Eat the Food, Buck the Trend
Updated: May 25, 2009
When you can't get into that uber-hot restaurant with a perpetual two-week wait, don't hang your head in shame. Instead, discover one of New York's below-the-radar spots, where the food and ambience are just as stellar, but you won't have to compete with the likes of Madonna to get a table. So say goodbye to the Waverly Inn and adios to La Esquina; at these nearby alternatives, you can dine in style--and more importantly, in peace. And you just might save a buck, too.
(Photo: Barrio Chino)
Under the Radar
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August Restaurant
Read Reviews359 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014 (map)
The proprietors of Morandi devoted a lot of time and money to give their restaurant a worn-in look, but it feels out of place in the modern building in which it's located. August, on the other hand, achieves a rustic feel almost effortlessly. Though both eateries are date-friendly, August has more of a genuinely romantic vibe without being overly sceney like its crowded, hard-to-get-into neighbor. And August's larger menu draws upon a wider variety of Mediterranean flavors.
Ballato's
Read Reviews55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10003 (map)
This underrated Italian restaurant is walking distance from the much-hyped Il Mulino and boasts a similarly charming, avuncular, old-school atmosphere. And though it isn't cheap, the prices are far more palatable than those at fancy-pants Mulino, and Balloto's is a much safer bet for patrons looking to avoid long waits without having to sacrifice food quality. In fact, though Ballato's may be lesser known to the masses, the pasta dishes (like the rigatoni bolognese with beef, pork and veal) are rumored to have won the favor of A-list celebs like Tom Hanks--and if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for you.
Barrio Chino
Read Reviews253 Broome St, New York, NY 10002 (map)
Sure, there's something quasi-thrilling about La Esquina's "secret" entrance inside a taco stand, but is it worth the high prices and weeklong wait for a table? We don't think so--especially since Barrio Chino serves sumptuous tacos and potent, tequila-based cocktails at a much more reasonable price point. It's just a hop, skip and a jump away, and Barrio's no-reservations policy means everyone has an equal shot at getting in.
La Sirene
Read Reviews558 1/2 , Broome street @Varick, New York, NY 10013 (map)
Keith McNally may have nailed the French bistro formula at Balthazar, but its hullabaloo doesn't appeal to everyone. Just a few blocks west, the more sedate La Sirene has a vibe that's as authentic but far more intimate, and with just 10, two-person tables, you won't have to cope with the big, boisterous parties that tend to frequent Balthazar. What you will get are classic, Francophile-pleasing dishes like escargots, cassoulet and sabayon for dessert. The entrees might be comparable in price to Balthazar's, but a BYO wine and beer option (sans corkage fee) allows frugal diners to save a few bucks.
The Place
Read Reviews310 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)
Nestled below street level, this cozy West Village eatery evokes the same clandestine mystique of The Waverly Inn around the corner. But patrons of The Place aren't reduced to showing up in person no more than three days in advance to get a reservation--the state of affairs for The Waverly Inn's sycophantic worshippers not in on the secret phone number. To boot, the comfort food at The Place is just as delicious--with options like braised ribs served with root veggies and mashed potatoes--and you won't have to squander your paycheck just to afford an $80 plate of truffle mac 'n' cheese.
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