Admittedly, we had walked by the Murray Hill restaurant that boasts ‘Indian Culinary Bliss’ many times before. The 3D neon red lettering raised above a gray stone backdrop reading ‘Nirvana’ seemed to open up to a casual Lexington Avenue bar that appeared to also serve some Indian-inspired fare. But as it’s often said, looks can be deceiving – and a first time visit would unveil a restaurant that has quite a bit to offer in a neighborhood often derided for its lack of quality dining options.

With our reservation in hand, we were transported from the dimly lit first floor bar and lounge to a nicely decorated upstairs dining area, where flower-embroidered chairs and exposed brick walls were both inviting and eye-catching. Moderate music played in the background as we surveyed our surroundings, outfitted with decorative Indian borders and dark brown hard wood floors, setting a particularly cozy layout for the smorgasbord of tasty eats to follow. Although the vibe here is decisively mellow, the flavors and ingredients used in dish after dish are anything but – a testament to the authenticity of the restaurant.

Boasting a reasonably priced lunch buffet that attracts a slew of guests, Nirvana is actually quite popular during mid-week lunch hours. Our first visit however would take place on a weeknight, where the dining room would be littered with couples and families toasting to the holiday season. Unsurprisingly, the menu at Nirvana is quite vast though not quite overwhelming. For relative novices that prefer to dine in open-minded fashion, it is best to lean on your friendly server for suggestions despite the fact that many of dishes are all traditional – and truthfully, all delicious.

Succulent “Saag Paneer” –fresh spinach and cheese cubes ($15), decadent “Aloo Gobi Mutter” – cauliflower in a fresh ginger spice ($15) and even the mouthwatering “Garlic Naan” – toasted and flavored Indian-style pita bread ($6) proved to be wonderful tableside accompaniments for the main course offerings that quite literally filled us to the brim. Six of the restaurant’s roasted “Lamb Chops” ($30) packed particular flavor, marinated in the Chef’s special blend of spices. Paired with some hearty roasted potatoes and a smattering of greens, the juicy and tender meat pulled easily off the bone, highlighted by an array of marbled gristle that left our salted lips smacking.

To counteract some of the spice we encountered in the richly sweet “Chicken Vindaloo” (a steal at $14), we doused our plates with some of the aforementioned naan and plucked spoonful after spoonful of tasty rice from the coconut-like hotpot that house the “Shrimp Biryani” ($21). The immensely tasty dish was served piping hot, with decadently sauced bulbous shrimp tails jutting out from atop the container, lacquered in a creamy yellow-tinted coating. The combination of spices and herbs covering the rice and shrimp was otherworldly, with each starch-filled spoonful working to sufficiently satiate our formerly big appetites.

From the interior décor to the wildly flavorful cuisine, Nirvana of Murray Hill left upon us an indelible first impression. The outstanding service would serve to punctuate an otherwise terrific dining experience that won’t force you to take out a home equity line of credit to afford. Centrally located near Grand Central Station and equipped with a sea of dishes to satisfy even the choosiest of diners, Nirvana proves that once can reach a transcendent state of contentedness, even when dining out for traditional Indian fare.

  

While Murray Hill as a whole has seen a bit of a restaurant renaissance in recent years- with chefs like Morimoto, Bloomfield, Talde and Smillie all piloting successful outposts in the neighborhood- there had previously been a dearth of noteworthy eateries in an area known more for locales featuring 1980’s music, fifty flat screen televisions or the places with the name ‘Mercury’ in its title.  That began to change in 2014 when a contemporary American dining establishment propped up its flag on a busy corner of Third Avenue, an area that had been largely earmarked by the college rank and file ducking in and out of sports bars.  It was there on 37^th Street where Hendriks opened up shop, featuring a modern and industrial space that brought a rejuvenated feel to a block of storefronts begging for a contemporary makeover.  Earmarked by craft cocktails and a strong mixology program, the space had always been an ideal one for the Happy Hour crowd, and as we learned after subsequent visits, had also offered up a favorable weekend brunch menu, flexible enough for large groups or for visiting parents from out of town.

