Joe's Shanghai
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Civic Center

9 Pell St
New York, NY 10013

Michael F. writes: Ever smoked crack?  Me neither, but I imagine the cravings are the same as the ones I have for Joe's crab and pork soup dumplings. Among my "Joe's" enlightened friends and family we just cut to the chase and refer to them as "crack" dumplings.  No…

Sushi Samba
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village

87 7th Ave S
New York, NY 10014

Barbara C. writes: There's something really nice about visiting a restaurant past its trendiness prime.  It's like seeing the hot guy from HS a few years later, after he's given  up being the big shot trying to impress everyone, and finally getting to know him for who…

Zinc Bar
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

90 W Houston St Bsmt
New York, NY 10012

Sadia B. writes: Like the perfect ass, Zinc Bar is tight but bumpin'.

The acts that play here burn-- so much so that the lack of elbow room is of no consequence. The ambience-- low lighting, velvet drapes, exposed brick-- is spot on. And the sound system? Crystal…

Rice To Riches
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

37 Spring St
New York, NY 10012

Audrey J. writes: The new age "rice" cream parlor, this place has all of the characteristics one might expect from a trendy new specialty store: iPod-inspired shiny white plastic decor, clever little "we are so relevant to the current times" slogans ("I got your…

Le Parker Meridien
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater District

118 W 57th St
New York, NY 10019

Ed C. writes: As a place to lay my head during a week of working hard during the day and partying hard at night, the Parker Meridien is a fine hotel.

The staff is friendly, helpful and bright.

The decor is very "moderne" and chic - altho some of my co-workers (e.g.…

The Jewish Museum
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

1109 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10128

Lisa F. writes: Maybe it was because we didn't stay long. Or maybe it was because the security guards kept eyeing us with suspicion. Or the faintly stuffy smell I noticed as I walked through the space.

I think I would have enjoyed this museum a lot more had I been…

Jamba Juice
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown East

9 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

Srini V. writes: Why didn't Jamba make its way to New York sooner?!  

I love JJ.  There are occasions where I have been less-than-satisfied with the food--the jalapeno twists, for example.  But the smoothies are simply the best.

And I make an effort to understand the…

Guggenheim Museum
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

1071 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10128

Ligaya T. writes: The entire T. line spawned from my father, an innovative architect, consists of Renaissance prodigies who can draw, sculpt, paint and play the clarinet, violin or piano, in some cases at the same time. The Guggenheim is one of those places that…

Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

2175 Broadway
Between 76th and 77th Streets
New York, NY 10024

PJ G. writes: The menu reads like a Russian novel; we're talking thick!
The incredibly tiny interior is a time capsule of old New York City. The counter even has the twisty bar stools.
Perfect place to wander in drunk and yearning for thick juicy steak fries at 4…

Haveli Restaurant
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

100 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003

Helen N. writes: 4 ladies
1 bottle of wine
a shitload of delicious Naan
and more Indian food than necessary to feed a tribe.

romantic atmosphere, darker colors, very nice place.
mm hmmm

Soba-ya
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

229 E 9th St
New York, NY 10003

Julie K. writes: I was going to give 4 stars before lunch menu..  
I do love Ramen.. I do love noodle, but Sobaya's Soba and Udon didn't give me any impression..
wait! did I just say I didn't like my foods here?

oh, nooooo!  then, let me tell you about their LUNCH BOX…

Barnes & Noble
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron, Manhattan/Union Square

Union Square
33 E 17th St
New York, NY 10003

Ryan C. writes: 9AM- Barnes and Noble- In early anticipation of a casual lunch, you will now spend the next two hours exposed to the disease of tourists, who slink down the book aisles with cameras in tow. They stare in awe, not because they are in a bookstore, but…

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop Ltd
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Cobble Hill

195 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11201

caroline b. writes: Damascus, Damascus, how do I love thee?

I love you for the cool, friendly guys behind the counter.
I love you for your bird's nests, sweet and flaky.
I love you for your mamools and turkish delights, full of pistachio goodness
And I love you for your…

Ocean Grill
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

384 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10024

Archie R. writes: I must be a glutton for punishment or deep down I am a fan of S&M but a major turn on for me is when a woman makes fun of me or calls me out on some BS I am trying to pull.

