• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 1796 0

roadhouse in the Theater District. Start with stuffed jalapeños or—especially—unbelievably succulent barbecued chicken wings. Then, what the hell: go for the “Pig Out”—a rack of pork ribs, Texas hot links, pulled pork, rack of lamb, chicken, and, of course, more. It’s that kind of place. There are also five domestic microbrews on tap and a good list of top beers from around the world. The place is absolutely mobbed pre-theater, so if that’s when you’re going, arrive by 6 pm or you’ll miss your curtain. | 152 W. 44th St., between 6th Ave. and Broadway, Midtown West | 10036-4025 | 212/921–9494 | www.virgilsbbq.com | Reservations essential | AE, MC, V | Subway: N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St./Times Sq.

UPPER EAST SIDE

The Upper East Side is jam-packed with pricey neighborhood eateries that cater to the area’s well-heeled residents. Long viewed as an enclave of the privileged, these neighborhoods have plenty of elegant restaurants that serve the society “ladies who lunch” and bankers looking forward to a steak and single-malt scotch at the end of the day. However, visitors to Museum Mile and 5th Avenue shopping areas need not be put off. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to grab a quick bite, you’re sure to find something here for almost any budget.

Alloro.

$$$$ | ITALIAN | Italian chef Salvatore Corea and his wife Gina, a native New Yorker, are living their dream of opening an old-fashioned family-run restaurant here on the Upper East Side just a block away from the apartment they share with their two young daughters. It’s not Corea’s first New York restaurant endeavor—he’s opened three other successful venues in the city (Cacio e Pepe, Spiga, and Bocca), but Alloro is his first venture with his wife, and judging by the friendly vibe and the delicious dishes coming out of Corea’s cucina, it’s working swimmingly well. Chef Corea’s creative take on traditional, regional Italian cuisines leads the way for delicious dishes, like creamy Parmesan risotto with Lambrusco-wine caramel. Both the sliced rib eye over corn puree and the fillet of sole in pumpkin-Amaretto crust are fantastic. Gluten-free pasta selections are also available. | 307 E. 77th St., near 2nd Ave., Upper East Side | 10075-2245 | 212/535–2866 | www.alloronyc.com | AE, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 77th St.

Café Boulud.

$$$$ | FRENCH | Manhattan’s who’s who in business, politics, and the art world come to hobnob at this café in name only. The food and service are top-notch at Daniel Boulud’s conservative (but not stuffy) restaurant in the Surrey Hotel, which recently underwent a sumptuous renovation. The menu, overseen by Boulud protégé Gavin Kaysen, is divided into four parts: under La Tradition you can find classic French dishes such as roasted duck breast Montmorency with cherry chutney, green Swiss chard, and baby turnips; Le Potager tempts with lemon ricotta ravioli; La Saison follows the rhythms of the season; and Le Voyage reinterprets cuisines of the world. If tables are booked, start out with a drink at the chic Bar Pleiades. | 20 E. 76th St., between 5th and Madison Av es., Upper East Side | 10021-2643 | 212/772–2600 | www.danielnyc.com | Reservations essential | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 77th St.

Café d’Alsace.

$$ | BRASSERIE | Unusually comfortable burgundy banquettes, huge antiqued mirrors, and low lighting that makes everyone look fabulous characterize this Alsatian gem. Start with a house cocktail—say, L’Alsacien, in which the aperitif Belle de Brillet meets cognac, pear, and fresh lemon in a happy union. Standouts include the tarte flambé, a fromage-blanc–topped flat bread scattered with tawny caramelized onions and hunks of bacon. The choucroute garnie entrée comes in a cast-iron kettle that keeps it piping hot for the entire meal. Sausages, smoked pork breast, and pork belly are so carefully braised that everything comes out in perfect harmony. Delicious bread pudding is studded with strawberries. | 1695 2nd Ave., at E. 88th St., Upper East Side | 10128-3219 | 212/722–5133 | www.cafedalsace.com | AE, MC, V |