Table Stakes: April

To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.

33 Greenwich
West Village
You’re here for: Southern hospitality. See also: fried chicken. And since the place was outfitted by the design gurus at KIZMET, you’re probably also here to post a ‘Gram or two. No shame.
You’re dining on: The menu is brief but potent. Standouts include the Dry Aged Meatloaf Burger, the Muffaletta Board, Gulf Oysters (‘tis the season) and a Sour Cherry Pie. We’d recommend a drink, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of ‘em.
33 Greenwich Avenue (map)
Website

Bevy
Straight up Midtown
You’re here for: It would be easier to tell you what you are not here for. Formerly the Back Room, the Bevy is a culinary paradise. Take a date. Impress ‘em. Impress yourself while gazing out the window at Carnegie Hall.
You’re dining on: All things world class, courtesy of Chef Chad Brauze. Don’t miss the candied bacon, white asparagus, risotto, lobster or diver scallops. Skip the red meats. Word to the wise: no matter how much you want to show off your expertise with the wine list — take the staff’s recommendations.
153 West 57th Street (map)
Website

Yellow Magnolia Café
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
You’re here for: It’s a new cafe open in the Botanic Gardens during prime cherry blossom season. You’re here for the ambience.
You’re dining on: It’s only fitting that this is a veg-forward and local meat-centric locale. The seasonal all-day menu delivers a market table with shareable plates like spring vegetable crudité, strawberry-ricotta crostini, heirloom red dent corn polenta fries and a biscuit box. Mother’s Day is coming up … just sayin’.
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens (map)
Website

Camacho’s
Union Square
You’re here for: Tacos, man! FB Hospitality Group CEO Michael Sinensky and President Erika London created a menu that you can count on when the south-of-the-border hunger pangs strike.
You’re dining on: Tacos, man! In the form of smoked brisket, chicken tinga, shrimp, short rib and pork belly. And get that drink that looks like the liquid nitrogen from your 7th-grade science class.
118A East 15th Street (map)
Website

Little Tong Noodle Shop
East Village
You’re here for: I know what you’re going to say — the E.Vil didn’t need another noodle shop. Wrong. You can never have enough noodles. Plus, this place is run by badass women.
You’re dining on: Chef Simone (aka badass woman no. 1) will be serving several styles of mixian noodles, each with its own unique flavor profile. The dishes are built from a combination of broth, meats, vegetables, fresh herbs and housemade condiments such as chili oil, fermented chilis and seasonal pickles. She’s got what you need.
177 1st Avenue (map)
Website

One Bedford
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
You’re here for: Listen, you remember your first love? This is the restaurant equivalent. Previously, this space was Nights & Weekends. But that love was like a lightning strike. Too intense. This girl, she’s the one you take home to Mom.
You’re dining on: The place comes from Siwiec’s North Brooklyn hospitality group, who are also responsible for The Gentry (around the corner from One Bedford) and the always-tasteful nightclub Good Room. Get the Shrimp a la Plancha.
1 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn (map)
Website

Motel Morris
Chelsea
You’re here for: The fare, obviously — not to stay the night. NYC does hotels, not motels, you heathen.
You’re dining on: Inventive American cuisine from Executive Chef Bill McDaniel. Our picks from the laundry list of globe-spanning dishes? Sweet Chili Charred Octopus with Chinese Sausage and Sautéed Potato Cheddar Pierogies with Lobster and Shiitake.
132 7th Avenue (map)
Website