5 best kept dining secrets in New York City

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So, you are in New York City? Where to head first? The question should be, where are you going to eat while here. The city is not short on fine restaurants; however, there are some that you may not initially seek out. Here are some of the best-kept dining secrets in NYC.

Peasant Wine Bar (194 Elizabeth St.; peasantnyc.com)

At first glance, you won’t even give this place a second look. Underneath its Italian parent restaurant Peasant, is the wine bar. Stocked with a discounted version of the upstairs restaurant’s menu, you can enjoy a relaxing evening over delicious wood grilled pizzas (around $14,) a simple green salad, and a carafe of Italian red wine. Plus, all of the free olives you can stomach! It’s worth checking out.

The Mermaid Oyster Bar (79 MacDougal St; themermaidnyc.com)

Located in Greenwich Village, this is one dining secret that locals would prefer to keep to themselves. Why is that? It is because of the amazing daily blue plate special at the oyster bar. The special is a rotating $20 plate that features everything from shrimp and avocado to whole roasted Idaho trout. With an impressive wine and beer selection, it will not take you long to realize why Greenwich Village wants to keep this restaurant in Greenwich Village. If the main course doesn’t entice you, you can always check out the delicious oyster bar!

De Robertis Caffé (176 1st Ave; derobertiscaffe.com)

In the 106 years since this café opened, many changes have taken place of the East Side. However, when you step into the café, it is easy to forget what year you are in. From the charming black and white mosaic tiled floors that are reminiscent of a time gone by to the delicious freshly baked desserts, you will lose yourself in other time while there. Some favorites to check out there include sfoliatella (which is a pastry stuff with ricotta) or pine nut crusted cookies. All are delicious and compliment their cappuccino well.

Defonte’s of Brooklyn (261 3rd Ave. defontesofbrooklyn.com)

Opening in 2009, this sandwich shop is considerably younger than some of the restaurants on the list, but it still packs the same delicious punch. The sandwiches served radiate are not difficult or foreign in nature, but are still completely delicious. Check out the hot roast beef (with fried eggs and mozzarella,) or the Sinatra special ( fried steak smothered with tomato sauce and mozzarella.) This is one place that you will not go home hungry after visiting!

J.G. Melon (1291 3rd Ave.)

While in New York, you are going to have no problems finding the exotic or obscure cuisine. But, what about a simple, old-fashioned burger? Look no further than J.G. Melon for this delicious American staple. Eight ounces of burger on a soft white bun with American cheese, red onion, and pickles may this Upper East Side haunt a place to visit. Plus, with a price tag just $9.25 for the burger, how can you resist?

Kevin Burg loves checking out new restaurants, runs through parks, and saving money on insurance at grouphealthinsurance.org