scene?
Years after opening, the Little Owl continues to turn heads; not only for its food, but for its adorable setting. Located on a quiet corner in, what many don’t realize, the apartment building in Friends, the Little Owl consistently packs people in at all hours of the day. Space is tight, but those waiting for a table are free to cozy up with a glass of wine in the restaurant’s “perch” overlooking Bedford Street (and the dining room).

food?
The Little Owl has received much praise over the years from food magazines and critics for its meatball sliders and pork chop. We suggest you take their advice, however do not let that discourage you from ordering one of their daily specials; this tiny restaurant, with its tiny open kitchen, knows how to pump out big flavors. With just eight entrees, the menu is limited, but the medley of Mediterranean-inspired New American dishes sound as delicious as they are diverse.

crowd?
Expect to see mostly couples in their 20s and 30s occupying the 10 some odd tables. While a seemingly neighborhood spot, the Little Owl’s quality reputation draws diners from all over.

inside scoop?
Reservations book up a month in advance, but you might have luck as a “walk-in” if you call ahead and/or are OK with eating late; it stays pretty crowded well past the normal dinner rush. In addition to the “perch,” a small bar area provides a few extra seats for diners to either wait for a table or eat. It’s beer and wine only, but if you’re craving a cocktail, there are plenty of places within walking distance (try Employees Only on Hudson between Christopher & W.10th). We suspect that after popular demand, the Little Owl decided to open its second location for private events at 93 Greenwich – for more info contact Maggie@thelittleowlnyc.com or call 212-741-4695.

price?
For dinner, appetizers from $10-15; entrees from $23-35. For lunch, appetizers average $12; entrees average $17. For brunch, entrees average $12.

word on the street?
New York Magazine
New York Times 

scene?
The space is divided into two sections: the main dining room and a back lounge area, which was added last year due to the restaurant’s heavy amount of foot traffic. Despite having the same white table cloths and decorative accents, the lounge has a less special feel to it; though perhaps that could be rectified with equally as attentive service. Marea’s high-end Italian counterpart, Del Posto, might be more grandiose in nature and “only” boast one Michelin Star, but in our opinion, doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to making all patrons feel like VIPs.

food?
If you don’t have a palate for fish, steer clear as pretty much every plate contains a sea creature of sort. That said, the cuisine is far from ordinary and might intimidate even those who grew up on Italian food. The selection of seafood and intricacies of each dish could very well be unlike anything else in NYC, which might explain the mixed reviews from the average diner. We recommend sticking to their signature dishes, and if you’re into oysters, they offer a very fine variety from the east and west coasts. Our absolute favorites? The lobster and burrata antipasti, and their famous Fusilli was absolutely to die for. Don’t let the octopus and bone marrow scare you – this pasta dish will knock your socks off, we promise.

crowd?
Marea’s Central Park South location and pricey menu makes it a popular choice for those with expense accounts, Europeans, hotel guests at the nearby Essex House or Plaza, and sophisticated New Yorkers seeking a fine dining experience in a chic modern setting. Patrons lean more on the older side, likely because they have the means to spend, but young couples can also be found celebrating a special occasion.

inside scoop?
Reservations in the main dining room are more difficult to obtain than in the lounge, but we think worth the trouble. For dinner, the $97 four course prix fixe menu (choice of crudo, oysters or antipasti/pasta/entree/dessert) is recommended, however less-so in the lounge area. For a slightly better “bargain,” try going for lunch – they offer a two course prix fixe for $45 a person. Private dining space is available, inquire by emailing nstadmeyer@altamareagroup.com.

price?
A la carte, crudos & antipastis from about $18-27; Pastas average around $30; Fish & meat entrees from $41-54; Whole fish start at $49/pound.

word on the street?
New York Times
New York Magazine
NY Daily News 

A-Tisket, A-Tasket…
Smarter than your average pic-a-nic basket, this Red Picnic Cooler has a built-in bottle opener! We love it in yellow too (Crate & Barrel, $62.95). 

Prefer the classic look? Crate & Barrel Outlet carries woven picnic baskets for $29.95.

Sit Pretty…

Zip-up blankets from Target are easy on the eyes, wallet and subway (available in Red Stripe or Yellow Medallion, $19.99 each).

Pack A Punch…
While we’re all for drinking wine in public, the NYPD isn’t and will write you a summons – take our word for it. However, it’s often overlooked at special events like the NY Philharmonic concerts in Central Park. So, wine-drinkers anonymous, these stacking wine glasses from Crate & Barrel are for you…and they’re only $9.95 for a set of 4 (less expensive than your potential fine!).