During our most recent visit however, the jam-packed and dimly lit space offered spillover folks a new experience, tucked just around the outdoor corner into Hendriks’ brand new Atrium, equipped with a fully stocked bar of its own and additional seating to accommodate greater guest count in a chic, private-like setting.  Better yet, the comfortable setup would also serve the classic Hendriks’ dinner menu, replete with offerings from the “Smoked Pork Belly Risotto” ($21) to the savory “Black Angus Burger” ($17), both of which we’ve sampled in previous visits.

The just opened space is still seemingly a work in progress but certainly showcases a precursor of things to come.  String lights lay just above the restaurant’s cozy cocktail cove where white exposed brick plays as a welcoming sight during the winter months- the lodge like feel here makes delicious drinks like the “Hendricks Old Fashioned ($12) and the Malbec and gin meshed “True Blood ($11) particularly enjoyable.  Just a few steps away from the bustling bartender’s hustle sits a relatively nondescript but utterly comfortable dining room- spacious enough for large work parties (like on this night) but also pleasantly quiet to allow dinner conversation to shine.

Although the food at Hendriks might not be transcendent, it is often quite good.  And given the overall options in this part of town, there might not be a finer dining option.  The “Maine Crab Cake” ($13) and “Chickpea Fritters” ($9) are both generously portioned, rich in taste and outfitted with delicious seasonings.   Hunks of lobster meat sit atop shells of nicely cooked ravioli (“Lobster & Ravioli” ($30)) rather than stuffed inside each envelope – but the dish works overall because of that sort of distinctiveness.  It is a serving that delivers far better in practice than it might be interpreted on paper, doused in a buttery sage sauce and surrounded by a smattering of seasonal vegetables.

While other items like “Beef Short Rib Au Jus” ($28) and the “Roasted Double Cut Pork Chop” ($29) might warrant the menu attention of your eyeballs, seafood-focused fare was the showstealer during our most recent trip.  From the “Clams Linguine” ($23) to the “Lobster Risotto” ($32) to the “Seared Branzino” ($29), an evening special that showcased masterful technique – it was clear that despite its attention by locals as a meat-lovers haven, Hendriks also has a fairly refined side to its cooking.  The “Rotisserie Free Range Chicken” ($19) was perhaps our favorite dish of the evening – served alongside baby carrots, whipped potatoes and Brussels sprouts the way any piping hot, home-cooked meal should.  And just writing about it in retrospect as temperatures begin to dip has us longing for a return visit to pour some red wine, grab a seat at The Atrium bar and do it all over again.

The health conscious New Yorker is a finicky beast. And though seemingly Manhattan is home to a juice bar on every corner, both quality and freshness seem to perpetually remain suspect. Enter Exki, a word that literally means ‘Nature’s Kitchen.’ It just so happens to be a local, fast-casual restaurant that officially celebrated its relaunch earlier this month at its 28th Street location just West of Murray Hill. Focused mostly on local and seasonal fare, the restaurant’s re-branding has afforded it both the flexibility to cater to both health-food seekers and the more atypical office crowd, looking for that newfangled spot from which to grab lunch.

With more than 85 locations popping up around the world since 2001, the relaunched New York City location is both brightly lit and inviting. Amid an ‘urban garden’ feel, guests are welcome to grab food and go or camp out behind a laptop for awhile and indulge in some of Exki’s especially excellent array of coffees, juices and smoothies- of which we can recommend ‘The Cocktail’ ($7.30), equipped with a green tea base, ginger, mango, apple and papaya. And as in most new restaurants, customization is becoming king. Fortunately Exki’s got you covered here as well with Breakfast and Lunch Bowls to suit one’s fancy.

On a recent morning walk in midtown, a craving struck up for an Acai Bowl. Unfortunately, we couldn’t name a place nearby to appease such a unique craving. With Acai Pudding, Matcha Pudding and Coconut-Chia, all of which is organic, $10 gets you a smattering of ingredients from hemp seeds and black mission figs to vegan granola, walnuts and dried apricots.  Lunch fare here is equally compelling.  Choose from a freshly stocked refrigerator of pre-made (and reasonably priced) sandwiches and salads- or create a ‘Warm Bowl’ of your own, advised by the restaurant’s friendly staff.

