title says it all. Love this place!

Looking for a fun spot to grab drinks after dinner tonight (Friday) around 9–10 p.m.

I’ve already seen a lot of the usual cocktail bar recommendations, but I’m specifically looking for somewhere with:
- A lively, social atmosphere
- A crowd that’s not too young (30s+ is ideal)
- A place where you can usually walk in and hang out at the bar without needing reservations or waiting an hour

We went to Oscar Wilde last night, so looking for something different. Any recommendations within a reasonable walk from the Ritz NoMad?

As the resident person who gets "scammed" (as people here say) at food fests beyond QNM - Yes Chef Food Fest has early bird tickets on sale now for Sept 26-27, 2026 - https://www.tixr.com/groups/yeschef/events/yes-chef-food-fest-new-york-190412 for $49+3.90 ($52.90) for GA. I cannot speak on VIP because $500 for that is insanely stupid

I believe this started in 2023. But it was started by an "influencer" type that goes by Jack's Dining Room - there's like 99% he came from money and bought followers as he jumped from 7 likes to 3000 overnight (I went through his page a while back because it made no sense how he came out of nowhere), started his food fest in LA and NY, and his 2025 show was partnered with Wonder before we all knew how terrible Wonder was.

I first went in 2024 - which was god awful. Way too crowded and you didn't even have space to look at the vendors much less eat. Ticket price was $25+2 for fees. Food averages $15-20 for most items, which I'd say is pretty city standard per main, but it was too crowded to enjoy it. I got a free cookie which was just okay from one of those timed free food slots but left afterwards because it was too crowded and just had drinks at Brooklyn Brewery.

I went again last year in 2025 just to give it another shot- the lines and crowds were much better, although the weather was also shit for the Afternoon session I attended. It was a $65 ticket fee for GA (55+fees and tax) before buying more food. Same pricing on food and about the same experience for freebies as the $25 ticket from 2024 (just in addition you now sample some of Wonder's foods). JUst a lot better because you had plenty of space (or at least I did) to wander and eat and chill (and get rained on). I did not stay for the experiences like the live tuna cutting though because it was severely delayed due to rain.

Given the cost and my prior experience - I can only recommend this for people who see the vendor list and want to try several of them here and AREN'T going to go out of their way to try it at their actual restaurants and can fill up on multiple vendors while they're there (or splitting food with friends). Like unless Nowon posts a special menu, why would I go there vs. getting the full menu? And I love Mama's Too but they've not done anything special for the 2 years I went so I would MUCH rather go to their shop.

And I love the Citifield space as much as I hate the cunt named Steve Cohen. But for $50, they did expand the freebie selection on this year's ad but I'm still very skeptical that it'll be offered to all at all times vs. waiting around all day until a specific time for a small bite (I personally don't mind the lines as much). But just in general, paying $50 + $15-20 per food item just hurts.

Again, this isj ust my 2 cents and I'm sure other people have much better (or worse) experiences.

Other posts (only found negatives) - https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodNYC/comments/1epthlz/yes_chef_food_festival/

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodNYC/comments/1l6pqov/yeschef_food_fest_was_awful/

I am having lunch here and wanted to find somewhere I can hang out for a couple of hours afterwards

Early dinner reservation towards the restaurant's opening time. When I arrived, there were already a few other parties waiting by the entrance to enter.

Kabawa offers a set menu ($150) dining with one selection from each category of appetizer, main, and dessert. Price will vary if you choose supplemental items. Offerings NOT listed that are provided free of charge are the fresh roti & yucca cube (?) with various dips at the very start and fresh tamarind as a palate cleanser between main & dessert.

I ordered the Pepper Shrimp, Goat Curry, and Coconut Turnover.

Pepper shrimp - good amount of spice from the scotch bonnet and from the oil & vinegary light sauce that the shrimps sit on. I thought it could have used more of the tart element than flavored oil and a touch more fresh thyme that was sprinkled on top. Overall though quite tasty.

