To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s 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.
Circa Brewing Co.
Downtown Brooklyn
You’re here because: Beer and pizza. The fancy kinds.
You’re dining on: Wood-fired thin crust pies like the Big Dipper (pork shank perfection on a pizza, basically) and the Salumi (a fancy pepperoni pizza, basically). And you’re swilling any number of their in-house brews; we liked the Nitro Pale Ale and Saison best.
141 Lawrence Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
The Pool
Midtown East
You’re here because: The iconic Four Seasons gets an avant-garde reboot
You’re dining on: Some of the best seafood in the world: French Turbot, White Tuna and Whole Black Bass seasoned, sauced, broiled or slow-baked — then delivered by captains in Tom Ford uniforms.
99 East 52nd Street (map)
Website
The Office
Columbus Circle
You’re here because: Chicago’s favorite experimental cocktail bar (The Aviary) has set up shop in the Mandarin Oriental.
You’re dining Foie gras, Jamón Ibérico, caviar and opulent spirits — some rarities ring in up to $500 an ounce.
80 Columbus Circle (map)
Website
Jing Fong
Upper West Side
You’re here because: It’s the liveliest dim sum brunch in town.
You’re dining on: So much dim sum, preferably at the coveted 10-seat Chef’s Counter. Favorites not to be missed include Haw Gow, Siu and the irresistible BBQ Pork Buns.
380 Amsterdam Avenue (map)
Website
Icelandic Fish and Chips
West Village
You’re here because: A Reykjavik staple is flying in fish fresh from the Motherland on the daily.
You’re dining on: Cod, rose fish, and wolffish, all perfectly battered with their traditional (but not Brit traditional) chips.
28 7th Avenue South (map)
Website
Umami Burger Hudson
Midtown
You’re here because: No one can resist. You included.
You’re dining on: The only breakfast sandwich that any Umami serves, right here in our own backyard.
358 West 58th Street (map)
Website
Red Lantern Food Roll
Here, there, everywhere
You’re here because: Who wouldn’t want to jump on an all-day bike tour of the city’s best taquerias or Jewish delis?
You’re dining on: Depending on which adventure you choose, a curated selection of Middle Eastern, Asian, Mexican or pizza joints. But don’t worry, you’ll be pedaling off those calories en route to the next locale.
Tickets here
This article was featured in the InsideHook NY newsletter. Sign up now for more from all five boroughs.