Warm bases like farro and a blend of quinoa & cauliflower rice lend themselves to either salmon or chicken or a handful of vegetarian options.  From there, the decisions are solely yours.  Roasted butternut squash, marinated artichokes, shaved radish- it all blends deliciously under the likes of a toasted walnut vinaigrette or a mild curry dressing.  And with prices ranging from just $10-$13 each, the value proposition at Exki is certainly competitive, given each dish’s fresh run of ingredients and savory flavors.

Give our photo gallery a stroll through above- and make sure to give Exki a quick visit.  You’ve had the run-of-the-mill burrito bowls and overpriced salads seemingly day in and day out.  Time to try something new and something fresh.  Something Exki-llent!

If you’re clued into the New York restaurant scene, then everything you’ve heard is true. The spacious Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro, which has for years been the standard bearer in a Murray Hill neighborhood whose reputation precedes it, is moving. The new space, just blocks away is slated to grow the restaurant in size three-fold, to a sprawling multi-level, 11,000 square foot setting. While the move is anticipated for early 2016, there are a multitude of reasons to check out the existing space now, fittingly with the holiday season rapidly approaching.

In their current space, Artisanal has been a seminal part of Murray Hill’s only recently expanding array of notable restaurants. In fact, they were probably the first- and certainly enjoys the most staying power. But while other eateries have come and gone, the sizable French-inspired brasserie has managed to change with the fickle dining habits of New Yorkers, leaning on one of the city’s most unflinching culinary loves: cheese. The current space is home to a massive cheese cave, allowing for private tastings and parties, but the everyman can also be wooed by the more than 100 varieties of cheese being offered on a given evening. The dining area meanwhile is definitively upscale, but in an approachable and un-stuffy way. Tables are roomy so that guests can comfortably shift around without worrying about elbowing their neighbors- a surprising touch given that most newly opened restaurants have shifted in the opposite direction. But even if you aren’t a devoted lover of cheese, there’s plenty offered on Artisanal’s menu to appease any diner’s appetite.

Rolling out their Thanksgiving inspired menu for folks staying local on New York City’s most popular parade night, we worked our way through a variety of courses from cheeses, charcuterie and a pair of fondues to an array of sweet desserts- with some tasty drinks thrown in for good measure. Seasonally speaking, the cream-filled “Pumpkin Bisque” was an especially rich offering. Guests all around us would join in for the collective slurping of thick orange broth paired with a subtle cranberry chutney and a fluffy marshmallow right in the center for balance. Deliciously sweet without being overly filling, the soup was an excellent precursor to the heavier fare that would follow. Equally as light, the “Smoked Trout Salad” was loaded with hunks of fresh chilled fish meat, tossed with capers and black grapes. Given the hearty main courses to close out the dining experience, the especially fishy-tasting salad (which we really enjoy) was a nice change of pace and the smoked trout, lacquered in a sweet sherry vinaigrette paired well with the bitter greens that lay beneath.

(Two of Artisanal’s seasonally prepared cocktails)

 

Now Thanksgiving, while typically turkey day for most, can also be a popular holiday for ham lovers as well. With that in mind, Artisanal’s “Grilled Honey Ham” was especially eye-catching when placed tableside. The picturesque pink color, earmarked by char burns on each thick cut of pork was almost too photogenic to eat- evidenced by the flashing cell phones undoubtedly as folks raced to throw pictures up on Instagram. Sided by some of the most delicious “Crispy Brussels Sprouts” and perfectly prepared “Sweet Potato Puree” imaginable, the combination of protein and sides here were especially noteworthy. Capping off our early Thanksgiving though was a succulent and juicy “Roasted Amish Farms Turkey,” served in thick skin-laden slices to the delight of our table. The arrangement was complemented by a plate of fresh autumn vegetables, which joined each morsel of turkey meat in being drowned by a ladleful of piping hot white gravy. Each bite of traditionally prepared turkey and its side of cranberry ginger coulis tasted remarkably homemade, leaving us longing for the big family dinners that we’d become so accustomed to before moving to the big City.

