One of the best/worst things about living in NYC is that as resident of the coolest city in the world, everyone you know wants to visit you all the time. That’s why after living here a few years you realize you’ve gone on that redic Statue of Liberty boat tour half a DOZEN times. But when people you love come to visit, you feel obligated to show them “the real New York.”
This is no small burden.
You want to take them to the off-the-beaten-track places so they can experience NYC authenticity while you simultaneously show off your knowledge as an insider. It’s therefore been an intention of mine for some time to compile a list of ‘hole in the wall’ small, cozy, places to eat that rock, where you can impress a foreigner or just your date. My only requirement in making this list is that the places be literally TINY, or if not tiny, really long and narrow, contributing to that ‘local’ New York feel.
Here we go:
Luzzo’s
Everyone comes to New York wanting New York style pizza? Well, tell them to ditch that dumb idea and just go straight to Naples, literally, because the Neapolitan pizza at Luzzo’s which I had in mid-July, is still number one on my fantasy play list of culinary porn. It’s tiny, it’s virtually Naples, the pizza is so good and un-American that fighting over the last slice is a guarantee. I vote skip the lame trip to the 4-block identical restaurant quadrant with matching menus known as “Little Italy.” Just come here. Your guest will be blown away. (1st Ave near 13th street)
Red Bamboo
A health freak friend coming to town? Or dating a “green” environmentally conscious person? Even if you’re a meat lover, you’ll be happy at Red Bamboo since they know how to make tofu in all forms taste like candy. No really. It’s amazing. Hardcore male carnivores will succumb and love this restaurant. I’ve transformed several. And the secret’s out so be prepared to wait. Also know that you can order off Red Bamboo’s menu by eating next door at Vegetarian Paradise 2. Not quite the same ambiance, but they share a kitchen, and when the Red Bamboo wait is 45 min you’ll call my name in praise as you order off their menu next door. The Buffalo BBQ wings, btw, are a must. West 4th near 6th Ave.
Entertaining a burger craving carnivore? Go to this 10-foot-by-10-foot Australian owned box in SoHo for the best burgers (and salads, and pastas) you’ll ever eat. Anyplace that puts fresh avocado on my burger, I consider a worthy gem. It’s also so tiny, you’ll get to go through the kitchen and essentially slide down a fire pole to get the bathroom. Wait staff also tends to have fun down under accents. Note: It’s cash only.
Loop
This little sushi joint just opened, so if you’re into quiet, not-yet discovered restaurants where you can hear your companions talk – this place is for you. Amazing complimentary green tea made with brown rice (the kind they charge you $2.50 for elsewhere), incredible not-overly-mayoed crab (get crab everything) and sick specialty roles. Their Black Cod is 70% as good as Nobu’s and $14. They even have Rock Shrimp Tempura. In addition, they’re ridiculously friendly – amazing service. They will remember your name, which will really impress your guest. Need I say more? 3rd ave btw 16 and 17th.
A further addition of this list including cool BYOB food places and hole in the wall bars to drink at, coming soon. Have great Hole in the Wall places to add? Let’s get a list going below!
Photo Credit: folk.uib.no, NY Mag
October 12th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
If you ever find yourself in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area, definitely try Lomyzianka. It’s real, home-cooked Polish food. There are about ten tables. It’s about $10 per person to eat there. Try the white borscht soup and the schnitzel. No alcohol, but you can bring your own.
October 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I double that for Loop… Amazing!!