The 7 Best Restaurants That Opened in NYC in November

To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.

Pretty Ricky’s
Lower East Side

You’re here because: It’s couples date night.
You’re dining on: A beer-forward menu (20 on tap) with simple pleasures to share and chow down on. Big hits include Smoked Chicken Wings and a Porterhouse Steak for two or the Grilled Bread with Duck Tallow and Roasted Oysters. To boot, there’s a weekly Beer Club for brew enthusiasts.

101 Rivington Street (map)
Website

Peoples
Lower East Side

You’re here because: You’re headed home after work and could use a double-whammy wine bar that also doubles as a wine shop.
You’re imbibing on: About 200 to 300 lovely wines that the owners (a la Contra and Wildair) have come to know and trust, plus small bites. Our recommendation: the Boned-out Chicken Wings Stuffed with Pork and Mushrooms. And if you happen to work on the L.E.S., Peoples will soon be launching a solid prix fixe lunch each weekday.

115 Delancey Street (map)
Website

Kochi
Hell’s Kitchen

You’re here because: It’s the first date and you want to impress ‘em, but aren’t sure there’s going to be a second date … quite yet.
You’re dining on: A reasonable izakaya tasting menu. For $75 a pop, you’re in for nine courses of everything from octopus to scallops to bibimbap with quail egg tempura.

652 10th Avenue (map)
Website

The Riddler
West Village

You’re here because: You got a promotion and that calls not for the everyday wine bar, but a champagne bar circa San Francisco. Pro tip: it’s small. Make a reservation in advance.
You’re imbibing on: Your choice of more than 150 champagnes and oysters on the half shell. Order the off-menu Chambong. Don’t ask. Just do.

51 Bank Street (map)
Website

Lekka
Tribeca

You’re here because: You’re getting a jump on that New Year’s resolution.
You’re dining on: The healthful equivalent to In ‘N’ Out. It’s a veggie burger hotspot with equally “healthy” milkshakes to boot.

81 Warren Street (map)
Website

Pierozek
Greenpoint, Brooklyn

You’re here because: Alternatively, you and your best mate are looking to pack on some pounds and pierogies are irresistible.
You’re dining on: Poland’s finest dumplings in a plenitude of sweet and savory iterations. Also on offer: solid wine, perfect borscht, croquettes and a serious need for breath mints.

592 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn (map)
Website

Cosmico
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

You’re here because: You’re catching yet another outstanding performance at cultural mecca National Sawdust.
You’re dining on: An expansive yet dutifully curated selection of vinos with late-night/post-show bites that are easy to chat over, from a Tortilla Española to Homemade Chicharrón.

80 North 6th Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website