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NYC: Best of Neighborhood Gems
If you think you've got to hoof it to other nabes to get a taste of true city life, stop and look around — some of New York's best are located in right outside your door.
• Through all the changes, Williamsburg's Greenpoint Tavern (188 Bedford Ave.) has maintained its little-dive-that-could vibe.
• Unwind at the small-yet-celebrated Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in Chelsea.
• For late night bites and the best mushroom barley soup this side of Minsk, there's Veselka in the East Village.
• For a little southern soul food up north, there's Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too in Harlem.
Cheap and fun. Who doesn't love that combo? Dim Sum Go Go is one of those places that's so cheap, and so fun, you'll want to go back time and time again—that is, if you can score a table. As stark in design as a simple red and white candy cane, this popular Chinatown eatery is definitely more function over form, with over 24 dumpling varieties and row after row of inventive bite-sized eats from which to choose. Those overwhelmed by the menu options should go for the dim sum sampler platter (10.95) or a standard-sized plate like the Abbot's Treasure, a delicate potato basket filled with spicy vegetables ($13.95) or the Go Go Hamburgers ($9.95), steamed buns in a tangy garlic sauce.
Dim Sum Go Go
5 East Broadway at Chatham Square, New York | 212-732-0797
With so many haute Asian restaurants opening over the past few years, it's easy to overlook the tried and true cornerstones that have been going strong for decades. If you've fallen prey to all the noodle bar hype, take a few steps back, or rather, downtown, to Congee Village, for some fresh, tasty Cantonese. Known for its namesake congee, the restaurant serves 27 varieties of the thick rice porridge, with everything from chicken to fish to mushrooms, in addition to traditional Chinese fare. Service is fast and friendly, and the décor, with its fake wooden huts and leafy canopies, well, it just can't be beat. Absolutely great for groups, but be sure to reserve a spot. Recommended: Singapore Style Mei Fun and the chicken with black mushroom porridge.
Congee Village
100 Allen St., near Delancey Street, New York | 212-941-1818
This sweet "girl next door" cafe has a well established reputation for tasty eats, spectacular pastries, and strong coffee — but at night, Liberty Cafe slips on a sexy dress and serves you up a jaw-dropping glass of red wine. Not quite what you might expect in a Bernal Heights cafe, but worthy of a second look. The "wine bar" on Thursday through Saturday only and without fussing too much over a wine menu, simply ask the server for a recommendation. Trust us — it's worth it.
Liberty Cafe
410 Cortland Ave., San Francisco | 415-695-8777
There are some bars that give off a feel-good homey vibe despite its less-than-cozy décor, and others, well, that just feel like you're hanging out in your living room. Floyd, NY is grouped in the latter — if in addition to your sofa you had an indoor 40-foot bocce court. Head on down and take part in their tournaments or just stop on by and kick back on their Midwestern thrift store inspired couches and chairs. Soccer — ahem, I mean, English Football fans will be happy to note that the bar subscribes to a cable channel that shows games and at times opens early in the morning to accommodate fans. Other folks that want to tantalize their palates should order the Kentucky beercheese, a naughty blend of cheddar cheese, spices and, well, beer, to spread on crackers. From 5-7pm on weekdays save $1 on your drinks. Enjoy.
Floyd, NY
131 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Clinton Streets, Brooklyn | 718-858-5810
Looking for a little something-something that'll stick to your ribs? Try Pies-N-Thighs, a little slice of Southern heaven under the Williamsburg Bridge. Tucked in the back of Rock Star Bar, P-N-T's home-style barbecue and pies (hence the name) are cooked up amongst concrete and barb wire — not glamorous by any means, but the food is ridiculously delicious, and the surrounding are oddly cozy. Stephen Tanner and Sarah Buck, the two chefs responsible for this down-home feast, cook up morsels like pit-smoked pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, collard greens, grits, flaky biscuits (salivating yet?) and perfectly constructed lattice pies that would make Martha jealous. All menu items run in the single digits, making it super wallet friendly. Cash only.
Pies-N-Thighs
351 Kent Ave. at South 5th Street, Brooklyn | 347-282-6005
There's something special about a good jukebox. With just a few bucks and a plan, a jukebox lets you control the mood of your rendezvous (it's much more legal than slipping someone a mickey), or by surprise, takes you back to a time by playing that once-favorite-but-forgotten song that meant so much to you when you were breaking up with what's-his-name. So why is it that although the jukebox is beloved by so many, so few bars still have them (and good ones at that)? Indie rockers borough-wide have long been patronizing Great Lakes, Park Slope's premier spot for drink specials and an impressive selection of killer jukebox tunes that span the indie scene for the past few decades. Bring a group, reminisce and enjoy. Open daily between 6pm and 4am.
Great Lakes
284 Fifth Ave. at 1st Street, Brooklyn | 718-499-3710
In a season where bachelorette parties abound, the same girls' night out bar crawl can get a little tiresome. Instead book a room at iBop Karaoke, where you, the bride-to-be and up to 35 of your best gal pals can sing (and booze) the night away in your own private room. Be sure to book it two weeks in advance, BYOB (come on, you know you love mixing up your own drink) and have your catering ready (or order in, the owners won't mind one bit). Note: this midtown building isn't glam, and it's a three-floor climb up to iBop, but it's worth every step. Pricing varies, call for details.
iBop Karaoke
25 W. 35th St., between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, New York | 646-752-4895
This sweet "girl next door" cafe has a well established reputation for tasty eats, spectacular pastries, and strong coffee — but at night, Liberty Cafe slips on a sexy dress and serves you up a jaw-dropping glass of red wine. Not quite what you might expect in a Bernal Heights cafe, but worthy of a second look. The "wine bar" on Thursday through Saturday only and without fussing too much over a wine menu, simply ask the server for a recommendation. Trust us — it's worth it.
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With so many haute Asian restaurants opening over the past few years, it's easy to overlook the tried and true cornerstones that have been going strong for decades. If you've fallen prey to all the noodle bar hype, take a few steps back, or rather, downtown, to 
There are some bars that give off a feel-good homey vibe despite its less-than-cozy décor, and others, well, that just feel like you're hanging out in your living room. 
Looking for a little something-something that'll stick to your ribs? Try