May 23, 2013
  • BYOB spots that'll leave you boozed-up but not maxed-out

    Photo credit: Urbanite

    Bring your favorite bottle of wine to Pâtes et Traditions in Williamsburg. (Caitlin Ragione)

    By Margeaux Baulch Klein

    In addition to saving diners money, BYOB restaurants provide a perk: the ability to drink exactly what you want.

    “No restaurant’s inventory can possibly match all the choices available to a savvy consumer,” said Lynn Hoffman, author of “The Short Course in Beer.” “Someone who loves good beer with dinner can find himself with almost no choices in even the most sophisticated restaurants, but every choice in his market if he brings his own.”

    Pâtes et Traditions

    52 Havemeyer St., btwn N. Sixth and N. Seventh sts., Williamsburg, 646-409-4019

    Decorated like a French country home with beaucoup of flowers and knickknacks, Williamsburg’s newest provincial French restaurant is one of the few in the city to have a loyal French expat following. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the menu of pastas and crepes, including the provençale crepe with shrimp and tomatoes ($11) or, for the more adventurous, the curry crepe ($10). Cash only.

    Catch de Fish

    147 Third Ave., at 15th St., 212-477-7799

    For those looking for a cozy, BYOB date place that doesn’t skimp on atmosphere, Gramercy’s Catch de Fish may be the perfect spot. A Thai restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, Catch de Fish offers a recession-friendly, early-bird dinner special that includes three appetizers and a choice of entrée, including steak, salmon or bass, for only $14. The special runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.

    Abistro

    154 Carlton Ave., btwn Myrtle and Willoughby aves., Clinton Hill, 718-855-9455

    Located in the heart of Clinton Hill, Abistro combines North African-fusion cuisine with upscale comfort food in a lively but intimate atmosphere. Chow down on starters or skip right to the entrees — juicy Senegalese fried chicken ($21), or a bistro burger with Senegalese salsa and seasoned herbed fries ($11). Just be sure to leave room for dessert and a cup of Ethiopian coffee.Mombar

    25-22 Steinway St., at 25th Ave., 718-726-2356

    The dinner menu at Astoria’s Mombar ranges from familiar Middle Eastern food (tangy hummus and falafel) to more adventurous and eccentric Egyptian delicacies (cow feet and lamb brains). Eclectically decorated with mosaic tables and Moroccan and Egyptian decor, the restaurant offers a $30 tasting menu that includes bread, an appetizer and three entrees. Cash only.

    Nook

    746 Ninth Ave., btwn 50th and 51st sts., 212-247-5500

    As its name suggests, Nook can only seat a handful of people in its small but cozy space in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. But what it lacks in square footage it compensates for with its delicious menu of American classics. Try the cheddar burger with rosemary fries ($15) or opt for the spicy citrus marinated shrimp with vegetable couscous ($18). Cash only.

    Poke

    343 E. 85th St., btwn First and Second aves., 212-249-0569

    There is almost always a wait to be seated at this small Upper East Side Japanese restaurant, but its near Nobu-quality sushi makes the delay worth it. Among the large selection of unique and delicious sushi rolls worth sampling are the salmon roll with spicy truffle sauce ($13) and the pearl roll with deep- fried oyster wrapped in seaweed ($7). Cash only.

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