Throughout 2024, I have highlighted many destination restaurants, local joints and even food trucks. And every month I must get asked at least 100 times what my favorite places to eat or drink are. So, rather than wait for the inevitable ask of my favs for 2024, we thought we may as well share them with you in the upfront! Enjoy!
DINER24
Hospitality icon Stratis Morfogen’s return to the 24-hour Greek diner format his family is famous for has been a resounding success. Launched this year, Diner24 achieves its promise of a 24-hour diner that serves large portions at approachable prices with delicious fare. From tried and true staples we all know and love to unique dishes for a diner (BBQ lamb ribs, INSANELY creative and delicious milkshakes, etc.), Stratis has created the 24-hour diner the 21st century needed so badly. Not only is the food insanely delicious, the décor is also fun and features so many nods to New York nightlife and the coffee shop era that came before. The service staff are friendly and go out of their way to make you feel loved. So, if you live in Gramercy, StuyTown/Peter Cooper Village, Midtown East or the Lower East Side and don’t go to this delicious outpost, you’re out of your mind.
Info: Diner24NYC.com
BRING ON THE RUM
To say Maz Mezcal is a favorite of mine is the understatement of the century. I have been eating at Maz Mezcal since they first opened on East 86th Street in 1987. Eduardo Silva and his wife, Maria, spent the last nearly 40 years serving some of the most authentic, delicious and fresh Mexican fare you can find in Manhattan. And don’t even get me started on their incredible cocktail menu with so many Tequilas and Mezcals it will make your head spin! While Eduardo Thomas Silva Coronel passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 20, 2020, his wife and daughter, Gabrielle, have successfully continued serving incredible meals and cocktails ever since. Even Gabrielle’s husband, Conor, is the head of beverage which makes this an even more special family affair! And while he may no longer be there physically, Eduardo’s spirit is still very much in every dish, cocktail and conversation that happens there. As someone who genuinely loves this family, I would not want it any other way. I recently spent an evening revisiting my old haunt on the Upper East Side, cherishing every scandalously delicious bite of my Steak Fajita and every sip of my Cadillac-style strawberry margarita.
Info: MazMezcal.com
TONY DRAGON’S GRILLE
Tony Dragonas is the stuff street legends are made of. I have known Tony for over 35 years. And in that time, this Greek immigrant has grown his business from a simple hot dog cart to a stainless-steel food cart that every celebrity chef in Midtown East gets their lunch at to the legendary food truck he now operates with his son, Costantinos. Every day on East 62nd street and Madison Avenue, neighborhood locals and tourists alike line up to get everything from the iconic Tony Burger (my personal fav) to Greek Salad to a grilled shrimp bowl and so much more.
This food truck has received the best reviews by some of the harshest food critics and most discerning palates on Earth over its storied nearly 40 years on the street. And I can tell you, from personal experience, there is a reason why people lineup so religiously to grab a bite of heaven…it’s Tony and his family who keep delivering the freshest, most delicious and authentic fare anyone could possibly want!
Info: tonydragonsgrille.com
ROSEMARY’S NYC
If you are looking for authentic, fresh, Italian fare, this restaurant group should be your go-to. Restaurateur Carlos Suarez created not only an incredible offering at various locations, but also delivers on the notion of that you feel like a member of the family from the minute you walk through their doors. The fare has both traditional and contemporary dishes that are delicious, and the cocktails are extremely well crafted while the service is amazing.
Their locations are in the West Village, Midtown East and Gramercy on the outskirts of StuyTown/Peter Cooper Village (on 20th Street and First Avenue which is my go-to). My personal favorites are their Margarita pizza and their various versions of Burrata-based Antipasti. In terms of a cocktail, I highly recommend their traditional Old Fashion, using the Rye or Bourbon of your choice from their offerings.
Compounded by a very pleasant, Mediterranean design, going to Rosemary’s can feel like you are stepping right into a restaurant on Lake Como Rosemary’s East in Gramercy has multiple sitting areas inside and outside. During the winter months, the outdoor area is enclosed and fully heated to give you an outdoor experience without the chill in the air.
Info: RosemarysNYC.com
BRINDLE ROOM
The Brindle Room was one of the hottest spots in the East Village when it opened well over a decade ago. The restaurant remained extremely popular until the pandemic forced it to close temporarily. The restaurant re-opened two years ago in a new location and has most certainly returned to its former glory!
My friend and neighbor, Jeremy Spector, is the chef and co-owner of this incredibly delicious venue. But that has nothing to do with my affinity for such a great outpost. Spector really shows his incredible skills behind the knife in delivering such tasty fare!
Favorites here include the Tuna Tostada appetizer, the abundantly delicious Kale Salad, the Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe & Sausage and the Sebastian’s Steakhouse Burger. And just so you know, the front of house is as warm and delicious as Spector’s flare in the kitchen, so you are guaranteed to have a great experience!
Info: brindleroomny.com
JOE’S PIZZA (Multiple Locations)
Joe’s Pizza, known for 49 years as “The Greenwich Village Institution,” is a true throwback to the legendary era of the New York slice shop. I frequent the shop on East 14th Street, off of Third Avenue while they have four other locations in the city.
Once upon a time, you would find a slice shop on every corner serving triangular shaped treats of deliciousness. And you never worried about poor ingredients back then. I believe it was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies (the original two, not the ones that have come out in the last 20 years) that so fabulously showcased what I am talking about. And Joe’s is THE perfect example of exactly that! Featuring a crispy, full crust topped with the perfect balance of sauce and cheese that you just can’t wait to fold and get in your mouth! Joe’s delivers on quality every time.
Each slice and full pie is fresh, using the best ingredients to deliver an incredible flavorful experience.
Info: JoesPizzaNYC.com