Burger at Bareburger in the #UpperEastSide, #NYC

Bareburger, the Upper East Side thanks you for blessing its burger barren streets with your presence. 

The pictured Big Blue Bacon cheese burger is loaded with blue cheese, bourbon sauteed mushrooms, apple smoked onions, blackened maple bacon and apple chutney atop a perfected medium rare hunk of local beef. Bareburger is all about keeping it organic and keeping it local while maintaining a serious burger following. 

If beef isn’t your thing, Bareburger has several sandwich options, alternative burgers, and veggie choices too. And really good beer and wine. It’s a clean establishment. 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Fish at Joseph Leonard in the #WestVillage, #NYC

Joseph Leonard is just about as flawless as you can get. Studying the menu beforehand is probably a good idea otherwise you can bet on endless indecision while munching on complimentary gherkins.

Dine in absolute comfort in this dimly lit, intimate establishment. The wait staff is calm and never gives off a hint of impatience as you get lost in conversation over some red. Not pictured is the caramel pudding dessert. A light pudding that doesn’t leave you with post meal fatigue. 

Come here on an off night to avoid a long wait. Come here like we did, during a torrential downpour on an off night to avoid any wait at all. 

Joseph Leonard is the sister to Jeffrey’s Grocery, Fedora and Perla. 

Shrimp Corndogs & Oysters at The Mermaid Inn in the #EastVillage, #NYC

Those shrimp look like they were once an item. Their legacy will live on.

The Mermaid Inn has the best happy hour, period. (redundant?)

We’re talking about $1 East Coast oysters, $5 Pork Slap and $7 glasses of wine. The interior is beautiful with floor to ceiling windows in the front and consistent oceanic decor. Whoever does the restaurant’s branding does it well. You’ll notice The Mermaid Inn’s logo just about everywhere. 

As you slurp down your 13th oyster and crack open another brew while Fake Plastic Trees plays in the background, you’ll pause and realize that it was totally worth ditching work early to make this happy hour. 

Not pictured are the delicious miniature fish tacos and fried calamari.