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Sometimes good things come in small packages!
Tiny spots that offer a big taste!
130 Places
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Phil’s 4-star review: So many unique flavors that you have to try all of them before making a decision. Black Pepper Fig and Chocotorta were so different and so delish! Not the cheapest spot but the wacko offerings here make it worth your while. It's a tiny spot with only a few seats. You also have a picture of the Lord watching over you as his dairy blessing is showered upon your soul. Heck, they even sell Lactaid tablets here, so you can avoid having a crampy gas attack as you scarf down your ice cream treat like the gluttonous animal that you are!!! -
Phil’s 4-star review: After running 8.5 miles in Central Park on Saturday I was HANGRY and so THIRSTY! I needed some food in my belly and liquid refueling so bad. Good thing I had completed my run on the northeast side of the park by the Harlem Meer. I saw the Maoz Vegetarian stand and headed right for it. Nice little grab and go spot to fuel up after a good run with some healthy eats and an iced cold lemonade. Friendly service. Plenty of toppings to pile on to your sandwich. I ordered a falafel sandwich on a whole wheat pita, and topped it with roasted beets, quinoa, cole slaw, and tahini sauce. Washed it down with some freshly made lemonade. The sandwich was huge, and they don't skimp on the portions here, that's for sure. It was delicious. So nice to see some healthier dining options up this way, and affordable too. Benches to sit on and people watch right across it. Just right on a perfect summer Sunday afternoon. After that run, and that feast, I had a hard time getting my sweaty butt and jello legs up off that bench. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Hole in the wall joint to get some tasty and healthy grilled seafood plates at reasonable prices! NYC is well known for it's celebrity chef joints, Michelin star spots, and expensive hoity-toity eateries. This is surely not one of them. Yet, if you work in or live near the Financial District and yearning for some cheap and tasty eats this is a good choice. It resembles a basic tiny take-out Chinese restaurant, and offers a mix of fried foods for those not worrying about fat or calories, and grilled healthier options for those more health conscious and trying to stay fit. While in the area recently I dropped in for a late lunch of grilled salmon and shrimp over a bed of mixed salad with balsamic dressing. The portion was huge and so worth the low price for seafood. Very satisfying. They have some inside seating by the window, and outside seating if you can find a spot along the streets close by. Feast and people watch at the same time. -
Phil’s 5-star review: This place is pretty awesome if you are a peanut butter whore like myself, and if you love peanuts and all kinds of flavors of peanut butter spreads then this is a must visit when in Smithville. It's a small place that packs a lot onto it's shelves. Organized, clean, with a helpful staff. A pretty diverse selection of peanut butters, flavors, spreads, and some pastries too. Butterscotch, Cappuccino, Honey Roasted, Chocolate and Almond are just some of their oustanding flavors to try. We bought a bunch of jars to take home. Oh, and the free samples are a great perk. It was too bad I got forcibly removed after pulling up a chair and going to town on them. I don't share when it comes to this stuff! -
Phil’s 4-star review: Was in this part of town recently on a client visit and needed a quick lunch before heading back to the office. As I have been training, running, and eating better I needed something with a healthy tip. Found this branch of Natureworks, and it worked for me. Not so much a restaurant but really a great little hole in the wall place that dishes out healthy food options at affordable prices. A lot of the time healthy eating equates to bland foods, but not here. The food here is actually quite flavorful in my opinion. A large menu of meal options from sandwiches in whole wheat pitas, burritos, salads, pizza, all-day breakfast, high energy protein plates, energy and protein shakes, soups, and snacks. This place has it all. I ended up getting a breakfast burrito - an egg white burrito in a whole wheat wrap stuffed with brown rice, chili beans, and guacamole. For $9 it was more than filling, and tasty. So glad these kinds of places are around the city. Three locations in all. Guys who work there were nice and the food was prepared quickly. Dining area is small and consists of a few spots to sit and eat. As one who likes to eat healthy, or try to, I will definitely go back for more healthful meals here if in the area. