First of all, thanks to Kim for an honest appraisal. There is nothing worse than responding to "rave" reviews, and feeling like I've missed out on all the good stuff, because I wasted my time and bucks on places that are popular rather than actually worthwhile. We're visiting NYC between Christmas and New Year's and there are several things you mentioned that I put on my wish list. Do tell, though, was the Tenement Museum kind of depressing?

Now to you good folks who live every day in the city. Where do I find the small, cozy kinds of places that are NOT listed in Fodor's or AAA. I'm thinking a neighborhood place like the one Paul and Jamie frequented in "Mad About You." There must be places where you guys go with friends once a week that aren't the usual restaurants tourists flock to. Any help (and soon) would be appreciated. We're "almost there" and really excited!

Which neighborhood? Most East Villagers cannot tell you where to hang out in the UWS and vice versa. Get a copy of Time Out New York eating a drinking guide. News flash, tourists and locals alike eat at the really good places. We don't hide them from tourists.

Cindy, if you want "small, cozy and local" I have a great place for you: it's called The Place (really), 310 West 4th Street in the west village. Small, intimate rooms lit by candles, great food at great value, fantastic wait staff, definitely off the beaten track so no obvious tourists. Went there with friends recently and everyone loved it, they really take care of you there, and they play the best jazzy-cool holiday tunes. And oh yes, they donate 10% of their profits to children's charities. I highly recommend The Place to you!

I like Zagat suggested restaurants.

Danal's for breakfast at 10th street between third and fourth. French

Beyoglu on 1431 and third avenue at 81st st. A good pick for Met area restaurant. (Turkish)

Roy's Restaurant Washington Place down near the WTC site. EuroAsian and that is as it sounds a blend of Asian and European flavors.

Balthazars near soho. French

Spice in the central village noho a good cheap dinner if you are shopping along broadway dwontown. Asian

Roy's is a chain.

The Tenement Museum is only depressing if you find history depressing. I found it incredibly interesting and since my relatives lived in those tenemenents on the LES, incredibly moving to see. It's my favorite small museum in NYC.

Do give the neighborhoods and types of food for restaurants, and we'll share.

P.S Magnolia Bakery 401 Bleecker St. (W. 11th St.) for down home amazing cupcakes

City Bakery for home made marshmallows and a million other treats by a leading U.S pastry chef. 3 W. 18th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.)

xxx Roy's is partly owned by a chain but there still are select executive chefs at each location ,still trying to carve out their own culinary niche, still providing innovative cuisine. Eating there would help you to understand this. I have eaten at all the restaurants mentioned earlier along with Gotham, Orsay (French), Patria and others. Roy's is still a favorite. I am not crazy about the downtown location but I can't find a restaurant as good for the money.

Hi Cindy!

I didn't find the tenement musum depressing at all. The two families that were highlighted in the tour I went on (Getting By) had fairly normal family lives and spent a significant number of years there. They weren't horror stories, although I know the conditions could be very bad, but these were 4 or 5 person families who seemed to get by pretty well considering the time period and the adversity.

Have a great trip!

last entry I don't think I ever go to the restaurants listed here with friends ever. I think someone is talking about Tavern on the Green, Carnagie Deli, Little Italy.

Don't look for cozy all the time mainly I am looking for quality food and drink. There are some bars that serve several distinct beers and wines that you just won't find outside of NYC.

Have not done this in a while but sometimes I will go to a place like Barnon can't find the correct spelling and address on 12th street. Remember them serving blonde, sweet tasting beer.

I also like Cafe de Buxelles 118 Greenwich Ave. (W. 13th St.)
They specialize in mussels (national dish of Belgum) they steam the mussels in a number of different (you select) broths and sauces. Yummy and different.

My point I guess is we are really great for Ethnic food here. Not sure where you are coming from but we have incredible variety. Althought this place is very cozy.

Also Rolf's (German) 281 Third Ave. (22nd St.)is extreemly cute during xmas. Very popular and festive but small

Tenement museum is not depressing; it's fascinating. What kind of food, area, etc. are you looking for? There are lots of neighborhoods - and lots of neighborhood places.

meant to say I avoid tourist restaurants mentioned frequently on this forum like Tavern on the Green, Carnegie Deli, Little Italy area.

Sarah, I have been to Roy's many times (sometimes work out of that area) and don't think that is what Cindy is looking for.

well it is not cozy it is part of the Marriott hotel but the food is incredible. It is the kind of creative cuisine NYC is famous for but at a third of the price!

Some great local Restaurants:

Max (cheap itlian..on Ave B and 3rd St)

SEA (Thai food..on 1st Avenue)

Nyonya (on Grand St between Mott and Mulberry..great Malaysian food)

Any of the Korean restaurants on the north side of 35t st. (there are 3 in a row)

Push Cafe (great coffee shop..limited food..on 3rd Ave between 22 and 23rd)

Delta Grill (9th Ave and 47th st)

Hells Kitchen (awesome Nouveau mexican inspired cusine..on 9th ave around 47th st)

too manymore to list here

Cindy, do tell us the neighborhoods you want to have meals in, or the attractions you expect to be near at mealtimes.

I second Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street (for cake and coffee at an off time, there are only 3 tables) and City Bakery (for all meals all day long, I think it closes in early evening however). City Bakery is well combined with a visit to ABC furniture emporium. If you have ever enjoyed shopping or looking at things for the house, you need to go to that place.