Though Artisanal is slated for a new home next year, past visitors deserve to give the historic space one final look before another New York institution shuts its doors and moves toward Park Avenue South. Fortunately, not much has changed inside over the years- it still enjoys an entirely comfortable atmosphere, dedicated service and a welcoming setting. The restaurant has managed to both see its menu evolve, while maintaining its very own sense of history. And around the holidays, that’s the kind of neighborhood staple that’s well worth celebrating.

In 2015, Resto is the lesser known sister restaurant to the casual nose-to-tail dining meets small but extensive beer mart that is The Cannibal, replete with even smaller offshoots popping up all over town (see: Gotham West Market). But through a small doorway in the Murray Hill outpost lies a fully fleshed out restaurant preparing similar fare, albeit with a lesser focus on animal offal- though the menu is a bit more dynamic. Since opening in 2007, Resto has been a neighborhood trailblazer of sorts- an early precursor for the more sophisticated style of fare that the area has since become ready for. In a part of town associated with frat boys and recent collegiate grads, Murray Hill has undergone a slight resurgence in recent years- and perhaps we have Resto to thank.

Though the Belgian inspired fare here is certainly approachable, your bill can add up in a hurry thanks to a sizable beer list that boasts hundreds of bottled imports from around the globe. Unfortunately though, the most reasonably priced sits at around $8 each. We grabbed a couple bottles of the “Grimbergen Blonde,” a Belgian import that meshed elements which were both sweet and hoppy and proved to be a nice marriage to the briny mason jar of “Pickled Vegetables” ($5) that awaited us at the bar.

Each of the restaurant’s 10 bar seats were filled with patrons, and each was sipping on a different imported beer. The casual setting here is uniform among the staff and the fare being served- like a friend that wants to introduce you to something new that you’ll like. Festively some fun hip-hop is piped in overhead just enough to notice but quiet enough so that you’re encouraged to be conversational. Inside the rest of the decor is appropriately minimal, with light fixtures aplenty surrounding the quaint 70 seat space and an exposed brick back wall that allows the main dining area itself to be its own focal point. Warm weather months allow for minimal patio seating- especially for the bottomless brunch types- directly in front of Resto’s exterior, adorned like a modernized countryside garden, both charming and welcoming at once.

Though the food at Resto is hardly transcendant and often pricy, it’s also quite good. Perhaps because we fancied a trip to an upscale beer bar, we had been expecting something a bit more affordable. But with expectations thrown out the window, order up the “Crispy Shrimp” ($15), playfully described to us as ‘buffalo wings with shrimp.’ The delicately battered bulbous shrimp are decorated with fried garlic, rubbed with a harissa paste and served in a bed of creamy smoked yogurt. The tender and delicious dish left us longing for a few extra pieces, even as we nibbled on Resto’s “Grilled Octopus,” nicely charred and served with root vegetables and bitter greens for flavor contrast.

Often, the restaurant will also be preparing some inventive specials and the beautifully plated “Lamb Tartare” ($16) hit it out of the park. Served atop a bed of broccoli rabe pesto, the chewy pink and red lamb hunks were paired with a lemon noisette or a French style of hazelnut butter that richly resembled foie gras and each smooth and decadent morsel was quickly lapped up in anticipation of the main course. Considering that Resto Chef Francis Derby notably hails from ‘The Island’ and our affinity for the beaked mammal, selecting the “Long Island Duck” ($27) was a no-brainer. Four thick slices of seared duck breast lay in front of us, atop a hearty and creamy albufera sauce and a smattering of lentils. The skin, admittedly a bit fattier than we’re used to, was appropriately seasoned and flavorful, allowing the added roasted turnips to really stand out on the plate. Though this may not be the City’s best duck, it was a perfectly suitable and well prepared cut for our taste.