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Another new spot for good grub that has popped up within walking distance from my crib on the UES/Yorkville part of town. Hot damn! This makes my maof and belly very happy! Le Viet Cafe is a tiny resto that serves up some cheap and tasty Viet and Thai style street food. Even though it's been open for a few months now where the old Buddha BBeeQ used to be last night was the first time checking them out. Narrow and efficient looking the space can hold 12-15 people at most with a few tables along the one wall. Decor is minimalist but the service is very friendly. Menu is so very affordable and the portions are just right for the price. Lunch specials during the week are also offered. I definitely need to go back now and try out some of the soups, sandwiches, fried rice dishes, and assorted appetizers. Bahn Mi w/chicken and Kimchi Fries for the win! The bread they use is wonderfully soft with just the right crisp on the outside. Tender chicken and pickled veggies stuffed in. Loved the small kick that the kimchi on the fries offered. Melt in your mouth delicious Homemade Crepes. These were a nice surprise. Radish, peanuts, ground chicken with lettuce and crispy shallots - oh my! Came with four on a plate. I felt almost guilty that I did not want to share them. Almost. Oh, and the spicy Drunken Noodles too! Very spicy but I could not stop myself from eating it. Got it with chicken. Delish! So far me likey everything I have devoured here in this hole in the wall joint. Dangnabbit! This place is so close to my apartment I can sleepwalk there. Or stumble over in a drunken daze. Heck, it's not even worth it to get delivery because that would be way too lazy of me. Or would it? I'm not gonna judge. I just wanna eat! -
Phil’s 5-star review: The things I did to that pie. So shameful..... Yes, it was my cheat day off from training. I wanted pie dammit! With ice cream. So go sue me! We walked into this small little pie shop and immediately became engulfed with the sweet aroma of butter and sugar baked goods. Breathe in deeply as you can inhale 200 calories just from the wonderful smell alone. The pies here are homemade right from scratch. I think the ice cream is too but supplied to them. All I know is that I wanted it all inside me. Stat! Slices are a bit on the smaller size for what they charge. A larger portion would have been nice. They offer a variety of flavors, fruit based pies, icebox, and some classics too. Something to satiate anyone's burning desires. The staff is super friendly. Not much seating save for a few spots by the window in which we hunkered down to feast on our desserts. Blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream for me all the way. It never had a chance. It was like an orgasmic party in my mouth. I'm not sure what happened during those minutes after the first forkful entered my mouth, but I don't think I'm welcomed back here. It's all a blur. I think I did unspeakable things.... -
Phil’s 4-star review: Lasagna. Delicious, fresh, hot, cheesy, mouth watering pasta goodness. Well, this was an unexpected find in the upper regions of New York State. Not much in this small quaint town that looks like it's plucked from middle America in the 1950's, but Mount Morris has some nice spots such as Questa Lasagna that was a terrfic food find! After I ran a Tough Mudder last summer in upstate NY the next day we were driving up to Buffalo and Niagra Falls using the GPS and it had us pass through this town for some odd reason. As a storm was just starting we decided to park the car and duck into a few places during the rain. One biz owner suggested we check out Questa for lunch. So glad we did! It's a small hidden gem of a place that is family owned and makes all their pastas on site. Nice simply stated decor and wonderful sevice. The prices are right too. As for the food? Let's just say that the homemade lasagna was spot-on fabulous! We opted to start with some crispy hot garlic bread, and also odered a cheese lasagna and a beef lasanga. All I can say is - Wow! The lasanga here can feed an army as it's piled high in a bowl and tastes wonderful. The chef here knows how to make a proper lasagna. We had to try some dessert, and being that we were both stuffed with lasagna carb overdose babies we decided to share a chocolate lasagna. The pasta was made of chocolate, and the cannoli filling was the ricotta along with fresh whipped cream and chocolate ganache to finish it off. More than enough for two to share. It's a unique and fun dessert that was a perfect ending to a marvelous meal find. We drove up to Buffalo fat and happy. Glad the GPS had us stumble upon this spot. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Pretty tasty Taiwanese inspired ice cream and shaved ice treats. It's an eclectic new spot with a great staff that are very friendly and eager to please. The small location itself is very white, bright, and airy. Super clean as if Mr Clean himself lives here. I had not enjoyed these kind of shaved ice treats and their types of ice creams before. The menu has so many things to choose from and there are pictures for each one. Some look like works of art. Crazy cool. We decided to check this place out walking down Bleeker Street recently and were craving something sweet. It was warm out and cupcakes were not cutting it at this point. We took a seat and after hemming and hawing over the selections went with the Coco Kiss and the Winter of Love. Both tasted good and had some interesting ingredients. Very refreshing. They do a lot here with fruits such as mango, watermelon, strawberries, etc. The presentation is terrific, and as we looked around at what others were having were impressed with the different colors and the way the shaved ice desserts were plated. The prices are a bit on the pricey side though for what you do receive. $7 each. Even though they tasted fine I feel their portions could be a bit larger to justify the cost. Yet, for a change of pace dessert we enjoyed it and would come back again. -
