In New York City, awesome restaurants come and go like fashion trends. But, when we checked into the NYLON archives and found a list of the best NYC restaurants in our September/October 2009 issue, we were pumped to see that (almost) all of them were still around.
So, since it's #ThrowbackThursday and all, we thought you'd like to travel back in time with us to see what our top picks for spots to eat were way back when...and that you can still eat at today.
The Odeon
145 West Broadway
This longtime favorite TriBeca mainstay still serves up energy, class, stylish patrons, and an occasional resident celeb. Flattering lighting is always a plus, optimal food and service keep green guests and jaded New Yorkers alike happy.
Casimir
103-105 Avenue B.
So French that the heavily accented waiter asked me if I wanted “American coffee.” Ferociously cool and comfortable, with a divine menu, not to mention the back garden and Moroccan lounge with disco ball. Go for the darkly handsome unshaven staff, stay for the frites.
Bond St
6 Bond Street
Get in early or be left out at the gate. Inside play hide and seek between Japanese screens with the scenester crowd. Dine on sushi, but the real feast is for the eyes and ears. Bartenders look tasty – but not on the menu!
Markt
401 W. 14th Street
Size does matter! Spacious dining room bathed in dark wood, backed up by a lengthy (always packed) bar and generous saucy portions. Where both artistic locals and well-rounded families mingle over a creative selection of savory Belgian cuisine.
Ruby Foo’s
2182 Broadway
Big wet drinks at the gorgeous shiny bar and everything is decadent black lacquer and crimson. Raw, cooked, and in between, the fish at this palace are swimmingly good. Seen with chopsticks: Lawrence Fishburne.
Cafeteria
119 Seventh Avenue
This relatively new venture from Victor Alfaro brings trendsetters and Chelsea boys running for ‘round-the-clock helpings of downhome faves like meatloaf, fried chicken, and chicken pot pie. Immaculate white modern interior and stunning staff add to the delightful experience.
Original text by Jessica Lindkrantz
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