LUNCH TIME LOUNGES - NEW TREND

The Door Lounge is one of the latest NYC lounges to open up for lunch. Mediterranean style offerings include Honey Lamb Skewers, Hummus with Pita Chips, Crab Cakes and The Door Burger. Restauranteur, Tony Pecora, keeps this lounge constantly updating and expanding.  Eclectic bar concoctions include Sunburn at The Door, Sicilian Kiss Martini and The American Dream.  The Door Lounge is the perfect oasis, day or night. Open every day from 12pm to 2-4am. Tel: 212-594-5541 Located on 9th Ave between 38th and 39th St., www.doorloungenyc.com

AMERICAN

Hard Rock Café In the heart of Times Square, the new Hard Rock Café will make dining out a rockin’ treat!  Besides the capacity to seat over 700 people at once, this new flagship Hard Rock Café location offers unique amenities- a Hard Rock Live Concert Venue for performances and special events and an outdoor terrace for private parties overlooking the glamour and lights of Times Square. Don’t forget to grab an authentic souvenir t-shirt from the huge Rock Shop for yourself and a friend on your way out!  Hours: 11am-1am, 7 days a week. 1501 Broadway @ 43rd Street, 212-343-3355, www.hardrock.com

Heartland Brewery The Heartland Brewery offers lunch and dinner accompanied by daily brewed beer. They’ve got all the classic brew house fare like Buffalo Chicken and Smoked Rib-eye. Get your grub on at one of their five locations: 34th St & 5th Ave., 212-563-3433;  127 W 43rd St (6th Ave & B’way), 646-366-0235;  6th Ave @ 51st St, 212-582-8244;  Union Square West @ 17th St., 212-645-3400;  South Street @ Fulton Street, 646-572-BEER, www.heartlandbrewery.com

Serendipity 3 A cozy place where dream-sized desserts and ice cream parlor whimsy lull you into a fantasy of another day and age. Well known for their "Frozen Hot Chocolate" and the "$1,000 Sundae", the quaint setting of tiffany lamps restauranteur is also known for the brunches they offer and other unique or home-style main course meals. Click here for full editorial review 225 East 60th Street, 212-838-3531, www.serendipity3.com

Stage Deli The Stage Deli located in New York’s Theater District, is famous for its overstuffed corned beef, pastrami and triple-decker combination sandwiches that have been honoring celebrities since the 1930’s. The "Stage" continues to be a major gathering place for theater, screen and sports stars; for late night dining and incredible desserts. Enjoy the Stage’s classic New York Deli breakfasts. Don’t come hungry-come FAMISHED!  834 7th Ave @ 53rd Street, 212-245-7850, www.stagedeli.com

Lucky Cheng’s
Since October 1994, this is a “must” destination restaurant for any traveler.  Enjoy a pan Asian fusion dinner, cabaret, comedy, and karaoke, all served and performed by outrageously funny and outlandishly attired drag queens. Attracting celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, Britney Spears and Johnny Knoxville, Lucky Cheng’s has become a New York institution, known as “Drag Queen Capital of The World”, with comedy, cabaret, karaoke and dinner theater.  Hrs: Sun-Thurs 6pm-11pm, Fri & Sat 6pm-1am.  24 1st Ave @ 2nd St.,  212-955-5500.  www.planetluckychengs.com

Waikiki Wally’s
Waikiki Wally’s is a tropical paradise with live birds, a tiki hut retreat, Jungle Room Karaoke and a real waterfall. Enjoy mouth-watering Hawaiian cuisine like Hula Hula Chicken, fish entrees, and roasted suckling pig, just for starters. Live bands perform on Thursdays and Hula dancers all weekend. 101 East 2nd Street,  212-673-8908. www.waikikiwallys.com

Dallas BBQ
Family owned Dallas BBQ is New York’s most popular BBQ. The standard for New York BBQ for more than 25 years, it is known for it’s generous portions of succulent baby back ribs, rotisserie chicken, barbeque brisket and steaks-all at very moderate pricing. Dallas BBQ has a full bar with New York’s finest “Texas-size” frozen margaritas plus traditional and virgin pina coladas. It also features 10 salad options.  241 W 42nd St bewteen 7th & 8th Avenues, 212-221-9000, www.dallasbbq.com

Porcao
This is the place where elegance joins tradition. The elegant and cool ambiance of their restaurant, bar and VIP room makes Porcao New York a top choice for business-oriented lunches or romantic dinners. Add to this, the tradition of the best Brazilian churrascarias (Brazilian barbeque places), the careful meat selection, the variety of it's salad bar, the professional service, and you have a unique place.
Porcao New York, 360 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street), 212-252-7080, www.porcaorios.com  