Phil’s 5-star review: Dude! Now I know were to bite into a tasty wiener in Yorkville! Terrific new little brat and sausage bar opened by Schaller & Weber - old school purveyors of scrumptious German deli meats and charcuterie! It's their version of German street food with a NYC cool twist There is nothing else like this tiny spot on the Upper East Side. Open until 11pm on most nights. Grab and go, or chow down on your wiener in the small dining room area that is set up with a modern beer hall feel to it. Walk up to the sidewalk storefront window and gaze upon the selection of amazing meats to choose from. Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Weisswurst, Bacon Cheddar Brat, Kielbasa, Beef Weiners - OH MY!!!! So much meat to shove in my face! It's like a gangbang party in my mouth and I want them all in me! ( Wait - did I just say that out loud? ) All different kinds of toppings too - Sauerkraut, Sriracha, Curry Ketchup, Thazaki, and others. There are also seven specialty wursts on the menu that come with all kinds of toppings and flavors on a roll - the Schaller Double, The Berlin Wall, Saigon Special, The Checkpoint Charlie, Steuben's Reuben, etc. I feel like I could eat my way through them all and pretend I'm Chuck Norris on a prisoner of war meat rescue mission movie. Hot dang! I was in orgasmic delight as I engulfed a Schaller Double and made a mess all over my face. Well, that's not the first time that's happened. It won't be the last. I have no shame in my game! They even offer Fried Chicken here. Now, normally one would not think of a bratwurst German-centric kind of spot to have anything to do with fried chicken but let me tell you it was actually pretty solid! My fat gluttonous butt made my way back here over the weekend to grab a few pieces to bring home and sample. A couple of breasts and a leg. Crunchy crispy batter covering some seriously juicy large pieces of chicken. Not too greasy at all. Damn, this place is going all in and I might be in trouble on the way home from work each day. So much temptation. The struggle is real. Holy cow! Now I want to touch myself! ( Um.....did I also say that out loud? ) Nothing beats shoving a delicious tube of meat down your throat! Wrap your lips around one of these bad boys and enjoy! -
Phil’s 4-star review: This tiny little spot off of 1st Avenue and 91st street serves up some surprisingly delicious roast beef! Small menu of items to choose from but everything I have had here is really good. The roast beef sandwich au jus is just a dippers delight! Tasty slow roasted beef, soft bread with a crispy outer surface, and flavorful juice to dip it into. One of the best sandwiches around these parts. This place is solid. The owner is usually there and talking to him he seems to really care about the product. In fact, he talked me into trying out his sauteed kale and I liked it so much I added it to my roast beef platter meal that day. I normally hate kale! If you can swing lunch here from 11-4 get the sandwich special - you can choose from porchetta, lamb, beef or mushroom. Served on a medium-sized brioche roll. Comes with your choice of roasted red bliss potatoes or homemade coleslaw, and a drink. It's a deal for $7.95. Great to grab and go as it's not really a place to sit down and dine at. For some it might be a bit pricey but the quality is there. Just do it! Love that the UES/Yorkville has some of these newer specialty food places taking a chance up here. Not many spots like this anywhere in Manhattan with this kind of menu. -
Phil’s 5-star review: One of the finest fried chicken dinners I have eaten here in the city! Seems like many spots are opening up across NYC nowadays touting their famous fried chicken. I have tried many of them but still keep coming back to Bobwhite to get my fried chicken fix. Bobwhite is the shady street corner pusher feeding my fried chicken addiction. And why not? Their chicken kicks ass! It's a small spot so sometimes there is a wait. No biggie as it seems most will come here to chow down then leave and not linger. I really hate those people who will hang around and talk and talk after they are finished and just sip their drinks or ask for more water taking forever to give up the table. Get done and get the heck out! How dare you make us wait in starving drooling anticipation! Leave! The times I have been here with friends we order the fried chicken supper for four. It's a terrific value as it comes with a lot of delicious chicken, awesome biscuits with honey to pour on them, tasty cole slaw, and a choice of three sides. Mac & cheese, collard greens, and more yumminess. Yes, I said yummy! Don't hate on me! At other times when I have been here alone I've sauntered up to a spot at their small bar/counter and taken a seat for a cold Shiner Bock beer on tap and a fried chicken supper for one. Three pieces of chicken with a biscuit and slaw - oh my! Get in mah bellah! Great staff, cozy ambiance, and fairly priced delectable fried chicken and sides. It's a nice little joint - clean, comfortable, almost has a wine bar feel, simple menu, and sparkling bathroom too. Oh, and if you can fit it in as my fat-assery can normally do, there's always a little room left for dessert. Go ahead and check out the banana pudding and pecan pie. Then roll out the door with a brand new food baby in foodgasmic bliss. -
