New York City : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

BuzzEditor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:27:00 GMT

DBGB

Photo: B. Milne

Though fine dining may have cooled off a little as a result of the past year’s economic turmoil, celeb chefs remain as popular as ever. And, fortunately, many of them have opened more casual concepts, allowing diners with tighter budgets to get a taste of their culinary vision. But how do these budget-minded sibs stack up against their high-end counterparts? Read up, and then add your own votes and opinions.

Daniel Boulud

One of New York's top toques, Daniel Boulud has racked up a string of successful restaurants, from his eponymous flagship to his recent affordable Bowery hit.

Daniel

60 E. 65th St.
(bet. Madison & Park Aves.)
Manhattan, NY 10065
212-288-0033; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
28	28	28	$137

“Well deserving of its top ratings year after year”, Daniel Boulud’s UES New French “phenomenon” has many who consider it “the best in NYC” for “elegant”, “jackets-required” dining; everything here is “memorable”, from the “amazingly creative and varied” cuisine and “extraordinary” wine list to the “polished, cordial” service and “new and improved” “luxe” decor – and even the bill; N.B. it’s prix fixe–only, though you can order à la carte in the “less-formal” lounge.

Key to Zagat Ratings

DBGB Kitchen and Bar

299 Bowery
(bet. 1st & Houston Sts.)
Manhattan, NY 10003
212-933-5300; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
23	22	22	$46

Daniel Boulud hits the Bowery with his most “casual” venture yet, bearing a moniker that references the street’s legendary punk music hall and dishing up “fantastic” rustic French fare that’s a mix of housemade charcuterie, craft beers and “comfort” items like burgers; centered around a huge “open kitchen”, its “loud, bustling”, “industrial” space features kitchenware for decor, another nod to the neighborhood.

Craft

Photo: Noah Kalina

Tom Colicchio

On Top Chef, Tom Colicchio has judged everything from recreations of dishes from Le Bernardin to post-club snack food, and his New York restaurants represent the same diversity, from his New American home base to his franchised sandwich spot.

Craft

43 E. 19th St.
(bet. B'way & Park Ave. S.)
Manhattan, NY 10003
212-780-0880; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
25	24	24	$80

Tom (Top Chef) Colicchio’s home base is this “cool” Flatiron New American “flagship”, where you “mix and match” from a menu of “simple” but “divine dishes” whose “high-quality” ingredients “are allowed to shine” through; the “sleek, modern setting” and “perfectly paced” service contribute to the “magical” experience that our expert panel says justifies those “eye-popping prices.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

'wichcraft

multiple locations

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
20	11	14	$16

“Tom Colicchio’s wizardry” lies behind this “crafty” local chain that conjures up “upper-crust sandwiches” made from “inventive combos” of “fresh” ingredients; despite “long” prime-time lines and “hefty price tags”, legions of lunchers are “under their spell.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

Per Se

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Thomas Keller

One of the top toques in the nation, Thomas Keller's two-fer in the Time Warner Center manages to offer a little bit of gourmet for everyone, whether you've got an expense account or not.

Per Se

10 Columbus Circle, 4th fl.
(60th St. at B'way)
Manhattan, NY 10019
212-823-9335; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
28	28	28	$303

Apart from the $275 prix fixe dinner cost, this Time Warner Center aerie overlooking Columbus Circle is deemed “perfect in every way”, with the ambiance, French–New American food and (No. 1–rated) service all “sublime”; even if you need a “Centurion card” and at least three hours to enjoy the meal, fans believe that Thomas Keller’s “edible art” is simply “the best in America” – unless his French Laundry does it better; N.B. à la carte small plates are now available in the salon area.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Bouchon Bakery

10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl.
(60th St. at B'way)
Manhattan, NY 10019
212-823-9366

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
23	15	18	$29

Thomas Keller’s cafe/patisserie in the Time Warner Center dishes up “dreamy” shopping breaks with its New American sandwiches, salads and “decadent” desserts; the “middle-of-the-mall” setting and just-“serviceable” staff don’t make it any less of a “gourmet” experience.

Key to Zagat Ratings

A Marathon of Eats

BuzzEditor — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:38:00 GMT

By Aynsley Karps

Courtesy of New York Road Runners

Everyone knows marathoners need nourishment before the big race. But you can’t forget about the hungry crowd lining the streets who also demand good food (to help cheer better, natch). To get you ready to watch the ING New York City Marathon this Sunday, November 1, we've compiled a list of 26 restaurants all along the 26.2-mile route.

