Mexicali Blues Cafe

1409 Queen Anne Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Chris G. writes: One of the most interesting (and somewhat sad) things about the NYC music scene is that the best venue to see live music is actually located across the river in New Jersey.  To start, this 300 person room named after a song often covered by the…

Lil' Frankie's
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

19 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003

Michael D. writes: Lil' Frank and it's sister restaurant Frank are two of my Favorite eateries in New York City. When you eat at Lil' Frankie's it is as if you stumbled upon a small, out of the way place in the hills of Sorrentina. Eating here is the closest thing I…

Bombay Talkie
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chelsea

189 Ninth Avenue
New York City, NY 10011

Erica C. writes: It's happened to Indian food, too.  

The blandification of a great ethnic food.

The food/main dishes are eh, but I did have an AWESOME cocktail here.  I forget what it was called (it was long) but it's basically apple cider, rum, and jasmine tea,…

Xicala Wine Bar
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

151B Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10013

Hourly D. writes: Tucked away between Broome and Kenmare on Elizabeth St, you'll find this hole-in-the-wall tapas/ wine bar. I like it because it's intimate and the staff are warm friendly. Great place to take your special someone because you can have a conversation…

John Allan's
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown East

46 E 46th St
New York, NY 10017

Sam P. writes: As someone who takes his hair (as well as most grooming) seriously, my hunt  for a good salon/stylist is always exhausting, but JA is where it's at.  It's a salon for men only (but no, it's not that kind of salon), and it's $65 for a haircut,…

Monster Sushi
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chelsea

158 W 23rd Street
betweem 7th Ave. & 6th Ave.
New York, NY 10011

Joan H. writes: No problems being seated on a cold day, and courteous staff... but you couldn't help but hear this one staffer yelling from somewhere hidden in a language that was not Japanese (my waittress was Japanese, if that matters to anyone).

The food was…

Chimichurri Grill
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan/Theater District

606 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036

kristine r. writes: Chimichurri Grill does seem to be a bit of a well-kept secret in the Theater District.  It's very small but I've never seen it packed to capacity, even during the pre-show rush, and that's generally when I've eaten here.  If you get here early enough…

Jovia
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

135 E. 62nd Street
Between Lexington and Park Avenue
New York, NY 10079

Xtina T. writes: This is from Restaurant Week last month.

Food/Drink: I started with an espresso martini. It was the normal milky brown color with a roasted bean. At $11 it was average for the price. The a la carte menu is pretty limited, but the restaurant week menu…

Paulina Quintana
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

335 E. 9th Street
New York City, NY 10003

Mary Ellen C. writes: With our first blessed event on the way, we were happy to discover this lovely shop only two blocks from home. In case anyone wants to know, our baby to be is registered here. (Hint: buy pink!)

Ming Restaurant

1655 Oak Tree Rd Ste 195
Edison, NJ 08820

Atif I. writes: Take the NJ Transit and go eat at Ming in Edison!

Ming serves fiery, Szechuan and Hunan cuisine the way it is enjoyed in India or Pakistan. There are any number of great dishes - from Chilli chicken to Chicken Manchurian, Spicy soups, all at a great…

Bentley Hotel
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

500 E 62nd St
New York, NY 10021

Jen S. writes: This hotel helped to make my vacation more memorable. The room, though barely larger than a small closet, was nice and cozy with a fantastic view. I love the capuccino machine(s) in the lobby and the rooftop breakfast was surely sufficient. I've only…

Bolo
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron

23 E. 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010

andrew r. writes: Is it just me, or does Bobby Flay lose more Iron Chef battles than anyone else? My concept of "tapas," right or wrong, has always been a bunch of fun apps that a group shares. The tapas here are presented on micro-plates, in many cases, making them…

Le Gigot
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village

18 Cornelia Street
New York, NY 10014

Michael S. writes: THE SERVICE & PLACE:
This is a super romantic place and the service/food was amazing.
I don't think food and service get much better in the world. The place is cozy but well lite. I think there were about 20 tables in the entire place, it wasn't very…