Case in point...

Waitress: How's the fish?
Archie: Pretty good.
Waitress: Good.…

The Levee
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - South Side

212 Berry St
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Lindsay D. writes: I am a lazy person, so I am thrilled that this place is literally around the corner and across the street from my apartment.  Especially on weeknights when I feel like some beers and cheezballs but I don't particularly feel like expending any energy.…

Barbes
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

376 9th St
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Weston P. writes: Ever since discovering the joys and wonders of licorice tasting fairy drinks, I have been looking for a friendly bar that served anise spirits, (emerald green or otherwise).
I have located a pixie grotto in Brooklyn where these elixirs flit.
It's…

Fleur De Sel
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron

5 E 20th St
New York, NY 10003

Ro N. writes: Their menu changes upon the season so you always get different menus.

This place is a bit small - you can hear everybody's conversation.

But I really like this place since everything was so delicious - I would highly recommend this place if you don't…

Pegu Club
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

77 W Houston St
New York, NY 10013

Karen B. writes: I never in my life dreamed that my new favorite drink would consist of egg whites and earl grey tea. .....But I have come to firmly conclude that anything really is possible and I am a believer in this club they call PEGU.

Holy Mother of All Drinks.…

Cafecito
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

185 Avenue C
New York, NY 10009

allie c. writes: Have intended to try this neighborhood joint for the longest time and finally ate here last night. When i came in around 8pm, it was packed. The guy behind the counter told me its a 15 min wait. I waited approx 15mins or less. There were a few…

Alta
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

64 W 10th St
New York, NY 10079

Rebecca H. writes: This week I was to start "the will power diet" as I suddenly had lost it and needed to gain it back.  Monday was a wash, as I freaked out about my financial situation, so yesterday was the true first day.  I started on the right foot, but suddenly…

Fat Witch Bakery
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Meatpacking District, Manhattan/Chelsea

75 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011

Gourmet G. writes: Just one taste of any of the varieties of sinfully rich, decadently delicious brownies sold in this tiny shop in the Chelsea Market will make it crystal clear why the witch got so fat.

Vegetarian's Paradise 2
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

144 W 4th St
New York, NY 10012

laura b. writes: And on the 8th day, God created Vegan Fried Chicken and sold it at Vegetarian's Paradise 2.  And it was MOTHERFUCKING DELICIOUS.  

I'm pretty sure this chicken is made of 100% Unicorns because it's so GODDAMN MAGICAL.  This chicken is my light and my…

Gray's Papaya
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan/Theater District

539 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10018

Julie K. writes: for me, hotdog is hot dog..  
only their fresh (they said) champagne juices work for me..  
papaya, pina colada, orange, banana..  whatever..  only drinks...

Da Nico Restaurant
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

164 Mulberry St Frnt
New York, NY 10013

Pren N. writes: in my estimation, this is the best restaurant in little italy, hands down.  the atmosphere is nice without being stuffy, and the food is unreal.  entrees can be described as near obese, and the wine selection is quite robust as well.

i've had the veal…

Murray's Bagels
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chelsea

242 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Julie K. writes: Just after lunch, i suddenly wanted to try bagel..  oh, yeah~ i have big belly...  =(  

actually, I love Bagel a lot.. it's cheap and tender...   toasted bagel w/ butter on it...  what a perfect match!   but not this time..   whole wheat everything…

Grand Sichuan International - Chelsea
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chelsea

229 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10001

bO w. writes: I went there twice in the past 4 days, as a punishment for ignoring it in the past 4 years.

Sichuan cuisine is usually rich on flavors, hot and passionate.
Cantonese is nice, but everything starts to taste like lukewarm water after a while. Boring!

Menu…

Vatan Indian Restaurant

409 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016

Srini V. writes: A different kind of place.  Quite a welcome departure from the formulaic North Indian fare.  And the ambience is distinctly "rustic", again a welcome change from the overly-manicured Indian joints with stock-in-trade sofa cushions at one end of the…

Flying A
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

169 Spring St
New York, NY 10012

M S. writes: Walking into this boutique is like stepping into my favorite magazine, where the clothes become alive before my very eyes. Whatever side of the fashion block you belong to, there is definitely something for everyone.  From high-end designer names to…

Aurora
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - South Side

70 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11211

CB M. writes: trust fund hipster
sitting on a stool
sippin vino rossi
cuz he heard it was cool

pannacotta
why-a-notta?
so many beautiful people
I feel like a fool

eatin osso buco
insalata capra-ese
two hundred buck-a-ronis?
good thing they have an ATM-ay!

