Best After-Hours Eats in NYC

Description:

Italian-style small plates, including the ever-popular paninis and bruschetta, feature at this trendy Lower East Side eatery, an extension of 'ino in the West Village. Inexpensive but excellent, this is the place to head for Italian if you don't want to leave feeling bloated. In addition, the wine list is extremely lengthy, and sure to impress. The espresso and desserts are also great.

Description:

From the trio behind Peasant, Bacaro's a Venice-inspired, subterranean osteria located way down on Division Street (right below Canal, where flinty-eyed street hawkers retire after unloading garbage bags of Big Beats reggae mix cds). The vaulted-ceiling'd cellar is honeycombed with candle-lit private rooms, and boasts two temp-controlled wine rooms and a marble-topped bar, a catacomb-like set-up Venetians would enjoy, were there basements not festering with dead gondoliers. The grub's Northern Italian (chestnut-stuffed quail, fried meatballs), with cheeses selected by Lou DiPalo, "The Cheese King of Little Italy" -- a lactose-tolerant food magnate also once impersonated by a reservationless Matthew Broderick. For more casualness, there's also a black-woodworked, ornately chandeliered above-ground bar serving select gins and whiskies and 30 Italians by the glass, priced $3-$20 -- presenting another date problem, when she recognizes her cuddles have a $3 valuation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Veselka's famous borscht, made with beef stock and pork butt, draws beet-loving fans to proclaim it the best borscht in the city.

Description:

Whenever the craving hits for hearty eastern European fare at old-world prices, Veselka fits the bill with fluffy and light (if that's possible) pierogi (small doughy envelopes filled with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut), kasha varnishkes (cracked buckwheat and noodles with mushroom sauce), stuffed cabbage, grilled Polish kielbasa, freshly made potato pancakes, and such classic soups as a sublime borscht. Breakfast is special here. If all you want is a burger, don't worry -- it's a classic, too.

Despite the authentic fare, the diner is comfortable, modern, and appealing, with an artsy slant and delicious house-made desserts. Veselka surpasses its status as a popular after-hours hangout with clubbers and other night owls to be a favorite at any hour.

Description:

This charming but small Italian neighborhood restaurant manages to hold its own in an area filled with trendy spots, by serving good food at low prices. With all sorts of odd decorations on the wall and an open kitchen, it feels like your eccentric Aunt is in charge of this eatery. The crowd is a mix of locals looking for quiet refuge, as well as couples on dates. You will find plenty of classic Italian dishes here, the pastas are freshly made, and the cheesecake is fabulous.

Description:

TThis is the first and evidently the most popular restaurant of the Blue Ribbon restaurant group. While it's a veritable stop for food connoisseurs, it is also popular among professionals in Manhattan working late hours. The seafood dishes score well but the chicken, duck, pigeon and beef culinary creations are not far behind. The salads and soups are a nice way of rounding off the meal, and the desserts have you searching for excuses to celebrate. Obviously, given its popularity and limited seats, you ought to reserve before you head here during evening hours or simply wait. Some of the other branches you can check out include Blue Ribbon Brooklyn, Blue Ribbon Bakery and the nearby Blue Ribbon Sushi.

Our Local Expert Says:

The wine here, served by the glass or by the carafe, is divided into three categories--cheap, decent, and good. It's a fun, loud place offering international comfort food, such as steamed mussels with French fries, mac and cheese, and hamburgers.

Description:

Labeled as a French, Irish, English and a Southern Soul restaurant, there's not much that is not satisfying on the menu. White tiled and filled with sunshine, this joint offers delicious Steak Frites, Skillets of sizzling Garlic Shrimp and a delectable Penne Arrabiata. The sticky Toffee Pudding is worth a try and if you're feeling adventurous, check out the Welsh Rarebit. On weekend mornings, you can try fruity Pimm Cups and fresh-made Dollar Doughnuts as well as thick Hazelnut Waffles doused in bourbon-flavored maple syrup. This fantastic menu is very affordable, so dash over and gorge.

Description:

This bistro situated in the meatpacking district is immensely popular due to its remarkably French atmosphere, fine food and attentive service. There is outdoor seating, and the dining room features tiles on the floor, antique mirrors on the walls and leather banquettes everywhere. A happy bar scene is ongoing in the lounge. Dishes of note include the house pate, onion soup gratinee, oysters on the half shell, roast leg of lamb, and the whole fish of the day. Pastis is owned by Keith McNally of Balthazar fame.

Our Local Expert Says:

Be prepared to stand in line for your seat in this favorite spot; its hamburgers are perennially contenders for the best in the city.

Description:

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this casual American bar and restaurant keeps late hours (until 4a) and serves cheap, casual fare. Greasy but tasty burgers, and fries. A friendly spot, Corner Bistro caters to a diverse crowd of downtown denizens, as well as the college types who party on Bleecker Street. It is cash only, but at these prices you should have no problem paying the bill.

Description:

Located near the southwestern edge of Tompkins Square Park, 7A is an oasis for East Village locals who just want to chill and hang out in an attitude-free zone. Simple is the word, and there are plenty of outdoor seats in good weather. The pub food takes a back seat to drinks like their refreshing Frozen Mudslide (vodka, Kahlua and Bailey's Irish Cream), but inexpensive burgers, salads and sandwiches are all available.