1 Bar 44 at The Royalton
New York City's Bar 44, the
reincarnation of the Royalton’s legendary Round Bar, features bar and
pre-theater menus. Bar 44 is an inviting scene for conversation and unwinding
at the end of a long day.
2 Bar Centrale @ Joe Allen
An insider’s establishment, located
up the steps from Joe Allen’s restaurant. There's no sign or other indication
that there's a bar up here at all. Open nightly from 5pm, this intimate locale
has a retro noir feel to it, and the size of the space almost demands
camaraderie.
3 Bond 45
Large–scaled, theatrical, yet
welcoming Italian steakhouse just one block from AKA. Designed with dark wood
and stained glass, aiming to look as if it’s been around for a century, Bond 45
produces an excellent Cacio e Pepe (pasta with black pepper and cheese, a
sizable fish of the day, as well as solid cuts of well–prepared beef.
4 Café Un Deux Trois
Long–running Theatre District French
bistro mainstay that’s in the same roomy location since 1977.
5 Dean & Deluca
Modern café with good coffee and
espresso drinks, brewed with boutique roaster Counter Culture Coffee beans.
Also pastries, and a varied café menu selection.
6 Esca
NY Times 3–Star, fish–centric
Italian from Mario Batali and hard–working chef Dave Pasternak. Known for some
of the freshest fish in NYC (Pasternak has a network of local fisherman
supplying him) as well as seamless service and a compelling wine list. For single
diners, the small bar is a smart place to eat.
7 Il Gattopardo
Chef Vito Gnazzo lights up this tiny
spot with its ivy–covered garden with a Sicilian rustic classics.
8 John’s Pizzeria
The Margherita is the NYC reference
standard. Sit down for cheap chianti, a salad, and one of these classic pies.
9 Kellari Taverna
A welcoming Greek taverna known for
simply grilled fish sold by the pound and as a great after–work drinks stop. A
sign above the bar reads ‘enter as strangers, exit as friends,’ and this motto
informs the friendly service and menu that encourages sharing.
10 Koi
Sushi of great freshness, as well as
a kitchen excelling in interesting sauces, in a boisterous and cutting edge
room full of revelers.
11 Little Italy Pizza
Very good NY–style pizza by the slice or pie.
12 Osteria al Doge
Great choice in the theatre district
for lunch or dinner. Satisfying Northern Italian cooking (we’re particularly
enamored with the pasta Bolognese) in a vibrant, bustling room.
13 Pret a Manger
Natural sandwiches and salads in an
upscale fast food environment.
14 Red Flame Diner Coffee House
Classic diner with booths and
hyper–efficient waiters. This is where we go for eggs over easy with toast or a
quick tuna salad sandwich.
15 Saju Bistro Bar & Restaurant
Saju is an eclectic French bistro with an
inviting, warm atmosphere. The restaurant, which seats 110 guests, also
features a full-service bar offering several signature cocktails. Located very
conveniently across the street from AKA.
16 Shake Shack
Modern–day ‘roadside burger stand’
operated by the uber–restauranteur Danny Meyer with all natural black angus
burgers. Also very good frozen custard with gourmet flavors such as black
raspberry.
17 Sushi Zen
A solid citizen of the NYC sushi
world, Sushi Zen serves impeccably fresh fish as well as flavorful renditions
of Japanese hot dishes.
18 The Long Room
An Irish gastropub with 40 beers on
tap, and an unbelievably good perhaps signature sandwich—a pulled pork reuben
on pretzel bread.
19 Trattoria Dopo Teatro
Regional Italian specialties served in a traditional trattoria setting. Award winning wine cellar boasts 500 selections.