Gene's Restaurant

Gene’s is always packed, even on a Tuesday. This old-school Italian spot in Greenwich Village opened in 1919, and it’s not just Sarah Jessica Parker’s favorite restaurant, it’s a lot of people's favorite restaurant. Many of them have been coming here for half a century, wearing their furs on a weekday because this isn’t just any old place—this is Gene’s. The dining room in the back has white tablecloths and servers in vests, but if you can snag a bar seat up front, you should. It’s a coveted spot for heavy pours of red wine, and garlicky baked clams under a thick layer of golden brown breadcrumbs. Add on the veal parm, and end with a raspberry cordial parfait with chocolate ice cream that’s boozy enough to make you feel eternally grateful to live in New York, and can take public transportation home.

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

photo credit: Alex Staniloff