New York City Restaurant Tips by jlynyc

Restaurant Name: Artisanal

If you are visiting the Empire State Building, shopping at Macy's, browsing the Pierpont Morgan Library or otherwise find yourself in the mid-30s, stop by Artisanal for a delicious (but not cheap) snack or glass of wine.

Artisanal is a fromagerie & bistro that serves a great cheese fondue and fantastic wines. Perfect for an afternoon snack or happy hour to hold you over until supper. Or go for dinner and then hit the Empire State Building at night (open until 11p and the lines are not nearly as long) for amazing nighttime views of Manhattan. Reservations may be necessary.

Favorite Dish: Anything that comes with cheese. The fromagerie is stocked and has an impressive variety of cheeses.

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212 725-8585
Address: 2 Park Avenue
Directions: 32nd Street, between Park Avenue and Madison
Website: http://www.artisanalcheese.com/restaurants.asp

Restaurant Name: Moustache

Moustache serves a variety of Middle Eastern pitzas (like a pizza on a pita) and other small plates in both of their charming locations. Great for sharing.

Favorite Dish: Babaganoush is better than most and their pitzas are great.

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-228-2022
Address: 265 East 10th
Directions: also has a location in the West Village at 90 Bedford St.

Restaurant Name: Rectangle

Delicious food, reasonably priced. If you happen to be on the Upper East Side, this is a great restaurant. Nice decor, pleasant ambience.

Favorite Dish: The lamb chops any of the kebabs. The starters are all great to share so that you can sample a little of each from the menu.

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 677-8410
Address: 1431 1st Avenue
Directions: Between 74th and 75th on west side of the avenue.
Website: http://www.rectanglesrestaurant.com/

Restaurant Name: Virgil's BBQ Bar

While not the healthiest, Virgil's undoubtedly offers some great bbq conveniently located to the Theater District/Times Sq. Make sure you make a reservation if you're going pre or post theater, as this joint gets very crowded. You'll get heaping portions of comfort food in a relaxed, friendly (sometimes noisy) atmosphere.

Favorite Dish: The po' boys and the bbq salad are a nice change if you don't feel like BBQ.

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Theme: Barbecue
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212 921 9663 or 212 921 9494
Address: On West 44th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue.
Directions: Half a block from Times Square.
Website: http://www.virgilsbbq.com