Ditch Plains
29 Bedford St (at Downing St) (map)

Local neighborhood joint that bills itself as a surf bar with a great drink list and diverse menu of comfort food and seafood. They used to have a location on the Upper West Side a block away from our apartment, and we were regulars there for years. We still miss having it nearby, but stopping by this location still feels a little bit like home!

Landmarc TriBeCa
179 West Broadway (map)

Marc Murphy's original NYC restaurant, a sister restaurant to Ditch Plains. This neighborhood fixture serves up fabulous salads, perfectly cooked steaks and daily pasta specials. (Sarah loves the sampler of mini-desserts to share!)

AOA Bar and Grill
35 Avenue of the Americas (map)

The AOA is connected to the Hilton Garden Inn Tribeca. It is spacious, with a huge bar and lots of TVs. It's a great place for gathering a big group or catching a game.

Houston Hall
222 West Houston St (map)

Massive, industrial-looking beer hall in the West Village, with great beer and good bites like giant soft pretzels and Milk Truck grilled sandwiches. Great relaxing place to grab food and a beer during the day, but be warned that it gets packed at night.