MILE 2

Leske’s Bakery

7612 Fifth Ave. near 76th St., Brooklyn; 718-680-2323

This Scandinavian bakery opens at 7 AM and is only a block away from the race, so you’ll be able to grab some coffee and a sweet breakfast pastry early before claiming a winning spot on the sidelines.

Greenhouse Café

7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th Sts., Brooklyn; 718-833-8200

Cheer on the runners and then head over to this New American in Bay Ridge, which opens at 11:30 AM, to get your own marathon started with a $25 endless-cocktail brunch.

MILE 4

Pacificana

813 55th St., 2nd Fl. at Eighth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-871-2880

It’s a bit of a trek from the race on Fourth Avenue, but worth it for those craving Hong Kong–style dim sum.

MILE 5

Tacos Matamoros

4508 Fifth Ave. at 45th St., Brooklyn; 718-871-7627

Just a block away from the action, here is some authentic Mexican cuisine on the cheap.

MILE 6

Belleville

330-332 Fifth St. at Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-832-9777

This French spot is opening a half-hour early (10 AM) for brunch on marathon day.

Chocolate Room

86 Fifth Ave. between Prospect Pl. and St. Mark’s Ave., Brooklyn; 718-783-2900

Pick up a sweet beverage, maybe a frozen hot cocoa or chocolate stout float, to give you a boost while you watch.

MILE 7

Buttermilk Channel

524 Court St. at Huntington St., Brooklyn; 718-852-8490

While the runners are traveling North, you can go South with pecan pie French toast, short rib hash and fried pork chops and cheddar waffles at this New American in Carroll Gardens.

MILE 8

Bacchus

409 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Nevins Sts., Brooklyn; 718-858-9190

After watching runners go around one of the first real bends of the race onto Lafayette Avenue, walk a couple of blocks to this Boerum Hill bistro.

Downtown Atlantic

364 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Hoyt Sts., Brooklyn; 718-852-9945

Also near the Lafayette turn is this restaurant and bakery is open from 11 AM–3 PM, so you can either get brunch before you watch the race or sit down for a cupcake afterward. Or both!

MILE 8.5

Maggie Brown

455 Myrtle Ave between Washington and Waverly Aves., Brooklyn; 718-643-7001

This popular brunch spot in Clinton Hill offers a menu that ranges from brie and berry pancakes to a breakfast burrito to a prosciutto sandwich.

MILE 11

Egg

135A N. Fifth St. between Bedford Ave. and Berry St., Brooklyn; 718-302-5151

The line for brunch at this popular spot off Bedford is always long, so get there early if you're looking for some rib-sticking morning fare.

MILE 12

Brooklyn Label

180 Franklin St. at Java St., Brooklyn; 718-389-2806

This New American in Greenpoint specializes in ultra-hearty brunch fare, although it does have some healthy options like Green Eggs No Ham (eggs cooked with spinach).

MILE 13

Riverview

2-01 50th Ave. between East River and 49th Sts., Queens; 718-392-5000

Walk east a few blocks from the race and you’ll hit this New American right along the water in Long Island City.

MILE 15

River Walk Bar and Grill

425 Main St., Roosevelt Island; 646-833-7050

If you’re looking for a real show, travel to Roosevelt Island and watch the runners as they go across the Queensboro Bridge. Afterward, head over to River Walk for fare like bacon cheddar scones and strawberry pancakes.

MILE 16

Pop Burger

14 E 58 St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-991-6644

Watch the runners enter Manhattan at 59th Street and then walk west for a hamburger fix. Stick around for awhile, and you’ll catch the runners again as they approach the end of the race.

MILE 17

Candle Café

1307 Third Ave. between 74th and 75th Sts., Manhattan; 212-472-0970

Known for its vegan menu, Candle Café is doing a carb-loading pasta special all day Saturday for runners – and on Sunday for those who want to emulate them.

MILE 18

Don Pedro’s

1865 Second Ave. at 96th St., Manhattan; 212-996-3274

This Caribbean presents a special four-course prix fixe brunch for $14.95 from 11 AM–2 PM, complete with bread basket, soup, omelete and dessert.

MILE 19

Creole Restaurant & Supper Club

2167 Third Ave. at 118th St., Manhattan; 212-876-8838

As the marathon travels through East Harlem, stop by this Cajun for a $30 jazz brunch with unlimited cocktails.

