Mandoo Bar
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

71 University Place
New York, NY 10003

Bernie L. writes: I came here not really knowing what to expect, and I was pretty happy with what I tried. I tried the kimchee dumplings and also got a clay pot bibimbap. That was a big mistake!!

This is not to say that the food was bad, in fact it was quite good - the…

M Rohrs House of Fine Teas & Coffees
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

303 E 86th St
New York, NY 10028

Ed H. writes: Without question my favorite place to buy a cup of joe.  Something in the way they roast those beans gives their coffee this ineffable smoothness.

Ever have too much caffeine and feel all cracked out like you just chased a metabolife with a Red Bull?…

Nick's Pizza
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

1814 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10128

David L. writes: Fantastic pizza. Perfect crunchy thin crust, highest quality cheeses and toppings and marinara -- unlike most places they don't use too much of any one ingredient  for a better balance of natural individual flavors. Side note, It's rare to get good…

India Place
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Prospect Heights

655 Vanderbilt Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238

haley p. writes: I can't think of enough nice things to say about this place!!!!!!!! 5 stars across the board. I have to assume that the woman who served us was the owner because she gave me a free mango lassi and my boyfriend and I each a free cup of tea and dish of…

Nathan's Famous
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Coney Island

1310 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224

Julia O. writes: Dear Diary,

Yesterday, Jayson and I went to Coney Island. I think it might have been a date! OMG, I looked so cute in my tube top and mini skirt from Hot Topic! And of course Jayson is sooooo cute! LOL!

Anyway, we were totally hungry when we got there,…

The Broome Street Bar
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

363 W Broadway
New York, NY 10013

Patrick A. writes: A good place for a beer at noon.
No one looks at you funny.

.. if only they knew I got out of bed at 11.

Redd's
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - South Side

511 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Lauren S. writes: So me and my roommate are seriously considering making the move to Brooklyn the more we run into great establishments like Redd;s

It's such a clean local bar! Like really clean! It doesn't smell like a meat market or a dive either. I'm totally in love…

Botanica Bar
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

47 E. Houston Street
Basement
New York, NY 10012

Fáti S. writes: Went here last night, via a partna-in-alcohol's recommendation (had frequented this place a while back...why it had slipped my mind- me don't know), to pre-celebrate the b-day with my East Coasters.

It was a cool lil spot- sippin' on some well-served…

Veggie Heaven

473 Cedar Ln
Teaneck, NJ 07666

christy c. writes: Sorry, but this place rocked...I expected it to be good? But it was AWESOME. I dont even LIKE sesame chicken, but here is was amazing. And the tofu platter? Excellant. The Shanghai noodles were so so, a bit too sweet for my liking, but the chicken…

Jeffrey New York
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village, Manhattan/Meatpacking District

449 W 14th St
New York, NY 10014

Sam P. writes: There's a character in the play "The Little Dog Laughed" who makes her first entrance of the play carrying a shopping bag from Jeffrey.  She is young, spoiled, hip and fashion conscious, and we know this even before she ever says a word.  The bag…

Cafe 1980
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - North Side

150 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211

David S. writes: Could my new favorite brunch place actually be in Williamsburg?! Hmmm, I guess I'll just have to start making the trip more often on weekends. Cafe 1980 (formerly St. Helen Cafe) is a real gem. The place is quite small, and they have a really cute…

Via Della Pace
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

48 E 7th St Frnt
New York, NY 10003

Katie F. writes: I have watched this stunning piece of Italian decadence grow for the past three years and it still remains my "go to" restaurant of choice.  Pietro, Daniel and Stephen will treat you like the East Village prince or princess you always wanted to be.…

Bogota Bistro
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

141 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

angela b. writes: Two words: Tortilla Soup.

Delicious.

Hands down the best hangover remedy I've found in years.

(Next to pho...but there's no pho in the slope...is there?)

