Ryan Maynard

Great local chain tapas spot offering a broad selection of Spanish classics that are well-executed and reasonably priced. Service here is generally good, although can be less attentive when busy. The atmosphere is exactly what you would expect from this type of restaurant, but nothing exciting. This is a perfect choice for a casual lunch or dinner with cocktails and sangria.

Wonderful little Polish restaurant in Brooklyn offering pierogis and other Polish classics in a casual neighborhood setting. The menu is pierogi-focused, but has other equally delicious choices as well. Service is very informal with a family-run feel, but they work hard to meet your needs, although it can run slowly at peak times. Atmosphere is casual and basic, but the outdoor patio is a gem on nice days. Great option for a casual lunch and a beer if you are in the area.

Reboot of the former Carbone’s restaurant picks up significantly improved digs that are worthy of the great Italian food that comes out of the kitchen. Pastas and sandwiches are great across the board, and I especially like the Antipasti Salad. Service was a little confused on my last visit. It seemed like stations weren’t ready for service and there was a bit of an issue with everyone understanding their assignments, but maybe that will improve with time. Great place to grab a quick bite for lunch or a casual family dinner.

The building is a little older, and could use a bit of refreshing, but it’s in great shape otherwise and the location is fantastic. Great views and on the Empire Pass shuttle.

The food at this downtown Playa del Carmen beach club stands above the rest. The space has a naturalistic vibe with a large bar with swings. The beach is small and had a ton of seaweed on our visit, but this is luck of the draw in Mexico. The food is the real star. Nearly everything we tried was excellent. Service can be a little slow and clunky, but this is not uncommon for the area. This is a great spot to grab some tacos and a cocktail for lunch.