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.
Bar Camillo
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
You’re here because: The time feels right to pay homage to the restaurant’s namesake, Count Camillo Negroni, by toasting him with one of the Italian cocktails that bear his name while dining on some tasty food from The Boot.
You’re dining on: An ancient style of Roman pizza called pinsa that’s airy and light but also surprisingly filling when topped with options like spicy salami, provolone and fennel seeds or sun-dried peppers, capers and sausage. With nine Negroni variations and nine on-tap wine options, Bar Camillo also has other classic Roman dishes like baked Cacio e Pepe (cheesy pasta with black pepper) and Melanzane (layered eggplant parm).
333 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Karazishi Botan
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
You’re here because: Karazishi Botan is the first solo effort from Japanese ramen chain Ippudo’s former master chef, Foo Kanega. At Ippudo, Kanegae was in charge of crafting more than 600 types of ramen varieties. At his new neighborhood ramen diner, Kanegae concentrates on five.
You’re dining on: Whether it’s the Chef Special Iron Men (a 16-month dry-aged pork-bone soup blended with chicken and oxtail) or the super-spicy Captain Brooklyn, you’re gonna want to get the ramen and pair it with savory Okonomi Foo pancakes or the restaurant’s deep-fried chicken dish, Botan Zangi. In addition to an assortment of Japanese beer and wine, the libations list also includes a number of infused sake cocktails and Japanese whiskies.
255 Smith Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Thai Diner
Nolita
You’re here because: A week after opening, the line to get in slinked down the block and around the corner and you just had to know what the heck the fuss was all about. And — trust — it’s very worth it.
You’re dining on: Thai for breakfast. From the owners of Uncle Boon’s, the day-to-night (currently just day, though) diner melds comfort food and Thai exquisiteness most perfectly. The Tom Khaa Gai, Guava Crumb Cake, Pad See Ew and Phat Bai Horapha are all bangin’. But the Egg Sandwich with sai oua Thai sausage and cheese on roti … that thing will straight up change your life. Sawadee Kha!
Don Wagyu and Sushi on Jones
Hell’s Kitchen
You’re here because: You and yours can’t decide on what to eat. So don’t. Have the best of both worlds at this 10-seat joint concept.
You’re dining on: Flip a coin and go in on a 7- or 12-course omakase or indulge in their signature American Wagyu Sando … or Wagyu Dog … or WagNuggets. Any way you slice it, you can’t go wrong. Unless you fail to finish the night without the Whiskey Pudding. It’s not to be missed.
600 11th Avenue (map)
sushionjones.com
donwagyu.net
Boca Santa
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
You’re here because: You want Mexican, again. You always want Mexican. Everyone always wants Mexican. But the waistline is suffering.
You’re dining on: Seasonal, vegetable-focused munchies. The traditional hits are all here, from Elote to Mole Tacos. Handmade tortillas really make all the difference in the world. And if you’re keen to say, “F it,” go in on the menu’s meaty headliner, the Deep-fried Chicharron Tacos.
480 Madison Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Chubby Princess
Financial District
You’re here because: The working day is through and you and the buddy just want to loosen the tie and swim in a big plate of wavy noodles to commiserate.
You’re dining on: Fast-casual Chinese, much like a Chinese dry pot restaurant, that lures you in via familiar favorites. Most of the dishes on the roster will only run you $10, a true rarity in FiDi for certain. That means all the Braised Pork Belly, Fish with Ginger and Northern-style Dumplings your heart desires.
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