The team behind restaurants such as Alinea, Next and the Aviary has launched its first project outside of Chicago, in New York City. They’ve taken over the lobby of a mid-town hotel, and have transplanted their cutting edge cocktails, as well as their friendly Midwestern service to the Big Apple.
A literal sushi den uncovered in the basement of Izakaya-focused Daruma-Ya, Sushi Azabu serves Edomae sushi only, honing in on one ingredient and one ingredient only. The nigiri reminded me only of the very best I’ve had in Japan. Sushi Azabu 428 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013; (212) 274-0428
For well over two decades, Gramercy Tavern continues to stand out in the densely-packed field of New American restaurants. One of Danny Meyer’s gems in the Union Square Hospitality crown, the opening chef was a guy named Colicchio, and has seen a progression of talented chefs at the helm ever since. Service is almost telekinetic, … Continued
From their 48-hour marinated kalbi to their pitch-perfect bibimbap and bulgogi, the BBQ at Miss Korea is among the best along 32nd Street. Try to eat upstairs for a more intimate experience. Miss Korea BBQ 10 W. 32nd St., New York, NY 10001; (212) 736-3232
A full-service cafe that also serves craft beer, it’s hard not to enjoy time spent at Birch. Roasts vary but don’t travel far from their facility in Long Island City. Nice cold-brewed as well. Birch Coffee 21 E 27th St., New York, NY 10016; (212) 686-1444
Twisting the tradition of Texas barbeque with Carolina-style, native Houstonian Hugh Mangum chooses ingredients with care to create a style worth trying at any one of his six locations in the city and New Jersey. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque 103 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003; (212) 677-3733
From Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara, the dining room and bar inside The NoMad Hotel emanates casual elegance. They renovated their bar, which is even more magnificent than before. Highly recommend stopping here for a drink, even if you’re not doing dinner. The NoMad 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001; (347) 472-5660
With excellent wood-fired pizzas and even Italian baked goods (the latter available daily through their takeout window), Roberta’s quickly became a new poster child for the gems hidden inside the unassuming concrete buildings of Bushwick. If you didn’t want to schlep all the way out there, they now have a small pizza kiosk inside the … Continued
As iconic as they come, Russ & Daughters has exemplified the simple beauty of the New York “appetizing store” since 1914, where the emphasis is on seafood. While the experience here is essential, a visit to the sit-down cafe down the street, opened in 2014, offers smoked fish platters at the bar. I make a … Continued
Inspired by the great bagel traditions of New York and Montreal, Black Seed combines the best of both to create something new, hand-rolled and baked in wood-fired ovens. Try one of their rotating chef collaborations for an unusual sandwich option. They also have an East Village location, at 176 1st Ave. Black Seed Bagels 170 … Continued
Behind the unassuming name lies an oasis of fiery, funky and bold Thai flavors, curated and executed by two former Per Se cooks, husband Matt Danzer and wife Ann Redding, the latter of whom was raised in northeastern Thailand. The restaurant picked up a Michelin star in 2015. Uncle Boons 7 Spring St., New York, … Continued