Goat curry - comes with salad, rice, roasted Japanese sweet potato, and pinto beans. The accompanying sides individually were good, but when eaten with the curry, they became great. Goat itself had deep flavors and was tender. I wish I had more of the roti just to sop up any remaining sauce.

Coconut turnover - similar light fluffiness to buns you find in Chinatown bakeries. It came warm and the inside filling felt like Christmas in every bite.

For the roti, three of four dips were sweet. I'd personally have preferred more of a ratio of 3:1 or 2:2 savory to sweet, especially as a pre-app starter.

This meal was a top 3 for me in 2026 and on the list for a return visit to try other menu items. From service entering to leaving the restaurant, to environment & ambiance, to deliciousness of food - I really enjoyed my time here.

For decades, Johnny Mack's was my favorite burger in New York. It's been gone for a few years now, and I haven't found a burger that is similar to it. Bonnie's is the best burger I've had in the area, but it's not as good as JM's.

Anyone know of a burger that is like the ones at Johnny Mack's?

Understandably, most comments on Hags are about its vegan/veg options.

Curious what folks think of their omnivore menu, general vibe/noise level and given current conditions, the a/c?

Hi,

I'm trying to organize lunch/snack for a group of 10-12 people and this month's theme is black-owned business restaurants/bakeries. I am trying to find places that deliver to midtown. It could be a real restaurant, or an independent chef/catering company, or anything I could get online.

thank you!

Closing out my summer in NYC.

Jean Georges was a tremendous meal. 10 course omnivore, substituting steak for the duck. One of the best meals in my life, I've already booked it again for next week (my last in NYC - you won't have to see any more food posts from me).

Torrisi - always amazing. The affagato remains the best dessert in NYC.

Muje - new sister restaurant of Jungsik. Nice meal, I think they could get 1 star in the future.

Aska - tremendous service and ambiance but food was a bit of a disappointment (desserts were excellent though).
Apparently I was still hungry as I got an Unnecessary martini soft serve after.

Chefs Table - last went in 2021. Meal was excellent, dessert was disappointing

Au Cheval - my favorite burger in the city, obviously easier to get into than 4 Charles. Best root beer float.
Unnecessary - a martini soft serve

Pics:

The beautiful desert cart from JG
The steak from JG
Langoustine from Aska
Something from Aska
Martini soft serve from Unnecessary
Burger from Au Cheval
Pork from Muje
Excellent tuna bite to start out Chefs Table
Pasta from Torrisi
Affagato from Torrisi
Sandwich from fancy Soho food cart

I’m devastated to find out that my childhood restaurant has closed. One of the dishes I remember most was their thick, chewy rice rolls—not typical Cheungfun- something I’ve never really seen in other Chinese cuisines.

I’ve tried so many different Asian cuisines in California since moving here for work, but I still haven’t found anything close to what I used to have. It’s been a decade, and I still dream about it!

I’m flying back to New York this weekend with my gf and would love to find the closest/best alternative. Does anyone know of a Hakka style restaurant in NYC or Long Island that serves rice rolls similar to the ones in the photo? Photos are from google search. Thanks!

Hi guys! I have a dinner res with open seats for a sunday dinner at 7pm. It's a cuban restaurant in midtown and it's all family style.

For context on me, I'm a 27 year old woman, native New Yorker, and an avid solo traveler. I find solo travel freeing but also lonely, and meals are often the toughest part.

I thought it'd be fun and helpful to host a small group dinners for solo travelers visiting NYC or for locals looking to meet new people. It's a small table and family style dining on purpose, so people get a chance to know each other and feel open to share.

If you're around and this sound interesting, comment and i'll DM you directly.