Phil’s 3-star review: It's not Five Guys, Shake Shack, or In N Out, but its a tasty burger served up by some friendly folks here. It's a step up from fast food and a good spot to hit up if in the mood for some greasy tasty burgers and decent fries. Definitely a bit more pricier than fast food, but having a Boylan's self serve soda machine with multiple options is a nifty perk! I had not seen one of these before as most places offer the standard Pepsi and Coke machines. Black Cherry, Root Beer, Lemon Lime, Birch Beer, regular and diet. There are 7-8 meal deals to choose from among other menu items. I had the standard cheeseburger with the works and fries. Pretty solid and satisfied my hunger pains before heading out to the next bar. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Wonderful guacamole made tableside along with great food, drinks, and a free shot! Another hidden gem we found not too long ago along 1st Avenue up in Yorkville. It's a small spot but set up well with a lot of seating. Terrific decor, service, and overall ambiance. The kind of place to take a date as it's a cozy but fun looking spot, or to go for dinner on a weekend when you're craving a touch of the Latino Heeeeeat! All the plates we ordered were delish, but the real star here is the housemade guacamole made tableside. Multi-colored basket of chips to scoop it up in. I literally licked the stone bowl clean. We opted for sodas this meal and they were served in mason jars which is a cool touch. Enchiladas, rice and beans, along with a special plate of the night which included a mix of shrimp, chicken, and steak that came with hot soft tortillas. Just a really tasty hearty meal, and at reasonable prices. Looks like they serve up some killer margaritas here and have a long happy hour only at the bar area though. Bottomless boozy brunch too which we have to go back for! The owners and management here make you feel like welcomed guests. They came around to make sure we were enjoying our meals, then offered us a round of delicious shots when paying our bill. Now that is what I call a happy ending! -
Phil’s 3-star review: Solid Americanized Chinese food joint that recently opened up a few blocks from where we live. Been meaning to check this place out and finally did after a lazy Sunday of doing absolutely nothing, and it was glorious. Decided to order from Seamless as there was no way I was getting off my couch. Bar Rescue and Walking Dead was on! Tiny spot mainly for take out or delivery.Very clean and bright looking place with a few tables to sit and eat at. Super fast delivery and the food that arrived was fresh, hot, with large portions. Wonton Bok Choy soup, Hot & Sour soup, Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, Orange Chicken, and Steamed Veggie/Chicken platter. All tasted very good, and there was so much we now have leftovers for lunch and dinner today. Why only 3 stars? It's a little pricey overall compared to other comparative spots in the area, and when I specifically order brown rice and pay extra for it I don't expect to receive white rice. Fail on their part, and even though delivery was smooth and quick, I want what I pay for. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Wow! What a great beer selection! Great sandwiches and cheese selection too! After a client meeting in Chester recently we dropped in here for a quick lunch. Terrific sandwich choices made to order, along with many deli salads, cheeses, rolls, veggies, produce and much more. Lot's on the menu to choose from in this small deli/sandwich joint. A few tables and chairs to dine at that offers waitress service too. I ordered up the Devinney Special hoagie. House - roasted turkey, sharp provolone, roasted red peppers, fresh basil. The 12 inch size is priced at $8.99. Also got a side of string beans which they heated up. Delish! Just the right amount of oil & vinegar dressing on the hoagie, moist turkey, the provolone was so fresh, but the peppers made it so good. Surrounding the tables are large refrigerators and shelf units stocked with craft beer choices of all kinds. You can mix and match while building your own six pack. Friendly staff and tasty food at reasonable prices, plus the craft beers here are just outstanding. Terrific market and deli spot for lunch. Seeing some of these negative reviews here I wonder how people can hate on this place. Maybe they're better off getting a sandwich at a chain like Subway. