Fodor's Expert Review Lupulo

Michelin-starred chef George Mendes's homage to Portuguese tavern cuisine is a delicious escape amid the bustle of 6th Avenue. Unlike Aldea, Mendes's more formal eatery, Lupulo (which means "hops" in Portuguese) is a laid-back spot, featuring a long craft-beer list (even though there are few Portuguese beers on it). Pull up a seat at the island bar or snag a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows and dig into Iberian comfort food like plates of salty grilled sardines, crispy shrimp turnovers, oven-baked octopus, and salt cod casserole for two. If beer isn't your thing, the all-Portuguese wine menu, which includes a few bottles of refreshing Vinho Verde, is a guaranteed palate cleanser. Known for: craft-beer selection; $1 happy hour oysters (3-6pm daily); wood-grilled octopus.