New York is no stranger to celebrity chef restaurants. In fact, it's hard to walk through a neighborhood and not bump into one, though usually the more famous of the bunch get the spotlight. It's time to give places like Paladar time to shine. Located on one of the Lower East Sides most hipster-fied streets, Chef Aarón Sanchez serves tasty pan-Latino cuisine and specialty drinks from a cozy spot that feels like it can bust into a party at any minute. Added bonus, their late-night menu means you don't have to scarf down a slice to neutralize your buzz. Recommended dishes: seafood guisado, a mixed seafood in a coconut chile broth, with a side of fried sweet and green plantains.
Paladar
161 Ludlow St., between Stanton and Houston Streets, New York | 212-473-3535