Minetta Tavern - 113 MacDougal St., b/tw Bleecker & W. 3rd

For anyone who's had a boozy brunch at Balthazar, cougar-hunted or cougared-out at Pastis or pretended they were somewhere in Europe while lunching in the outdoor seats at Morandi Keith McNally has done it again in Minetta Tavern. He nails the decor, comfort and coolness level every time and the food, while not stand out, is good enough and consistent enough to make every restaurant in his empire a staple for brunch, lunch, dinner or even just drinks. It would be interesting to see him depart further from the French bistro/brasserie theme but if it ain't broke, don't fix it, I guess. My favorite is still Balthazar, but all his restaurants win me over every time because no matter how over-reserved or jammed they are, the hosts always manage to find you a table if you ask nicely enough. Good luck getting a rez at Minetta before summer, but this girl got the secret reservation number, so if you ask me nicely enough...