Good NYC restaurants for the winter

Reservations not required but nice to have so you’re not like, hanging out in grand central station. I’m partial to snacks and drinks here vs. full dinner/lunch— shrimp cocktail, clams casino (pictured), and of course, oysters are all anyone really needs.

It’s my favorite restaurant in New York, full stop. Vibes for days. Try to sit in the main dining room (not the pipe room and not upstairs). Make time for a drink at the bar before, just try to avoid going on a night The Rangers are playing, unless you’re dying to hang out w a bunch of Rangers fans. My order, subject to change but rarely does: Shrimp cocktail Wedge salad, no tomatoes, no bacon Thick cut bacon on the side Porterhouse for two (serves 3-4), au poivre and bearnaise on the side Creamed spinach Boiled potatoes w butter and parsley String beans Key lime pie or Sundae

Everything here is perfect (and expensive). A restaurant run by people who really know what they’re doing, from the service to the wine to the food. It’s also just really so FUN to be there. It’s the Most New York feeling restaurant I’ve been to in ages.

Pizza tastes good, this pizza tastes great. I love the New York style (pictured).

Another contender for “favorite New York restaurant.” It’s BYO, so bring a bottle or two of your favorite wines for the next time you want to celebrate or are just having a bad day and need a good time. The whole live crab is expensive but worth it, in my opinion. I try to order new things every time I go, but my favorites: Wonton soup House special crab (if not doing the whole live) Clams in black bean sauce Pea shoots Salt and pepper squid Squid w tiny fish and chives Crispy garlic chicken

Another restaurant that makes you notice how nice it is when people love what they do and are very good at it. The service, the room, the food. Adore adore adore! Good for special occasions, or just drop by and sit at the bar with a very good martini and catch up with someone you love.

A newcomer from the folks at New York darling Dame. Meat-forward (though my favorite thing was the whole sole, a thing I’ll order every time someone offers it because so few do), British feeling in the best way. Even if offal isn’t your usual vibe, I love anyone willing to try.

They love dill here, and that means I love it there. Charming, casual vibe, very delicious food.