american

The Lower East Side's brunch mecca, serving up delectable pancakes and perfect biscuits. The wait to get in on weekends (and many weekdays) is ridiculously long. Your best best: going for dinner. Don't miss the fried chicken! 4 Clinton Street,...

The white picket fence signals your arrival at the LES's New Orleans-style sandwich shop. Owner Din Yates offers a half dozen or so made-to-order creations. There's fried chicken on a biscuit, pulled pork, delicious oyster and shrimp po' boys,...

Trendy, swanky Stanton Social serves an eclectic small plates menu to a a young and stylish crowd. They come mostly to see/be seen and to consume fancy cocktails, but Chef Chris Santos wows customers with  inventive fusion fare. The...

Open to the street on two sides, featuring a big beer menu and serving up surprisingly decent "gastropub" fare, this place is one of the neighborhood's most popular nightlife destinations.  Go for lunch or happy hour to avoid the...

Chief Curmudgeon Kenny Shopsin serves up a few hundred (no, that's not a typo) wacky items in his little corner of the Essex Market. Ignore his profane rants and occasional temper tantrums while slurping down one of 54 "made...

A sometimes rowdy Irish theme bar with a fairly substantial menu (burgers, pizza, wings, etc), a large patio in the back and a few pool tables. 191 Orchard, near Houston 212-228-9888 Hours Mon-Fri, noon-4am; Sat-Sun, 11am-4am Web site

The inviting Clinton Street bar serves small plates: cheeses, oysters, salads and tartare. The bartenders are friendly and the room cozy. 29 Clinton, near Stanton 212-979-8471 Hours Sun and Tue-Thu, 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 6pm-3am; Mon, closed Web site

Wylie Dufresne brought fine dining to Clinton Street in the 90's. Now at WD-50, he continues to innovate, creating some of Manhattan's most outlandish and surprising dishes. For full effect, choose the 12-course tasting menu for $140. 50 Clinton Street,...

Vietnamese restaurant mogul Michael Huynh conquers the burger at this tiny Lower East Side joint. The basic offerings will only set you back $5. Add chili or cheese, jalapeno and wasabi menu --  and you'll pay a couple bucks...

Located in an appealing corner spot on Orchard Street, Little Giant serves a homey, locally sourced, seasonal menu.  Brunch is very popular. 85 Orchard, at Broome 212-226-5047 ...