S.O.B.’s
S.O.B.’s is recognized as world-renown, live music venue as well as a super hot supper-club where the emphasis is on warm hospitality. They serve fresh interpreations of Caribbean and Brazilian favorites such as Roe and Lobster Empanadas, Rum Mango Pork Chops and Ginger Glazed Salmon. Every Friday from 5-6pm the budget concious visitor can take advantage of two for one caipirinhas and fresh fruit mojitos and popular Brazilian tapas such as the grilled linquica (sausage) and manchego pasteis (empanadas) and stick around for the complimentary Salsa Lesson at 7pm. Saturdays offer a live Brazilian Floor Show and Global Dance Party. S.O.B's, 204 Varick Street, 212-243-4940, www.sobs.com

World Yacht
New York’s preeminent dinner cruise offering Continental fare. A new “Best of New York” menu features dishes based on recipes by renowned chefs Harold Moore of Montrachet, Todd English of Olices and dessert creations by Francois Payard Patisserie and Bistro. As an added highlight, you’ll dine with the gorgeous Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty as companions. Pier 81, W. 41st St & The Hudson River, 212-630-8100, www.worldyacht.com

Porters
"Porters" is both the dining room and livingroom of NYC. The service is excellent and the food is delicious. The 216 Lounge downstairs offers some of the most unbelievable late-night parties featuring the hottest DJs from around the world. With the full bar and festive environment, you’re sure to have a good time, day or night. Feed your soul and see what the new standard is for a night out on the town.  Sun-Wed 1:30-12am, Thurs-Sat until 2am. 216 7th Ave (22nd & 23rd Sts),  1 Train to 23rd Street, 212-229-2878,  www.portersnyc.com

Utsav
Utsav is a two-storey restaurant in the heart of Times Square. The lower level has a cozy lounge & outdoor dining available. The upstairs main dining room is beautiful and spacious overlooking an open-air plaza through floor to ceiling glass windows. The menu celebrates the subcontinents cuisine by blending Northern & Southern essences and adding some non-traditional twists. The "all you can eat"lunch buffet served daily for $17.95 and $30 Broadway special pre-fixed 3 course dinner cannot be missed.
1185 Avenue of the Americas (enter on 46th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues), 212-575-2525, www.utsavny.com  

Pig ‘n Whistle Pub
You’ll find delicious Irish and Continental cuisine served at this pub; considered one of the most authentic in the city. Ideal for pre and post theater dining, the friendly staff and the warm and festive atmosphere makes this a favored hangout for visitors, regulars and celebrities. Broadway’s best known pub. Open 7 days from 11:30am-4am.  165 W 47th St (6th & 7th Aves). 212-302-0112, 
www.pig-n-whistle.com

Slane
This Irish American newcomer is a hotspot known for its party atmosphere, live entertainment, music and your favorite sports channel! The upbeat staff makes you feel at home with eats such as Fish ‘n Chips, Chicken Curry and unforgettable specialty, Glenda’s Home made lasagna. For the late night crowd the menu features a good old-fashioned Irish breakfast, appetizers, and an extensive list of domestic and imported beers.  Bring in a copy of the NYC Travel or Pocket Guide for 2 for 1 appetizers (excludes specials, tax and gratuity). 102 Macdougal St.,  212-505-0079.  www.slanenyc.com

Bice
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, in the vicinity of the theater district & upscale boutiques. Dishes such as Tigliolini Lobster, Ravioli Massala and Ossobuco have long demonstrated the chefs skill in blending Northern Italian & American cuisine with uncompromising results. With an elegant-casual atmosphere and an extensive wine list, Bice makes for an unforgettable dining experience. 7 East 54th Street (Between Madison & 5th Avenues), 212-688-1999, www.bicenewyork.com

Cascina Ristorante
Experience true Italian hospitality at Cascina Ristorante. Enjoy delicious traditional country-style Italian food- simple, yet abundant in flavor. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service will make you feel as though you’ve just stepped into an Italian kitchen where you can relax and unwind with family and friends.  647 9th Ave. (45th & 46th St).  212-245-4422, www.cascina.com

Il Valentino
Located next to the Sutton Hotel, Il Valentino offers Italian cuisine with class. Extensive wine list, amazing menu, live entertainment 6 nights a week and breathtaking atmosphere are balanced with warm service and fair prices. Recommended by Zagat and The New York Times. Mon-Fri 12pm-until, Sun-Sat brunch and dinner only.  330 East 56th St. (1st and 2nd Aves); Take the E,V,6 Trains to 53rd Street, 212-355-0001, www.ilvalentinony.com