The Cupping Room Cafe
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

359 W. Broadway
New York, NY 10013

Kristine R. writes: If "Cheers" was set during daylight hours and served coffee instead of suds, Cupping Room would give it a run for its money with THE friendliest neighborhood banter, laughs and very tasty food anywhere in SoHo. Everyone who works here is polite and…

Essentials Plus
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

2259 Broadway
New York, NY 10024

Zhila S. writes: I walked in, sat down, and had perfect eyebrows in 5 minutes.  For $7.
Amazing.

Kate Spade Store
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

454 Broome St Frnt
New York, NY 10013

Julie K. writes: ummmm... no thanks..

I don't need a diaper bag yet!

D & G Dolce & Gabbana Boutique
Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo

434 W Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Russ W. writes: D&G is a secondary label from the legendary house of Dolce and Gabbana.  They often interpret their main line collection into a lower priced version for this shop, making it an indispensable stop when looking for party clothes.  The staff is nice if…

Ottomanelli's Cafe 86
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

1626 York Ave Frnt
New York, NY 10028

Megan C. writes: You might feel like you're eating at a small picnic table, but the soup here will warm your inside and melt the soon to be falling snow.

Have been coming to this little cafe for a while and somehow it slipped my mind to write a review for the place.…

Eli's Manhattan
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

1411 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10028

Caroline A. writes: I absolutely love going to gourmet markets.  Not only do I get to find all my favorite organic products all under one roof, but I discover new ingredients for my gourmet cooking hobby.  

What I love most about this store is that it is very well…

Cafe Buon Gusto
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper East Side

236 E 77th St Frnt
New York, NY 10021

Lindsay K. writes: Lucky for me, I live right on top of Cafe Buon Gusto.  When the weather is warm, I open my windows and let the smell of sauce waft into the living room.  That, my friends, can be dangerous.

Cafe Buon Gusto, is there anything you lack? The pesto over…

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

56 Irving Pl
New York, NY 10003

Sam P. writes: We threw an Elite event here not too long ago, but last night I returned for the first time since.  From an event perspective, these guys were an absolute dream to work with - I'd highly recommend it for a private party.

But beyond that the place is…

Lucky 7
Neighborhood: New Jersey/Jersey City

322 2nd St
Jersey City, NJ 07302

Carlo F. writes: My wife and I were on nodding terms with the previous owner, but we frequent this place almost once a week, mostly tuesdays.  There is a new chef, the steak sandwich is excellent, real steak, and we usually share a shrimp or chicken caesar salad as…

Three of Cups
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village

83 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003

Danielle H. writes: I've had one of those thin crust pizza's there once. They burnt the crust. Wasn't impressed.

But I've had like 9 gazillion Jack & Coke's, Jameson's and maybe a keg of beer in the downstairs bar.  Not all at one time mind you.

Actually, I was in there…

Cafe Viva
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Manhattan Valley

2578 Broadway
New York, NY 10025

Andreas T. writes: Great mix of pizza for just about anyone.  They have vegetarian pizza with cow's milk cheese (AKA "normal cheese"), one or two pizzas with "soy cheese" that actually has some milk in it (i.e. not vegan), and a few vegan pizzas as well.  I've seem…

Irish Rover
Neighborhood: Queens/Long Island City

3718 28th Ave.
Astoria, NY 11103

William O. writes: I was working nights when I first moved to Queens, and the Rover opens at 8am. Nothing helps counter-act a Life Less Ordinary like buy-back thirds when everyone else is on their way to work. The bartenders know how to bs with the best of them, and…

Astor Place Hairstylist
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village

2 Astor Pl
near Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Eugene B. writes: I've been coming here since 2000.  For a couple of years, I initially used to go to Barber Jay, but he had so many Asian dudes as clients that he could never remember my name or face, I don't blame him, we all look alike.  He's a nice dude and cut my…

The Whiskey Ward
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Lower East Side

121 Essex St
New York, NY 10002

Amelia P. writes: One of my favorite bars.  The first time I was there some yuppie scum-bag dudes were getting all cutesy with the lovely bartender and they were all "Oh, hey, let us buy you a shot"  

In an impossibly soft and friendly voice she said "What're you guys…

Parkside Lounge
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Lower East Side

317 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002

peter d. writes: It's everything a bar should be.