MILE 20

Bruckner Bar & Grill

1 Bruckner Blvd. at Third Ave., Bronx; 718-665-2001

After watching runners “hit the wall” at mile 20, hit brunch at this New American located under the Third Avenue Bridge.

MILE 21

Amy Ruth’s

113 W 116th St. between Lenox and Seventh Aves., Manhattan; 212-280-8779

While you wait for the runners, have some fried chicken and waffles (or waffles with any other type of meat).

MILE 22

Mo-Bay

17 W 125th St. between Fifth Ave. and Lenox Aves., Manhattan; 212-876-9300

This spot right on the route offers soul food with a Caribbean feel.

MILE 23

Pintaile’s Pizza

26 E 91st St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-722-1967

After the runners enter Central Park on 90th Street, stop by for a pie at this thin-crust pizza joint.

MILE 24

Caffe Grazie

26 E 84th St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-717-4407

Grab some breakfast pizza, chocolate chip pancakes or brioche French toast at this Italian right off Central Park.

MILE 25

Fireside

19 E 52nd St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-754-5011

You’ll need nourishment to cheer your loudest near the end of the race, so fuel up at this Eclectic located in the Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, which starts serving at 7 AM.

MILE 26

Bouchon Bakery

10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Fl. at 60th St. and Broadway, Manhattan; 212-823-9366

Nosh on a pastry, soup or salad from Thomas Keller’s French bakery while you watch the runners re-enter the park to head for the finish line.

Noodling Around

BuzzEditor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:03:00 GMT

Scarpetta

Photo: Evan W. Miller

In an effort to combat pasta's bad post-Atkins rap, the World Pasta Congress of Rome (yes, there is such a thing) has deemed October 25 to be World Pasta Day. In its honor, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight some primo pastafarians around town.

The Slurp List

BuzzEditor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:27:00 GMT

Momofuku Noodle Bar

photo: Noah Kalina

With the launch last week of our 2010 New York City Restaurants survey came a number of shake-ups in our cuisine rankings, notably in the Noodle Shop category, where Japanese import Ippudo shot to the top in its first year. Who else made the cut? Here's the top six:

Laborless Outdoor Brunching

BuzzEditor — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Labor Day. The symbolic end of summer, the last three-day weekend before school starts and a perfect opportunity for a leisurely alfresco brunch. So where to go? To help you decide, we've contacted some of our Top Brunch spots to see who will be open on September 7.

Atlantic Grill: This Upper East Side seafooder will be open for brunch from 11 AM–4 PM and is contemplating a special menu (212-988-9200).

Bubby’s: Brunch happens from 9 AM–4 PM at this TriBeCan American (212-219-0666).

Cafeteria: There are plenty of brunch options on the menu at this 24-hour Chelsea staple (212-414-1717).

Eatery: This Hell's Kitchen New American will be offering brunch from 9:30 AM–3:45 PM (212-765-7080).

Elmo: Brunch at this Chelsea New American will be offered from 9 AM–4 PM (212-337-8000).

Five Points: The holiday won't interfere with this NoHo spot's famous brunch from 11 AM–3 PM (212-253-5700; reserve online).

Friend of a Farmer: This Gramercy Parker will be offering breakfast from 8–11:30 AM and lunch from 11:30 AM–4:30 PM (212-477-2188).

Jane: Labor Day brunch goes down from 11:30 AM–4 PM at this New American Villager (212-254-7000).

Pastis: Keith McNally's bistro in the Meatpacking District will be offering brunch from 10 AM–4 PM (212-929-4844).

Sarabeth’s: Both the CPS and 80th and Amsterdam branches of this American will be offering brunch from 8 AM–4 PM (CPS: 212-826-5959; reserve online; UWS: 212-496-6280).

Splashy Spots

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:12:00 GMT

River Café

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

The pleasure of dining by the water is something only an aquaphobe could deny. Yet too often the food quality at waterside restaurants is a washout. To give you a leg up, here are five such spots that please with their cuisine as well.

Want more aqua-adjacent options? Check out our full list of waterside restaurants.

New York's Best Frozen Yogurt

BuzzEditor — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:40:00 GMT

The just-released New York City Food Lover’s Guide is packed to the gills with reviews and lists covering 1,970 food shops, florists and party sites, including 73 online shopping resources, at every price point. And with summer in high gear, what better time to take a look at the Top Ices/Fro-Yo around town?

