The Corcoran Group: Local Tips

Mar 31

PJ Clarke’s -

Great place for a pre or post performance cocktail served by an old-school bartender (although it gets really crowded), but we’d suggest going somewhere else to eat.

Empire Hotel -

This spacious rooftop bar has great views but the outrageously expensive drinks, ambivalent servers, rude bouncers and extremely loud music totally turned us off.

Riposo 72 -

Great atmosphere, great wines and great flatbreads!  We’d recommend the Prosciutto di Parma or the Wild Mushroom.  Maybe start with the Skirt Steak Bruschetta too.

Emerald Inn -

An unpretentious and old-school neighborhood bar when everyone is treated like a regular.  Aside from the beer, the food is awesome – try the burger or the meatloaf (when available).

Bin 71 -

Cute and VERY small wine bar with a great selection of wines serving delicious Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce and White Anchovy and Tomato Crostini. 

Mar 30

Vive Le Crepe -

Slow but friendly servers dish up sweet and savory (and pricey) crepes in this tiny nook.  Come for breakfast and get the spinach, goat cheese and mushroom.

Francesco -

Your basic Italian restaurant serving delicious Eggplant Parmesan and Calzones and Slices.  The main selling point of this joint is their late night hours (until 4am on Friday & Saturday).

La Traviata -

A dumpy, hole-in-the-wall serving delicious slices of pizza (get two slices and a can of soda for $5).  The Chicken Parmesan sandwich is big enough for two – order extra sauce.

Café Ronda -

Start off with the Acai Margarita (you’ll want to keep ordering them) and then get the empanadas (all flavors), the Paella, the fried calamari and the mushroom croquettes.

The Leopard at des Artistes -

Stop in for a cocktail and check out the beautiful décor.  Or treat yourself to a delicious meal of pappardelle with rabbit ragu and a caramel semifreddo.

Mar 29

Grand Tier -

A grand, elegant and mature way to enjoy a meal before a night at the opera.  Enjoy their seasonal pre-curtain prix-fixe menu – the mushroom bisque and the crab cakes were divine.

Lincoln Ristorante -

Perfect spot to dine before a performance at the Met – try the Ricotta Dumplings or the Shrimp Scampi.  Or just enjoy a glass or two from their extensive wine list.

Pasha Restaurant -

For an early pre-theater meal, get the Pre-Fixe for only $27!  Order the Humus, Tavuk Gogsu Sarmasi and the Baklava.  The décor is dated and the service is so-so, but the food is great.

Blossom Du jour II -

Stop in here for a quick, vegan and healthy meal before going to a movie or a performance at Lincoln Center.  Try the Midtown Melt and a homemade brownie.

Soomsoom Vegetarian -

For $7 you get one heavy and filling sandwich.  Get the Falafel and then dive into the self-serve salad bar to create an out of this world meal.  Mondays are BOGO!