You Are What You Eat…

Bouchon Bakery

For picnicking in style, splurge on: assorted meats, cheeses and olives, accompanied by crusty French bread; a medley of gourmet sandwiches; mixed berries, fresh cookies, pastries or tarts.

Depending on where you live and where you’re setting up shop, you can find all the necessary fixings at Whole Foods, Le Pain Quotidien, Citarella, Marche Madison, Fairway, Eataly, or Blue Ribbon Bakery Market (which won NY Magazine’s “Best Picnic Provisions” back in 2006).

Early Riser? Go Continental – create your own breakfast basket with mini-muffins, croissants and scones with jam.

Necessary Object(s)…

Zyrtec, or your allergy drug of choice (drugstore.com).
Something to play catch with.

scene?
With its bistro-like setting, use of white linen (not paper) napkins and nod from Wine Spectator Magazine, it’s clear that Five Napkin is no divey burger joint. Originated almost 10 years ago at Nice Matin, the indoor/outdoor French restaurant on 79th and Amsterdam, the burger was (and still is) such a hot-ticket item on the menu that the owners decided to open a new venture in Hell’s Kitchen and make it a franchise player. Now, there are four locations in New York (Hell’s Kitchen, UWS, Union Square & Astoria), in addition to Boston, Miami and Hot-lanta. And at this particular outpost, business always seems to be booming.

food?
Is the secret to the  famous Five Napkin Burger in the sauce? In between the buns are 10 ounces of beef slathered with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and a rosemary aioli. Also of note is the veggie burger, which was featured on a local talk show as one of the best in NY. But the menu stretches far beyond burgers; there’s sushi, Matzo Ball soup, even fish tacos. Fare warning? There’s a reason for the name; one napkin just won’t cut it.

crowd?
Expect to find locals of all ages, literally; Five Napkin is frequented by young families with toddlers in tow, 20-something singles and UWS lifers. Basically anyone looking to grab a burger with all the frills, and wash it down with an imported lager, dry martini or a California Cab.

inside scoop?
Happy hour runs from 10pm to close every night of the week; among their specials include sliders, 50-cent wings and discounted draft beers, Cosmos and wines by the glass. While crowded with Upper West Siders on a daily basis, reservations to sit inside or out aren’t needed; if anything, just put your name in with the hostess and watch the game at the bar while you wait.

price?
Starters & sushi average around $8-15; Salads & entrees from about $14-20; Burgers from $12-16.

word on the street?
BlackBook Magazine
Grub Street NY
New York Times
New York Post

scene?
Gemma’s indoor dining space is illuminated by thick wrought iron chandeliers and antique candelabras draped in wax icicles, which take you back to the days of Old New York (or perhaps the late 1960s). Mismatched wooden furniture and aligned empty wine bottles give off a vibe that’s casual yet chic.

food?
With an array of antipastis, wood-fired pizzas, pastas and fish & meat entrees, Gemma dishes out country Italian fare that’s consistently fresh and consistently delicious. There are so many savory options to choose from, so sharing is definitely the way to go, no matter the party size. Our personal faves: Burrata Caprese, Strozzapreti (a long pasta, similar to cavatelli, served in a spicy Italian sausage sauce), Penne alla Norma, the Branzino, and really any of the pizzas.

crowd?
Gemma draws the young fashionable types, especially during the later leg of the dinner rush, but do not be mistaken – this buzzing Bowery restaurant is for anyone looking for good food and prices, shared in good company of course.

inside scoop?
Nothing beats dining al fresco at Gemma. The outdoor space right on Bowery allows for plenty of people watching (and celebrity spotting), so soak it all in over some Italian wine and family-style plates. Speaking of wine, Gemma rents out its wine room for private parties of 40 and under – the friendly and accommodating service are sure to ease your party planning nerves.

price?
Antipastis & salads from $6-15; Pizzas & pastas from $13-18; Entrees from $15-29.

word on the street?
New York Times
New York Magazine
Immaculate Infatuation

scene?
You’d think a three-story, 14,000 square foot restaurant in the heart of Meatpacking would be a cinch to find, but when it’s disguised as a nightclub, it might throw you off. Once you pass the suited-up gentleman guarding the door (which is really on 13th Street), take the elevator up to Catch’s main lounge, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly hostess who will either escort you to one of their bar areas or to your table. Sure, there’s a bouncer and an elevator, but the vibe is still relaxed and the service is far from pretentious. Oh, and the music is pretty sweet too.