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Accidentally found this place while out for a run. Needless to say I took an ice cream and candy break! What a terrific little store.Oh well - there went my run! Shelves lined along each wall showcasing all kinds of candies from the old-timey style to the newest sugary treats on the market. Family owned and run they are very friendly and knowledgeable. Even handed me some samples to try just for walking in and saying hello. They do offer some ice creams of about ten different flavors. None made on site but they are pretty tasty as they have partnered with some of the better makers in the city such as Laboratorio Del Gelato, Melt, OddFellows, and others. I sampled a few and thought they were great. Of course I walked out with a large serving that was placed in a Chinese take out carton. Really fun touch and very reasonable prices here. Peanut Butter & Jelly, Blueberry, Cookie Dough, Salted Caramel - Ooooh Myyyyy! ( I'll admit Mike C and his creepy baby pics are right about this place! ) If you have a weakness for hand crafted chocolate, licorice, gummies, British candy bars, handmade marshmallows, gum, sours, and even sugar free and gluten free products this tiny candy emporium packs it in! Oh, and now they are featuring terrific donuts from Dough Loco in Harlem? My diabetes level just spiked up even more! I just wish they had opened up a little more north where I reside. Can't give it a fifth star just for this fact. They took a spot in the 70's on a side street in the froo froo older UES, and did not take a better chance and open in the upper 80's - 90's Yorkville area where the real neighborhood resides along 1st and 2nd Ave. There is a much more younger mix of residents here mixed in with couples, and plenty of families with kids. With the 2nd Ave subway construction still going on there are an abundance of deals for biz property up here. What a missed opportunity as it seems this part of the UES is booming now with new businesses and we need a real sweet shop like this up here! It's a small shop but is packed with all types of candies and goodies to satisfy the sweet tooth cravings. Love the old school memorabilia and signage too as it offers some great atmosphere and represents what a candy shop used to be like back in the day. Very vintage. Very retro. Very cool. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Good food but the kind of place to take your parents. A mature crowd for sure. Even I felt young here and thought I should be sitting at the kiddie table back in the day at my great aunt and uncle's house in Brooklyn. That being said the dining experience here was definitely worthy. Half moon ravioli is made perfectly. As was the fig gnocchi. The plate portions are not the largest, but the food tastes so good you won't mind not leaving with a food baby. It leaves room for one of their desserts such as the terrific flourless chocolate cake. Very attentive professional waiters who know their stuff and will help make a proper wine selection too. Very reasonable prices for the area with a menu of well thought out Italian options. It's a small restaurant with elegantly simple decor and located off a side street on the UES. It's one of those tiny neighborhood hidden gems that you'd like to keep secret. As I said it's a good spot to bring your parents, grandparents, a date, or your side piece when having an affair! -
Phil’s 4-star review: This was goddamn awesome! That was the thought we all had in our drunken stupor as we downed our cupcakes and Awesome Pudding. Yes, it really is called Awesome Pudding. Tiny bakery that makes some damn fine cupcakes. Only a few tables and chairs to sit at. Friendly counter service. Lots to choose from. Could not resist dropping in here the other night to sample some of the sugary treats that were beckoning me to devour. Terrific cupcakes, amazing frosting, and moist cake. A friend had a pistachio cupcake and drooled over it. I had a spiced pumpkin that I inhaled it was so good. Dat frosting tho! Oh, and that Awesome Pudding was no joke. The cup we recieved was dense and felt like a brick in your hand. We all shared this one. Peanut butter chocolate flavor which was described as "what girl scout cookies tasted like before they went gluten-free" which was a great way to describe it. Sorry, but most things gluten free taste like cardboard. No reason to make everything gluten free. Glad this wasn't! The Awesome pudding is pretty effing awesome! Along with their cupcakes which are only $2. Really, only $2! See, you can get something cheap in NYC that's actually exceptional. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Drink heavily at Iggy's during happy hour with Pirate Mike the bartender. Go next door to Mikey's Burger. It's a tiny counter type burger joint with a small area that seats a few in the back. No frills. Simple. Almost old school. Watch as the cook whips up your greasy delicious meat feast. Credit cards accepted. Grab some juicy cheeseburgers. Add a double order monster box of shoestring fries. They load up your bag with ketchup and dipping sauces. Takes a few minutes to grab and go. Sure, they will deliver but the place is right next door! Don't be a lazy ass - go get your food! Bring back to Iggy's and dump on the table. Devour with more beer. Sit there with your friends content, fat, and happy as the burger juice drips down your chin. Revel in the burger meat afterglow as those around you look on with hangry despair. Life is good. -
Phil’s 5-star review: MANGIA! This place is crazy good for Italian style hand crafted sandwiches. Started off as an Italian deli and small sandwich nook kind of spot, and now is a tiny sit down wine bar/restaurant. Owned by the same crew a few doors down at San Matteo pizza. The quality at both are terrific and it shows here. The guys who run this place are really friendly, will offer suggestions, and give out samples to try. Amazing cheeses and fresh Italian meat products. Whether you take a table to dine at, pick up to go, or get delivery you can't go wrong here. The San Matteo, Arthur Ave, Salumaio, Capri, and the Arechi have all found their way into my mouth and are worthy sandwiches. Also, the olive paste on the Monti Special just kills it. Get in my belly! Wow! A real Italian deli sandwich place! There is nothing like this spot around here in old Yorkville where you can sit down with a glass of wine and a tasty Italian sammich. Salumi, speck, provolone, mortadella, ricotta, eggplant, olives, prosciutto and mushrooms - OH MY! ABBONDANZA! -
