scene: Slightly funky old/new vibe; skylight keeps the dining room light, and the big dark wood bar in the bar is impressive; the library will be cozy in the winter but is a little dark now
sip: A list of 30 custom cocktails is offered; when we asked for some guidance we were met with slight attitude, but the bartender eventually came around; well-rounded wine list full of surprises
savor: Trout; Snap pea salad; Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
sit: With at least one other person to share the chicken; with your parents, foodie friends from out of town, friends who live in the neighborhood
sit: With a group of friends that you haven't seen in a while; with anyone who actually lives nearby; on a date, but not a first one, its a little obvious in its contrived nonchalance
scene: it is all about the food here; all seats are situated on a wood bar around an open kitchen so that you can watch the chefs do their thang
sip: Spanish wines; cava
savor: croquettas; egg with pork belly
sit: I recommend going with only one other person, because unless you get corner seats, you sitting side by side, so it would be hard to chat with a group; this place is for serious foodies, so don't bring your picky or allergic friend
scene: Steakhouse-light; Not quite Barnyard on the Bowery, but there is rustic horsey theme; low lights and some manly touches
sip: Old Fashioned; seasonal speciality cocktails and slightly over-priced wines by the glass
savor: Chicken Liver Pot of Deliciousness; razor clam appetizer; pork chop; potato salad
sit: This could be a good place to Bro-out, or take people on an expense account; groups of women could try to find lighter bites on the menu, but I think men would appreciate this place a little bit more
scene: Cozy and airy at the same time, with dark wood floors, light walls, bright art and large scale flowers
sip: Speciality cocktails are offered, and they are more than happy to let you try any wine by the glass before you commit
savor: Bacon and cheddar biscuits; Pulled Pork sandwich
sit: With anyone really, but it needs to be people that are open to waiting for a table; good for co-workers, a date (if the date is a foodie), or even parents for an early bite
spend: $$
address: 42 East 20th, between Broadway and Park Avenue South
scene: Survival of the fittest... or hungriest. Find small groups and weekend couples galore!
sip: Did I mention the Bloody Mary menu with 10 variations?
savor: Not one thing, even the macerated fruit with mint, sounds bad to me. The Monte Cristo can change your life, and they hand old Alka Seltzer at the door for a reason...
sit: Apparently there's a downstairs room with a communal table, but the group that went down there right before had the highest pitched voices ever. The upstairs room is tiny, and the seats at the front are key on a nice day.
scene: Downtown cool - local foodies who are both fashionable and in the know mixed with some special occassion diners
sip: Enticing cocktail list (Mas Champagne, please), and an extensive wine list hitting all sorts of budgets
savor: Not too many misses... Fresh seasonal offerings, Yellowfin Tuna l’Occidental, Steamed Zucchini Blossoms, Pan Roasted Salmon
sit: The main dining room is where you want to be above the roof off to the side. Bring a date, parents, or your significant other for an impressive birthday/anniversary
Pants at a Glance
