User Lists in New York, NY Metro

Sure, it wasn't the best year for the economy, but New York restaurant openings took off like Jesse Eisenberg's acting career. Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich had another hit with Eataly, while the crew from Freemans opened Peels in the East Village. The Lambs Club brought high society dining back to midtown, while Traif gave Williamsburg meat-lovers something to talk about. Thus, without further ado (and in particular order), we present our list of the 10 best New York restaurants to open in 2010. (Photo: Eataly)

It's been another big year in the world of New York nightlife, and as we look toward 2011, it's time to look back at the new bars and clubs that defined 2010. Nur Kahn and Paul Sevigny continued to dazzle us with insta-hits like Kenmare and Don Hill's. Le Bain brought chic back to the Meatpacking District and Ninth Ward brought a taste of New Orleans to the East Village. So, without further ado (and in no particular order), we now present our list of New York's best nightlife newcomers of 2010. (Photo: Cienfuegos)

Nightlife on the west side of Manhattan had, until recently, taken a downward dive. Either it was the wine bars and old-school dives of the West Village or the Meatpacking District's sparkler-driven clubs, which were better suited to New Jerseyites than New Yorkers. But thanks to a string of new spots from some of the city's top operators, the kind of anarchic, anything-might-happen bathroom shenanigans-type parties that are unique to New York are back on the west side. From Don Hill's to the Bunker, here's a rundown that'll serve as your new weekday-night circuit, and a handy guide for any Village elders who want to be reminded of why they moved here in the first place.

Eating with your hands is fun. Eating with a potential deadly weapon? Double fun! Throughout New York, restaurateurs are increasingly serving food on sticks and skewers, making people rethink ice pops, key lime pie and even accordion-like chicken skin. Here's your dining plan; now stick to it. (Photo: People's Pops)

Spending a bundle on the Lower East Side--with its ever glitzier lounges and upmarket eateries--is a snap. Getting tanked on the cheap? Now that takes talent. Or you could skip the hard work and just read this handy guide to the best dirt-cheap happy hour deals in the L.E.S. From fancy-pants martinis to cut-rate craft beer and two-for-one burgers, here's the Lower East Side at its lowest. (Photo: Local 138)

Forget fashion and football: food is the fall phenomenon that all New Yorkers can agree on. This season usually sees the biggest restaurant openings of the year, and 2010 is no exception. Here are the top 10 New York restaurant openings to look out for--time to start making those reservations. (Photo: The Empire Diner becomes the Highliner, while an unrelated union brew-ha-ha takes place out front).

Are you ready for some New York football? We are! And in honor of the return of our favorite sport, we spoke to three members of the New York Giants--defensive end Justin Tuck, linebacker Michael Boley and defensive back Terrell Thomas--about their favorite restaurants, bars and other spots to chill in New York. Here's what they had to say, in their own words. (Photo from left: Terrell Thomas, Justin Tuck and Michael Boley)

Models are a mysterious and elusive species. But come Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Sept. 9-16, 2010), vast flocks of these flighty creatures will descend upon New York, and they will to have to stop and drink somewhere. If you stake out the right bars, you just may be able to catch a few unawares. Here's where to find models in New York City during Fashion Week. (Photo: Waiting for you at Le Bain)

Calling all New York fashionistas! Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is over, but just because you couldn't score a seat inside the Lincoln Center tents doesn't mean you're anything less than fabulous. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and get catwalk-ready with this insider's peek into where the models, celebs and designers take their wrinkled, ripped and stained duds before sending them down the runway or red carpet. (Photo: BitchBuzz on Flickr)

In the course of my career as a Citysearch editor in New York (and prior to that, in San Francisco), I've experienced hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, and it's made me insufferable: I'm ludicrously picky. This may be an awful personality trait, but when I recommend a place, I'm never wrong. See how irritating that is? Still, these places are amazing, I promise.