What about Perry St. - you could probably get out of there for less than $250. If you're willing to hike over to Soho near 6th Ave - Goblin Market on Prince is also a great new place. Easily within your budget.

Oh Patrick, to have your dilemma
Have you looked at this weeks New York Magazine?
Where To Eat?

Hi Patrick:
If Michelin 2007 counts in your book, of all the prev. restaurants mentioned,
Home is the only one listed & rates
the symbol for "Our inspectors' favorites for good values." You could
also ascertain whether their mac & cheese is as good as yours!

I've eaten and had drinks at Garage a number of times. It has a lovely, warm atmosphere. They often have the fireplace, which is high on the wall burning. The staff has always been very nice. I believe that the prices are reasonable for NYC and the food is good.

Hey Neo, the thing I usually do is find myself at Garage for after-dinner drinks. I prefer hanging out by the bar instead of sitting and dining while the jazz is happening as it can get quite loud and you may not be able to talk much to your dinner partner depending upon where you are seated. Just my 2 cents

A quick question on Little Owl for those that have been..

I'd like to go this Saturday night for dinner with a friend but I'm wondering how early we should go to not have to wait too long... he recently had knee surgery and I don't want us to have to stand too much. Early is fine. Is 7 early enough or will we probably still have to wait?

If there are 2 of you, 7 should be fine. I would call first and ask, explain your friend's knee issue, and see what they say. It probably won't get busy until 8.

As far as walk-ins at the Little Owl is concerned, only the bar stools will be available - unless there is a last-minute cancellation on a table at the moment that you walk in.

In any case, if the stools are fully occupied when you walk in, you can reserve them when they become available and you can wander out and about (go to a nearby bar in Hudson), but make sure to return for the time that the maitre'd tells you to.

Osteria del Sole ... excellent Sardinian cuisine on W. 4th Street ...

avoid the Garage ....

or the Little Owl on Grove ...

Neo I hate to hijack - was hoping if you didn't see my recent NYC trip report I'd run across you on another post - your rec for brunch at Brasserie 8 1/2 with our family/friends last weekend was perfect ! we could talk, buffet wasn't overwhelming, we weren't rushed at all - extremely leisurely - what can I say...another perfect rec ....and I got to eat at Roberto Passon and have that paper thin veal not once, but twice !

have fun wherever you end up eating and let us know!

Do not go to Home. It's bad & with so many amazing choices within a block of there, no point going there at all.
Po (Italian) and Le Gigot (French) are the best two places on Cornelia St. Pearl Oyster bar is one of the best seafood spots in the city, but probably not ideal for a late meal.
Snack Taverna (Greek, good seafood)is very good as well.
Mas is another excellent place that is open late (serves until 3am, I believe) & one of the higher end places which make you feel comletely at home. It'll be memorable. A little more expensive than the others on this list but within your budget.
In the West Village there are sooo many really great choices that it'll be hard to not have an amazing meal if you go with any of the recommendations so far.
If you want a very jovial Spanish meal, Sevilla would be a great choice... tasty!