You’ve hit every “hotspot” in Bergen, and sure there are some that fit the bill, but with the weather getting nicer and summer just around the corner, you really feel like you need a change of pace. The bright lights of NYC are calling you… gosh, but it’s been so long… where to go?
You hit La Esquina in September, but now that’s so 2009. Hearing buzz about Minetta but the food is just “eh” and a girl’s gotta eat right?
Check out these dinner spots on the other side of the Hudson. They are new and trendy, and still pleasing to your palate.
Bon Appétit!
Abe and Arthur’s
The old Lotus space (remember that?) is transformed into a cozy modern dining room with some large tables for groups and a menu with everything from tuna tartar tacos to steaks and lobster. Great side dishes too. Bring your two favorite couple friends or go for a girls night out and rock out to the D.J. spinning tunes in the background.
Looking for some after dinner action? Head downstairs to Simyone Lounge (SL Lounge) and snag a private table if you can get one. Order the Passion-Mint Martini and hit the dance floor til the wee hours.
Abe and Arthur’s
409 W. 14th Street (near 9th Avenue)
646-289-3930
Simyone Lounge (SL Lounge)
same address and phone as above
Locanda Verde
In the mood for something a bit more casual yet still hip and fun? Try Locanda Verde in Tribeca’s Greenwich Hotel. Andrew Carmellini’s airy, bustling rustic Italian eatery is worth the trip downtown. Try the family-style chef’s choice menu alla famiglia (“the big pig-out”) and one of their Italian microbrews. The prices are easy on the wallet too.
377 Greenwich Street
@North Moore
212-925-3797
Casa Lever
Located in the Lever House Building on Park Avenue, this newish Milanese eatery is the place to see and be seen in the mid-town area. The modern, sleek dining room makes you feel like you were plucked from NJ and transported to the stylish city of Milan, and the authentic northern Italian cuisine stays true to the theme. Nice outside? Oh well, guess you’ll just have to stay a little later and sip some Frangelico out on the restaurant’s Rooftop Terrace.
390 Park Avenue (at 53rd Street)
212-888-2700
Not really into making the haul to midtown or downtown? Here are a few haunts that are just a few minutes from the bridge:
A Voce and Landmarc at the Time Warner Center
Two great restaurants at Time Warner Center with great food and good scenes. Both are spin-offs of downtown successful counterparts but nothing has been sacrificed in the way of taste or ambiance. Go early and take advantage of the bar scene and amazing views.
http://avocerestaurant.com/
212-823-2523
http://www.landmarc-restaurant.com/
212-823-6123
Kefi
Casual and affordable, this Greek Taverna on the Upper West always delivers on mouthwatering cuisine- its fun too. Go with a group and order a bunch of Meze and a few casks of Greek wine to share. For a main course try the Grilled Branzino or the Chicken Souvlaki.
505 Columbus Avenue (@84th Street)
212-873-0200
Mermaid Inn
We were literally over-the-moon excited when Mermaid Inn opened a location on the UWS; the original east village haunt was always a favorite. The fish is super fresh and the place is as close as you are going to get to being in a fish shack without actually heading to the shore. Try the fish tacos on Tuesday nights or as a brunch special on the weekends.
568 Amsterdam Avenue at 87th Street
212-799-7400
