Table Stakes: May

To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.

The Grill
Upper East Side
You’re here because: It’s the old Four Seasons space, as renovated by the party responsible for big hits like Dirty French, Parm and Sadelle’s.
You’re dining on: Elegant old-school eats like oysters, pheasant with black truffles, venison cumberland, filet mignon Florentine and avocado crab Louis. Make a reservation ahead of time and don’t think about stepping in the door unless you want to drop a minimum of $150 a head.
99 East 52nd Street (map)
Website

The Campbell
Midtown East
You’re here because: You missed people-watching from the Grand Central icon in its Jazz Age and mid-century heydays … and it’s back.
You’re dining on: Classic cocktails like the Aviation (Nolet’s Gin, crème de violette, Maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon), the John Campbell’s Martini and Negronis. And if you don’t have to run to catch a train, settle in for the Butcher’s Block, with charcuterie and country pâté.
15 Vanderbilt Avenue (map)
Website

Bowery Road
Union Square
You’re here because: It’s seasonal, approachable and convenient. Excellent eats with zero headaches.
You’re dining on: Market-driven American fare like brisket pastrami, tempura-battered blooming mushrooms and snapper crudo. Afterward, hit the Library of Distilled Spirits, its sister cocktail shop located next door.
132 4th Avenue (map)
Website

Oceana Poke
Midtown
You’re here because: The world cannot get enough poke.
You’re dining on: The signature bowl with yellowfin tuna, cucumber, cilantro, scallions, avocado, edamame, shiitake mushrooms, taro chips, nori, spicy mayo and ponzu. If you feel like stepping out, go for the swordfish.
1700 Broadway (map)
Website

Kitchen 21
Coney Island
You’re here because: You have had your fill of Nathan’s and this joint has five distinctly different concepts under one roof. See also: full service.
You’re dining on: A surf-and-turf prime burger with grilled shrimp, grilled pineapple, smoked bacon, horseradish and microgreens paired with one of the 32 beers on tap from the on-site Parachute Bar. Might as well get a white clams casino pizza from the hearth oven to share while you’re at it. Nota bene: they also offer fanciful Beach Picnic Baskets to go.
3052 West 21st Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website

Empire Diner
Chelsea
You’re here for: A beautiful revamp of a Chelsea icon. Hopefully it’ll stick around this time. Empire has seen a revolving door of owners over the past few years, but newcomer chef John DeLucie believes his churched-up diner classics can charm you into repeat visits.
You’re dining on: Diner grub without the grease or regrets. If you’re here for dinner, you’ll wanna follow up biscuit service with the sourdough-pretzel-battered fried chicken. And for the table: an order of the ultra-crispy, perfectly fried onion rings.
210 10th Avenue (map)
Website

Made Nice
Nomad
You’re here because: The creators of Eleven Madison Park noticed that sometimes you don’t have time for a $295 tasting menu, so they brought you something fast and casual.
You’re dining on: Lunch, most likely consisting of $12-$15 hits like the roast chicken and spring veg salad, quinoa falafel and hangar steak with crispy rice. Treating oneself to the milk-and-honey soft serve is also highly advised.
8 West 28th Street (map)
Website