This West Village classic is a lively eating and drinking spot that hits all the right notes. Seafood is the focus: there's an oyster bar and beautifully executed mains such as mussels with green curry, coconut milk and herbs, a panko skate sandwich and caviar toast. Meat dishes include hanger steak with fingerling potatoes and chimichurri sauce.
The scene: exposed brick, oversize windows, wood floors and a buzzing bar that draws more drinkers than diners as the night wears on. Brunch, starring dishes such as crab-and-avocado toast with lemon, soy and bonito-chili flakes, is fantastic. From midnight to 1am Thursday to Saturday nights, Jeffrey's serves a late-night menu of oysters, littleneck clams, hand-cut fries with spiced aioli and other satisfying snacks.