-Great, funny bartenders: Treat 'em right and they'll buy you one back.

-Cheap drinks (for NYC): $3 PBR on tap, if you can swing an extra dollar or two, there are several quality brews; $5 well drinks; good happy hour…

La Caridad
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Upper West Side

2199 Broadway
New York, NY 10024

kristine r. writes: I was really surprised and disappointed to find out that the bigger half of this restaurant is no longer actually *part* of the restaurant.  They closed up the open doorway between the two spaces and now there's only seating on the side where the…

The Sweet Life
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chinatown

63 Hester St
New York, NY 10002

beth p. writes: A friendly store crammed full of deliciousness!! The staff is always helpful.

My favorites:

Roasted Almonds
Lust Bar (this should be illegal!)
Dark chocolate covered Ginger slices
Chocolate covered apricots
Wasabi peanuts (these are so spicy and amazing)

Il Bacio Trattoria

1 Park Pl
Bronxville, NY 10708

Alexander W. writes: This restaurant is always busy.  That would indicate that the food is excellent.  It isn't.   It's good, but it's not excellent.  The pizza is tasty, but I did not consider the sauce to be excellent, and that is what it takes to make an excellent…

Slave To the Grind

58 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708

Dian L. writes: The problem with Slave to the Grind is that you encounter "cooler than thou" Sarah Lawrence students, eh?  Your lime green quilted Burberry jacket or North Face zip up must be squeezing you a bit!  

Slave to the Grind is colored by the creepy…

Piper's Kilt Inc

433 White Plains Rd
Eastchester, NY 10709

emarla e. writes: Absolutely the best burgers in Westchester.  They're always busy.  They usually have dinner specials of some sort but I would go for the burger.  Melts in your mouth.  The service is ok.  Depends on who you get.  Sometimes great, sometimes so-so.…

Big Nose Full Body
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

382 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Charles S. writes: Simply the best wine store in Brooklyn. Excellent selection of affordable wines and amazing service. Check it out.

BarBossa
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Little Italy

232 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012

Rob K. writes: Caipirinhas that go straight to your skull.

Yes please.

Austin House Restaurant
Neighborhood: Queens/Forest Hills

7204 Austin St
Forest Hills, NY 11375

GarGuPi L. writes: Came here for the dinner special. A great deal for the price they charge, especially compared to the other restaurants on the main roads. I only got the "a la carte" fish entree and it still came with soup or salad, veggies/potatoes and a choice of…

Texas Rotisserie Grill
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Financial District

94 Fulton St
New York, NY 10038

Akshay A. writes: Thanksgiving in a wrap. Heaven on Earth. Same thing? I think so. I haven't ordered from them too many times, but if that one wrap is any indication of the rest of their food, it's fantastic! Try the Thanksgiving in a wrap, you'll never get anything…

Jivamukti Yoga School
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village, Manhattan/Union Square

841 Broadway
2nd Fl
New York, NY 10003

Srini V. writes: Rumors about underpaid instructors notwithstanding, Jivamukti is still the most popular yoga place in the city.  For my money, the Iyengar yoga institute in Chelsea is more precise in its style and instructions.  

But therein lies the value of…

Norma's
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater District

118 W 57th St
at Le Parker Meridian
New York, NY 10019

Flor D. writes: If you yelp, you know MARA T raves about Norma's.  I practically drooled over her last updated review.  Breakfast, more like dessert...?  I AM THERE!  

Fast forward to May 08, when little ol' me is presented with an opportunity to travel to the NYC.…