Restaurant: Minetta Tavern

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St. nr. Bleecker St.
Hours:Mon-Fri, 5:30pm-1am; Sat-Sun, 11am-3pm and 5:30pm-1am
Subway: A, B, C, D, E, F, V at W. 4th St.-Washington Sq.


Minetta Tavern (which, once upon a time, was indeed a humble Village tavern)is part of a recent wave of clubby, "old New York"-y restos that are hard to get into and disingenuously sceney. It's also famous for a $26 "Black Label Burger" that some rank among the best in Gotham, and which is indeed delicious if you like a distinctly aged, rather gamey patty. That's $26. That said, I would recommend it: it is expensive, but still cheaper than, say, 21. And, if you'll recall, this is where they installed Joe Gould as "resident bohemian" and where he received his mail, which really should count for something.

Yes, it's a scene, but if you go early, getting a table should not be a problem. Cocktails are delicious, the menu is old-fashioned and satisfying, and the service very cordial. Plus, the vintage interior is undeniably seductive. The capper, for me: M and I went to share that $26 burger at the bar one evening and found ourselves seated next to a garrulous Episcopal priest who discussed Bitters with great knowledge and enthusiasm, had a large and sumptuous meal, and ordered the souffle.

Restaurant/Bar: Moto

Moto
394 Broadway, at Hooper St.
Williamsburg
Mon-Fri, 6pm-1am; Sat, 11am-2am; Sun, 11am-1am
Subway: G at Broadway; J, M at Hewes St.



I always called this "the bicycle restaurant" because there's an old bike frame over the door, but in fact it has nothing to do with bikes and only a little to do with motorcycles and a lot to do with a sepia-toned, atmospheric, Francophile bar with good live music most nights. "Chill" is a word I don't often use, but it generally applies here, not least because it's a bit off the beaten path (albeit right on the subway line.) There's classic French "fare," but it's a great place to go just for some good beer, music and an intimate, low-key hang. NY Mag calls it "Kafkaesque," so make of this what you will. Extra-appealing on a rainy night!

Restaurant/Bar: Freeman's

*Freeman's
Lower East Side
End of Freeman Alley (off of Rivington)
Subway: F/V to 2nd Avenue


*You MUST get to Freeman's early, I mean indecently, Miami-early. (Okay, 6.) It gets level-12 douche-tastic later, I am sad to report. So, early. But it's worth it! While the dinner is delicious, I love to go just for one of their amazing cocktails (the Bramble is my favorite!, and some hot artichoke dip, and maybe an order of devils-on-horseback...brunch is good, too.*

*NB: there's taxidermy

Restaurant: Frankies 457

*Frankies 457 Sputino
457 Court Street at 4th Place
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
(There's also a location on the LES)
Subway: F to Carroll Street


*Frankies is so amazing: local and special and relaxed and really delicious Italian food. It's in the heart of old Carroll Gardens, although it's quintessential new Brooklyn. There are small plates, like salads and vegetables, or larger dishes like the best eggplant parm sandwich on the face of the Earth and scrumptious meatballs with raisins and pine nuts in addictive red sauce. Go early, and remember: cash only.