Popularity may be the one (and only) drawback to this French-Mediterranean place. Great food, modest prices and an intimate (read, small) setting make it somewhat challenging to secure a table during peak hours. However, the food makes it worth the wait.

One of the hot spots that's made Nolita what it is today. This inexpensive Cuban hole in the wall manages to pack them in and does a thriving take-out business as well (if you're not into the crowded counter space). Specialties of the house include items like spicy pork chops and chicken tacos. Fight the crowds and give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

If you need anymore proof that the Bowery isn't what it used to be in your parents' day, look no further than Capitale. In a setting more lavish than most palaces, this place doles out the Asian-influenced entrées at around $45 a plate. Once a bank designed by noted architect Stanford White, there's now a spacious dance floor with stretch limos lining the street.

A tribute to the Bowery's gritty past, Lombardi's has been baking up incredible thin crust pizzas since "The Bowery Boys" graced the silver screen. For those of whom this strikes with an emphatic "what?," suffice it to say that this place has been around forever. The atmosphere harkens back to days of old and the pizzas are what they've always been, simply fabulous. While many things come and go in Nolita, Lombardi's is here to stay.

Over ninety and looks every day of it. But, hell, the food here is good. Basics like chicken parmigiano served in portions fit to satisfy a famished footballer. Inexpensive, flavorful and satisfying. No wonder the crowds keep on packing this place in.

One of several Sal Anthony's in the city. Locals and tourists flock to this down-home Italian spot for a hearty, dependable meal. The prix-fixe is under $20 and large groups are encouraged. Nothing fancy, but always good.