There is, however, Tortilla soup...and it's THE BEST at Bogota.  I don't know what makes it so…

The Grocery
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Gowanus

288 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Ben A. writes: Excellent service, cozy, friendly, and romantic.  The fact that there were so many people cooking for me, serving me, and otherwise paying attention to me was a little alarming at first, but I got over it pretty quickly.  

As Maya G observed, The…

Rose Water Restaurant
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

787 Union St
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Pat G. writes: Nothing like hot apple cider on a cold day. The food did its job, but wasn't extremely memorable. Although a lot of items on the menu look to have fantastic and inventive combos of ingredients, so I think there's a lot that's worth trying. The…

Anthropologie
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron, Manhattan/Union Square

85 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003

karen g. writes: If I had an unlimited amount of money and a 10,000 sq mansion, this would be my guilty pleasure store where I would purchase millions of dollars worth of knickknacks I don't need. I would change the hardware on my dressers weekly. No, make that…

Circle Line Sightseeing
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen

W. 42nd Street & 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10001

Irene F. writes: Ended up on the 2 hour tour with out of town guests. The views were really great, and I still feel like I get to keep my City Slicker cred, but the announcer, wtf? This guy spoke so fast, I could barely understand half of what he said, and I speak…

Lima's Taste Inc
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village

122 Christopher St
New York, NY 10014

stephy s. writes: Now don't throw a paella pot at me, but honestly, I kinda thought Lima's Taste was a little, umm, blah.

*ducks*

Now in all fairness, I really liked the place. It is so adorable and the setting is perfect for people watching. It's in an adorable little…

McHale's
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan/Theater District

750 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Bob B. writes: This was my favorite burger joint in the city. Like all good things it has passed into memory.

A few years down the road when i finally go in for my triple bypass I will remember how McHale's filled my arties with joy.

Beyoglu
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

200 E 81st St
New York, NY 10028

Jessica B. writes: Beyoglu actually transforms the phrase "breaking bread" into reality.  And there's just something about doing so with friends that I can't get enough of.  Beyoglu isn't about "your entree" "my entree"; it's about sharing.  I'm tempted to say "sharing…

Ciao Bella
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

285 Mott Street
New York, NY 10012

Ahu S. writes: the pumpkin gelato...

eat.
it.
now.

Olives
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron, Manhattan/Union Square

The W Hotel
201 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10003

Liiisa C. writes: When I was still with my boyfriend, Olives was on my list of places to try.  We never got around to it...  Until we broke up -- I asked that our break-up dinner be held there.  (Do I know how to break-up or what?  The girlfriend before me asked for…

Eastern Bloc
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

505 E 6th St
New York, NY 10009

Arnab M. writes: Bouncer (to a girl and her posse): "Hey you! So this is your posse eh? I think the four of you are all set to go in! Nice seeing you again!"
The Girl (looking around behind her, at the three men, including myself): "I don't know him (eying me, might I…

Esperanto Cafe
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

114 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012

Samantha P. writes: There is nothing like esperanto anywhere else on the planet for the following reasons:

A) There are always incredibly hot women inside.

B) And men.

C) The chai lates are the best on earth.

D) Shmulik.

E) Free random vegan dessert tastings at 3:40am.

F)…

Cocoa Bar
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

228 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Allison G. writes: Cocoa Bar RULES in so many ways. Here are some of them:

1.) Free WiFi!
2.) Really cute, nice indoor seating -- and really cute, nice outdoor seating.
3.) Delicious wines, and oftentimes special pairings of wines with bonbons.
4.) Hot chocolate with…

Cherry Valley Deli & Grill
Neighborhood: Queens/Beechurst

1229 150th St
Whitestone, NY 11357

Phil D. writes: Whether you're making a sandwich-run with your family for lunch or a desperate need to satisfy drunken hunger at 3am, Cherry Valley is the deli capital of Queens.

It's late at night, you're underage but drunk, and your friends pick you up and drag…

Le Pain Quotidien
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater District

922 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019

Archie R. writes: Don't get me wrong.  