Though its often overshadowed by its jam-packed sister eatery, Resto is a fine destination rather than a back-up choice. Its meat-heavy menu is sure to appease any carniverous craving and its beer list will make any of your bearded friends salivate at the seemingly endless selections. An ideal visit here might be some beers and bites as part of your first or last stop of the night considering that much of the menu (and brews for that matter) at Resto can be quite heavy. But so are most other Belgian inspired restaurants that aren’t nearly as good as this one.

Rundown of the Meal

Bar Snacks
Pickled Vegetables ($5)

Small Plates
Crispy Shrimp ($15)*
Grilled Octopus*

Specials
Lamb Tartare ($16)*

Large Plates
Long Island Duck ($27)

* Meal Highlight

Set amid the backdrop of the sun setting along the East River, the folks at Edible Manhattan hosted a seasonally appropriate food tasting event at Murray Hill’s The Water Club on Wednesday evening. The event would benefit the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, welcoming in dozens of guests to the waterfront space rife with fresh seafood and unlimited drinks to appease the after work crowd’s collective appetite. For three full hours, eventgoers were able to kick back and imbibe in an unparalleled summertime setting.

We were among the first to arrive at The Water Club, where we were whisked to the second floor  outdoor patio. Despite threatening all week, the thunderstorms held off during the course of the evening which allowed guests to really bask in what was left of the day’s natural light. Wine and spirits purveyors outlined a small tented area to house guests for the event while small and tasty bites courtesy of Dock to Dish would be brought out by a sea of young servers- and subsequently swarmed by all of the attendees at once in vulture-like fashion. That said, eats like “Cheeseburger Sliders,” “Buffalo Skate Wing,” “Shrimp Kebabs” and “Bluefish Tacos” made plenty of rounds and were particularly delicious.

Washing down many of the hors d’ouerves were an assortment of locally crafted cocktails courtesy of Atsby Vermouth, Stillhouse Whiskey and Widow Jane, whose lemony ‘Rye Not’ drink was pleasantly refreshing. Though the crisp pours of Brooklyn Brewery’s “Summer Ale” certainly hit the spot, we found ourselves returning time and again to chat with the ladies of The Lenz Winery from North Fork. The Long Island boutique winemaker was pouring three different varietals- the standout of which was a 2011 white blend of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris called “Tete-a-Tete.” Exotic and flavorful, the subtle wine proved perfect in pairing with much of the evening’s seafood- including a “Fried Calamari Slider” served on a rustic focaccia with aioli.

Though Edible’s “Seafood Soiree” was a relatively small affair for the magazine and online outlet, it was certainly tasteful especially considering the refined atmosphere. This wasn’t an evening to drink as much as possible and get sloppy drunk with your pals and despite the preponderance of delicious alcohol, the “Soiree” was more about savoring the taste of the selection of drinks in front of you. But as far as the food went- you were better off scarfing down whatever you were able to grab- as the vulture hands certainly seem to come out in the summertime.

- Dave Gendelson

It’s important that you set all aspersions aside when you consider dining at a spot called Sticky’s Finger Joint, a place that recently opened their second Manhattan outpost on a friendly Murray Hill corner. To describe the place as fast food would be unfairly labeling the niche eatery whose finished product far exceeds what you might expect to taste from an anything-but-ordinary ode to the chicken finger. And with the younger skewing neighborhood, replete with a bar at every step, it’s clear that this location of Sticky’s is set to do some bonkers business especially with the late night crowd.

There’s a small and colorful sign that sits atop the black brick exterior at Sticky’s that reads ‘Perhaps the greatest chicken finger you have ever had.’ Alone, the sentiment certainly seems well intentioned- that is until you walk beneath the bright 1970′s style neon orange signage and step inside the Finger Joint to give Sticky’s a taste for yourself. Inside, there are a handful of seats- which is fine considering that you’re going to want to eat these at home so that nobody can see you. The space is brightly lit, showing off the massive menu above the counter which is equipped with enough sauces and styles to make your head spin. While you wait for your order, take some time to gaze at the place’s eye-catching mural that contrary to popular opinion is not actually 3-D wall art.

