Your can't miss/somewhat affordable places in NYC

what kind of food do you like?

my favorite little affordable french bistro is Cafe Charbon on Orchard. Bet mussels and steak tartare i have ever had....and all entrees are about $20 or less.

For German i love Zum Schneider in alphabet city/east village. Amazing german beer, fun vibe, and realy solid food. Again, entrees under $20.

Blue Ribbon Brassiere in Soho serves my favorite single dish. the beef marrow and oxtail marmalade appetizer is just insane. They serve food until 4 or 5 am, so you can go any time. the entrees are a little more, but just stop in, have a beer and try that app at the bar. it's more than accepted.

eat at Grammercy Tavern for lunch, in the bar. Amazing food at half the price of the dining room. Try the "bacon" entree if it is offered. No reservations taken for the bar/pub room....but its still a very nice setting.

just checked the menu.....damn, that place sounds pretty badass. Is it fairly new?

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.....damn, that place sounds pretty badass. Is it fairly new?

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It's supposed to be like one of the hottest places in NY right now (or, it was some months ago - who can keep up?).

It's on my list of places to definitely hit, next time I'm there.

Gino is a place right off lexington and 61st in the upper west side. Takes cash only. Very affordable dishes with a killer Manhattan cocktail.

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just checked the menu.....damn, that place sounds pretty badass. Is it fairly new?

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It's been around a year at least, and is part of a small family of Momofuku (lucky peach) restaurants owned by David Chang. Chang is something of an enfant terrible of the food scene, but he's my kind of guy. No bullshite or pretension, a slight rage problem, and he's all about the food. Ssam bar is very good, I went at lunch (I just posted about part of that trip in a separate post) right when it opened. One thing that is clear: this place is not about hype. The guys working there are wearing jeans and tshirts/flannel shirts, their own clothes, and instead of being indifferent slackers, they know the menu and know food and are really enthusiastic about it. My wife and I arrived just as they opened and ate our meal with only two other tables occupied. It was a really low key awesome food experience and if you are in to food and really appreciate unique and pure flavors, I highly recommend it. Oh, and go to the bakery next door for a cookie, that is some good stuff right there.

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One thing that is clear: this place is not about hype. The guys working there are wearing jeans and tshirts/flannel shirts, their own clothes, and instead of being indifferent slackers, they know the menu and know food and are really enthusiastic about it. My wife and I arrived just as they opened and ate our meal with only two other tables occupied. It was a really low key awesome food experience and if you are in to food and really appreciate unique and pure flavors, I highly recommend it.

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that's my ideal type of place. I really hate pretension at restaurants....or places that cost a fortune for reasons other than stellar food.

I always take friends to Balthazar. I have never had a bad meal there and the atmosphere is reliable. Momofuko is indeed a treat. Also if value is a concern, the lunches at Gotham Bar and Grill (#12 E. 12th) are hard to beat. If on Upper West try Rain (81st or so) for asian fusion and good quality. If expense is no concern, please try Daniel, went most recently last week and unbelievabley it was better than my last trip, which was fantastic.

Gramercy Tavern for lunch is always a good spot

Sea is the name of the Thai place

And although my admiration for Mario Batali has cooled a little bit, I would still have to say that Babbo still ranks up there with my most pleasant NYC dining experiences. No pretense, just elegant, lowkey, and inventive. I have tried to like Esca but after my fourth trip I remain not in love, like a girl you look through at a party.