Balthazar

Perhaps the most iconic of all the city’s modern restaurants, Balthazar represents a blend of grandiosity, nonchalance and timeworn detail that feels as New York as the Empire State Building.  And while it’s turned this block of Spring Street into one of the most tourist-ridden stretches in lower Manhattan, it still has a dedicated following of New York regulars. The bar, with its brusque barkeeps, mini-booths and two-deep crowd is always cozy, if difficult to get at seat at. And while the wine list, which still offers lots of depth and value, isn’t quite what it used to be, and the cocktails leave much to be desired, it’s still home to one of the best bars (and lighting) in all of Manhattan.