Guastivino's
Address: 409 East 59th Street
Phone: 212-980-2455
Website: guastavinos.com
Worth a visit to see the spectacular interior design. This late-night favorite, located beneath the 59th street bridge, features a soaring tiled and arched ceiling. The service is hit or miss, but the food is consistently top notch. Oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes and pork chops are just a few of the house specialties.
Jimmy's Downtown
Address: 400 East 57th Street
Phone: 212-486-6400
"Downtown" in the sense that its older sibling is in the Bronx, this Haute Latin American eatery keeps on bringing them in. Fabulous cuisine and a super-slick setting make this the place perfect for a fun night out.
Mr. Chow's
Address: 324 East 57th Street
Phone: 212-751-9030
Website: mrchow.com
This reincarnation of the early 80s place of the same name doesn't have quite the same buzz as the original. All the same, this high-end Chinese attracts more than its usual share of celebrities and locals. And on some nights, the occasional athlete or celebrity still drops in for a well-prepared noodle.
Rosa Mexicano
Address: 1063 First Avenue (East 58th Street)
Phone: 212-397-0666
Website: www.rosamexicano.info
One of the cities most beloved (read crowded) Mexican restaurants, not solely because it's reasonably priced and comfortable. You may have to wait for a table, but it's definitely worth it. Don't miss the frozen pomegranate margaritas and guacamole (prepared table side).
The Tapas Lounge
Address: 1078 First Avenue (East 59th Street)
Phone: 212-421-8282
Tasty tapas and terrific margaritas continue to make this place a draw. The atmosphere is some hybrid of dungeon and Spanish Villa. Either way, it's the ideal setting for a good ol' time, but tends to be crowded when the working day is done.