 |
| Budget Boozing: NYC’s Best Springtime BYOB Spots
|
 |
|
May 16, 2012
|
 |
If that last round of Cinco de Mayo tequila shots or the recent opening of many a seasonal beer garden has already burned a hole in your wallet this spring, fret not! There are plenty of warm-weather venues which offer delicious, affordable grub, outdoor seating AND the added perk of BYOB deals. So, gather your dearest boozehounds, a bottle of your cheapest (er…finest) wine, and head out to one of these neighborhood gems for fresh, yummy fare, a mellow hang-out space & budget boozing done right!
- Danielle St. Pierre
Black Iris
For a down-to-earth, friendly, no-frills dining experience, you’d be wise to swing by Fort Greene’s Black Iris for a night of cheap, delicious Middle Eastern eats and neighborly vibes. From traditional appetizer offerings like bright, fresh tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and lemony hummus to their outstanding leg of lamb and chicken gyro sandwiches, this is an ideal place for sharing both a platter and a bottle. In addition to offering a BYOB policy with no corking fee, they also supply outdoor seating during the warmer months. So, if your late-night collegiate falafel cart fix has left a hole in your heart, fill the void at Black Iris!
Black Iris 228 Dekalb Ave. Bt. Adelphi St. & Clermont Ave. (Fort Greene) 718-852-9800 |
Tartine
If you’re looking for a cozy new brunch spot and aren’t afraid of a long wait, consider dreamy little French bistro Tartine your new weekend go-to. Though you won’t have any elbow room, you and your girlfriends won’t be disappointed by their simple, honest (and relatively cheap) French fare. For around $15, you can indulge your inner Amélie with entrees like their Croque-Monsieur, decadent French toast, or apple pancakes. Their BYOB policy attempts to make the wait more tolerable, so come prepared with a bottle of rosé!
Tartine 253 W. 11th St. Bt. 4th St. & Waverly Pl. (West Village) 212.229.2611 |
Kaz An Nou
Fresh, Caribbean fare…in Brooklyn? You better believe it, baby! If you’ve worked up an appetite at beautiful nearby Prospect Park, check out a different type of oasis in the neighborhood at French-Caribbean restaurant Kaz An Nou. Taking its name from the phrase “our house” in Antillean Creole, this warm, homey spot aims to make its diners feel like family. With earthy, soulful dishes, an equally hospitable BYOB policy, and live music on Tuesdays and Sundays, Kaz An Nou will easily become your new favorite dinner spot in BK.
Kaz An Nou 53 6th Ave. Bt. Dean & Bergen Sts. (Prospect Heights) 718.938.3235 |
Nana Sushi
With an extensive menu featuring Thai, Malaysian, and Japanese dishes, you might be thankful for Nana’s BYOB policy to aid you with the daunting task of deciding what to eat. You really can’t go wrong with their bright, fresh sushi rolls or sashimi offerings here; check out the crowd favorite Ahi tuna tempura roll with tamarind cilantro sauce ($9). The décor is also delightfully funky, inviting, and eclectic. Their huge outdoor garden space is ideal for larger sake-bombing parties and mellow crowds alike, and rest assured, there is certainly plenty of space for both.
Nana Sushi 511 3rd Ave Bt. 35th & 34th Sts. (Midtown East) 212.683.1088 |
Sottocasa
If you find yourself longing for authentic, brick-oven pizza while wandering around Downtown Brooklyn, stumble into Sottocasa. Somewhat out of place amidst the industrial bustle of Atlantic Ave., this small pizzeria offers warm, intimate ambiance and fresh, authentic Neapolitan-style pies. The real draw here is their unique backyard area, complete with wood-fired oven and cozy picnic tables; prime real estate for a lazy summer night dinner. While they offer a BYOB policy, the only drawback is a steep $18 corking fee. You might be better off grabbing a beer at a dive down the road, but definitely stop by for a crispy, perfectly charred pie.
Sottocasa 298 Atlantic Ave. Bt. Smith & Hoyt Sts. (Cobble Hill) 718.852.8758 |
La Sirène
For seasonal French seafood and a cute, cozy bistro feel, check out SoHo’s La Sirène. Although these entreés are not exactly très cheap (most are in the $20-30 range), the constantly changing menu crafted by Marseille-born chef-owner Didier Pawlicki brings creative twists to traditional Southern French cuisine. No corkage fee in addition to their strongly encouraged BYOB policy makes this 25-seater a perfectly warm, intimate spot to crack open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for the perfect warm night.
La Sirène 558 Broome Street @ Varick St. (SoHo) 212.925.3061 |
Café Himalaya
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for an authentic taste of Tibet, get your fix at this tiny eatery in the East Village. With its sparse, modest interior, this family-owned restaurant definitely won’t wow your new beau, but as we all know, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and Café Himalaya’s menu does not disappoint. The vegetarian dishes here are bright and fragrant, featuring palette-pleasers like Tsel Momo (the Tibetan take on dumplings) and tofu dishes including Chili Dofu (spicy sauteed tofu) and a refreshing Chasha Thang (veggie soup). The next time you find yourself with a hankering for unique eats in the East Village, swing by Café Himalaya with your favorite bottle of wine and a couple friends for fresh, cheap eats this season.
Café Himalaya 78 E 1st St. @ 1st Ave. (East Village) 212.358.0160 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|