RESTAURANTS 
 BEST PLACE TO FEEL LIKE A CELEBRITY 
 Spotted Pig 314 W.11th St., 212-620-0393 A trendy gastropub that has not lost its star appeal. With Jay-Z as one of the owners, it's not a long shot that some celeb - say Jude Law, David Schwimmer or Courtney Love - might show up. But even if the stars aren't aligned for a sighting, there's plenty on this Michelin-starred menu to sink your teeth into. 
 BEST EXPENSE-ACCOUNT BUSTER 
 Any restaurant in the Time-Warner Center 10 Columbus Circle The midtown towers boast three Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the costliest and difficult-to-get reservations in town. If you're not recession-shy, take your clients to Masa for supreme sushi, Per Se for precisely-focused American plates or A Voce for upscale Italian. 
 BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE PARENTS 
 The Modern 9 W. 53rd St., 212-333-1220 Artful surroundings include the garden-facing restaurant featuring beautifully presented French-American cuisine. Desserts are a tour de force here, and influenced by the sensibilities of an Alsatian chef. The wine list includes off-the-beaten-path selections. 
 BEST GIRLFRIENDS' NIGHT OUT 
 The House 121 E. 17th St., 212-353-2121 This classy 1854 carriage house near Gramercy Park oozes with cozy charm, whether you're by the fireplace, the open kitchen or tucked in the upstairs loft. The excellent wine by the glass menu prevents squabbles over choosing a bottle. 
 BEST PLACE BEFORE A MOVIE 
 Pipa 38 E. 19th St., 212-677-2233 Pipa, the Spanish-Latin fusion tapas place that's popular with the design set, is fortuitously located near movie theaters on Broadway and Union Square. Decorated by the neighboring ABC Home, it's a visual feast as well as a gastronomic one. 
 BEST PIZZA THAT ISN'T RAY'S 
 Don Antonio 309 W. 50th St., 646-719-1043 Forget those mono-named red-sauce joints or the trendy celeb chefs-turned pie-makers. This pizza newcomer is a third-generation Neapolitan who takes his craft seriously. Here the pizza dough is first fried, then topped, and finally cooled off in the oven. Choose from 50 kinds, including gluten-free and vegan. 
 BEST IMPORT FROM ANOTHER CITY 
 EATALY 200 Fifth Ave., 212-229-2560 All of the eateries in this emporium are devoted to an aspect of Italy's best culinary traditions - from coffee and gelato to fresh fish and produce. Constant crowds prevent it from being homey, but that's part of the authenticity of eating in the Italian marketplace. 
 BEST NEWCOMER 
 North End Grill 104 North End Ave., 646-747-1600 Battery Park City has long needed a culinary shot in the arm; now Danny Meyer's latest eatery gives downtowners a trendy place of their own. Top chef Floyd Cardoz (formerly of Tabla) heads the kitchen with a focus on seafood and fresh farm meats. 
 BEST FARM-TO-TABLE EATING 
 Blue Hill 75 Washington Place, 212-539-1776 You'll make your parents proud when you eat your veggies at Dan Barber's farm-sourced restaurant housed in a former speakeasy. The menu has a focus on "know thy farmer," with select heritage meats and poultry, and produce from the restaurant's own farms. 
 BEST CLASSIC LUNCH COUNTER 
 Lexington Candy Shop 1226 Lexington Ave., 212-288-0057 With classic counters closing each year, this one, in business since 1925, may be the oldest remaining. Continually operated by the same family (its last renovation was in 1948), it's a place to enjoy no-nonsense classics such as chopped egg or liverwurst sandwiches and the stellar ice cream fountain. 
 *** 
 BARS 
 BEST POOL TABLE 
 Fat Cat 75 Christopher St., 212-675-6056 Well-loved by pool-sharking NYU students and devotees of late-night jazz jams, Fat Cat boasts the best basement playground in the city. When you're done with pool, you can belly up to the bar, or dominate a Ping-Pong table, or crash on the many thrift-store couches. 
 BEST FIRST DATE 
 Macao Trading Company 311 Church St., 212-431-8750 The menu here is nearly as exotic as the surroundings. Décor from flea markets around the world, a sexy opium cabinet and a sultry downstairs Oriental lounge set the bar high, guaranteeing a second date will be anti-climatic. 
 BEST BREAK-UP PLACE 
 PDT 113 St. Mark's Place, 212-614-0386 Two things make this a great break-up joint: it's so dark no one will see you cry or throw your drink, and you can take comfort eating gourmet hot dogs at the adjacent Crif Dogs thereafter. You can also drown your sorrows in bacon-infused bourbon sweetened with maple syrup, the signature cocktail of the house. 
