Why Did You Eat That?

Need help picking out a hot date spot? Brunch with the girls? Post break-up pizza? Here is a list of a few of my favorite haunts:

Hot Date:

River Cafe

1 Water Street

718-522-5200

Yes, you will have to cross the bridge (Brooklyn, that is) to get here (cringe), but it is fully worth burough hopping. Perfect for a romantic evening. You can dine in the restaurant or sit outside for cocktails.

Bobo

181 W. 10th Street (near 7th Ave. South)

212-488-2626

You might miss the front door of this quaint spot.  Downstairs is a bar great for grabbing a cocktail with friends and upstairs are romantic tables with bookshelves along the walls (fun fact: in true speakeasy form, if you pick up a book from the shelves, it will likely have a hidden compartment to hide a liquor bottle).  Bonus- romantic outdoor seating, perfect for warm summer nights. 

Brunch:

Tre 

173 Ludlow Street (b/t Houston and Stanton)

212-353-3353

Quiet and cozy, they have a $17 brunch special with all you can consume mimosas, bellinis, and champagne (order the Tre Burger)!

Small Plates:

Boqueria Soho

171 Spring Street (b/t Thompson and W. Broadway)

212-343-4255

The second Boqueria (original is on 19th Street) serving all of your favorites and, of course, pitchers of sangria. Try the stuffed dates and patatas bravas.

Pizza:

L’Ulivo

184 Spring Street (b/t Thompson and Sullivan)

212-343-1445

I’m probably going to kick myself for giving this little gem away, but I’m into sharing great things.  If you’ve strolled through Soho, you’ve probably passed this place by.  The Tartufata pizza (white pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil) is out of this world.

Burger:

Stoned Crow

85 Washington Place (b/t Ave of the Americas and Washington Sq.)

212-677-4022

So you like Corner Bistro burgers, but hate the wait? Voila, I present Stoned Crow.  The cook was a ten year veteran at Corner Bistro.  This place is by  no means swanky.  There are movie posters covering the walls, crows (not real) perched on the rafters, and your meal will be served to you on a paper plate. Delish!

Sushi: 

Tomoe

172 Thompson Street (near W. Houston)

212-777-9346

If you’re looking for the ambience of Bond St. or Nobu, this is not the place for you.  If you’re looking for some of the BEST sushi in New York City, look no further.  The sushi is unbelievably fresh and authentic. Plenty of sake to go around… just don’t mind the signs up on the wall for “potato salad.”  Stick with the sushi.

Out of Town Guests:

Commerce

50 Commerce St. (b/t Bedford and Hudson St.)

212-524-2301

With history as rich as its decor, this is sure to be a hit with out of town guests.  Nestled on a quaint street in the West Village, this former speakeasy will give your company a true New York feel.  Be sure to try the chicken for two and keep an eye out for celebrities sipping a cocktail at the bar.

Italian:

Lupa

170 Thompson St. (near W. Houston)

212-982-5089

You can smell the garlic churning out of this Roman trattoria.  The paint colors are warm and so is the staff. Be sure to pay close attention to the waiter when he delivers the specials. The pasta specials are always to die for. 

Perfect for Birthdays/Groups:

Bacaro

136 Division St. (near Canal)

212-941-5060

If your cab driver can actually find it, it’s well worth the drive.  A beautiful bar upstairs and perfect tables downstairs for large parties, this is a great spot for birthdays or other celebrations.  They are happy to help with organizing menus for private parties and the pomegranate prosecco isn’t bad either. One warning- the romantic chandeliers are adorned with real candles so be wary of the candle wax that may drip down onto your table. 

Steak:

Peter Luger

178 Broadway

718-387-7400

While they now have several locations, you must go to the original Brooklyn location to get the entire experience. It’s a straightforward menu, but if you love a good piece of steak, you will not leave disappointed.