SallyKate

Hi, you have all be so helpful with me so far, that I was wondering if you could help re our Saturday night in NYC:

We are both in our mid-twenties, and would like to go to a moderately priced restaurant (Italian or American type food?) which is near a lot of bars so we can go to them after? We prefer bars to clubs.

We are staying at the Hilton NY, but don't mind having to get a cab...

Thanks

wantsomesun

The upper west side would be prefect for your pub crawl. Our favorite restaurant happens to be in that area, and if you have your walking shoes on you can even walk up. Be nice if it's a nice evening.

Pomodoro, is a wonderful Italian restaurant with the most fab bread, baked right there. It's is located on Columbus Ave around 70th ST. From there just walk up Columbus Ave to lots of fun places, and a bit of shopping too.

From the Hilton, you can walk up to the park, turn left walk along the park to Broadway, up Broadway to Columbus at Lincoln Center (67-68th ST) and a little further is Pomodoro on the right side of the street.

There are also lots of other restaurants in that area so pick what looks best to you.

Have a GREAT time.

Owen_ONeill

The UWS is indeed a good choice. if you prefer gritty and funky rather than a scene tending urban preppy... the Lower East Side may be worth exploring also. There are poseurs everywhere (especially in NYC!) and you're sure to find some on the LES but there is a stretch around Ludlow and Rivington Streets off Houston that has lots of bars and clubs with a lively 20 something drinking scene and live music in many of them. Good and very moderately priced Italian restaurant close to there that I really like is Frutti de Mare at 2nd Ave and 4th Street (cash only but it's cheap and well worth it).

SteveJudd

Rocco's. I've heard it's improved quite a bit since the TV show was filmed. MaMa's meatballs are the best!

Statia

We've really enjoyed Carmine's Italian Restaurant in the Theatre District. It gets slammed on this board at times, but considering your ages and the atmosphere you are looking for, I think you'd like it.

http://www.carminesnyc.com/

puddy

For mid-20's, I second Owen's suggestion of the LES. I like the Luna Lounge at 171 Ludlow, but there are lots of other great bars. They often have live music. It does get very crowded though.

HowardR

I would add East Village to the list of potential areas.
And, no insult intended, Statia, but Carmine's not even in the running!

Gekko

Please ladies, please, stay away from Times Square and, yes, even the Upper West Side (which is a wonderful residential neighborhood but not what you're looking for in terms of cool bars etc.).

The Lower East Side is a great idea -- Pianos, Punch & Judy (food too), Paladar (food too), Happy Ending, Idlewild, etc. Check out www.sheckys.com for descriptions. So many great places around Ludlow Street.

Or is you're in the mood for very bohemian, dive bar-type places, I suggest St. Mark's Place in the East Village. Walk east on St. Mark's from Astor Place (see map), stopping along the way. Hi-Fi on Avenue A is a great bar with a world famous, unique jukebox (featured recently in the NY Times).

Also in the East Village, Esperanto is a fantastic restaurant on Avenue C at 9th, from which you can walk two blocks south to a tres cool German beer hall called Zum Schneider, Ave C at 7th Street. From there you should take a cab to St. Mark's or the Lower East Side.

So many great options -- but you should definitely hang out downtown. Experience something different from the usual tourist traps.

Good luck & Enjoy!

(Again, let me suggest Shecky's and Citysearch for maps, descriptions, etc for both bars & restaurants.)

Gekko

Forgot to add -- Carmine's?!?! No way. Not even close.

(Hey Statia, aren't you from the Caribbean?!?)

MFNYC

For E. VIllage Italian (at very reasonable prices), East Post, Frank, there are more but that's what comes to mind. In LES, Abizz, everything is cooked in a wood burning over.

HowardR

Hey, Gekko, we can agree on some things, after all!

Statia

Well, I did say that it gets slammed on this board quite often. We must seem hit it on good nights because we have enjoyed it. Funny thing is that I found out about Carmine's myself from so many posters on this board, and that's the only reason I tried it to begin with.

Gekko, yes, I've lived in the Caribbean for 10 years, but I'm not from here originally.

Gekko

Another option would be to walk up First Avenue from Houston Street. Boca Chica is a great restaurant on the corner of First Ave & First Street -- very popular. Or Lil' Frankie's pizza is just north. Owned by the same people who own Frank, it's excellent pizza and a cool East Village atmosphere (but cash only).

North of Lil Frankies on First Ave you'll find d.b.a., which features one of the best beer, scotch & bourbon selections in New York. Yee-haa! From there you can continue a few blocks north to St. Mark's Place, turning east (right) and making your way to Hi-Fi on Avenue A, stopping along the way at various dive bars while enjoying the bohemian scenery.

It's a loop I've done far too many times, but always enjoyable.

(HowardR, I imagine we agree on most things, with the exception of Times Square as a place to stay. About that I have very strong opinions, as you know.)

(And Statia, the next time you visit NYC from the Caribbean, let us know and we'll suggest a new restaurant for you. Please.)

Statia

Thanks, Gekko, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. I've actually eaten at quite a few great restaurants in NYC. However, since I mainly go to the city for a very hectic week of business, I don't have as much time for great restaurant experiences as I would like. But, I'll be sure to look you up before the next trip!

Just for the record, I was mainly offering Carmine's as a suggestion to SallyKate on the premise of her request for "moderately priced Italian or American food." I certainly didn't mean to imply that it's my favorite, nor the best Italian restaurant in the city.

missjanna

If you are at all into dive bars, a few to check out are Coyote Ugly (on 1st Ave off 9th Street) which the film was based, or Hogs and Heifers by W. 13th Street and 10th Ave. or my personal favorite, Red Rock West on W. 17th and 10th Ave. Most of these bars have been attracting the yuppie and college crowd, but you can't beat the option of getting to dance on top of the bar amid a cheering crowd. If you want a little more subdued, try the Village Idiot on W. 14th and 9th Ave. in the same area. As for restaurants, I don't know too many in the area, but I know there is a nice lounge next to Red Rock West.

jodalahh

Funky hip crowd, amazing food, close to other bars and "the scene" - run, do not walk to "il Bagatto" located on just the outskirts of Alphabet City, so you are close (i.e., walking distance) to LES, east village and Soho. We are "NYC foodies" and this is one of our favorite restaurants - food is AMAZING (try the grilled calamari and their meat sauce is made with steak, rather than the mediocre ground beef)and so reasonably priced ($30pp). A reservation is a must usually, but be prepared, for a 9pm reservation, you may not be seated until closer to 10pm. The place only has about 20 tables, if that many, but has a great bar scene in its subterranean level with a dj spinning house music. Location: 192 East 2nd Street, b/w Ave A & B. phone (212) 228-0977. Enjoy!

curiousgeo

I saw an article the other day on barbeque in the NY Times. Anyone tried Blue Smoke lately? How is the food, bbq and side dishes? Thanks.

puddy

Village Idiot rocks... can't beat $6 pitchers of PBR.

SallyKate

Thanks for all your suggestions, we have decided to go with the LES - can't wait to get there!

GoTravel

Chumleys is a must for any 20 somethings. Find a cabbie who can take you to the front door, there is no sign out front.