New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [177]
AND FOR DESSERT …
The standing-only, workbench-like tables at Momofuku Milk Bar (207 2nd Ave., at 13th St. | 212/254–3500) provide clear views of pastry chef Christina Tosi tinkering with her constantly evolving menu of creations such as curiously flavored soft-serve ice cream (cereal-milk, lemon verbena) and Candy Bar Pie, a sweet bomb of caramel, peanut-butter nougat, and pretzels atop a chocolate-cookie crust. If taking a seat is preferred, scoot into the cozy couches and chairs at Sugar Sweet Sunshine (126 Rivington St., between Essex and Norfolk Sts. | 212/995–1960), the brainchild of two former Magnolia Bakery employees. Sugar Sweet’s cupcakes are far superior; try the chocolate-almond Gooey Gooey, or the cream cheese frosting–topped pumpkin flavor. The real star showstopper? Swoon-inducing banana pudding incorporating slices of ripe fruit and crumbled Nilla wafers suspended in decadent vanilla pudding.
SPOTLIGHT ON GREENWICH VILLAGE, WITH THE WEST VILLAGE AND THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Dining styles collide on the West Side, with quaint, chef-driven eateries in Greenwich Village facing off against the Meatpacking District’s massive, celebrity-fueled hot spots.
Greenwich Village’s bohemian days may have faded with the Beatnik era, but the romantic allure of its tiny bistros, bars, and cafés remains. Around New York University, shabby-chic eateries and takeout joints line the streets and are patronized by a student clientele. Avoid heavily trafficked thoroughfares like Bleecker Street (unless you’re tapping into the new artisan pizza craze), as most of the Village’s culinary gems lie tucked away on side streets and alleyways, especially west of 7th Avenue, in the West Village. The vibe here is low-key and friendly, with patrons squeezed together at tiny tables in matchbox-size eateries.
For a glitzier scene, head to the Meatpacking District, which has been transformed in recent years from a gritty commercial warehouse area to the celebrity-chef–driven epicenter of the city’s dining scene. The vibe is flashy, favored by actors, models, and their suitors.
PEANUT BUTTER & CO.
For a childhood classic kicked up a notch, head to Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop (240 Sullivan St., near W. Third St. | 212/677–3995). Start with a standard PB&J, or go Proustian with any of the menu’s 21 options like the Elvis (grilled with peanut butter, bananas, and honey), the Pregnant Lady (peanut butter and pickles), or the sandwich of the week, with expertly paired ingredients such as cherry jam and cream cheese with Crunch Time peanut butter. You can also pick up jars in different flavors as a sticky souvenir.
BEST BAR SEATS: WEST VILLAGE
Belly up to the bar for dinner at these neighborhood institutions:
At Babbo (110 Waverly Pl., between MacDougal St. and 6th Ave. | 212/777–0303), if reservations are hard to come by, stake your place outside before opening and at 5:30 pm you’ll have a decent shot of nabbing a seat or two at the bar, ideal for sampling Mario Batali’s iconic dishes like squid-ink spaghetti with sausage.
Gotham Bar and Grill (12 E. 12th St., between 5th Ave. and University Pl. | 212/620–4020) is almost better known for its bar seating than its dining room. It’s the place solo diners and couples alike sit at the long, deep bar top for a taste of attentive service (and generous pours) from knowledgeable bartenders paired with Chef Alfred Portale’s iconic New American cuisine.
And at Wallsé (344 W. 11th St., at Washington St. | 212/352–2300), chef Kurt Guttenbruner’s modern-Austrian cuisine (think dishes like schnitzel and spaetzle, only with a twist) is best enjoyed at the U-shape bar, as is the impressive art collection with works by the likes of Julian Schnabel and the late Dennis