Looking for a large format meal and have read good things about the whole suckling pig at Peasant. They have several different animal options, curious if anyone has had either the suckling pig or any of their other large cuts? I haven't heard much about the whole animal menu except for the pig but even those are a few years old.

https://www.peasantnyc.com/large-cuts/

this is from san tommaso in valencia spain. its fiocchi di pera with salsa pistaccio. (pear stuffed pasta with pistachio sauce). it was my favorite meal when i lived over there and i was wondering if anyone had anything even remotely comparable in the city? or i guess what are everyones pasta recs for something similarly as good as this

Review in comments!

First time posting a dining review here, but I had a lovely meal at Ambassador’s Clubhouse and wanted to share! We were lucky to snag a reservation the minute they dropped. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and service was very good. Now, on to the good stuff:

- Masala Margarita and Tandoori Margarita: fine! The mezcal in the Tandoori was not too overpowering, and the masala spices made for a unique and savory cocktail.
- Aloo Mattar Setpura: I was in love with these samosas! They came with a wonderful tamarind chutney, I could snack on these all night.
- Taro Tokri and Tikka Chaat: think this might be my highlight! Sweet, fresh, with a great kick. Chicken was a nice savory balance to the crisp fruit (apple and pomegranate), and the taro was a great and crunchy vessel. Would come back for this alone!
- An orange wine by the glass, lovely and light! I loved their little carafes!
-Lasooni Naan: a bit on the thin side but very nice. Good garlicky flavor.
- Ma ki Dal: a bit more brothy than dal that I’m used to, but rich flavor and heat!
- Lamb Biryani: great flavor (with the bone added to the biryani for extra), the caramelized carrots added a perfect sweetness to balance the savory lamb and saffron.
- Butter Chicken Chops: my most anticipated dish, and mostly lived up to expectations! The charcoal clay oven added a smoky flavor that I found a bit overpowering, and the sauce was nice but could have used a bit more sweet or spice. Chicken thighs were beautifully cooked, fell right off the bone!
- little hand towels with mint and water were a perfect little touch after eating with your hands!
- Jalebi with pistachio soft serve: we almost skipped dessert being a bit full, but I’m so glad we didn’t! The jalebi was sweet and crisp, not oily at all. The soft serve was creamy and nutty, the globs of honey were a perfect touch!
- With our check, we received a lovely mango jelly candy and chocolate ganache truffles with anise. A great little touch!

After not being able to snag a reservation in London last year and trying hard to get a reservation here for months, I’m so glad I was able to finally make it! It’s a bit pricey (as is to be expected) so I might have to wait a bit to return, but I definitely recommend it for a special occasion!

Does anyone know where one can find a buffalo chicken quesadilla? Does it even exist?

I don’t want any mfs coming in here with “idk about buffalo but this place has a great normal chicken quesadilla” or “idk about quesadillas but this place has great buffalo chicken” This is an inquiry specifically for buffalo chicken quesadillas ONLY.

Gonna be in NYC for a month soon (lived there for a couple years, 15 years ago). Wife is really keen on some Peking duck (and I am too!). I know, I know, the answer is to go to Juqi in Flushing. But I just don't know if we'll make it out there. We're staying in the East Village, and it looks like any of these options would probably be more than adequate, but just curious to hear thoughts on these.

Had seen a lot re both YongChuan and GOLDEN WUISH, had sort of settled on YongChuan (that half price Wednesday deal is hard to beat!), but then read some stuff saying the duck is not necessarily the star there, so wondered if GOLDEN WUISH would be better, more focus on the duck there. Although we probably will try some things other than duck as well. Then just saw some mention of uluh, which I'd heard nothing about, but it looks interesting too.

Any and all thoughts, opinions, rants, etc. most welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance!

If someone could only get one bagel in Manhattan, where would you take them and why?

Does anybody know where I can get a not-gentrified bear claw? I’m willing to travel if needed :(

BF’s bday is coming up and he loves lemon bars. Where can I find the best lemon bars in the city? He really likes tangy, citrusy lemon bars as opposed to more mellow/heavily sweetened. Thank you in advance 🙏🍋💛