Recommended NYC Restaurants and Bars

[Young Steve]

As of yesterday my New York vacation/rendezvous with my girlfriend is officially on, so now once again I'm in need of advice, this time regarding the best places to eat and drink. My girlfriend has never been to the United States before so trying to come up with the most essential cross section of culinary options New York has to offer is kind of overwhelming. She's only going to be here for five nights, so there's a lot of ground to cover: she's never had real pizza for one and has also never eaten Mexican food. I know New York is no Wisconsin when it comes to authentic Mexican, but any recommendations for a good place? How about pizza? The two times I've been in New York I ate at John's of Bleeker Street - the first time it was awesome, but the second not so impressive. Perhaps sharing a pie with a vegetarian was the reason for the lack of flavor though.

Any other can't miss restaurants? How about nice places to bring a date with, uh, romantic atmosphere? I'm looking for one or two swankier places and then a bunch of normal/just delicious places.

Also, in terms of bars, anywhere you'd recommend taking a date? I'm thinking a few places like this and maybe one or two regular/diver bars the likes of which I'm more accustomed to.

Oh, and we're staying in Midtown Manhattan.

Thanks!

[Whet Bull]

NYC's not a great place for Mexican food irrespective of Wisconsin, but there is a very, very good place in midtown called Mama Mexico that I think you would both enjoy.  It looks fancy but it's actually on the lower end of the price-point spectrum in New York -- about $15 - $18 per entree.  They typically have a small mariachi group in the evenings and the service is excellent.  It's in the East 50s, well within walking distance of your hotel.  There's also an haute Mexican place called Rosa Mexicano (yes, Mexicano, not Mexicana -- it's named after a shade of pink, not the flower) near Columbus Circle that's def. on the pricier side but worth it.  You might want to just go to their downstairs bar/lounge and order one of their exquisite margaritas with freshly-made guacamole.  Very enjoyable.

A favorite Italian restaurant with excellent service is Gennaro's on the Upper West Side.  We only go there on Special Occasions.  Lovely place.  Call ahead.

There's too many good pizzerias to name.  As for bars... Same thing, but if you want something fancy and old-worldish, you might try the Algonquin Hotel or the bar at the Plaza, both of which are midtownish and definitely swanky but not prohibitive or super-trendy. 

[Vince Clortho Keymaster of Gozac]

As far as classic bars go I am partial to Old Town Bar on 18th street...it is in close proximity to my office and thus is a regular standby for after work drinking.

There is some great Mexican stuff by my house and getting down more towards Sunset Park if you want to venture out that way.

And I know when I am in the Twin Cities we usually go for burgers but when you are here I'd recommend:

Jackson Hole
DuMont
Bonnie's
5 Napkin Burger
The burger place in Le Parker Meridien
Shake Shack


Steve - you still have my number? Gimme a shout when you get to town.

[j. blundell]

Oh yeah, cause he's really going to want to have to hold your hand while he's on his little rendezvous with his married Japanese girlfriend.

[Whet Bull]

The burger place in Le Parker Meridien

Oh, yeah!  I forgot about this place.  Better'n Shake Shack, and the lines are shorter.  Also, it's a shithole in the middle of a fancy hotel, hidden by a giant curtain.

[DaveK]

I highly recommend 7B or The Patriot

[DaveK]

Especially for food.

[erickelric]

Oh yeah, cause he's really going to want to have to hold your hand while he's on his little rendezvous with his married Japanese girlfriend.

Keegan's been super-snarky lately!

I love it!

[pookieadams]

The burger place in Le Parker Meridien

Oh, yeah!  I forgot about this place.  Better'n Shake Shack, and the lines are shorter.  Also, it's a shithole in the middle of a fancy hotel, hidden by a giant curtain.

One clarification - Burger "Joint." I also agree that it's much better than Shake Shack.

Also - if you're interested in keeping things Manhattan-centric check out the Oyster Bar in Grand Central (for lunch).

[Vince Clortho Keymaster of Gozac]

The burger place in Le Parker Meridien

Oh, yeah!  I forgot about this place.  Better'n Shake Shack, and the lines are shorter.  Also, it's a shithole in the middle of a fancy hotel, hidden by a giant curtain.

One clarification - Burger "Joint." I also agree that it's much better than Shake Shack.

Also - if you're interested in keeping things Manhattan-centric check out the Oyster Bar in Grand Central (for lunch).

I am not big on Shake Shack but I guess the whole "see and be scene" thing of waiting on line there is part of the experience. The burger is so-so.

And Keegan - Young Steve and I have a long history of getting cheeseburgers when I come to his town with my old lady so, you know, we've been down this road already.

Sadly Steve, NYC is lacking in the B'lucy department.

[Vince Clortho Keymaster of Gozac]

The Patriot

...for aging frat bros and date rape.

[Whet Bull]

I was gonna say.

[DaveK]

The Patriot

...for aging frat bros and date rape.

The jukebox is good and the beer is cheap. Frat bros can be ignored.

[sarim]

i hear they got some smokin asian tail at lucky cheng's.  also be sure to check out stonewall for a good drinks and a fun crowd in a historic setting.  pretty much any place on christopher st youre bound to have a blast.  theres also a lotta good restaurants and bars to meet fun people at just north of 23rd on the west side.

[Vince Clortho Keymaster of Gozac]

7B

When smoking was allowed in bars I once ripped a cigarette outta someone mouth in 7B and ate it. Also, I think Camero and David Cross had some kind of altercation there once that he had to apologize for a few days later.