant has a classic Italian family restaurant feel with the walls and decor in a rich red color. Many places were packed Sunday evening, but this restaurant was able to sit us rather quickly. They had…

Rustic Table – Midtown West

Rustic Table is evidently a very popular restaurant. Upon arrival, the place was packed and there was a wait of about 30-35 minutes. They don’t take reservations, and it seems that people are genuinely willing to wait. If it wasn’t for the good weather, I perhaps would’ve split, but I decided to duke it out….

Bar Bacon – Midtown West

I stumbled upon Bar Bacon as a local joint near Terminal 5, a common concert venue in Midtown. The name was interesting and the menu was even more interesting. The place is a bar with plenty of tables available to have a full meal as well. Upon arrival, there is a huge, thick brown door…

Le Monde – Morningside Heights

Right across from Columbia University is a gem of a restaurant — Le Monde. I am amazed that I never noticed this restaurant considering I am constantly around Columbia, but that is because I usually opt to go to the restaurant next door (Community Restaurant). Nonetheless, I decided to try Le Monde, and I was…

Nhà Minh – Brooklyn

Near the concert venue Brooklyn Steel lies a small restaurant called Nhà Minh, a Vietnamese joint that — at first — seems rather questionable. The place seems to be more of a small shack than any formal dining experience. It fits the hipster Brooklyn vibe very well. Upon entry, I wasn’t sure what to expect,…

Sweetgreen – Morningside Heights

Sweetgreen is a favorite amongst health fanatics and college students alike. Located right by Columbia University, this spot is frequented by passing joggers and hungry students. It is similar in nature to ‘Chopt’ — A Chipotle of salads, if you will. The decor is very modern and simple, with no smoke or mirrors. There is…

Trattoria Spaghetto – West Village

After discovering that one of our all-time favorite restaurants — Café Español — devastatingly closed, we decided to head over here to Trattoria Spaghetto. Apparently, this is the restaurant that served my mother her very first breakfast in the United States. I’d been to this restaurant before prior to the advent of this blog, but…

Sugar Factory – Chelsea

For a long time, I have wanted to wander into the famous Sugar Factory for one of these mystical bubbly sugary drinks. Finally, on one rainy evening for a dear friend’s birthday, the deed was done. Sugar Factory is right next to the High Line, so it’s great for an all-around experience of Chelsea. Upon entry,…