By Peter Elston.

A.G. Kitchen

A neighborhood favorite since it first opened in summer 2012, A. G. Kitchen offers a tantalizing blend of Latin American and American cuisine. Named for the initials of famed Food Network personality, cookbook author, and Chef Alex Garcia, the restaurant offers comfort cuisine with a modern twist. It's become renowned for its varieties of made-to-order guacamole (classic, pineapple and pomegranate, and papaya and mint), plus entrées such as the Brazilian-style samba chicken, Manhattan Latin burger, surf 'n' turf and seafood paella (lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken, and chorizo with saffron rice and calamari salad), and the city's most authentic-tasting Cubano sandwich. Another highlight is the 100-year-old mahogany bar, the perfect perch for enjoying specialty cocktails like the Mango Mayhem (mango/lime/chili pepper-infused vodka, passion fruit juice, and fresh lime) and the Cilantro Daiquiri.

For more information:
agkitchen.com

Brad's Brew

Located adjacent to Columbia University's School of Journalism, Brad's Brew is a popular destination for the university's students looking for artisanal sandwiches and fair-trade coffee on-the-go. Named after the restaurant's owner, Jeremy Wladis' father, an alumna of the university, Brad's Brews delights patrons with dishes like the Italian sub (salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone) and the fish tail (chicken, apple, grapes, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds). Brad's Brew also offers a variety of sweet treats, making it the ideal spot for anyone looking to satisfy a craving for espresso, iced coffee, cookies, or cupcakes—or all of the above.

For more information:
bradsbrew.com

Good Enough To Eat

Sate your craving for traditional American home cooking at this 30-plus-year-old Upper West Side establishment that caters to neighborhood regulars, international travelers, and celebrities alike. Dig in to classic breakfast dishes like apple pancakes, bacon waffles, or New York State eggs and homemade-daily buttermilk biscuits. Hearty lunch options include sandwiches served on freshly-baked bread, gooey mac 'n' cheese, and salads. Popular dinner items include the traditional turkey dinner (roasted turkey served with cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, and sautéed kale), charcoal-grilled New York strip steak, and pork chops with maple orange mashed sweet potatoes. Desserts such as indulgent cakes, pies, and rich homemade ice cream satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

For more information:
goodenoughtoeat.com