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Johnny Rockets
42 East 8th Street (by Greene St.)
(212) 253-8175 (No reservations)
I know this is part of a national chain, but the Greenwich Village
incarnation is worth a visit. The uniformed staff, white enameled walls and
deco countertops are pure 1950's, as is the menu of classic burgers, malts
and sandwiches. The prices are painless, so you can feast for under $15 a
person. The burgers are period perfect, the chicken club is a personal favorite,
and there is a tasty veggie burger for the health conscious. If you can
afford some extra calories, don't miss the
crunchy onion rings served with ranch dip. The super cheap juke box features classic
pop hits, and the service is cordial, if a bit harried at times. This place
is so popular that the line can reach out into the street. Go for it anyway.
Once you get
in, the eats are good.
Manatus
340 Bleecker St.
(between Christopher & West 10th Sts.)
(212) 989-7042
Tuxedoed waiters, marble tabletops and candlelight at night – in a diner! Most
everything on the encyclopedic menu is affordable, but not all dishes are
created equal. Your best bet is to stick to
diner classics like burgers, hot open sandwiches, pot roast, etc. Depending
on your appetite, you can do very nicely for under $20, even at dinner time.
The service
is good, and the location is in the picturesque heart of the West Village.
There's outdoor street table seating in warmer months. Open 24 hours, this is one
of the most popular late nosh spots in the city, the perfect place for night
owls to catch an early breakfast. (By the way, "Manatus" is a
Native American name for Manhattan.)
Moustache
90 Bedford Street (between Barrow & Grove Sts.)
(212) 229-2220
Fresh-made Syrian/Lebanese dips and salads served with steamy pitas baked when you order
them – all satisfying and delightful. Don't miss the fresh pitas –
they are pure heaven with the homemade hummus and babagounosh.) The
versatile menu can provide a light bite or a filling feast. There’s a hearty pureed
lentil soup and delicious "pitzas" (hot pitas topped with ground lamb or
various veggies). The falafel and sliced lamb sandwiches are a personal favorite, and a
real bargain. Copper-topped tables jam this small brick-walled room. All the
baking makes this a cozy snuggery in cold weather, but air-conditioning keeps it
comfortable year-round.
Pesce & Pasta Trattoria
262 Bleeker Street (between 6th and 7th Aves.)
(212) 645-2993
Because of my Italian heritage, I am very fussy about Italian food, and
Pesce & Pasta is easily my favorite reasonably priced Italian restaurant in
Manhattan. The exposed brick walls and antiqued tin ceiling suggest old-time New York,
but this place is no dowdy antique. Just look over the breathtaking
antipasto spread
in the front window, and you’ll know you’re dealing with people who understand
the true meaning of "mangia!" In a gesture my Noni would have applauded,
crusty peasant bread is served with olive oil instead of butter. The soups and pastas
are wonderful (personal favorite: the hearty Rigatoni Siciliana, piled high with eggplant and fresh
mozzarella), and the seafood is spectacular (their Red Snapper Livornese never fails).
If you bring your appetite, the Zuppa di Pesce offers a mountain of assorted fish served
in a luscious broth, guaranteed to stuff you for just $15. For a tad more, the
mixed seafood grill is a gratifying steal. Great prices (about $30 per person for a full meal)
and a relaxed attitude make this place appropriate for any occasion. There are two
sister restaurants on the Upper East Side.
Tartine
253 West 11th Street (at West 4th Street)
(212) 229-2611
If you can get into this super-popular bistro, consider yourself lucky – lines form
outside nightly, even in winter. But its worth the wait. Wood paneled walls,
festive lighting and a plethora of lighthouse decorations give the room a whimsical charm.
Affordable French classics, including a superb crouque monsieur (French toast stuffed with
ham & cheese, it's a personal favorite), pan-seared quail and excellent roast
duck. The desserts are breathtaking, as is the patience and courtesy of the staff.
Most meals average about $25 per person – no beer or wine on hand, but feel free to bring
your own. If you are splurging, there is also a first rate steak aux poivres
with pomme frites, tres reasonable at $19. Tartine is the perfect spot for a romantic
date that even a beleaguered
budget can love.
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