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1. Good Beer NYC

422 E 9th St (btwn Avenue A & 1st Ave), New York, NY
Beer Store · East Village · 105 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: With $6 pints and $8 flights, Good Beer is the perfect way to get to know some craft brews. It's relaxed, comfortable environment and friendly staff make this place hard to leave.

2. Whitmans

8.2
406 E 9th St (btwn 1st Ave & Avenue A), New York, NY
Burger Joint · East Village · 235 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: Damn, the Juicy Lucy is a good burger and a must-try for first-timers. Other must-tries are the kale chips (I have no idea what they do, but they are delicious!) and fried pickles (also top-notch).

3. Back Forty

190 Avenue B (at E 12th St), New York, NY
American Restaurant · Alphabet City · 150 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: The entrees can sometimes be pricey (around $24 for fish), but they are plate-licking good. Go to favs are the burger ($12), specialty cocktails, and freshly made donuts. Definitely get the donuts.

4. Houston Hall

7.6
222 W Houston St (btwn Varick & Bedford St), New York, NY
Beer Garden · West Village · 228 tips and reviews

JoshJosh: The best beer garden-esque location Manhattan has to give Bklyn a run for its money. $15 dollar liters & don't forget to try the grilled cheese.

5. Westville

9.1
333 Hudson St (at Charlton St), New York, NY
American Restaurant · Hudson Square · 205 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: There are 4 Westville locations throughout the city & they are all my favorite. This one is a safe bet because the larger size means easier seating during dinner, but do a search to pick one near you.

6. Lightship Frying Pan

8.6
205 12th Ave (at Pier 66 on W 26th St), New York, NY
Beer Garden · Chelsea · 392 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: An awesome summer spot, this old boat offers the perfect spot to sit back with some beers and watching the sun set over Manhattan. Definitely grab some food - the hanger steak is a personal favorite.

7. Katz's Delicatessen

9.0
205 E Houston St (at Ludlow St), New York, NY
Sandwich Spot · Lower East Side · 1451 tips and reviews

Michelin Travel & LifestyleMichelin Travel & Lifestyle: Katz's has been curing and hand-carving its own pastrami (ask for it moist) since 1888. The pastrami-on-rye is unbelievably filling. - Green Guide Editor

8. PDT (Please Don't Tell)

8.5
113 Saint Marks Pl (btwn 1st Ave & Avenue A), New York, NY
Speakeasy · East Village · 439 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: 1) Pop your head in to make a reservation 2) Walk around the village till they call you 3) Order delicious cocktails and specialty hot dogs 4) No hats allowed. Seriously. 5) Enjoy

9. Death & Co.

8.9
433 E 6th St (btwn 1st Ave & Ave A), New York, NY
Speakeasy · East Village · 395 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: Another great speak easy style bar, put your name in with the guy standing outside. Walk around the village a little until they call you.

10. Employees Only

8.9
510 Hudson St (at Christopher St), New York, NY
Speakeasy · West Village · 512 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Employees Only was designed to be an industry hangout -- the kind of place where chefs, servers, and bartenders go when their restaurants close to enjoy a serious cocktail and food.

11. Jacob's Pickles

9.2
509 Amsterdam Ave (btwn W 84th & W 85th St), New York, NY
Southern Food Restaurant · Upper West Side · 675 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: This restaurant serves up delicious comfort food from all over in an environment that makes you want to linger. Think reclaimed barn wood, endless craft beer, pickled everything and cheesy grits.

12. Momofuku Noodle Bar

8.6
171 1st Ave (btwn E 10th & E 11th St), New York, NY
Ramen Restaurant · East Village · 849 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: A NYC must-visit. Of course, get one of the ramen choices, but don't forget the pork buns. Oh, the pork buns <3 They are delicious.

13. Freemans

9.0
1 Freeman Aly (at Rivington St), New York, NY
American Restaurant · Lower East Side · 572 tips and reviews

Eliza K.Eliza K: One of my favorite brunch spots in the city. Awesome food, great brunchy cocktails, and a cool, interesting environment. Poke around to take in all the taxidermy and vintage items.

14. In Vino

215 E 4th St (btwn Avenue A & B), New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · Alphabet City · 49 tips and reviews

Melody H.Melody Han: Easily some of the most knowledgeable staff on Italian wines in the city. Tell them what you like in a wine and they'll give you recs, for food, porcini ravioli, any seafood risotto, shrimp papardelle

15. Otafuku x Medetai

220 E 9th St (btwn Stuyvesant St & 2nd Ave), New York, NY
Japanese Restaurant · East Village · 142 tips and reviews

Tim V.Tim Vetter: Get Combo B (octopus balls & pancake), all dressed, with a cold barley tea. For $10 you will be stuffed with exotic flavor. Best eating value in E Village.

16. The Spotted Pig

314 W 11th St (at Greenwich St), New York, NY
Gastropub · West Village · 838 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Chef April Bloomfield holds her own and then some at New York's top gastropub. Arguably the best restaurant burger in New York is served here, and the gnudi needs no introduction. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

17. Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery

8.1
137 E Houston St (btw Forsyth & Eldridge), New York, NY
Bakery · Lower East Side · 79 tips and reviews

Buford B.Buford Barnes: Established 1910 by immigrant rabbi who sold from a cart. Continuously family owned. Handmade knishes cooked in the basement brick oven; a dumbwaiter connecting to the shabbily-nostalgic dining room.

18. Swift Hibernian Lounge

8.7
34 E 4th St (btwn Bowery & Lafayette St), New York, NY
Pub · NoHo · 164 tips and reviews

EsquireEsquire: Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Have a pint of Guinness and a shot of Paddy's at this church-like watering hole. Also, check out the oyster special on Tuesdays. Read more.