asgaynor's Profile
Cocktails in Flatiron district
The Cellar at Beecher's
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Beecher's
900 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Pita Joe
Just walked by. Big sign up that says "Hummus Kitchen Coming Soon." Based on logo, seems to be the same Hummus Kitchen as on the UWS, Murray Hill, etc.
really truly good pizza
I have a feeling I'm going to take flack for both of these, but I love both Patsy's on University Place and Artichoke
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Patsy's Pizzeria
67 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Artichoke
328 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Craft Cocktails UWS?
Last night a few friends and I did drinks and dinner at Jacob's Pickles, then one more drink at Slightly Oliver.
The food, drinks, and service at Jacob's were all excellent. At the table, we had the Sage Manhattan, the Spicy Brine Margarita, and Rosemary Vodka Lemonade. All three were great and suited different palates. We also split a beer float for dessert, which received mixed reviews from my table-mates. I'll definitely be back.
Oliver was a different story. My friend and I both ordered Sazeracs. My friend thought that it (somehow) tasted both too boozy and too watery. I thought the ratio was way too absinthe heavy — it overpowered all other flavors in the cocktail and killed the balance. I'd be willing to go back to try another drink, but I left disappointed.
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Slightly Oliver
511 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Jacob's Pickles
509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Inexpensive place near NYU
For Indian, you could do Jackson Diner on University between 10th and 11th, the Manhattan outpost of the famed Queens restaurant
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Jackson Diner
72 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Otto or Frankies 570
You might also want to take a look at Malatesta; I've had a number of good meals there.
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Malatesta
649 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Malatesta Saturday Night,nice bars and things to do close by.
For after dinner: There's a great wine bar up Washington St. from Malatesta: Entwine. Cozy, romantic atmosphere and helpful staff who can guide you through their list.
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Entwine
765 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Cafetiny: Great turkish coffee to go in the Village
Just returned from my third trip to Cafetiny, a — well — tiny coffee shop in Village (11 W. 8th Street, b/w 5th and 6th Aves.). No seats, this is strictly a to-go place, but great for morning coffee and pastry or a little afternoon pick-me-up.
Really excellent Turkish coffee for $2, plus they throw in a free cookie or piece of cake (also rather tasty). To boot, service with a smile courtesy of the shop's effusive proprietor, Jacob, a Turkish native.
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Cafetiny
11 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
10 days on St. Marks Place
Save Mamoun's for a 3 a.m. post–last call snack
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Mamoun's Falafel
119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Recommended Italian Restaurant for <$50?
If you want something charmingly off-the-beaten-path, check out Malatesta in the West Village. It's particularly lovely on a nice evening when you can sit outside.
Everything that I have had there was good, though the pastas are particularly excellent (nicely al dente, good sauces). To boot, the wine list is pretty reasonable. Caveat: Cash Only.
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Malatesta
649 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Vegetarian in east midtown
I'm a vegetarian and I really enjoyed the meal I had a Vero in the East 50s a few months ago. There are plenty of vegetarian options.
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Vero
1004 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Looking for a fun, laid back bar for first date in or around Union Square
City Tavern is a nice little bar on 13th Street between 5th and University. Very friendly service, and great happy hour. Limited outdoor seating, but they leave the doors open so you get that indoor–outdoor vibe.
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The City Tavern
22 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
Classic Retro Cocktail Bars
For great cocktails without as much shtick as the speakeasies, try Amor y Amargo on 6th St. near Avenue A (part of the Cienfuegos complex). My absolute favorite spot in the city for cocktails right now. They heavily emphasize the use of bitters (it's a co-venture with the owners of Bittermens bitters).
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Cienfuegos
95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Amor y Amargo
443 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
14th St. Faves?
Pita Joe is pretty decent falafel and they just lowered their prices. If you want great falafel, walk a little further over to Taim.
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Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014
Pita Joe
2 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
First date suggestions: E 50s and 60s
Looking for suggestions for a first date in the East 50s or 60s. This is a "drinks" date, so a place with drinks that maybe also had some bar bites/tapas/etc., would be perfect. Cocktails and wine preferred over beer.
Zabar's or Other Place to Buy Pasta
If you're willing to travel further downtown, Raffetto's in the Village has fresh pasta. Full disclosure: I've only had the ravioli (which was excellent).
