Haven’t been to Little Italy in years and years. Will be staying in Tribeca so it’s a close walk or we can stay local. Coming in to catch a concert with my folks (P-Funk, which may seem odd to take sixty-somethings to the Funk Mob, but they’re actually three years younger than George). Given that the weathermen are calling for a high chance of crapulence, we’d rather not do the usual walking around until we find something that suits.
Before hitting Yelp and the concierge I figured I’d hit up the Dope—where to go? Pricerange is anywhere from $50 to $100 per, though we can make an exception if a place is that good. Or fun—I remember an awesome family-style place in that was good to take people to. Bench-like tables. A wicker penis hanging from the ceiling. Hysterical, singing waiters (not Lucky Chengs, but tongue in cheek). Ring any bells?
Heading in tonight, so need-answer-kinda-fast-or-maybe-for-next-time-so-if-something-hits-you-later-so-be-it.
I’m not 100% clear on where the neighbourhood borderlines are, so ignore if these are too far from your hotel, but Boqueria on Spring Street and Rosemary’s are both utterly delicious.
Sounds like you’re describing Puglia’s for the atmosphere. But to be honest, the food’s no better than you can get anywhere. Of course that’s true for everything in little Italy.
I think Puglia’s is it! Good food + unique atmosphere trumps great food, but I’ll see what they’re in for. If they had a cold, harsh trip into the city then the more traditional way would likely be better.
ETA: we’re at the Sheraton Tribeca, so Boqueria is within walking distance.
Boqueria has good atmophere, too - nothing unique like what you’re describing, just lively and high-energy. If you go there, get the blistered peppers with sea salt. I mostly only like raw vegetables, but I could’ve eaten those all evening.
If you feel like a change of pace from Italian food, Congee Village is nearby and has some great food, including their house chicken special (mmm, crispiness and garlic) and their razor clams in black bean sauce. My girlfriend and I go there every time we’re staying in/near the Lower East Side.
(Also, if you’re looking for somewhere to get good cocktails, I highly recommend Painkiller, which is a dive tiki bar that’s pretty awesome.)
Awesome. I moved out of NYC several years ago, mostly doing policy consulting for UN aid agencies. (A?)Typical Doper–work from home, never leave, see just wife and kid. Idyllic. There’s a local Afrobeatband that my old djembe teacher plays with in DC. Maybe catch a drink or two when we head down to catch him.
Still see a decent number of Section 3 people fairly regularly.