Phil’s 4-star review: Check in on Yelp for a free reserve wine tasting! Wine tasting in a little shed! No, really, it is a little shed. Look at the pic I put up. Inside it's decor is nicely done in a country farm kind of way. There were already about eight people in it when we got there so we had to squeeze in and wait our turn. Only room for one person serving the wine tasting behind a small bar area and he was very friendly and even offered suggestions on other wineries to check out along the way. Different options and price points for tastings here. Two for $6 or three for $8. The reserve merlot is really good as were a few of the Gruner white wines. Bottles are a bit pricey but I splurged on that reserve melot as it had great flavor of chocolate and a bit of leather. A bit dry with a nice finish. Very unpretentious and simple spot to taste some vino. If it gets too crowded as this closet sized place can quickly become, there is a nice outside deck with seating to relax on when the weather is nice along with some picnic tables on the lawn. Very cozy spot that I'll return to in the Spring to enjoy some wine outdoors. -
Phil’s 4-star review: If heading out to the North Fork of Long Island hitting the wine trail for a bit of wine tasting this spot makes for a great cold treat along the way. Terrific ice cream! Salted caramel. So creamy. All homemade. Some standard and many unique flavors too. They have a bunch of awesome flavors here, and also have soft serve if that's your thing, plus a bunch of stuff in the freezers to take home or back to your hotel room to glom on. Small spot with no tables inside but some outside bench seating by the parking lot. So don't fret if you pass by the other great ice cream joint, Snowflake, as you also have Magic Fountain futher down the road to score some equally good scoops. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Holiday music non-stop, super boozy drinks, and it looks like Christmas threw up in here! Pure love! Miracle on 9th Street is so much win! This pop up bar concept that is all things Christmas, and Hanukkah too, is just all kinds of awesome! I'm all about the cheesy and kitschy bars and this theme here is so over the top that it wins on so many levels. It's only open for a short time and actually closing today so be sure to get there early and partake in many awesome libations that will warm the cockles of your heart and send you home with a buzz. After this they are transforming into a full time bar based on spiced cocktails. Not too sure how that will go but I'm all for keeping the holiday theme all year round! How wonderful would it be in the hot humid summer to drop into an AC cooled Christmas environment for a cold cocktail listening to Bruce Springsteen sing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town? The guys working the door were so chill and worked with us to make sure we all had a seat when some arrived late. They would not seat us until all in our party arrived but held a table for us. Amazing service! The place is small as it seats about 50 but they pack so much in this winter wonderland. As we could see by the long lines waiting to get in they hit a snowball out of the park with this idea. We were first on line and as the steel gate was raised it revealed a whimiscal scene of holiday folly. We still had a ten minute wait until opening but couldn't wait to get inside this magical scene. Pro tip - make sure you get there at least 30 minutes before opening to make sure you get in. I have heard the waits have been an hour on average it's been so popular. Walking in we were greeted by a sensory overload of sights and sounds. Christmas decorations everywhere from floor to ceiling. Classic holidays tunes playing non-stop. Bartenders and staff with Santa hats on. Colored lighting and holiday memorabilia hanging all around. The cocktail menu is actually a Christmas card. The drinks are served in Santa mugs and old-school holiday cups. Heck, they even had a Hanukkah nook to sit in. Totally blown away by this snowstorm of merriment! Looking over the libation list each was $14 but oh so worth it. Of course I had to start off with the Bad Santa which was a hot rum drink that put the warm fuzzies in my belly on a cold night. It was served in a Santa mug too! Yes! I also tried the Redneck Flip which is a bourbon concoction served in a Budweiser can. Kid Rock would approve. Yum! Their Jingle Bells Nog was a super potent version of egg nog and full of good cheer. Another fav was the Yippie Ki Ya Motherf****r!! which was a cold rum drink served in a Santa's pants goblet. Just amazing! You can't make this stuff up. Each drink was loaded with booze and prepared expertly. A few of our friends had the Mulled Wine Sour, Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel ( yup, served with