food?
Even if you exclude the wide sushi selection, the menu has a lot of Asian influences to it. But with an extensive raw bar, mussels and “simply cooked” fish entrees, there’s a diverse mix of seafood dishes to choose from. Sharing is encouraged, so split an entree and start with a few hot and cold small plates (we liked the MRC Roll, Hamachi Tartare, Crunchy Rice Cakes and Red Mussels, particularly for its bread-dipping purposes). If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask your server for his/her recommendations. The real Catch? The pretzel bread with honey mustard butter that they serve while you wait.

crowd?
On any night of the week, dining among you could be a group of [bridge and tunnel] girls dressed to the nines, a former Top Chef contestant, businessmen devouring towers of seafood, a booth of 20-something Europeans, and an Oscar-nominated actor.

inside scoop?
The space may accommodate nearly 300 people, but it’s still in your best interest to make a reservation; it can get pretty packed, even during the week. While the first two floors are for dining, the third floor is for drinking – head upstairs to their glass-enclosed penthouse lounge and try one of their specialty cocktails. Inquire about their private event options.

price?
Small plates & sushi around $14-22; Entrees average $30; Big fish platters & seafood towers from $78-115.

word on the street?
New York Magazine
Immaculate Infatuation
Bloomberg

Our friends at Eater NY just released an article, “12 Epic ‘Last Meals’ in NYC,” highlighting the top 12 restaurants its readers would want to spend a last meal in New York. Among their choices were the usual Michelin Starred Suspects (Le Bernardin, Per Se, Daniel) and a few predictable NY classics (Peter Luger Steakhouse, Katz’s Delicatessen). After noticing some of our favorites missing from the list, we got to thinking about what we’d want for our Last Supper in the city. With all of the variety, both in cuisine and in culinary acclaim, it was no easy decision. So, we polled Crave The Date eaters for their top picks (and perhaps a little inspiration), then compiled everything into a special Last Supper menu. We covered all the bases – apps, desserts, and everything in between. Who knows, you may want to plan a restaurant crawl for your next date, and taste the best of the best as you eat your way throughout the city. Fare warning: try not to read on an empty stomach!

Crave The Date’s Last Supper Menu

STARTERS & SNACKS

Burrata Caprese at Gemma (335 Bowery, at 3rd St.)
Cod Fritters at Mary’s Fish Camp (64 Charles Street, at 4th St.
Escarole Salad at Lupa (170 Thompson Street, near Houston St.)
Grilled Octopus at Il Buco (47 Bond Street, near Lafayette St.)
Hamachi Tartare at Morimoto (88 Tenth Avenue, near 16th St.)
Imperial Vegetable Egg Roll at Tao (42 E. 58th Street, near Madison Ave.)
Oysters and a Dirty Martini at Balthazar (80 Spring Street, at Crosby St.)
Seared Scallop at Veritas (43 E. 20th Street, near Park Ave. South)
Pork Soup Dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai (9 Pell Street, near Bowery)
Riccotta at A Voce (41 Madison Avenue, at 26th St.)

MAIN COURSES

Bucatini All’ Amatriciana at Lupa 
Chateaubriand at Keens Steakhouse (72 W. 36th Street, at Sixth Ave.)
Gotham Rib Steak at Old Homestead Steakhouse (56 Ninth Avenue, near 15th St.)
Grandma’s Rigatoni al Ragu at Frank (88 Second Avenue, near 5th St.)
Maple-Brined Wooly Pig at Veritas 
Orecchiette w/ Sausage & Fennel at Spiga (200 W. 84th Street, near Amsterdam Ave.)
Spaghetti w/ Tomato & Basil at Scarpetta (355 W. 14th Street, near Ninth Ave.)
Strozzapreti at Gemma (335 Bowery, at 3rd St.)
Suckling Pig at Maialino (2 Lexington Avenue, near 21st St.) 

PIZZA

Grimaldi’s (1 Front Street, at Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn)
John’s (278 Bleecker Street, at Jones St.)
Keste (271 Bleecker Street, near Morton St.)
Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th Street, near 10th St., Brooklyn)

SAVORY & SWEET EXTRAS

Bloody Mary w/ Oyster Topper at Jeffrey’s Grocery (172 Waverly Place, at Christopher St.)
Dinner Rolls at Daniel (60 E. 65th Street, near Madison Ave.)
Garlic-Pork Sausage w/ Poached Eggs at Cookshop (156 Tenth Avenue, at 20th St.)
Grand Mariner Soaked Fruit at Il Mulino (86 W. 3rd Street, near Sullivan St.)

