fun but inexpensive dining in Soho or the Village?
 

Can anyone recommend some good restaurants in either of these two areas that won't break the bank. (Entrees less than $20?) My husband and I like almost any kind of food and are looking for an early thirties crowd with a good/fun atmosphere.

Does it have to be the Village or are you open to the East Village too?<BR><BR> I know parts of the East Village really well, don't know much about eating in Soho or Village/West Village. <BR><BR> And--do you want primarily a good dinner, or do you more want a place like a bar where young people hang around and you can also get something to est?

I don't know about Amy, but I'd be interested in hearing about good-food places with affordable entrees rather than hang-out places, since I'll be there in early April.

In Soho,<BR><BR>La Dolce Vita on Spring near 6th has very good classic Italian with entrees $12-$20. Small restaurant, brick walls, cozy, fair/reasonably priced wine list, jukebox with Sinatra songs, homemade cannoli filling. I frequently bring out of town guests there and they love it. I rearly hear anyone else posting about it on travel/dining boards so it still has remained off the beaten path. They bring by the specials of the day written on a chalkboard and always seem to remember me even though I only go a few times a year. Their regular menu is very classic (i.e. zuppa de pesche, fra diavolo, puttanesca) and their specials tend to be more modern (i.e. pumpkin ravioli). It's quiet, somewhat romantic, so I wouldn't classify it as "fun".<BR><BR>Jekyll n Hyde or Slaughtered Lamb might be more fun but less quality food at a higher price.

Elizabeth ...<BR><BR>Yes, I would be open to the East Village as well ... and we are definitely looking for good food ... not just a bar. <BR><BR>Mike,<BR>La Dolce Vita sounds great!

When you say fun I think you mean hip yes? Jeckly and Hyde is a theme restaurant and I think more suited for families with kids. This kind of a question always deserves a look into Zagats dinner<BR><BR>When People come into town and want to see a village restaurant I take them to Mogadors. This is at 8th street and 2 or third avenue. I must admit I usually do this with young people. Still a fun place with Moraccon/Euro food.<BR><BR>another place I like is Spice they have several locations. East 70s,Chelsea,Central Village/NoHo<BR>1411 Second Ave. (bet. 73rd & 74th Sts.) New York, NY, 10021-3771 (212) 988-5348<BR>199 Eighth Ave. (bet. 20th & 21st Sts.) New York, NY, 10011-1605 (212) 989-1116<BR>60 University Pl. (10th St.) New York, NY, 10003-4504 (212) 982-3758<BR>this is what zagats had to say although I have been to the village location and thought decor was funky. <BR> <BR>I also think indian restaurants are wonderful can't suggets too many fun ones. Vatan is fun but not in Village or Soho, their buffet is 21.95.<BR><BR>Also like chat and chew, Balthazars but higher than your price range. <BR><BR><BR>OHHHHH there is also a place in the west village called Brussels. I think it is fun because it is very Beligan. They have tubs of mussles with different sauces and frites.<BR><BR><BR>

La Palapa Cocina Mexicana @ 77 St. Marks Pl (east village=8th St.) is really good inexpensive, quality mexican. Taqueria De Mexico on Greenwich Avenue bet. 7th & 8th Avenues is excellent also. Average entree $18. Cafe Spice on University place excellent Indian also $18.average all fun/ hip - but not achingly so. Have fun

East Village: whole neighborhood is under 35 more or less (xcept me & my friends):<BR><BR> Miracle Grill at 7th St--1st Ave. Southwestern. Most entrees under $20. Good food, great margaritas, beautiful garden. In garden weather, go early (by 7) or late (after 10), or be ready to hang around and wait.<BR><BR> Indian: Haveli at 2nd Ave and 6th Street. Best of the 30 or so neighborhood Indians. OR take your choice/chances ont he block , 6th St btw 1st & 2nd Avenues--VERY cheap, not as good, but good enough actually. Haveli has a bar, others don't.<BR> <BR> (Note: Mitali has the same owner as Haveli. I like Haveli better, it's more comfortable.)<BR><BR> Sushi Park, 2nd Ave/7-8th Streets. More like okay than great, but good prices for decent sushi. A little student-y I guess but it's nice.<BR><BR> Caravan of Dreams--6th St 1st-Avenue A. Vegetarian, mellow wonderful hippie-ish atmosphere. I think they serve wine, not sure.<BR>

East Village: whole neighborhood is under 35 more or less (xcept me & my friends):<BR><BR> Miracle Grill at 7th St--1st Ave. Southwestern. Most entrees under $20. Good food, great margaritas, beautiful garden. In garden weather, go early (by 7) or late (after 10), or be ready to hang around and wait.<BR><BR> Indian: Haveli at 2nd Ave and 6th Street. Best of the 30 or so neighborhood Indians. OR take your choice/chances ont he block , 6th St btw 1st & 2nd Avenues--VERY cheap, not as good, but good enough actually. Haveli has a bar, others don't.<BR> <BR> (Note: Mitali has the same owner as Haveli. I like Haveli better, it's more comfortable.)<BR><BR> Sushi Park, 2nd Ave/7-8th Streets. More like okay than great, but good prices for decent sushi. A little student-y I guess but it's nice.<BR><BR> Caravan of Dreams--6th St 1st-Avenue A. Vegetarian, mellow wonderful hippie-ish atmosphere. I think they serve wine, not sure.<BR>

I am reluctant to tell you this because it's such a gem but relatively unknown on the tourist curcuit -- want to keep it to myself. But I'll tell you anyway, one of my favorite restaurants is Tavern on Jane, at Jane street and Hudson in the West Village. Great food, lively bar and a cozy atmosphere.<BR><BR>Marlena<BR>NYC

Here are my recent faves:<BR><BR>Raga<BR>433 E. 6th Street<BR>New York 10009 212-388-0957<BR><BR>Casimir<BR>103 Ave. B<BR>New York 10009 212-358-9683<BR><BR>Il Posto/Il Bagatto<BR>192 E 2nd Street<BR>New York 10009 212-228-3562<BR>

Mike! La Dolce Vita! I can't believe it. I LOVE that place. The owner is from Italy and the food is delicious. The prices are the most reasonable in Soho and it is (was) the best kept secret in NY! You might also try Republic on Union Square West - Pan Asian and just down the block The Coffee Shop. Both very hip, young, happening places. The Coffee Shop has a jazz brunch that is good too. I believe they did an episode of Sex in the City there a few years ago.

We like the Cowgirl Hall of Fame on Hudson in the W Village. Lotsa fun, great drinks, and mmmm the Frito chili appetizer. Never a dull moment there.<BR><BR>Also try Bar Pitti (next door to DaSilvano) on 6th b/w Bleeker and Houston. Reasonably priced Tuscan food, sidewalk tables, great people watching. <BR><BR>Have a great trip!!

Wow! Thanks everyone!<BR><BR>We live in Chicago, I know that we have a million little restaurants here that we love that don't necessarily show up in the "Guide Books" ... so I knew that NYC must be the same.<BR><BR>You have proved me right! I can't wait to look into these!