To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s 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.
Image by Evan Sung
Scampi
Flatiron
You’re here for Southern Italian fare from Chef PJ Calapa, previously of the Michelin-starred Ai Fiori. Expect the kind of meal that will beckon you from sleep … and then send you back to it once you’re done.
You’re dining on delicately composed , handmade , seasonal vegetables procured from the green market and masterful grill items Chef’s reimagined shrimp scampi with parsley, butter lemon.
30 West 18th Street (map)
Website
Urbanspace
Midtown East
You’re here for 19 excellent restaurants that have set up shop in one convenient place — the historic GM building.
You’re dining on fast-casual favorites like Bao by Kaya’s signature Gua Bao, Roberta’s unforgettable wood-fired pies or Dorado’s Baja-style tacos.
Coco Pazzo Kitchen & Coco Pazzo Trattoria
Soho
You’re here because a 10-year hiatus, the homey trattoria hotspot is back in full effect.
You’re dining on Tuscan-inspired daytime takeout from Pazzo’s Kitchen (like a Ricotta Meatball Sammy) and post-sunset fine dining at Trattoria. Go for storied Chef Pino Luongo’s grilled sardines stuffed with pistachios.
160 Prince Street (map)
Website
Brasserie Seoul
Downtown Brooklyn
You’re here for Korean flavors via traditional French techniques, like chi and truffle oil.
You’re dining on a slew of flavors you’ve never experienced, like Oysters with Pork Belly and Kimchi Bouillabaisse.
300 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Mikkeller Brewing NYC
Flushing, Queens
You’re here because Denmark’s venerable “gypsy” brewer consistently ranks among the world’s best, and they just opened their second U.S. flagship on the lee side of Citi Field.
You’re drinking your pick from a rotating cast of some 60 taps. Mikkeller produces more than 100 different beers most years, so you’ll have to return early and often to try them all. Start with two New York exclusives: the Say Hey Sally (a pilsner) and the Henry Hops (a citrus-forward IPA). There will also be food from at least four vendors, including Pat LaFrieda meats and a Korean spot called Unidentified Flying Chickens.
Citi Field, Queens (map)
Website
Maman
NoMad
You’re here because their first location has set up real estate in our stomachs, and now there’s a newcomer above 14th.
You’re dining on our go-to: the with farro, roasted yams, cabbage, kale pumpkin-seed pesto, a sunny egg and feta, served with a side of their homemade cocoa hot sauce. Then finish with one of the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC.
22 West 25th Street (map)
Website
Harry’s
Financial District
You’re here because Peter Poulakakos and hospitality force HPH (Dead Rabbit, Ester & Carol, Le District, L’Appart) have renovated Wall Street’s iconic 1972 institution. Yes, it’s “that place” from American Psycho.
You’re dining on ‘60s steakhouse classics like Beef Wellington and Dover Sole Meunière accompanied by one helluva whiskey program.
Patent Pending
NoMad
You’re here because the sexy-as-ever haunt is located in the cellar of the landmark Radiowave Building, the very same location Nikola Tesla once deemed his home and lab.
You’re dining on a menu befitting a hidden, underground bar. Think drinks like the Light Me Up: bourbon, Jamaican rum, mango black tea, , yellow chartreuse, Szechuan peppercorn, lime pineapple. There are also small plates to cut through the booze.
49 West 27th Street (map)
Website
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