What would YOU crave? Email us at info@cravethedate.com or tweet us @cravethedate!

1.  Warren 77 (77 Warren Street, between Greenwich & West Broadway)
When a New York sports star is a partner in a NYC sports bar, chances are, it’s got to be good. And in this case, former NY Ranger Sean Avery shoots and scores. With a cool, vintage vibe and wide selection of games (both video & board), this is not your ordinary sports bar. 

2.  The Windsor (234 W. 4th Street, at W. 10th Street)
An upscale sports bar for the preppy, former Upper East Siders who want to go somewhere a bit nicer than, let’s say, Dorrian’s. There are a handful of booths with their own personal flat-screens, available to parties of 6 or more. With English influences in both decor and menu, Windsor also draws an international crowd looking to take in games, but no NY team will ever be preempted for the other kind of football.

3.  Downtown Galway Hooker (133 7th Avenue, at W. 18th Street)
Three floors and plenty of flat-screens, the “Downtown Hooker” can be the ultimate place to watch whatever sport is in season (although Sunday football can get a bit crowded). If you want to escape the crowds, try the third floor; there’s less flat-screen per square inch, but you might get some elbow room. Expect to find classic bar fare, no seat required.

4.  The Ainsworth (122 W. 26th Street, between 6th & 7th Aves.)
With ample space and TVs in sight at all time, this Chelsea sports bar is a popular space for groups to watch a game…and girls to scope out guys. Call ahead to reserve a table – the prices are fairly reasonable but make no mistake about it, this is no dive bar.

5.  The Stumble Inn (1454 2nd Avenue, at E. 76th Street)
Stumble over to this UES frat house, where you can eat, drink, watch the game and play beer pong all at the same time. With some of the best daily drink specials in the city, you’re likely to stumble out of there with minimal collateral damage to your wallet.

Last Resort?
Your couch, now that MSG Networks is back for Time Warner customers.

scene?
In Italy, osterias are casual eateries where wine is the central focus – that’s pretty much Cotta in a nutshell. The bi-level space looks and feels like something you’d find downtown – the decor is very rustic and ambiance cozy, except the local scene isn’t quite as hip (but given the reasonable prices, that can be overlooked).

food?
Cotta offers the usual assortment of shared plates and Italian dishes found at wine bars, but the real standout is the pizza. For two people, we’d suggest starting off with a few small plates, perhaps a salad, then closing it out with one of their pizzas. “Fare” warning: it won’t be the best dish of pasta you’ve ever had, but it’s not that bad should you decide to go that route.

crowd?
Expect to find a mixed clientele, i.e. girlfriends catching up over wine and cheese, couples grabbing a mid-week pizza and pasta, even 20-somethings with their parents.

inside scoop?
Smaller parties can probably walk right in without having to wait, but to play it safe, you might want to call ahead for a table – the place can get pretty filled up, even during the week. If noise is a problem for you, request to sit in the back room upstairs – it’s quieter, and a bit more spacious too. For connoisseurs and those particular about wine, their bottles are not stored in a temperature controlled space, so may lean on the warm side.

price?
Small plates, salads and bruschettes from $3-9 each; pizzas from $6-14; pastas & entrees from $10-19.

word on the street?
Urban Spoon
Yelp 

scene?
With the help of a red velvet rope outside by the door and colored LED lights throughout the dining room, Ventanas tries so hard to give off the appearance of a swank Latin lounge. And if you solely take into account the live music and prices, it’s not too much of a stretch.

food?
While the flavors may work, the quality does not. For both the short rib and the steak, a trip to Costco would produce higher quality. There are no guarantees on actually getting what you ordered as your server may not have heard you over the deafening music. And while the cocktails are tasty, it would probably be quicker if you went behind the bar and mixed them yourself.

crowd?
Despite what Ventanas’ website says, it’s neither “romantic” nor “stunning,” so no need to wear your finest. There’s no coat check, and some patrons might be sporting sneakers and backpacks.

inside scoop?
Expect live performers on Tuesdays (flamenco dancers) and Thursdays (belly dancers), and a DJ on the weekends. Reservations are probably not necessary as the place won’t even be close to full. We’d advise going directly across the street to Del Posto or Colicchio & Sons, at least for an after dinner drink to make up for the rest of the night.

price?
Tapas from $10-22; large plates from $32-38; specialty drinks average around $14-16.

word on the street?
TimeOut NY
Urban Daddy