Hash browns, syrup, 7 egg monster omelettes, and fried fatty pork products are all favorites of mine.  

But on occasion, I choose to have a day filled with serenity and peaceful reflection rather than one spent practically…

70 Park Avenue
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Murray Hill

70 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016

kate P. writes: I stay in a lot of hotels.  A lot.  I travel for my job, and when you're on the road, you need a "home away from home."

70 Park is my home away from home.   The decor is fabulous.  The staff is wonderful (they always "welcome" me back).  The amenities…

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen

405 W 55th St
New York, NY 10019

Lara R. writes: Love the variety of the classes here and what a fabulous space! Two thumbs up. Haven't had the chance to see the company perform yet, but looking forward to it.

EDGEnyNOHO
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

65 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012

Ruthy E. writes: Apparel, jewelry, accessories, bags and art - fresh, innovative fashions from over 65 up-and-coming indie brands.  

Edge can best be described as a "designer bazaar", however it has none of the chaos of street fairs or flea markets.  Each designer is…

Central Park Carousel

65 Central Park W Bsmt
New York, NY 10023

Diana B. writes: Its hand-carved and -painted steeds slowly rising and falling, to a child's (and many an adult's) utter delight, accompanied by nostalgia-flavored tunes of yesteryear, this bright colored, venerable carousel has long afforded pleasure to young and…

Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Manhattan Valley

968 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10025

Steve M. writes: Well, the Yelp reviews of this Manhattan Valley (WTF is a Manhattan Valley, anyway? Those are two words that just don't sound right together!) Mexican dive all looked good so I finally decided to jump in. Glad I did. This Mexican food is way…

St Bartholomew's Church
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown East

109 E 50th St
New York, NY 10022

Gourmet G. writes: Built in 1918, this third home of what was once one of the largest Episcopalian communities in the city is well-remembered for its central role in a highly-charged legal case that lasted eleven years. When the church seriously considered a…

Room & Board
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

105 Wooster St
New York, NY 10012

Nic B. writes: To quote the wise Ferris Bueller "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Ferris wasn't talking about a car.  No, he was talking about a bed, bedroom set, media center, dining room set, and custom made couch by Room & Board.  Each…

Santo's Farm
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Carroll Gardens

429 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Jocelyn B. writes: I seriously don't know what I would do without this place.  I stop in several times a week and I was utterly beside myself when they were closed for a few days.  Sure, everyone is entitled to a vacation now and then, but I could have starved!  Nice…

Pepe Giallo
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chelsea

253 10th Ave Frnt
New York, NY 10001

Arnab M. writes: Cozy little Italian restaurant that I wouldn't have normally noticed unless I was really hungry and the place I originally intended to go to had a 45 minute wait. Great food, I recommend the calamari penne, and great portions, not too big, not too…

Parkside Restaurant

10701 Corona Ave
Corona, NY 11368

Anthony R. writes: Calamari is a must at Park side in Corona. If you want to eat with a group of 10 or just a Romantic evening with you're spouse, Park side can accommodate you. Food glorious food, this place has nothing to complain about. It has a real romantic feel…

Belgian Neuhaus Chocolatier
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

2151 Broadway
New York, NY 10023

Gourmet G. writes: They're best known for their praline-filled Guylian chocolate sea shells, but the milk or dark chocolate truffles are sensational, as well. Outrageously expensive, but these sinfully rich treats are worth every penny. They were wise to set up shop in…

Zara International Inc
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

580 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Monica P. writes: Zara has always been that place where I go to find something basic. Like basic tanks, shorts, and capri's for the summer. They also have some colorful selections which I am usually in dire need of after the whole winter of wearing basic blacks and…

44 1/2
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen

626 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Sam P. writes: Selecting a venue for a birthday dinner is never an easy task, especially when you're someone who hates birthday dinners as I do. But then one night a few weeks before you end up at one of your favorite neighborhood spots for a night-cap and you…