In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after finding phenomenal success with their flagship restaurant in Paris, established in 1972. The duo won numerous accolades at the helm of this culinary destination, and it has continued to thrive under Chef Éric Ripert, named executive chef in 1994. Seafood has been the inspiration behind the menu at Le Bernardin since its conception. The tasting menu takes diners through courses filled with delicacies like Osetra caviar, Dungeness crab, Lobster Tail, and Black Bass. Patrons can also enjoy delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails from the lounge if they wish to do so.
For those who crave for a little IPA with their Donkey Kong, Barcade just might be the place. The lovingly designed space combines hand-crafted pub furnishings with several truckloads of classic arcade games. Draft craft brews are the specialty of the house featuring East Coast heavy hitters like Peekskill and West Coast humdingers like Lagunitas, but there is also a full bar. So whether you like a shot of Jim Beam before a round of Centipede or a goblet of Belgian-style strong ale to accompany a rousing Ms Pac-Man tournament, Barcade can probably accommodate you. See website for frequently updated draft list, special event announcements, Happy Hour info and more.
PDT (which stands for Please Don't Tell) is a "secret" bar on St. Mark's Place. A call from a phone booth in Crif Dogs (the adjacent restaurant) is the only way to get in. Once accepted, a secret door opens up in the phone booth, leading to PDT. It's not much of a secret anymore though, because the club is hugely popular. Once inside, you'll find a crowded bar area steeped in darkness. The inventive cocktail selection is superb and a major draw. If you're hungry you can also order from the Crif Dogs food menu, which gets delivered to the club via a small pass. A visit to PDT is quite an interesting experience indeed.
Le Bain is popular both amongst regular party-goers as well as celebrities, with its unique interior design making lounging both luxurious and fun. Le Bain, which translates to "bath" in French, is also popularly known for the plunge pool located on the dance floor during the summertime. Although extremely exclusive and often requiring invites to get in, those who manage to enter are rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop and excellent service from professional bartenders mixing up great cocktails and concoctions.
This upscale sports bar-styled nightclub offers patrons a classy place to enjoy the finer things in life, most notably cigars, drinks and sports. Comfortable leather couches, large high definition screens and a selection of sports memorabilia give the 40/40 Club an inviting environment. For the true sports fan, keep an ear to the bar to find out about exclusive events like signings and personal appearances by the creme de la creme of the sports world, including Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Jose Canseco.
Apothèke is one of the many "speakeasy" type bars found throughout Manhattan. This sanctuary located on this hidden alley in New York's Chinatown has plenty of old-fashion panache, though the drinks may be a bit on the pricey side. The bar replicates an old-world apothecary, proudly displaying antique medicine bottles and old-fashioned chemistry equipment. This bar is manned by expert bartenders who sport white lab coats and dispense alcoholic "prescriptions" (as they call them) like the Mata Hari, Femme Fatale and Dr. Ruth, which are created with the Apothèke's house-blended absinthe and other elixirs.
Seafood lovers visiting the city should drop in at Halcyon Brasserie for a delectable meal. The menu boasts of a variety of dishes prepared from fresh catch. They also offer a raw bar for those who would love to savor these delights straight out of the water. With dim and intimate lighting in hues of red and gold, bouncing off the surface of the wooden furnishing, this restaurant gets transformed into a chic place in the evenings.
Blending trendy, hip and classy, the Montclair Social Club is the perfect recipe of a happening social life. Touted to be one of the most happening and best restaurants and bars in New Jersey, Montclair Social Club offers delicious American culinary delights, drinks and a host of live music programs for its patrons. Freshly prepared, the food menu comprises of salads, meatballs, seafood delicacies and also a variety of steaks. Kids special and also weekend brunch menu is offered here. Sip on a glass of wine, a classic cocktail or draft beer as you enjoy the live music gigs held here. Whether it is a romantic dinner or a family brunch, Montclair Social Club is a must visit.
Cuban Pete's is lively, laid back and fun. The decor is vibrantly rustic, echoing the sunny Caribbean climes. They offer a great selection of tapas, small plates and Cuban delicacies. Try their albondigas, (pork and beef meatballs covered in Manchego cheese) or pernil con tostones (crisp pork with plantain and garlic). Their selection of sandwiches are a perfect snack or midday meal. Their traditional plates are served with beans and rice. Try the chulettas asadas, lechon asado or Havana-style suckling pig. Pair your meal with one of their exotic sangrias, there are over 12 to choose from. Try the mojito flavor. This restaurant is a great place for a night out with friends or a family lunch.