At Sticky’s, there is no shortage of ordering options from single fingers to poppers, classic or spicy style and that’s before considering a multitude of sauces and toppings. While some offerings are certainly better than others, much of ordering at Sticky’s depends greatly upon your personal tastes and perhaps even more so, your mood at the time. Feel like having a chicken finger just one way? No problem. Care to customize your own? No problem. Whatever the preparation, their chicken fingers are absolutely scrumptious. The crunchy bread crumb laden exterior is fried to a crispy crunch, but inside the strips are undeniably tender and never dry. Over the years, over-cooked and juiceless chicken fingers have been given a bad name by Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and other catered affairs which essentially have them tanning under a warming light for the better part of nine hours. Sticky’s gets the basic finger just right and all of the accoutrements work to enhance these flavors admirably.

“French Onion Supreme Fingers” ($10.10) & “Bacon Mac Fries” ($5.51)

 

Signature offerings like the “Cool Tikka Masala,” a subtly sweet curry-style coconut sauce and the “French Onion Supreme” topped in crispy bacon, tasty scallions, fried onions and a rich onion cream were both notably delicious. But the move at Sticky’s is to simply order up some plain fingers and choose a variety of sauces for dipping. Additional sauces are priced at just .92, so there’s no sense in being conservative here. While the “Jalapeno Mac Sauce,” which lacquered the (pardon the pun) finger-licking “Bacon Mac & Cheese Fries” ranked up there with the very best gooey cheeses that we’ve ever tasted, we went absolutely wild for our other two selections- both of which are must tries. First, “Sticky’s Sauce” is like a savory cinnamon bun frosting- a not overly sweet white barbecue sauce that is rich and creamy, like no sauce you’ve ever tasted. Somehow, just as spectacular, the “Buffalo Balsamic Maple” infuses maple syrup and balsamic vinegar with more traditional wing sauce in an incredible way. Sweet and tangy, the versatile sauce would be a fine pairing with just about anything, but smothered on a soft, tender chicken finger- it’s simply delectable.

“Large Classic Fingers” ($11.48) & “Cool Tikka Masala Finger” ($3.21)

 

Keep your expectations tempered when going in and then prepare to have your mind blown at Sticky’s Finger Joint, a fast-casual, mostly takeout spot that caters solely to an audience of comfort food lovers and drunk young-ins. Forget all those that you’ve had before Sticky’s, because one thing is certain: you’ve never had chicken fingers quite like these. We’d like to give them a finger of our own- a resounding thumb’s up.

Rundown of the Meal

A La Carte Fingers
Large Classic Fingers ($11.48)* – 5 Fingers with Two Sauces
Homemade Sauces ($0.92) – Sticky’s Sauce*, Buffalo Balsamic Maple*, Jalapeno Mac

Signature Fingers
Order of 3 ($10.50, $3.21 per additional) – French Onion Supreme, Cool Tikka Masala*

Fries & Sides
Bacon Mac Fries ($5.51)*

*Meal Highlight

Pino Wine Bar
156 East 33rd Street near Third Avenue, Murray Hill
917-475-1131
Getting There: 6 to 33rd Street
http://www.pinowinebar.com

This week, I grab a seat inside of a place with no real signage to speak of- but it’s a place that’s always buzzing and always busy. Parked just steps away from secretive cocktail laboratory Middle Branch sits Pino, an intimate and charming little wine bar that popped up in Murray Hill just five short months ago. It’s been perpetually packed just about every time we’ve walked by the space with the open air setting a definitive boon to business in warm weather months. Ultimately, the place simply has this inviting quality about it, alluring you to pull up a stool for a pour and to hang out there for hours.

In recent years, this one little strip of 33rd Street has really become a destination for Murray Hillers with such an array of variety on the block. Younger skewing folks are likely to frequent the passable Mexican fare of Caliente Cab Co. on the Third Avenue corner or S’Mac a bit further up the street. Meanwhile staples like 2nd Ave. Deli continue to attract families and older folks for their legendary sandwiches and soups. More recently though, the arrival of Sticky’s Finger Joint, Middle Branch, and the neighborhood’s best (and darkest) craft beer bar, Cask, have made this stretch a diverse and (gulp) adult part of the hood to frequent. That’s where Pino fits in.