Gray's Papaya
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

2090 Broadway
New York, NY 10023

Flor D. writes: HOLY UNHEALTHY HOT DOG GODS!  
I almost popped a button laughing at the recession special.  Can you believe it, $3.50 for 2 dogs and a drink?  
You know this is bad. So bad, it's good.
Sure hot dogs are a dime a dozen., but Gray's is a NY institution.  …

Il Corallo Trattoria
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

172 Prince St Frnt
New York, NY 10012

Tori K. writes: While dining at one of the only remaining inexpensive eateries in "chi chi" Soho, the maitre d' sat a  20-something noveau riche British couple next to us by the front window.  We were already mid-way through our first beer - and with the tables at…

Madison Square Garden
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Fashion District

2 Penn Plz
New York, NY 10121

Liiisa C. writes: 2 tickets to the Cornell v. BU hockey game: $120
2 jerseys & 2 hats: $190
1,000s of Cornell fans screaming, "Screw BU" in unison: Priceless

Fans screaming advice to the players: Um...  Confusing.
Hockey is not my game.  What does "Clean out the box"…

Bruno Bakery
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

506 Laguardia Pl Frnt
New York, NY 10012

Ken O. writes: Homer Simpson: Mmmmmmm Cannolis.
Me: Filled to order, not too sweet, creamy and wonderful.
Homer Simpson: Mmmmmmmm cookies.
Me: Too many to mention, all amazing. Please, Homer stop licking the glass.
Homer: Mmmmmmm glass.
Homer: Mmmmmmm marzipan.
Homer:…

Peasant
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

194 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012

Joan H. writes: Boys and Girls, here is the story of the time Uncle JT took Joan H. to dinner wrapped up into a meaningful review all at once:

The restaurant was pretty full when we arrived for our 9pm reservation, so yes, make that reservation (and you can do it on…

Devachan Salon & Departure Lounge

560 Broadway Frnt
New York, NY 10012

Sadie S. writes: Another shout-out for Luciana!  Yes, she is affordable and has the low-down on caring for curls, but more than anything, she's the one stylist I've ever met who manages to make curls look cool.  They can be romantic, beautiful etc., but rarely hip -…

Faicco Pork Store
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village

260 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014

Gourmet G. writes: Faicco is to New York what Molinari is to San Francisco, an old-fashioned Italian market. For more than a century, this family-owned business has been selling residents of the West Village and beyond outrageously good sausages, aged salami, rice…

Russian Vodka Room
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater District

265 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019

Norah K. writes: The Russian Vodka Room in Two Acts

Act One: Summer 2000. Go here after work on the company's tab. Eat about one bite of food and drink from a bottomless carafe of infused vodka for quite a few hours. Get really, really, really, really, really, really,…

Jules Bistro
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

65 Saint Marks Pl
New York, NY 10003

Rocky P. writes: One appetizer, two entrees, two desserts, one bottle of wine. Total cost: $105.

Total amount of cash in my wallet: $100.

Number of AMEX cards in my wallet: 0

Thoughts that raced through my head when told they only accept AMEX:

1) F*CK!!
2) F*CK ME!!
3)…

Ayurveda Cafe
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

706 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025

Maritess Z. writes: Went here with Ameena. It's near my shrink so it was so convenient. I love that they serve you what they feel like and that it fulfills all your different taste bud desires. I wish I could eat every meal like this. There was both a lot of food and…

Ali Baba Restaurant
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Murray Hill

212 E 34th St
New York, NY 10016

Heath R. writes: Last week early, my friend Amit and I went here for dinner. He got a vegetarian dish that was a trumped-up vegetarian pizza roll with mozzarella, filo, and tomatoes that was quite tasty -- I tried!

I got a dish with chicken, tomato, garlic, and rice.…