Food

Perhaps the neighborhood's best old school diner. The food is dependable, the service is lightning fast and the chocolate milkshakes will make you want to take a long nap. 89 Canal, at Eldridge 212-925-3298 Open Mon-Fri, 6am-7pm; Sat-Sun, 6am-4pm Menu Delivery

Cusine: MexicanAddress: 253 Broome St. (near Orchard)/mapPhone: 212-228-6710 Hours:  Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-1 a.m.Menu/web siteReservations: yesDelivery: noMore than a decade after arriving on the "below Delancey" restaurant scene, Barrio Chino is still one of the most popular...

A rowdy German beer hall, off the Bowery, that usually has pretty good food.  Hearty specialties include: chicken paprikasch, spaetzle, bratwurst. There's also a garden in the back. One one recent trip here the burgers came out cold, the...

Dominican take-out place alongside the Williamsburg Bridge, offering some interesting dishes (like codfish and eggs for breakfast). The downside: they close early. 212 Delancey, near Ridge (212) 598-4752 Hours Monday-Saturday 6am-6pm Menu Delivery, Cash only

An Eastern European (Balkan) bistro and bar from Israeli chef Eran Elhalal. Entrees include a slow roasted lamb shoulder, braised short ribs, Yugoslavian kebabs and smoked and roasted guinea hen. 102 Norfolk, near Delancey 212-505-7276 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-1pm; weekend brunch noon-4pm; delivery...

A New Mexican spot on a restaurant-poor stretch of Grand Street -- with a full bar, happy hour specials and lunch service. 384 Grand Street, at Suffolk (646) 692-9259 Hours: Daily: 12pm-4am ...

Japanese-born chef Yoshihito Kida has opened a tiny restaurant, just west of Allen Street, serving extremely fresh, authentic soba.  There are only three  tables and an 8-seat bar in this handsomely designed space. Behind the bar, you'll be able...

This romantic wine bar also offers small plates (mostly French-accented).  There is a nice selection of pates, cheeses, pressed sandwiches and salads. It's a good spot for small parties. 42 Rivington, near Forsyth (212) 254-1675 Hours Mon-Thu, 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 5pm-3am; Sun, closed Web...

Once home to M. Katz & Sons Furniture, Beauty & Essex is the much anticipated second act from Stanton Social mastermind Chris Santos. The place features a pawn shop façade as well as four dining rooms, two bars, and...

A handsomely appointed space on the NW corner of Allen and Delancey serving soups, salads, sandwiches on Balthazar bread, and gourmet coffee from a menu owner Mark Hernandez calls "California cuisine." Housemade baked goods light up the serving counter, and change daily....