Table Stakes: September

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.

Craven
Midtown

You’re here because: When Jeff Lam of our favorite hotspot Chinese Tuxedo opens the doors to an edgy, Havana-chic haunt, you drop everything and go.
You’re dining on: A menu of elevated all-American bistro favorites like Buffalo Cauliflower and Tuna Tartare divided into three categories: Craveables, Shareables and Unforgettables.

346 West 40th Street (map)
Website

The Lost Lady
East Village

You’re here because: You don’t always need a fancy cocktail. Sometimes you just need a warm and friendly place with a killer jukebox.
You’re dining on: Pork Tacos and a Capsized Colada.

171 Avenue C (map)
Website

Blue Light
Meatpacking

You’re here because: OK fine, sometimes you do need a fancy cocktail. Also maybe decanted pours of top-shelf spirits served on ‘70s-era cocktail carts.
You’re dining on: Nightly vinyl sets and good times.

357 West 16th Street (map)
Website

Tali & Tali Dolce
Flatiron

You’re here because: Going gluten-free has been a real damper on your Italian feasting … until now.
You’re dining on: Old world recipes like Pasta Bolognese and Meyer Lemon Spaghetti, all sans gluten.

77 Lexington Avenue (map)
Website

Merakia: Greek MountainThief Spithouse + Steak
Flatiron

You’re here because: If the name alone didn’t peak your curiosity, the stunning interiors will.
You’re dining on: Spit-roasted, Greek-influenced meats. A whole helluva lot of meat. Vegetarians, best to take your game elsewhere.

5 West 21st Street (map)
Website

Shuka
South Village

You’re here because: Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja’s intense and provocative Eastern Mediterranean aromas lured you in from down the block.
You’re dining on: Shareable dips like Roasted Corn Hummus and moving into larger selects to the tune of Pork Kofta, Tagine with Cod, Whole Porgy and Veggie Paella.

38 MacDougal Street (map)
Website

Tokyo Record Bar
Greenwich Village

You’re here because: It’s a trip to tiny Tokyo record bars for a Japanese audiophile experience complete with cocktails and more.
You’re dining on: Custom a la carte Izakaya eats paired with the vinyl selects and a whole lotta sake.

127 MacDougal Street (map)
Website