Tucked away on a curved, cobbled little street in the West Village, Commerce is located in the restored Greenwich Village Grange Hall, a historic building that was also once a popular speakeasy. Its cozy interior, accented with murals, black walnut and chestnut furnishings, and a 1941 Brunswick bar, makes for a warm and lively atmosphere. Chefs Harold Moore and Snir Eng-Sela create contemporary American dishes influenced by Asian, Italian and French cuisine. Commerce is open daily for dinner and Sundays for brunch. Catering and private parties are available.
Serving French Bistro fare prepared by chefs de cuisine Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, Balthazar has been a crowd-pleaser since it opened in 1997. Located in SoHo, the building was converted from a leather wholesaler's warehouse. It is now a warm and distinctively French space, accented with black wood, which can accommodate over 200 people in the dining room and bar. Its French menu also features fresh breads and pastries from the Balthazar bakery and a raw seafood bar, accompanied by an impressive wine list,. Balthazar is open daily serving breakfast, brunch on weekends, lunch, late lunch, dinner and after-hours meals. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. The restaurant also offers a prix fixe menu to parties of 12 or more.
Located on Prince Street in Soho, Macbar celebrates the ultimate comfort food. So devoted to macaroni and cheese is Macbar that even its curvy, orange-yellow interior reflects its obsession. Combining artisanal cheeses and organic ingredients, Macbar brings macaroni and cheese to a gourmet level with dishes like Mac Lobsta', which combines fresh lobster, cognac, tarragon and mascarpone, or Mac Quack with duck confit, fontina, caramelized onion and fine herbs. As of late 2010, dishes range from $6 to $18, making seconds very affordable. Macbar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