a dreidel to play with) and the Candy Cane Sangaree. Well, because Christmas! Yeah, you can say we drank a lot while we were here. Worth every penny. Be prepared to spend some coin here but it's such a crazy fun atmosphere to do it in. Bring a date or come with friends. I'd say come with a party no bigger than four to get a seat. As the lines get long with people waiting to get in space is limited and they will ask for your table right away if you're done drinking. Hey, it's only fair, Christmas spirit and all. Also, they do offer some Christmas cookies and Chex mix on the menu to help soak up all the boozy goodness you're gulping down. You'll need it! Now get down there today and have Bad Santa slide down your chimney and into your lap! Just don't blame me if you end up doing the walk of shame in Santa's robe and the taste of candy cane on your tongue when he sends you home in the morning. Happy Holidays and Ho Ho Ho! -
Phil’s 4-star review: Hey BRAH! I found another good spot to get in some excellent BRO-TEIN when trying to eat clean and healthy! When you are pumping the iron your GUNS need PROTEIN to rebuild massive muscle BRO! Mammoth amounts of PROTEIN, wrapped in PROTEIN, and then even more PROTEIN. Dude, it's all about the BRO-TEIN!!! Hellz yeah! I am so stoked to have stumbled upon this Fuel location recently after a night hanging out in the Hells Kitchen area. After some bar hopping and debauchery I needed a fix of BRO-TEIN to replentish my depleted massiveness BRAH! FUEL is a tiny little place with a few tables to sit at but they pack a pretty large menu of low-fat, low-carb, healthy, and vegan choices to choose from. Wraps, Salads, Energy Plates, Low-Carb Energy Plates, Smoothies, Shakes, Fresh Squeezed Juices, Sandwiches, Salads with lite/fat-free dressing, Low-Carb/High Fiber, and All Day Breakfast! There are so many ways to get in your BRO-TEIN! Dude - they even had a lage flat sceen showing It's a Charlie Brown Christmas when I feasted here. That BRO is still the man! He needs to lift though and lay the smack down on Lucy. Just Sayin'. I had the BRO-TEIN filled Grilled Chicken Breast with Sauteed Spinach and Low Fat Mozzerella in a whole wheat pita. Fries are this BRO's downfall but order it as a deluxe and it comes with air baked seasoned fries and a bottle of water. HEALTHY BRAH! Good stuff and tasted great. I felt my muscles sucking it in and with each bite the BRO-TEIN was fueling my enormousness! Nice staff here. The place is clean and bright. Accepts credit cards. This BRO likes that when eating his BRO-TEIN. Don't be scared to show off those SWEET GUNS and RIPPED ABS at the beach this summer BRO! Be huge BRO! Just eat here to FUEL up your body with healthy eats, and BRO-TEIN! -
Phil’s 4-star review: OPA! Why spend thousands of dollars flying over to Greece on vacation when you can get a taste of Mykonos right here in NYC? OPA! Grabs plate and smashes it on the floor. Great little spot to grab a Greek snack after a night bar hopping in the LES area. Walking in the decor is set up as a small Greek village look with white walls, blue trim, and even some hanging plants and flora. It's like eating in a faux outdoor cafe along the streets in Greece. OPA! Grabs another plate and smashes it on the floor. The food is simple, delicious, and cheap! Think hummus, lamb, fries, souvlaki, chicken, feta, and pita. On the occasions I have been here I have ordered the very tasty Souvlaki Pita stuffed with chicken, tomato, red onions, fries & tzatziki. Yes, the fries are wrapped inside with the other ingredients. Oh My! OPA! Swipes glass off the neighbor's table and smashes it on the floor. Attentive and friendly service here too that will bring over a cold Mythos beer, glass of Greek wine, or even a cocktail to go along with that souvlaki and sweet native dessert of Loukoumades. Overall, not a wallet buster as prices are very affordable for the delectable food served up. Always worth a stop if in the area and need to fill up when craving Greek delights. OPA! Flips table over and runs out as the manager is calling the cops on me. -
Phil’s 4-star review: My first time ever eating Oxtail. So good. I'm so full. Gonna explode. You have to hand it to these little hole in the wall ethnic spots hidden way up in da Bronx which serves authentic Caribbean, Indian, and Trinidadian eats. Sure, the hood it resides in might be a bit shady for some of those who are less adventurous to ascend all the way uptown out of their comfort zones, but for those who take the gamble the rewards are gastronomic pleasure. A few of us decided to make a pilgrimage to Gun Hill Brewing company to check out their brews, which are terrific by the way, and then before heading home grab a bite to eat. Thanks to the handy dandy Yelp ap we found Feroza's Roti and took a chance on this little dingy nondescript place close to the subway. Walking in the decor is nothing to look at, and you wonder how hygienic the place really is. Yet, these are exactly the type of eateries where you can score the most delicious and authentic foods. The menu is small here, and only offer a handful of items, but they are the standards such as curry goat, roti, and oxtail. It's not a destination spot but one where you grab your plate of deliciousness and head off to devour it somewhere else. It's a family run biz