1 Fifth Avenue
At 8th Street
I spent two years of my life unemployed, so I know how much it blows to be invited out by a friend and look at the menu and see that the only thing you can afford is the free bread. And what makes it worse? When your friend sees your face, remembers that you don't have a job and says "Don't worry, I'll pay for it". I mean, it's a nice gesture, thanks - but I'd rather not feel like Oliver Twist.
So, as a friend, what can you do? Well, you have to pick a place that's comfortable, casual, but also doesn't look like you're trying too hard to find a cheap place for them (No Gray's Papaya).
Otto is celebrity chef Mario Batali's pizza and pasta place, that although serving delicious rustic food for incredibly cheap prices, the atmosphere is sophisticated, fun and even a little fancy. But don't be fooled by the crowds inside or the decor - Otto is famous for its $9 Pastas, $13 pizzas, and plenty of $35 bottles of wine.
Maybe it's just me, but good and cheap pizza is easy to find. Good and cheap pasta is difficult. So I say, skip the pizza and take full advatange of the pasta menu - where Mario Batali has put classic hearty flavors into beautiful and classic dishes - FOR 9 FREAKING DOLLARS. Where else are you going to get that? Nowhere. That's where.
Tip: The bar area is designed like an Italian train station, and during prime hours, tables are called on a giant flipping train schedule on the wall - so be sure to pay attention not to miss your train/table.Map
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One of my all time favotire places to go with a group. The moderately priced wine list makes it easy to keep the bottles coming and the food is satifying and delicious. The menu has a lot to choose from , so the the more people in your party, the better - you get to sample a little of everything. Everyone leaves here happy. And Ed is dead on, don't skip the pasta!
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