The southern tip of Manhattan is reputable for having one of the most eminent culinary scenes in the world. The selection of restaurants, along with the eclectic spirits and brews they carry, is unrivaled in comparison to other cities, and even neighboring districts in Manhattan.
Eating out on a regular basis is tempting—but what holds many foodies back is a budget. One way to enjoy dining downtown without spending a fortune is to eat at a BYOB restaurant (i.e., bring your own booze).
Here is your guide to dining at BYOBs downtown. Make sure to be mindful of the rules, which include limitations on beer and wine, and varying corkage fees (i.e., a price restaurants may implement per bottle).
The Red Cat– An acclaimed eatery in Chelsea that serves Mediterranean and New American fare. They have a $25 corkage fee and two bottle per table limit, but there is also a vast wine list, so be sure to check out their menu before bringing your own.
Tree Bistro– Try this quaint Parisian bistro in the summer months and sit in their backyard garden. They have a wine-only and one bottle per every two person BYOB policy, along with an ample drink menu. The escargots a la bourguignonne (i.e., gluten-free snails drenched in garlic butter sauce) and sweet potato croquettes drizzled with curried applesauce are must-tries.
the little owl– A Mediterranean and New American restaurant in the Village that is regularly praised for their copious gravy meatball sliders. They have a $50 corkage fee, so only venture here if you’re planning to splurge.
Peking Duck House– A Chinese restaurant chain located downtown in the heart of Chinatown. They have no corkage fee or bottle number limit but only bring wine, as no beer is allowed. Get the peking duck dinner special that comes with a choice of entrees, three appetizers and a soup—including smoky barbecued beef and their famed house special duck soup.
White Oak Tavern– An American eatery with a low-lit, rustic atmosphere located on Waverly Place. They have a $25 corkage fee, but be sure to check out their drink menu too. They are regularly acclaimed for their bourbon flights and varying lagers and ales. They pour brews from Ireland, Belgium and Colorado, and even have a gluten-free hard cider, Down East Cider, brewed in Boston.
Cherin Sushi– A Japanese sushi bar in the East Village that has no corkage fee, but requires that all customers spend $20 from their lunch or dinner menu if they bring drinks. Wine and beer are allowed, but they also serve alcohol and have a selection of cold sakes and a warmed house sake.
Chalk Point Kitchen– Dine at this American restaurant if you’re a fan of market-to-table grub. They make all of their food with organic, local and sustainable ingredients, have an extensive drink menu and $35 corkage fee. Wine enthusiasts should view their limited vintage wine list, which includes bottles ranging from Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Les Journaries (i.e., a Syrah) for $145, to Premier Grand Cru Classé (i.e., a Château Margeaux) for $2,000.
-by Katie Garry
