"When you can’t get a table at Rao’s, this just-as-tomato-red Belgian restaurant offers some consolation. From the folks behind the mousse bar Mojo, it’s a good East Harlem spot for some Trappist beers at the bar, or a glass of wine and some beef stew with thick-cut, tallow-fried frites. If you’re not really trying to eat at Rao’s but just want to go there for a drink, we’d suggest starting with dinner at d'Anvers. It’s downhill to Rao’s, but uphill if you do it the other way. Distance from Rao’s: 24-minute walk, about the same via bus" - sonal shah, willa moore