Elmo

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Oversized rainbow-striped banquettes, mid-century-inspired chairs and bright mosaics do justice to the bubbly, urban take on comfort food served up nightly at Elmo. The bar is bustling most nights with visiting diners and Chelsea locals.

The Food
The menu is one part Mom's table and two parts chic--a recipe that turns out fun interpretations of old favorites. Start with a bowl of alphabet soup with dilled chicken dumplings, or appetizers like fried calamari with tartar sauce or gorgonzola-topped garlic bread. When it comes to entrees, the chef shines with perfectly seared tuna and good old meat and potatoes. And save room for dessert, which includes cheeky Duncan Hines devil's-food cake.