1. Lemon Ice King of Corona

52-02 108th St., Queens; 718-699-5133

“Long live the King” chant the fervent fans of this Corona “treasure”, where “nuttin’ – I mean nothing – beats” the namesake lemon Italian ice, though there are a “zillion” other flavors to choose from too, all fabulous enough to make it “worth the wait”, especially on a “hot summer night”; “may it be there forever.”

2. Ralph's Famous Ices*

Multiple Locations

“Summer wouldn’t feel like summer” without a trip to the original 1949 branch of this Staten Island institution – or one of its ever-multiplying offspring – where “people flock” to enjoy “the best Italian ices” in the warm-weather months and the “line spills out to the street”; there are “so many flavors” (even no-sugar options for dieters) you’ll “want to try them all”, so “buy pints for home” while you’re at it.

2. Öko*

152 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-398-3671

Solar panels on the awning out front are the first clue that this Park Sloper isn’t your usual pinkberry knockoff: from its “easy-on-the-eye” interior constructed with “green” building materials to the “biodegradable” cups and spoons, it has a seriously eco-conscious bent; “oooh, so good!” is the verdict on its “tart” fro-yo made on-premises with Greek yogurt and crowned with “assorted fruit, nut or candy toppings”; N.B. it also pours 18 kinds of organic, Fair Trade tea and recently added a line of baked goods.

3. XL Carrots

1000 Third Ave., 7th fl.; 212-705-3085

Bloomie’s shoppers “stop to refuel” on “heavenly” fro-yo at this ’70s “original”, now “relocated to the seventh floor and expanded” into a full-service eatery but still best known for “beyond-generous” servings of its hallmark “creamy” “refresher” (the “tangy” “plain yogurt has no rivals to this day”); the sandwiches and light bites are likewise “perfectly decent”, though “spotty service” and “long lines” can make your “break” “a bit chaotic.”

4. Red Mango*

Multiple Locations

The “frozen yogurt that foodies like” is how devotees describe the goods from this member of the fro-yo fray, calling it a “great riff on the classic” stuff that’s neither too “sour nor too sweet”, has a “very creamy texture” and can be topped with virtually “anything”; the company “boasts of probiotic benefits”, but most are more focused on the “delicious” flavor and under-the-radar “buzz” that has meant “half the lines” of the competition.

4. Peaches*

2543 Broadway; 212-222-6228

A peachy addition to the Upper West Side dessert scene, this newcomer appeals to lo-cal locals with “delicious” fro-yo – tapped in “creative” fruity flavors and heaped “with fresh toppings” – supplemented with smoothies and coffee; a bright, “relaxing environment” with some casual seating, it’s sizing up “better than the rest” when pitted against the nabe’s big-name chains.

4. 16 Handles*

153 Second Ave.; 212-260-4414

A “compulsive’s” “dessert dream”, this “DIY” East Villager supplies all the fro-yo you can handle via “self-serve” taps dispensing 16 “high-quality” flavors (“fruity, tart, sweet – you name it”) and a “topping bar” with options to “fit every taste bud”; it’s a “favorite” among “young” folk who “love” the “gimmick” but warn “exercise a little self-control” or it gets “expensive real quick.”

5. pinkberry

Multiple Locations

Aka “crackberry”, this “genius” LA-based fro-yo chain has gained a cult following – and inspired a multitude of imitators – with its “addictive, tart, refreshing goodness”, topped with the “freshest fruit” or other “fun” offerings (“Fruity Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch”) and served in “creatively designed”, “mod” spaces; skeptics cite “sour taste”, “lax” service and “kinda pricey” tabs, but those “insane lines” that form “no matter what the weather” speak for themselves.

* indicates a tie

New Kids on the Restaurant Week Block

BuzzEditor — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:43:00 GMT

La Fonda del Sol is participating in Restaurant Week

Photo: Evan W. Miller

With Restaurant Week starting on Sunday and running until July 31, diners have an opportunity to check out spots they've been meaning to try for a little less moola. Of the more than 200 restaurants offering $24.07 lunches and $35 dinners, here are some of the more notable newcomers, with a look at the menus they'll be serving (when available):

Bar Artisanal, lunch and dinner
Bar Breton, lunch and dinner
Center Cut, dinner and Sunday dinner
Fishtail, lunch and dinner
La Fonda del Sol, lunch and dinner
Locanda Verde, lunch only
Oak Room, lunch, dinner and Sunday dinner
Pranna, dinner only
Rouge Tomate, lunch and dinner
10 Downing, dinner and Sunday dinner

And don't forget, you can make your reservations right here on ZAGAT.com!