 BEST HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS 
 Ward III 111 Reade St., 212-240-9194 This three-year-old TriBeCa bar provides a low-key refuge for people who want a cool hangout without the pretension of the red velvet rope. You' ll find great bartenders here and an honest menu of bespoke cocktails, focused on spice and homemade bitters. 
 BEST PLACE TO BE A WINE SNOB 
 Terroir Tribeca 24 Harrison St., 212-625-9463 Paul Grieco, a self-described Riesling overlord, commands an expanding kingdom of wine bars. Don't expect Yellowtail or any other lollipops on his wine lists. Instead, you'll find a curated book of often overlooked grapes and regions. Something familiar: the cheese and charcuterie that go with nearly everything. 
 BEST DIVE 
 Rudy's Bar &amp; Grill 627 Ninth Ave., 646-707-0890 Cheap drinks, a heavy pour and a classic jukebox make this the undisputed best dive in the city. The duct-taped red booths are as well-loved as the $7-pitchers, unlimited free hot dogs and the crusty bartenders. Expect a crowd of regulars and tourists. 
 BEST PLACE TO FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN COLLEGE AGAIN 
 The Gin Mill 442 Amsterdam Ave., 212-580-9080 Uptown Ivies and Fordham students gather in this casual tavern for Jell-O shots, beer pong, drafts of Stella and Sams and big-screen sports. In b'tween games, there's plenty of nacho-munching, big-burger maneuvering and co-ed canoodling. 
 BEST SPORTS BAR FOR A WOMAN 
 The Ainsworth 122 W. 26th St., 212-741-0645 The original of a growing chain of concept sports bars, high-minded sports guys - and their dates - find a place here. Elevated bar food such a lobster or crab cake sliders, lamb burgers, and mahi-mahi wraps make it a gal-friendly place for watching sports on the 40-plus flat screens. Bored with the game? There's pinot grigio on the menu. 
 BEST PLACE TO PICKUP SOMEONE RICH 
 Campbell Apartment Grand Central Terminal. 212-953-0409 Evoking the feel of an old-moneyed home, the stashed-away bar - formerly the private office of tycoon John W. Campbell - presents a classy stomping ground for the well-heeled professionals who can afford the pricey drinks. Your best tactic: dress up and carry a $20 - just enough for one drink. If you don't score after that, leave. 
 BEST URBAN BEER GARDEN 
 Hallo Berlin 626 10th Ave., 212-977-1944 Atmosphere, not attitude prevails at this authentic German hole-in-the-wall, one of the last of its kind in the city. The usual plates of sauerkraut, wursts and spaetzle are washed down with a good selection of unusual German brews. Best experienced with a happy hour crowd over a keg of Oktoberfest bier.

RESTAURANTS BEST PLACE TO FEEL LIKE A CELEBRITY Spotted Pig 314 W.11th St., 212-620-0393 A trendy gastropub that has not lost its star appeal. With Jay-Z as one of the owners, it's not a long shot that some celeb - say Jude Law, David Schwimmer or Courtney Love - might show up. But even if the stars aren't aligned for a sighting, there's plenty on this Michelin-starred menu to sink your teeth into. BEST EXPENSE-ACCOUNT BUSTER Any restaurant in the Time-Warner Center 10 Columbus Circle The midtown towers boast three Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the costliest and difficult-to-get reservations in town. If you're not recession-shy, take your clients to Masa for supreme sushi, Per Se for precisely-focused American plates or A Voce for upscale Italian. BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE PARENTS The Modern 9 W. 53rd St., 212-333-1220 Artful surroundings include the garden-facing restaurant featuring beautifully presented French-American cuisine. Desserts are a tour de force here, and influenced by the sensibilities of an Alsatian chef. The wine list includes off-the-beaten-path selections. BEST GIRLFRIENDS' NIGHT OUT The House 121 E. 17th St., 212-353-2121 This classy 1854 carriage house near Gramercy Park oozes with cozy charm, whether you're by the fireplace, the open kitchen or tucked in the upstairs loft. The excellent wine by the glass menu prevents squabbles over choosing a bottle. BEST PLACE BEFORE A MOVIE Pipa 38 E. 19th St., 212-677-2233 Pipa, the Spanish-Latin fusion tapas place that's popular with the design set, is fortuitously located near movie theaters on Broadway and Union Square. Decorated by the neighboring ABC Home, it's a visual feast as well as a gastronomic one. BEST PIZZA THAT ISN'T RAY'S Don Antonio 309 W. 50th St., 646-719-1043 Forget those mono-named red-sauce joints or the trendy celeb chefs-turned pie-makers. This pizza newcomer is a third-generation Neapolitan who takes his craft seriously. Here the pizza dough is first fried, then topped, and finally cooled off in the oven. Choose from 50 kinds, including gluten-free and vegan. BEST IMPORT FROM ANOTHER CITY EATALY 200 Fifth Ave., 212-229-2560 All of the eateries in this emporium are devoted to an