A single outdoor table rests just outside the place’s bar area, where just two employees are pouring wines and feeding a few dozen guests. Inside, exposed brick walls only add to the place’s allure- a casual and comfortable place to taste some new wines poured, priced between $10 and $14 per glass. Considering the place’s size – the ‘kitchen’ is about three feet wide by five feet long and is adjacent to the back bar- the menu of tapas and small bites is surprisingly sizable. From smaller plates like “Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes” ($14) and “Roasted Baby Lamb Chops” ($17) to six different flatbreads, nothing offered at Pino exceeds $20- so it’s a perfectly fine place to get your night started.

There are a handful of beers on tap featuring the likes of Duvel, Empire, Abita and Stella Artois available during our visit, but the place is called Pino for a reason. And with more than a dozen selected wines served by the bottle or glass, that’s what you’ll want to taste here. The 2011 Dreyer “Cabernet Sauvignon” ($14) was a smooth choice, recommended by our bartender. Nice and dry but bold with flavors, this would have been a brilliant pairing with Pino’s “Truffled Organic Turkey Meatballs” ($12), had I been eating of course. Their house made “White Sangria” ($11) was also quite impressive. Sweet for sure, but wonderfully crisp with pungent hints of cinnamon pairing with the fresh apple slices in each glass. Though my party only hung around for a few drinks- Pino earned a good deal of bonus points as a hidden gem in a neighborhood that’s hardly ever associated with places this mature.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A cozy and intimate wine bar, better than most of the others in The Hill.

When to Visit – Any night of the week. The place is always crowded to the extent that the seats are all filled, but if you can grab one, you’ll be absolutely comfortable.

Value - Glasses of wine are in the $11-$14 range as are most of the tapas style dishes. So certainly not the cheapest spot to imbibe, but it’s not necessarily out of line with the New York City norm.

The Lowdown – Pino is a little wine bar with a lot of character and due to its lack of signage, unless you’re in the area often, you’re probably unfamiliar with the place. But sitting inside at the bar- take a look at passersby on the street fondly looking inside, envious that you’re at a place that just looks like it would be a good time. That’s Pino. We’ve been on the outside plenty of times- and after finally stepping in for a few rounds, it’s as charming a place as there is for a glass of wine and some good conversation in Murray Hill or elsewhere.

Rooftop Lounge at Pod39 Hotel
145 East 39th Street near Lexington Avenue, Murray Hill
212-865-5800
Getting There: 4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central-42nd Street
http://www.thepodhotel.com/pod-hotel-entertainment/

The rooftop extension of Salvation Taco is in full swing now that the weather is warm, though you’d be best served to have a friend leave work by 4:30pm if you have any chance of securing some space there. That said, the Rooftop Lounge at Pod39 Hotel is an absolutely awesome summertime haunt that’s sized perfectly enough to feel exclusive. And it’s got a festively Mexican inspired outdoor atmosphere that lets even long time City dwellers act and feel like they’re on vacation.

The 17th floor of the hotel opens up to a wide open roofdeck overlooking Midtown. Lines of lightbulbs are draped across the entire space overhead from the Aztec-like pillars which light up the rooftop at night. The small rectangular bar becomes the immediate focal point of the area with its black and white striped roof visible from street level and the swarm of young people that surround its every inch. With speakers in just about every corner, the background music- almost all hip hop during my visit- only adds to the energetic ambiance where the tables that outline the entire roof and the hightops, all with first-come, first-serve availability are almost all filled up.

It’s a seasonal rooftop bar in a burgeoning neighborhood especially for young folk, that sits above a taco restaurant inside of a hotel spawned by celebrity chef April Bloomfield. What I’m trying to hint at is that if you’re looking for cheap drinks, you’d be better served to try somewhere else. The Salvation Taco food and drink menu is a bit more limited on the rooftop, where beers run from $7-$10 and cocktails are $13. Pitchers of sangria and margaritas are a whopping $65 range as well, so just be prepared to whip out the wallet for any extended stay. But the strawberry-jalapeno infused “Firefly” ($13) is particularly tasty and pairs well with the $7 “Chips & Salsa.” Basically if you can stomach the cost of goods, you’ll really enjoy yourself here.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A fantastic hotel rooftop bar that is way more casual than it is pretentious.

