"We love many things about Minetta Tavern: The host’s expression when you ask for a walk-in table on a busy Friday evening. The multitasking waitstaff, who keep up a patter of in-jokes while pouring champagne and changing paper tablecloths between courses. The cozy red leather booths in front, and loud conversations around bigger tables in back. And yes, we love that burger, but for a very special night out, get the côte de boeuf, which comes with salad and a half-portion of fantastically jiggly bone marrow. The menu isn’t strictly French—you’ll find things like truffle mac and cheese and housemade pappardelle—but the spirit is pure joie de vivre." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, sonal shah, will hartman