Sky's the Limit on Memorial Day

BuzzEditor — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:15:00 GMT

Plunge

Photo: Noah Kalina

Memorial Day, May 25, is almost here, which means it’s time for barbecues and trips to scenic vistas. But if you’re the kind who’d rather have someone else do the grilling, or aren’t looking to travel beyond your own city limits, we’ve got some suggestions for you. Celebrate the long weekend with lip-smacking, bib-staining ’cue and boozy escapes to rooftop bars.

Top Barbecue

Rooftop Bars

Do It Outdoors

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Outdoor seating at Barbetta

Photo: Laura Maioglio

If you're looking for a spot to dine alfresco and worship the sun, check out our listings of choice gardens in town (including Barbetta, pictured). Or maybe you're more of an outdoor drinking type? Don't worry, we have suggestions for that too!

Tax Recovery

BuzzEditor — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:34:00 GMT

photo: courtesy of Churl

No matter how much you try to forget, your taxes are still due on April 15. But that doesn't mean you can't afford a solid meal – after this rough couple of months, you deserve it! We've pulled out a few cheap eats from our list of Best Buys, where you can reward yourself for tangling with the taxman.

Sniffing Out the Best Breakfasts

BuzzEditor — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:24:00 GMT

Breakfast at Balthazar makes a nice complement to all that syrup you're smelling.

photo: Courtesy of Balthazar

The smell is back. After a year-long hiatus the mysterious maple syrup–like smell (first sniffed way back in 2005) has reportedly returned to the shores of Manhattan, especially, it seems, to the Upper East and West Sides. And though there's still no official explanation for what exactly is producing the smell, with all of that sugary scent in the air, all we can think about is where to go to eat breakfast. From the 2009 New York City Restaurants survey, here's our list of the Top Breakfast spots in town:

Getting Into That Prohibition Spirit

BuzzEditor — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:29:00 GMT

photo: Mike Ritter

Seventy-five years ago, on December 5th, 1933, the state of Utah ratified the 21st Amendment and effectively ended the 13-year dry spell in American history known as Prohibition. In the past, that event has mostly interested historians, but in recent years restaurateurs and bar owners have begun honoring the date with an informal "Repeal Day."

So how to celebrate Repeal Day? You don't need to buy a costume or give a gift – all you need to do is kick back and enjoy your constitutional right to imbibe. And what better place to get into the spirit (or spirits, as the case may be) than these five establishments that were once actual speakeasies:

What's New in the East Village?

BuzzEditor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:35:00 GMT

Mr. Jones

photo: Evan W. Miller

The East Village offers a world of dining options, but with restaurants opening fast and furious in the neighborhood, it can be hard to keep track of what’s new. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the more noteworthy arrivals in the last few months, from yakitori specialist Mr. Jones to veggie purveyor Dirt Candy:

The Marathon Spectators' Guide

BuzzEditor — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:54:00 GMT

By Liz Borod Wright, ZAGAT.com senior web editor

Marathon spectators get hungry, too. Here are 26 eateries along the 26.2-mile course.

Courtesy of New York Road Runners

The 39,000 runners who will compete in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday get all the glory – not to mention the free water, flavored power gels and pasta dinners to keep them going. But what about the two-million-plus hungry and thirsty spectators who cheer them on all day? They need fueling too.

If you'll be playing cheerleader that day, here are 26 possible pit stops for noshing at strategic spots along the 26.2-mile course.

Mile 2

Tanoreen
7704 Third Ave. (bet. 77th & 78th Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-748-5600
This Med–Middle Eastern in Bay Ridge opens at 10:30 AM – 20 minutes after the runners take off across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from Staten Island.

Mile 6

Belleville
350 Fifth Ave. (5th St.), Brooklyn, 718-832-9777
Plenty of New Yorkers consider brunching a sport, so get your game on at this low-key local favorite.

Chocolate Room
86 Fifth Ave. (bet. St. Marks Pl. & Warren St.), Brooklyn, 718-783-2900
If it's cold out, warm up with one of this Park Slope cafe's four different kinds of hot chocolate.

Mile 7

Press 195
195 Fifth Ave. (bet. Sackett & Union Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-857-1950
The picky eaters in your group will welcome this Park Slope shop's endless panini combinations (as well as tasty salads).

