Calle Ocho- the place to be, on Mondays in the city!

If deals are your draw, Calle Ocho is the place for you! This restaurant is definitely, again, one of our absolute favs. With Free Sangria Sundays, $5 Mojito Mondays (featuring complimentary tapas), and free cheese-infused Columbian rolls everyday, you just can’t go wrong.

The ambiance is always just the right touch of fun and friendly. The exposed brick, juxtaposed to the posh lighting and design, makes you feel like you’re the king of the place anywhere you sit. Chef Alex Garcia combines Puerto Rican and Columbian cuisine into a work of art. (Try the Tamals & Warm Fish Dip!)

The staff has one of our highest ratings, although Monday nights the bar area gets so crowded that they’re hard to come by, smiles are ever present. Especially George and Hector. They’re our favorites. With George at the bar and Hector in the back of house, you're sure to be taken care of. They have a great crew, no matter the day or hour.

Calle Ocho
446 Columbus Ave. (at 81st Street), NY NY 10024

Manhattan's BEST 'Mole - Cilantro @ 89th & 2nd!

First of all, let's all be clear. Guacamole is our fave and happens to be Nichole's humble forte. That being said... we want you all to know that Cilantro has THE best guacamole in Manhattan. We know, we know, that's a grand statement to make, considering NYC has the most diverse selection of food that North America has ever seen (or tasted). But it's true. And nothing complements guaco-perfecto better than Cilantro's portion of freshly made plantain chips!

For free wine tastes and generous pours, sit at the bar with Roberto or Gary (our favorite bartenders). If you like good conversation and lots of action, you can't go wrong - the front patio is hopping as well. If you're looking for a milder ambience, grab a seat at one of the side tables to the right of the bar. They are vibrant enough to fill the void of awkard silences but provide enough privacy for the deepest of discussions. Corner tables deserve priority.

When we're feeling indecisive and not quite certain where to go or what to do, the 89th and 2nd Ave locale is the perfect fall-back plan. So... whether you're in the mood for a quick happy-hour 'rita or a some fine mexican cuisine, Cilantro never disappoints...

The locals enjoy Lokal in Billyburg!

Ask any northern Brooklyn-ites and they'll all agree. McCarren Park is the place to be (rhyming intentionall-ee!!!). There's no better way to enjoy the warm summer weather than blanketing out in the park, dodging the occasional rogue frisbee, and watching peewees slug away at under-arm pitches. If the local sports rivalries aren't enough to suit your fancy and you're in search of a little more spunk, then fret no further.

On the corner of Nassau and Lorimer you will find a gorgeous view of the Park, but there's more. And by more I mean a 5-foot 9-inch Turk who goes by "Gino." He is charismatic, energetic, hospitable, and he happens to co-own one of the liveliest and best-kept secrets in all of Williamsburg.

The locals love Lokal, a Mediterranean restaurant with a unique "welcome back" mentality. Go there once and you're remembered forever. And by name, too. It's the kind of place you take your mother when she flies in to visit. It's the place you take your girlfriend for your one year anniversary. It's the place you celebrate your best friend's engagement. No matter what you're looking for, it is guaranteed to exceed your every expectation. The menu is exquisitely inexpensive, especially considering the diverse, exotic selection of platters. The heated sangria is a staple in winter, and if that's not enough to warm you up the hospitality certainly will.

Ask for Gino, and the chocolate souflee.

LOKAL Mediterranean Bistro

905 Lorimer St (between Bedford Ave & Driggs Ave)

Williamsburg, NY