Tony’s Di Napoli
Located in the heart of the Theater District, this restaurant captures the essence of authentic Old New York Southern Italian cuisine. Delicious home-style recipes include veal parmigiana, chicken cacciatore and home-made ravioli- all family style platters that serve 2 to 3 (individual plates are also available.)  An impressive mahogany bar features twenty wines by the glass. Broadway celebrities have made Tony’s the “new theatrical watering hole” (theatermania.com) with “portions big enough to make grandma proud, and at modest prices”  (Zagat).  Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. 147 W 43rd St. (Broadway & 6th Ave), 212-221-0100, www.tonysnyc.com

Trattoria Dopo Teatro
Enjoy a delicious pre-theater dinner in one of New York’s most beautiful interior gardens, featuring a stone waterfall and sky-lit courtyard. Nestled in the heart of the Theater District, the restaurant is perfect for corporate events, private parties and elegant weddings. Italian cuisine and exquisite décor at affordable prices.  125 W 44th St (6th & Broadway), 212-869-2849,  www.dopoteatro.com

Candela
Walking into Candela, you can imagine the conversations Central Casting must have had: “OK, we need ambiance asap, low lighting and candles- lots and lots of candles.”  Exposed beams and chunky, rough-hewn chairs back up the latter hypothesis, while iron chandeliers aflame with dripping candles follow the former.  116 E. 16th St.,  212-254-1600, www.candelarestaurant.com

Zanzibar
A trendy, relaxing and mysterious Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and lounge that serves delicious food, incliding a pre-theater dinner special and exotic cocktails. Their multi-room environment features a circular open-pit fireplace and intriguing décor and the separate lounges are great for large group gatherings as well as intimate dinners.  645 9th Ave @ 45th Street, 212-957-9197, www.zanzibarnyc.com

Harry’s Burritos
The savory cuisine, festive 50’s décor, excellent service and mood-altering margaritaas make this a stand-out for Mexican food fans. Using only the freshest ingredients and offering vegetarian choices, it is dining for the body and soul. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Brunches served Saturday and Sunday. Four different locations: 241 Columbus Avenue @71st Street.  212-580-9494; Downtown: 76 W 3rd Street @ Thompson Street, 212-260-5588; Benny’s East: 93 Avenue A @ 6th Street, 212-254-2054; Larchmont: 84 Chatsworth Avenue, 914-833-2222. www.harrysburritos.com

Pacific Grill   
South Street Seaport's hottest restaurant. A large indoor and outdoor seating on the water offering breathtaking views, a spacious bar featuring your favorite tropical cocktails while dining on fresh "Pan Asian-American Seafood with a modern flare."
89 South Street Seaport - Pier 17 Mall, For Reservations, call 212-964-0707, www.pacificgrillnyc.com  

Pomodoro Pizza   
Located in the heart of Little Italy, this charming restaurant offers authentic Italian food and gourmet pizzas. The colorful traditional neighborhood adds to the flavor.  51 Spring St @ Mulberry Street, 212-966-9229.  

Firebird Restaurant  
Step into the two-story high entrance and into exquisite elegance of the fashionable setting of Victorian St.Petersburg in its prime. The eccentric gourmet style of Russian cuisine, displayed on fine china will have you feasting and feeling like the great Tsar and Tsarina’s of Russia. The experience that the restaurant offers will reflect the extensive knowledge and passion for Russian art, literature and fine cuisine. 365 West 46th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenue), 212-586-0244 www.firebirdrestaurant.com, Click here for full editorial review

Meson Sevilla
Family-owned, and for over 20 years serving authentic Spanish tapas and cuisine from Spain. Specialties include paella, mariscada, garlic sauces, sangrias and an extensive tapas menu with original flair and flavor from Spain. Italian Specialties are also offered.  344 W 46th St. (8th & 9th Aves), 212-262- 5890, 
www.mesonsevilla.com

Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse
A New York Institution, opened in 1926, during the height of prohibition, as a speakeasy, this steakhouse serves as USDA PRIME cuts of Dry-Aged Beef. For over 80 years serving steaks aged to perfection. Two Manhattan Locations: 32 West 37th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue), 212-947- 8940 and 269 West 45th Street (between 8th Avenue & Broadway), 212-997-9494, www.frankieandjohnnies.com, Click here for full editorial review

Zen Palate
Zen Palate’s goal is to enlighten the individual through their sense of taste by providing delicious, vibrant and versatile vegetarian foods and food services. With three locations, a diverse mixture of Eastern and Western ingredients, Zen Palate takes New York fusion cooking and your palate to enlightened heights! 663 9th Ave., 212-582-1669; coming soon: Wall Street @ 104 John Street, www.zenpalate.com