OFF THE BEATEN PATH EATS IN NYC

I've gathered a few of the best Off-The-Beaten-Track places in NYC for my fellow foodies. Whether you're a New Yorker who needs to expand your routine or a tourist who'd like to hit something besides Olive Garden (gag) and Fridays in Times Square (double gag) I gurantee these gems won't disappoint! 
By Bernadette Pauley (Comedian)  

NEW LEAF CAFE in Inwood (The northernmost part of Manhattan, even though many folks think it's The Bronx.) Known for a spectacular brunch, this restaurant is located smack in the middle of Fort Tryon Park. As a New Yorker, you've got to get to Fort Tryon at LEAST once and make a day of it, taking in the breathtaking views of the George Washington Bridge and flower gardens.

At Zagat's pick New Leaf Cafe you can treat yourself to an extra mimosa, Duvel beer or french press coffee GUILT FREE! All proceeds go to maintaing Fort Tryon Park!

Even if you get a nose bleed above 14th street, you've got to hang in Fort Tryon Park. Where else will you see heather gardens and The GW Bridge all in one view? (Tourists, ask a New Yorker to explain the nosebleed comment)

ROBERTO in The Bronx - If you want some of the very best italian food in NYC, wave bye bye to Little Italy, hop on a train to The Bronx and make sure you got a reservation at Roberto off of Arthur Avenue. You can also buy incridible pasta, cheeses & olive oils in Arthur Avenue shops from little old italian ladies who don't speak a word of english. Better prices & better quality than the tourist trap downtown (sorry, little italy, you're still fun to hang out it in). 

You don't normally see empty tables at Roberto so make sure you make reservations!

Peter Lugar's in Williamsburg - hit Lugar's in Williamsburg after checking out some of the hipster hangouts and amazing art in Williamsburg. The clientele consists of mafia, hell's angels, firemen, cops, and wall street / investment banker types all united for one thing: The best steak in the world. (Don't tell PETA).  

The dry aged, hand picked porterhouse at Lugar's would tempt even the most sanctimonious vegan.

The Campbell Apartment - Formerly a private office / salon of tycoon John W. Campbell, hidden inside Grand Central terminal. 

Go back in time to The Campbell Apartment for a drink. 

Buddha Bodai - Chinatown. Avoid weekends or you'll be crammed in after a long wait, but this little secret is some of the most amazing chinese food you'll ever encounter at prices so low you won't believe it's NYC. Then, when you leave & you're told it's both vegan and kosher you will be in disbelief. 

WARNING: This place is addicting.

Tartine - This tiny, BYOB restaurant is in the residential (my favorite) part of The West Village. The chef used to work at Le Cote Basque. You'll get some of the same great dishes while saving oodles of $$$, happily crammed into a tiny little west village space.

Locals only cram into this BYOB french cafe for some of the best french food in NYC at the absolute best prices. Yours Truly was one of the Original rude waitresses way back in the day...

BERNADETTE PAULEY is a comedian & TV Host appearing at The Portsmouth Music Hall this Saturday. Check her site for tour dates. www.BernadettePauley.com
EMAIL HER |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | OTHER POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR

Comments

[Leah B]

Thanks Bernie!!! I can't wait to try out Buddha Bodai! (And maybe some Bronx Italian!)

[Bernadette Pauley (Comedian)]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Leah. Yes, Buddha Bodhai is LIFECHANGING!!!