Nana
155 Fifth Ave. (bet. Lincoln & St. Johns Pls.), Brooklyn, 718-230-3749
With its versatile menu offering everything from sushi to Thai, this friendly Park Slope Asian fusioner is also a good choice for a group.

Mile 8

Thomas Beisl
25 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Brooklyn, 718-222-5800
Duck into this Austrian gem's beer garden for a respite from the throngs of spectators who gather near the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Olea
171 Lafayette Ave. (Adelphi St.), Brooklyn, 718-643-7003
Take a break from cheering by having brunch at this Ft. Greene Med right on the course at Lafayette Avenue.

Mile 10

Roebling Tea Room
143 Roebling St. (Metropolitan Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-963-0760
This edgy Billyburg tearoom with graffiti-style artwork offers WiFi, so if your runner friend gave you her racing number, you can visit www.nycmarathon.org and see where she is on the course.

Mile 11

Fornino
187 Bedford Ave. (N. 7th St.), Brooklyn, 718-384-6004
Don't even think of trying to cross the race at Bedford Avenue – there's no point when you can eat at this innovative Williamsburg pizzeria on the block's east side.

Bonita
338 Bedford Ave. (bet. S. 2nd & 3rd Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-384-9500
Staking out the west side of Bedford? Then check out this budget-friendly Williamsburg Mexican with cool retro decor.

Mile 13

Manducatis
13-27 Jackson Ave. (47th Ave.), Queens, 718-729-4602
Carbo-load like a runner on pastas at this old-world LIC eatery.

Water's Edge
East River & 44th Dr. (Vernon Blvd.), Queens, 718-482-0033
It doesn't open until 5:30 PM, but this seafooder's breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline are worth the wait.

Mile 16

Bistro 61
1113 First Ave. (61st St.), Manhattan, 212-223-6220
After experiencing the only-in-New-York moment of witnessing hordes of runners cross the 59th Street Bridge into Manhattan, take a (very) quick trip to Paris at this old-school French bistro.

Café Evergreen
1288 First Ave. (bet. 69th & 70th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-744-3266
Following a quick lunch of authentic dim sum, you can get right back out there and cheer on the runners, who still have 10 miles to go.

Mile 17

Iron Sushi
355 E. 78th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.), Manhattan, 212-772-7680
First Avenue is one of the most popular places to watch the race, so head off the thoroughfare to this less-trafficked side street for inexpensive yet high-quality sushi.

Chennai
1663 First Ave. (bet. 86th & 87th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-831-1114
The affordable menu at this new vegetarian Indian won't have you running to the ATM.

Ithaka
308 E. 86th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.), Manhattan, 212-628-9100
In an ode to the country where the first marathon was run, enjoy some classic Greek eats in this charming oasis off First Avenue.

Mile 18

Cambodian Cuisine
1664 Third Ave. (bet. 93rd & 94th Sts.) Manhattan, 212-348-9100
Transplanted from Fort Green to the UES, this newcomer offers more than 20 lunch specials ranging from $7.95–$10.95.

Don Pedro's
1865 Second Ave. (96th St.), Manhattan, 212-996-3274
Get your Latin groove on at this Caribbean–South American restaurant.

Mile 20

Bruckner Bar and Grill
1 Bruckner Blvd. (3rd Ave.), Bronx, 718-665-2001
It may be a few blocks away from the action, but this New American is a popular hangout for SoBro hipsters.

Mile 21

Miss Maude's
547 Lenox Ave. (bet. 137th & 138th Sts.), Manhattan, 212-690-3100
Stop in here for some of the tastiest soul food in Harlem, located one block west of the marathon route.

Mile 22

Amy Ruth's
113 W. 116th St. (bet. Lenox & 7th Aves.) Manhattan, 212-280-8779
Or check out the famous fried chicken and waffles at this soul food legend.

Mile 23

Pintaile's Pizza
26 E. 91st St. (bet. 5th & Madison Aves.), Manhattan, 212-722-1967
After you watch the runners disappear into the East 90th Street entrance of Central Park, grab a slice to go at this tiny whole-wheat-crust pizza place just off Fifth Avenue.

Mile 25

Sarabeth's
40 Central Park S. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), Manhattan, 212-826-5959
Visit the newest location of this classic, midpriced Central Park South bruncher, right on the tail end of the race route.