aspect of Italy's best culinary traditions - from coffee and gelato to fresh fish and produce. Constant crowds prevent it from being homey, but that's part of the authenticity of eating in the Italian marketplace. BEST NEWCOMER North End Grill 104 North End Ave., 646-747-1600 Battery Park City has long needed a culinary shot in the arm; now Danny Meyer's latest eatery gives downtowners a trendy place of their own. Top chef Floyd Cardoz (formerly of Tabla) heads the kitchen with a focus on seafood and fresh farm meats. BEST FARM-TO-TABLE EATING Blue Hill 75 Washington Place, 212-539-1776 You'll make your parents proud when you eat your veggies at Dan Barber's farm-sourced restaurant housed in a former speakeasy. The menu has a focus on "know thy farmer," with select heritage meats and poultry, and produce from the restaurant's own farms. BEST CLASSIC LUNCH COUNTER Lexington Candy Shop 1226 Lexington Ave., 212-288-0057 With classic counters closing each year, this one, in business since 1925, may be the oldest remaining. Continually operated by the same family (its last renovation was in 1948), it's a place to enjoy no-nonsense classics such as chopped egg or liverwurst sandwiches and the stellar ice cream fountain. *** BARS BEST POOL TABLE Fat Cat 75 Christopher St., 212-675-6056 Well-loved by pool-sharking NYU students and devotees of late-night jazz jams, Fat Cat boasts the best basement playground in the city. When you're done with pool, you can belly up to the bar, or dominate a Ping-Pong table, or crash on the many thrift-store couches. BEST FIRST DATE Macao Trading Company 311 Church St., 212-431-8750 The menu here is nearly as exotic as the surroundings. Décor from flea markets around the world, a sexy opium cabinet and a sultry downstairs Oriental lounge set the bar high, guaranteeing a second date will be anti-climatic. BEST BREAK-UP PLACE PDT 113 St. Mark's Place, 212-614-0386 Two things make this a great break-up joint: it's so dark no one will see you cry or throw your drink, and you can take comfort eating gourmet hot dogs at the adjacent Crif Dogs thereafter. You can also drown your sorrows in bacon-infused bourbon sweetened with maple syrup, the signature cocktail of the house. BEST HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS Ward III 111 Reade St., 212-240-9194 This three-year-old TriBeCa bar provides a low-key refuge for people who want a cool hangout without the pretension of the red velvet rope. You' ll find great bartenders here and an honest menu of bespoke cocktails, focused on spice and homemade bitters. BEST PLACE TO BE A WINE SNOB Terroir Tribeca 24 Harrison St., 212-625-9463 Paul Grieco, a self-described Riesling overlord, commands an expanding kingdom of wine bars. Don't expect Yellowtail or any other lollipops on his wine lists. Instead, you'll find a curated book of often overlooked grapes and regions. Something familiar: the cheese and charcuterie that go with nearly everything. BEST DIVE Rudy's Bar & Grill 627 Ninth Ave., 646-707-0890 Cheap drinks, a heavy pour and a classic jukebox make this the undisputed best dive in the city. The duct-taped red booths are as well-loved as the $7-pitchers, unlimited free hot dogs and the crusty bartenders. Expect a crowd of regulars and tourists. BEST PLACE TO FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN COLLEGE AGAIN The Gin Mill 442 Amsterdam Ave., 212-580-9080 Uptown Ivies and Fordham students gather in this casual tavern for Jell-O shots, beer pong, drafts of Stella and Sams and big-screen sports. In b'tween games, there's plenty of nacho-munching, big-burger maneuvering and co-ed canoodling. BEST SPORTS BAR FOR A WOMAN The Ainsworth 122 W. 26th St., 212-741-0645 The original of a growing chain of concept sports bars, high-minded sports guys - and their dates - find a place here. Elevated bar food such a lobster or crab cake sliders, lamb burgers, and mahi-mahi wraps make it a gal-friendly place for watching sports on the 40-plus flat screens. Bored with the game? There's pinot grigio on the menu. BEST PLACE TO PICKUP SOMEONE RICH Campbell Apartment Grand Central Terminal. 212-953-0409 Evoking the feel of an old-moneyed home, the stashed-away bar - formerly the private office of tycoon John W. Campbell - presents a classy stomping ground for the well-heeled professionals who can afford the pricey drinks. Your best tactic: dress up and carry a $20 - just enough for one drink. If you don't score after that, leave. BEST URBAN BEER GARDEN Hallo Berlin 626 10th Ave., 212-977-1944 Atmosphere, not attitude prevails at this authentic German hole-in-the-wall, one of the last of its kind in the city. The usual plates of sauerkraut, wursts and spaetzle are washed down with a good selection of unusual German brews. Best experienced with a happy hour crowd over a keg of Oktoberfest bier.

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