Ernesto’s

Many chowhounds flock to this windowed corner spot on the Lower East Side because of Ryan Bartlow. The gifted chef, whose menu often changes, has worked at the seminal Alinea in Chicago, NYC steakhouse Quality Eats and in Spain’s Basque region (Ernesto’s is named for Ernest Hemingway, who loved the Spanish way of life). Look for shareable items like thinly sliced Ibérico ham piled up with potato chips and batter-fried hake topped with peppers. Bask in the experience at the long bar staffed by first-class bartenders.