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.
If you love chicken, Yakitori Totto ('yakitori' meaning grilled chicken) is for you. Start with their skewer appetizers and Japanese or Korean vodka served with a real grapefruit half, and then move on to the chicken served in uncountable ways. Your order will be taken on Palm Pilot in this upscale restaurant and don't forget to try the apricot kernel panna cotta before you leave.
Bricco, the popular restaurant needs no introduction, because it's famous already and known for its friendly wait-staff inspired by the personal attention of proprietor Nico Catuogno. The Southern Italian menu includes delicacies like Pollo alla Griglia, Rigatoni dell' Avvocato, Vongole in Guazzetto, Fagioli barlotti and pizzas. The pretty-looking establishment offers 175 seats, parking across the street, free delivery in nearby locations, and a full liquor bar. For reservations and further information hit the website.
So you think you know what hamburgers is all about? Wrong. One visit to Vizio's and you encounter hamburgers in every possible variety of stuffing. Try their ostrich burger, Kobe burger, bison burger, elk burger and even wild boar burgers! Not just that, there are a range of grilled foods, sandwiches, appetizers, side dishes and salads to indulge in. Pork Chops with mashed potatoes and gravy is yummy! All products used are natural and free of trans-fat, antibiotics, and growth hormones making it a haven for the health freaks. Their brunch menu including Eggs Benedict is very popular with locals. Top any of these with a 'fiberactive' or 'fruitilicious smoothie'. Or keep it simple and have a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice instead.
As the inspiration for the pub on the hit tv show, "How I Met Your Mother", McGee's Restaurant & Pub is a Hell's Kitchen staple. Find the usual fixings of an Irish pub here, from the draft beers and large HDTV's to the mahogany topped bar and friendly bartenders. However the pub grub is far superior to many other similar establishments, with gourmet burgers, Irish fare, and homemade desserts.
Amidst crystal chandeliers and high ceilings, savor popular Italian dishes like pasta, pizza and gnocchi at Serafina. This trendy restaurant is a popular place among locals to grab a quick bite and curb their hankering for food from the "Boot". Notable dishes on the menu would be the pizza marinara and the risotto. The menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine and successfully strives to recreate the same magic of the Apennines. The intimate venue is ideal for parties as well as cozy dinners. Be sure to try the desserts here too, especially the berry tarts and the Tiramisu.
Redeye Grill is a big and lively place with an extensive menu. The ceilings are high, murals cover the walls and crowds are constant, yet it is not overly noisy in either of the two dining rooms. Owner Sheldon Fireman appeals to his customer's desire for variety, offering everything from diner food to fine dining. The menu includes burgers, club sandwiches, black sea bass and lobster. The service is good and the atmosphere is upbeat. Try out Redeye Grill for the best of steaks.