Freeman’s Alley
Tucked away at then end of a nondescript Lower East Side Alley lies NYC’s coziest dining hideaway. Dark wood paneling, multiple fireplaces and wall-mounted hunting décor give Freeman’s a warm and welcoming cabin-like ambiance. A staple winter retreat, the restaurant serves rustic American fare and is known equally for both its brunch and dinner scenes.
Takashi
If you don’t take our word for it, listen to Mr. Anthony Bourdain. This small Japanese-Korean BBQ joint on Hudson Street in the West Village happens to be a beacon for warmth-seekers and carnivores alike. Chef Takashi excels at delivering beautifully marinated, insanely flavorful, high quality cuts of meat, which are then sizzled on your own tabletop grill. The tender kobe short rib slivers melt in your mouth, while the more adventurous beef cheek, tongue or belly slices will catapult you into epicurean heaven. It’s a place.
Il Buco
Rustic and candle-lit, if the charming ambiance at Il Buco doesn’t get you, the food will. They make their own pasta fresh each day and change up the menu often, so there’s always something new to try. Quality over trend is the mantra here, so you won’t be gauged by price or overrun by a packed crowd of scene-seekers. The cozy setting and delicious, authentic dishes make this Nolita spot one of the best Italian restaurants in town.
Babu Ji
Few cuisines are as hearty, flavorful and satisfying on a winter’s eve than a good Indian meal. The new East Village spot, Babu Ji, has quickly gained an impressive following for its delivery of contemporary Indian street food and craft beers in a cool, almost hipster, setting. Brought to NYC by a pair of Aussie restaurateurs, the artwork on the walls at Babu Ji are as bold as the curries. Perhaps the biggest statement piece, the image of a unimpressed dude wearing a turban, sunglasses and one funky mustache hangs emphatically on the restaurant wall.
Le Bonne Soup
Busy and bustling, Midtown can be an overwhelming area to find a dining spot. Frette no longer because tucked away on 55th street between 5th and 6th Avenues is the most charming and tasty French bistro around. Serving traditional bistro comfort fare, you’ll find Le Bonne Soup authentic in every way, from the savory French onion soup to the sassy, sometimes aloof French waiters. A cozy escape from both the cold and chaos outside, Le Bonne Soup also serves one of our favorite Croque Madams in the City.
Emily
Emily could be on just about every list we create, to be honest. The burger and pizzas are just that drool-worthy. It’s essentially unheard of to master both, but this inviting neighborhood spot in Brooklyn certainly has accomplished just that. Nestled between the perfect crispy-on-the-outside and pillowy-on-the-inside pretzel bun, the Emmy burger consists of a succulent dry-aged beef patty, a mound of melting Grafton cheddar cheese, savory caramelized onions and their special Emmy secret sauce. Equally sensational are the pizzas, with our favorites being the Vodka Pizza or the Colony Pizza made of fresh mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, pickled chilies and honey drizzled atop a thin crust pie. Steps from the subway stop in Clinton Hill, this casual joint – with wood-fired oven in back – will win you over fast.
The Greek
Talk about a neighborhood spot. The Greek in Tribeca has long proven itself as an adored locale’s establishment, bringing back the same crowd year after year in a neighborhood where hot new restaurants come and go with the monthly calendar page turn. A true Greek taverna, the restaurant oozes warmth and cheer with it’s cozy wood seating and unabashed holiday décor. Everything from the wine list to the moussaka is curated and executed impeccably, with thoughtful attention to detail. The Greek has more charm and character than any other restaurant we’ve encountered in all of New York.
Ivan Ramen
Nothing can beat a warm bowl of ramen, with a rich and savory broth, during the cold season. As much as we love the summer time, we yearn for the chill that drives us to Ivan Ramen. Having immersed himself in Japanese culture through studies and multiple stints living over there, Chef Ivan Orkin went back to Tokyo after graduation from the Culinary Institute of America to open his own ramen shop. Not a small goal for a self-professed ‘Jewish kid from Long Island’ in the land of noodles. His success, however, was staggering and we’re thankful he headed back this side of the pond to open 2 locations in NYC, one in Gotham Market and the other on the Lower East Side.
The Polo Bar
Okay, so you can’t exactly ‘escape’ to the Polo Bar. You have to plan ahead…. you have to plan ahead by 30 days to be precise. It’s a hard reservation to score, but sometimes you need to put your fancy boots on for a glamorous winter’s night out. You’ll find the food top-notch and the crowd sophisticated at this Ralph Lauren hotspot.
The Ribbon
The new Upper West Side standout opened its doors this past summer and was embraced by neighborhood locals and foodies alike. As the latest venture from the brotherly duo behind the Blue Ribbon restaurants, this spot has become a dining destination for all New Yorkers, particularly for the Sunday and Monday night fried chicken dinner. So snuggle up in one of the dark leather booths and share a big plate of the succulent, crispy fried chicken for which the Bromberg brothers are so famous.