obviously, as the two women behind the counter are Feroza and her mom from what I have gathered. They don't speak but a few words, and don't really smile, but who cares when the food is made with love. After a few bites of my massive oxtail platter I knew we made a solid choice. There is actually some seating in a back room with a few tables and chairs which looks oddly like my great aunt's and uncle's old finished basement at their home in Brooklyn with the wooden paneling and mirrored walls. Too funny, but it offered us a spot to sit down and savor every bite of the oxtail and curried goat we ordered. The price was right as my huge plate of food plus a large cream soda was about $14, cash only. Oh, and the numerous fridges up front offered all kinds of drinks, beers, and sodas from their homeland most of which I had never even seen before. So my first experience with oxtail was wonderful, full of flavor, and I really enjoyed it. Never thought that would happen. I ate every morsal on my plate. Sucked all the meat off every bone. Glad I finally popped my oxtail cherry up in da Bronx! Sure, the place is a bit rundown and could use a coat of paint as it's a relic and looks something out of the 70's or 80's, but sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and go for it. Fortune favors the bold, and rewards the taste buds. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Philly likes it! Me want more! Try the flavor of the month - I did for October. It was called Halloween! Pumpkin ice cream with oreo cookie pieces and mini marshmallows. Whoa! OMG! The ice cream here is amazing. Not a big menu of flavors but what they offer is pretty damn tasty. Love the names of each taken from music and pop culture. Fair prices as compared to other similar joints and well worth it for the quality. Great guys who work here and easy with handing out samples to try everything they offer. It's a small clean spot and best set up to grab your ice cream and go on your gluttonous way. Yet, if you can't wait to devour your frozen goodness there is a small counter by the window that seats a few people if no one else is sitting there in ice cream bliss. -
Phil’s 4-star review: Tater tots ease the pain of life's follies and miseries. Tots make life happy and worth living. Biting into one makes me see unicorns and fart rainbows. When I heard that a Burger Bistro was opening up shop here on the UES in Yorkville I was ecstatic. I had been to their Brooklyn location and really enjoyed what they had to offer. This part of Manhattan is undergoing a tremendous change with terrific bars and eateries finding homes up here. More and more I really don't see the need to schlep downtown, or to another borough to partake in good food and quality cocktails, especially now that I can get a craft beer and terrific burger a few blocks away from my apartment! This location is a bit on the small side, and can get a bit cramped when busy which it is many times I have been here. Yet, I find it a relaxing joint when I crave some tasty burger goodness. The service is on-point and very friendly. The music they play here is a mix of kick ass 80's rock, classic rock, and even some new wave thrown in. I dig the ordering style which is a check off list of burgers, meats, toppings, and sides on a laminated menu with a grease pen. You basically build your own meal from scratch the way you want it. Sure, if you're not careful and go all out gluttony mode the cost will add up so be aware of what you are doing. I don't mind paying a bit extra here as the quality is well worth it for me. I just love the burgers here. Thick. Tasty. Juicy. Piled high on a brioche bun. Cooked just as ordered. The tater tots are perfectly made. Nice and crispy the way a tot should be. Even the plating presentation is well done. Washed down with a cold craft beer makes it even better. I have been here many times and have never had a bad experience. I'm craving it now as I am writing this review and drooling all over my keyboard. Also, they constantly offer weekly and daily deals. 2 for 1 beer nights, free toppings nights, lunch and weekend specials, etc. Look for occasional Groupon deals too. For those on a bit of a budget these kinds of offers helps stretch those meal dollars. Tots. Always get those damn addicting tater tots. Then ride out on a unicorn farting rainbows into a burger meat coma. -
Phil’s 4-star review: So much chocolate. So little time. I need a bigger mouth. Sugar coma. Holy crap they have bacon chocolate that actually tastes like smokey bacon! Yes, I'll eat as much as I can in two hours and wash it down with a delicious chilled sparkling shirazz. The BEETUS be damned! So many chocolate and flavor combinations here. Dark chocolates with ash and coconut, curry flavor, caramel toffee, even some chocolate bars made with stoudt beer! This small little shop on the UES features some amazing chocolate flavor combos. All so good! Yup, we made a few purchases to bring home to devour in the privacy of our own home while on the couch in front of the boob tube. Could not resist. Much thanks to Yelp CM Ruggy and the super friendly staff at Vosges Haut-Chocolaut for having us in to sample as much as we humanly could, and also contributing to what will become a beetus enraged sugar coma!
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