When to Visit – The scene here is buzzing at Happy Hour so be forewarned that you’ll need to arrive early for any chance at being comfortable. That said, the place is fantastic to kick back and stick around for a couple of hours- though you’ll pay out the nose. Our advice? Early evening on the weekend for a few drinks is perfect. The crowd has thinned some before dinner and after the daytime and the scorching sun should still suit your pale arms just fine.

Value - Rooftop. Hotel. April Bloomfield restaurant menu. They are not doing you any favors.

The Lowdown – There are no shortage of places attempting to capitalize on the ‘summer in New York’ phenomenon and with a preponderance of patios and gardens and rooftops opening up year after year, you’d think you’d be able to find some room at one of these places. But the Rooftop Lounge at Pod39 is as relaxing a setting as any of them and if timed properly, there’s no excuse to not enjoy yourself here. From the tasty drinks to the breathtaking views to the packs of likeminded people, trying to enjoy themselves just as much as you are, this is an ideal spot to wet your whistle just before the sun becomes unbearable. In other words, ‘Drink Here Now.’

Bottomzup Bar & Grill
344 Third Avenue near 25th Street, Murray Hill
646-918-7220
Getting There: 6 to 23rd Street
http://www.bottomzupnyc.com

In a day and age where literally every place dubs itself a sports bar, newly opened Murray Hill haunt Bottomzup literally makes them all seem amateur. Spawned from an idea that combines the very best of tailgating with a bar that looks and feels like an ideal man cave, the space is rife with legendary likenesses of sports figures and flat screen televisions covering every inch of the place. But the sheer variety of food being offered- from its raw bar to its sushi rolls- make it a stand out spot where you can enjoy any game and eat pretty well too.

Bottomzup opened in New York City back in November, the second such haunt that shares the same name as its Carle Place, New York predecessor. The bar sports a whopping forty-five 60 inch televisions all over the place, which is probably the most eye catching spectacle that entices heavy street traffic- aside from the cartoonish bar sign that sits overhead on Third Avenue. With 3400 square feet, there’s nowhere for you to sit out of range of a slew of televisions showing a multitude of sports games through and through, with sound, which lends itself to a highly energetic stadium-like experience inside. Also, there are more than a dozen draught beers on tap here including some of the bigger craft breweries and about fifteen others in bottled form- all priced in the $5-$8 range.

Televisions aside, the star here is the top-to-bottomz menu, featuring the likes of six different wing sauces on the $10 “Buffalo Wings,” southern fare like the “Kansas City Rib Stacker” ($10) and “North Carolina Sweet Potato Fries” ($6), and a full sushi bar. The bar offers $5 drink specials three nights a week with solid Happy Hour deals until 7pm nightly as well as great specials on game day- but not unfortunately during the playoffs- which we learned the hard way. Beginning in February, the space expands to also include a bottomless brunch for $25 which includes one of their lip-smacking morning entrees, and which will hopefully expose some new folks to one of the City’s best new sports bars that proudly dons that badge of honor admirably.

The Rundown

Bar Type - Perhaps New York City’s finest and most well rounded, if not overly kitschy, sports bar.

When to Visit – Game nights definitely. Tons of rowdy folks and game day sound played loudly in the bar.

Value - Happy Hour runs from just $4-7, but the values are pretty great for booze and food including $1 oysters and $2 sliders and $10 pitchers of light beer.

The Lowdown – We make a point to stop into newly opened bars so you can imagine our great fascination with Bottomzup, which combines everything we love about beer and sports in the same place as a staff of good looking girls to serve. The food here far exceeds what you’re likely to find at any traditional ‘sports bar’ and because of the neighborhood, there’s a good chance that waiting for tables will be a bit easier than some of its competitors. There aren’t many better sports bars in Murray Hill and dare I say the City because Bottomzup caters to men and women equally- even on game day.