Mile 26

Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl. (60th St. at B'way), Manhattan, 212-823-9366
Look out on the runners re-entering the park as they head toward the finish line at Tavern on the Green while you savor sumptuous pastries, soups and salads à la Thomas Keller; plus, you can use the bathrooms at the Time Warner Center.

Lobby Lounge
Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, Manhattan, 212-805-8800
Although the marathoners may look like ants from its lofty perch, the Mandarin Oriental's 35th-floor lounge serves up breathtaking views of Central Park, as well as light fare beginning at 11 AM and tea service at 2:30 PM.

New York City : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

DBGB

Photo: B. Milne

Daniel Boulud

60 E. 65th St. (bet. Madison & Park Aves.) Manhattan, NY 10065 212-288-0033; reserve online

299 Bowery (bet. 1st & Houston Sts.) Manhattan, NY 10003 212-933-5300; reserve online

Craft

Photo: Noah Kalina

Tom Colicchio

43 E. 19th St. (bet. B'way & Park Ave. S.) Manhattan, NY 10003 212-780-0880; reserve online

Per Se

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Thomas Keller

10 Columbus Circle, 4th fl. (60th St. at B'way) Manhattan, NY 10019 212-823-9335; reserve online

10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl. (60th St. at B'way) Manhattan, NY 10019 212-823-9366

A Marathon of Eats

By Aynsley Karps

Courtesy of New York Road Runners

MILE 2

Leske’s Bakery

7612 Fifth Ave. near 76th St., Brooklyn; 718-680-2323

7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th Sts., Brooklyn; 718-833-8200

MILE 4

813 55th St., 2nd Fl. at Eighth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-871-2880

MILE 5

4508 Fifth Ave. at 45th St., Brooklyn; 718-871-7627

MILE 6

330-332 Fifth St. at Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-832-9777

86 Fifth Ave. between Prospect Pl. and St. Mark’s Ave., Brooklyn; 718-783-2900

MILE 7

524 Court St. at Huntington St., Brooklyn; 718-852-8490

MILE 8

409 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Nevins Sts., Brooklyn; 718-858-9190

364 Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Hoyt Sts., Brooklyn; 718-852-9945

MILE 8.5

455 Myrtle Ave between Washington and Waverly Aves., Brooklyn; 718-643-7001

MILE 11

135A N. Fifth St. between Bedford Ave. and Berry St., Brooklyn; 718-302-5151

MILE 12

180 Franklin St. at Java St., Brooklyn; 718-389-2806

MILE 13

2-01 50th Ave. between East River and 49th Sts., Queens; 718-392-5000

MILE 15

River Walk Bar and Grill

425 Main St., Roosevelt Island; 646-833-7050

MILE 16

14 E 58 St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-991-6644

MILE 17

1307 Third Ave. between 74th and 75th Sts., Manhattan; 212-472-0970

MILE 18

1865 Second Ave. at 96th St., Manhattan; 212-996-3274

MILE 19

2167 Third Ave. at 118th St., Manhattan; 212-876-8838

MILE 20

1 Bruckner Blvd. at Third Ave., Bronx; 718-665-2001

MILE 21

113 W 116th St. between Lenox and Seventh Aves., Manhattan; 212-280-8779

MILE 22

17 W 125th St. between Fifth Ave. and Lenox Aves., Manhattan; 212-876-9300

MILE 23

26 E 91st St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-722-1967

MILE 24

26 E 84th St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-717-4407

MILE 25

19 E 52nd St. between Fifth and Madison Aves., Manhattan; 212-754-5011

MILE 26

10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Fl. at 60th St. and Broadway, Manhattan; 212-823-9366

Noodling Around

Scarpetta

Photo: Evan W. Miller

The Slurp List

Momofuku Noodle Bar

photo: Noah Kalina

Laborless Outdoor Brunching

Splashy Spots

River Café

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

New York's Best Frozen Yogurt

1. Lemon Ice King of Corona

60 E. 65th St.
(bet. Madison & Park Aves.)
Manhattan, NY 10065
212-288-0033; reserve online

299 Bowery
(bet. 1st & Houston Sts.)
Manhattan, NY 10003
212-933-5300; reserve online

43 E. 19th St.
(bet. B'way & Park Ave. S.)
Manhattan, NY 10003
212-780-0880; reserve online

10 Columbus Circle, 4th fl.
(60th St. at B'way)
Manhattan, NY 10019
212-823-9335; reserve online

10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl.
(60th St. at B'way)
Manhattan, NY 10019
212-823-9366