Picks by TOPJAW in New York

23 places TOPJAW went to in New York — what they said, and what to watch out for.

• Shukette — TOPJAW
  The chicken, marinated for three days in yogurt and saffron, had crispy skin and juicy meat, and the small but moist lamb kofta meatballs were also praised highly.
  Heads up: Aside from the chicken, the menu changes frequently.
• The Dead Rabbit — TOPJAW
  Said the frozen Irish coffee was like smooth coffee ice cream, and even the notoriously tricky-to-make Black Velvet was top-notch.
• Taqueria Ramirez — TOPJAW
  The al pastor is the bestseller, and the beef and chorizo tacos ranked No. 7 on the New York Times' best dishes of New York 2022 — called the best tacos of a lifetime.
  Heads up: The menu has only six tacos, and they don't serve liquor like margaritas.
• Maison Premiere — TOPJAW
  Praised the tableside martini — an homage to 1940s hotel bars — the huge daily-changing oyster menu, and finishing the night in the backyard garden.
  Heads up: Classic-leaning enough that a margarita only made the main menu for the first time in 13 years.
• Veselka — TOPJAW
  Loved the house-made ricotta-style cheese pierogi and fried potato pierogi and the sausage, calling it a lovable old-school spot for Ukrainian-American brunch.
  Heads up: There's always a line during the lunch rush.
• Radio Bakery — TOPJAW
  The maitake mushroom croissant and salmon focaccia sandwich stood out, said to be good enough to rank among the world's top three bakeries.
• Hamburger America — TOPJAW
  Raved that the Oklahoma-style fried onion burger, with onions mixed into the patty and cooked precisely for 6-7 minutes, is tender and distinctive.
  Heads up: It's a casual counter-order setup.
• Shelsky's Of Brooklyn Appetizing and Delicatessen — TOPJAW
  Praised the old-school bagels made with a sourdough starter for their chewy texture and crisp crust, along with New York's largest selection of smoked fish.
  Heads up: They apparently never toast their bagels here.
• Estela — TOPJAW
  The signature endive salad, running since opening a decade ago, along with scallops with uni and the wagyu steak, impressed with restrained flavors and excellent service.
  Heads up: One of the pricier spots in this guide, and dinner is very crowded — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday lunch are easier to get a table.
• Red Hook Tavern — TOPJAW
  Perfected over 100 attempts across eight months, the burger has an ideal fat ratio and a peppery crust, and the wedge salad and oxtail ragù cavatelli were also outstanding.
  Heads up: It's a small, cozy space with limited seating.
• Lucali — TOPJAW
  Raved about the ultra-thin yet crisp, structured dough, and the tender meatballs made from brisket, short rib, and spicy sausage.
  Heads up: Only 10 tables, no reservations — you line up to put your name down and get a assigned time. BYOB.
• Emilio's Ballato — TOPJAW
  Praised the meatballs, slow-cooked for seven hours, as the juiciest they've ever had, with the tagliatelle Bolognese as the signature dish.
• C as in Charlie — TOPJAW
  The oxbone marrow pasta tasted distinctly Korean rather than Italian, and the gochujang fried chicken and umami-packed bibimbap were excellent.
  Heads up: Plenty of playful presentation, including a 'gimmick' dish styled to look like a cappuccino.
• Jin Mei Dumpling — TOPJAW
  Highlighted the crispy texture from one side being seared hard, and the great value at 33 cents apiece.
  Heads up: There's a line every day, and 15 dumplings is a lot to eat alone.
• Strong Rope Brewery Red Hook — TOPJAW
  Said the beer tasted amazing by the water, and they wanted to sit there all day.
  Heads up: It's in a remote industrial area about a 30-minute cab ride from Manhattan.
• Cheong Fun Cart — TOPJAW
  Said the big, chewy rice rolls paired with peanut sauce and chili were really delicious.
  Heads up: It's a nameless street cart, making it hard to find the exact name.
• Double Crispy Bakery — TOPJAW
  Said the thick, egg-rich egg tarts and lemon buns were delicious, and the staff were friendly.
  Heads up: Regretted not ordering the pork bun.
• The Penny Hotel Williamsburg — TOPJAW
  Called it cool, convenient, reasonably priced, with a fantastic rooftop terrace.
  Heads up: The rooftop bar is closed on Mondays.
• Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie — TOPJAW
  Said the key lime pie with a hint of cinnamon and the spicy-sweet chocolate-covered chipotle Swingle were both excellent.
• Best Pizza — TOPJAW
  Praised for making their own mozzarella to control salt and moisture, and for baking unusually large pies for a slice shop in a wood-fired oven.
• Wo Hop — TOPJAW
  Called it an incredible deal, saying $90 could feed 20 people.
  Heads up: Mentioned as a recommendation in the video but not actually visited.
• Wildair — TOPJAW
  Loved the bold, nuanced flavors and lively atmosphere, saying the trademarked savory eclair, the Pissaladiéclair, sums up the whole place.
  Heads up: Said to be a neighborhood restaurant — no need to queue or book months ahead.
• elNico Rooftop — TOPJAW
  Praised for margaritas with real character unlike any tried before, including the Verd-rita made with fresh avocado.
  Heads up: The margaritas are said to be quite strong.

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