Artusi

"Artusi is the smaller sister spot to Spinasse just next door, and they’ve mastered the art of the aperitivo hour. Whereas Spinasse is perfect for a special occasion dinner, Artusi is ideal for endless snacking alongside something spiked with cocchi americano. Among the hits here is fried bread with burrata, meatballs, fennel pollen-dusted hazelnuts, and of course, the pastas. You can expect things like cavatelli with carrot and bacon or pappardelle with tomato butter to be on par with what you'll find at Spinasse, only you'll get it here in a more casual setting. The best part? If you come in on a Sunday or Monday, you can get two pastas and an entire bottle of wine for $45." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"Finding a bar seat at Spinasse can be tough, but that’s the price you pay for trying to walk-in to the best pasta restaurant in the city. Just next door, however, is Artusi, Spinasse’s sister bar. There you’ll find different pastas, like cavatelli with bacon or maltagliati with braised rabbit, and they’re just as delicious. If you get a spot at the counter, you can also get a nice contact-high from the boiling pasta water steam, which is cheaper than a trip to the spa (even if you get two glasses of prosecco)." - aimee rizzo

"The two-pastas-and-an-entire-bottle-of-wine deal at Artusi that happens every Sunday and Monday is so popular that it was only a matter of time before they raised the price. It started as $30 and over time became $45, which still means you only have to pay $22.50 to split two bowls of delicious pasta and four glasses of prosecco with someone you like. This is the sister bar to Spinasse, the best Italian restaurant in town, so you know that you’re in great hands ordering dishes like cavatelli with carrots and bacon or pici with mushrooms and kale." - aimee rizzo

"Another classy spot for an aperitif and some snacks - this time, of the Italian variety. You’re here for spicy roasted hazelnuts, charcuterie, bruschetta, meatballs with garlic bread, or one of the rotating pasta dishes (the portions are pretty small, so they still feel light). Bonus: during Happy Hour, martinis and Campari spritzes are $6 each." - aimee rizzo

"Part of the beauty of Il Corvo is that you get such high-quality food at a low price point. But if you show up at Artusi (Spinasse’s sister spot) on a Sunday or Monday night, you can get two pastas and an entire bottle of wine for $35. You’ll still have to wait, but not for two hours outside in the rain. Plus, outstanding bowls of cavatelli with carrot-bacon ragu, or pici with mushrooms and kale are more than worth it. Even if you add an order of arancini, your bill won’t be more than $55. The only hard part is choosing who to come with." - aimee rizzo