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Raffetto's
144 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Falafel
Taim in the West Village is, in my opinion, the best in the city for falafel balls and overall falafel sandwich. They use fresh ingredients and their falafel are light. That's not to say that they aren't filling--only that they don't sit likes balls of lead in your stomach. They also offer falafel in three flavors: green, red, and harissa. I agree that Pita Joe deserves honorable mention.
For hummus, I think it's a draw between Hummus Place and Mimi's Hummus. Both serve their hummus with warm, fluffy pita--not that flat, dry stuff you buy at the market. As I recall, Mimi's also throws in some pickles and olives.
Hummus Place is a local chain with locations on the Upper West Side, and in the East Village, West Village, and Greenwich Village (proper). I particularly recommend the Hummus Masabacha, which is hummus with whole chickpeas, spices, and a parsley sauce on top.
Mimi's Hummus is Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, and is well worth the trip on the Q train. A server there described their hummus as "velvety"--a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly agree. It may be the smoothest hummus I've ever had.
http://mimishummus.com/
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Taim
222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014
Hummus Place
71 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Pita Joe
2 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Beer Halls/Gardens in Manhattan
Last weekend I had a great time at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Queens (29-19 24th Ave., between 29th and 31 St.). Is there anything like this in Manhattan? Specifically looking for:
* plentiful seating, even on Friday night
* decent selection of taps
* cheap (pitchers would be plus)
union sq whole foods and trader joe's -- best and worst times
Thank you, fellow hounds, for such thorough replies. I think I'll try TJ's early in the morning and scope out the Bowery WFM.
union sq whole foods and trader joe's -- best and worst times
Just moved to the Union Square area (from Boston) and spent more of my Saturday night than initially anticipated waiting in line at my local Whole Foods. I only found myself at WF because I couldn't stomach the line down the street at Trader Joe's.
As I understand it, these stores are always busy. But, are there times that are better (manageable) or worse (avoid at all costs)?
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Trader Joe's
142 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Whole Foods
40 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Falafel in Somerville?
Again, not quite Somerville, but Singabella Cafe has wonderful falafel (I believe, homemade, actually). They also make an interesting sweet mint tea.
It's along Mass Ave in Cambridge at Trolley Square (right along the Linear Park/Community Path).
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Singabella Cafe
2401 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Is Mike & Patty's in Bay Village Open Yet?
I had the same thoughts about the limitations of the space, but I actually think it works to their advantage.
The small space creates an intimacy you just don't get at other lunch counter joints. To boot, the folks behind the counter (Mike, Patty, and company) are awfully friendly and seem to craft each order with love.
There's also a lot to be said about not choking on rent.
veggie-friendly romantic restaurant that won't break the bank
Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like consensus building around JP.
veggie-friendly romantic restaurant that won't break the bank
Is anyone aware of any romantic, vegetarian-friendly restaurants with entrees under or around $20? Small preference for Brookline, Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville for transportation reasons. Any guidance from fellow hounds would be much appreciated.
Comella's in Brookline?
Largely, it's a counter-service/take-out restaurant, but they sell some of their own products (like sauce and lasagna) refrigerated or frozen to take home.
They are famous for their controversial "mess", a melange of pasta, sauce, cheese, and vegetables, to which you can add extra ingredients (stuffed shells, meats, etc.). I am part of the camp that firmly believes the mess is of divine origin.
http://www.comellasrestaurant.com/
Comella's in Brookline?
I was at the Comella's in West Roxbury last weekend and the woman behind the counter said that construction was complete, they just need to finish some paper-pushing (a peak in the window confirms as much).
Barring any major hiccups, should be open some time in February.
Brunch in Coolidge Corner area?
I second Lineage and the breakfast breads. The few times I have been on a Sunday morning, there was no wait (unlike Zaftig's, where the wait can be over an hour).
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Lineage Restaurant
242 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
Hot cider near Boston Common?
Panificio in Beacon Hill serves great hot cider and is a quick walk from the Common and the State House. They walk the fine line between bakery and restaurant, but also serve wine and beer.
I can attest to the baked goods as decent and the brunch as excellent.
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Panificio
144 Charles St, Boston, MA
