"Palermo is one of those standard-looking spots on 46th Street’s restaurant row. From the outside, you’d never guess it was a charming, three-floor stack of theater-goers and Hell’s Kitchen residents on dates. But even if you fall into neither of those categories, the Argentine restaurant—from one of the owners of La Pulperia—is worth a visit for steak that's pink in the middle and a glass of full-bodied red. photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff Everything here—not just the steaks—is served with a great deal of warmth. If you sit at one of the six tables jammed into the ground floor, you’ll hear the sizzle of meat on hot metal in the small kitchen behind you, while a server checks in on how you’re liking your grilled asparagus in saffron aioli, and crisp empanadas. (Very much, thank you.) photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff Upstairs, there’s a bar area with more seating, and on top of that, a tiny pink-and-gold lounge. Both would be good options for private events of around 15 people, where an evening with lots of glass clinking and generous pours might end with flan in a pool of dulce de leche, or homemade ice cream. Food Rundown photo credit: Sonal Shah Free Bread Palermo makes their own cheesy puffs of Argentinean cipa, pebete-like rolls, and the crisp breadsticks. They're all very nice, but it’s the bright, red pepper dip that really makes this basket one of the best free bread deals in town. photo credit: Alex Staniloff Empanadas The empanadas here are fried so crisp that some of the burst dough bubbles on their surfaces look like suction cups. Choose between beef, corn and cheese, or shrimp—they come two to an order, with salsa, and are all stuffed with hot, juicy fillings. photo credit: Alex Staniloff Parrillada For Two Can’t choose between skirt steak or NY strip? Get this heap of meat on a board, served with big flakes of salt, chimichurri, and salsa criolla. The chicken, sweetbreads, and all the beef (ribeye, skirt, sirloin, short ribs) are all nicely cooked, but we especially like the pudding-like morcilla with warming spices. Four people could easily share this $150 platter, especially if you’re ordering a couple of more things. You’ll also get some creamy mashed potatoes and a small salad." - Sonal Shah
