Essex

A couple of years ago, this bar and restaurant strangely used to be teeming with post-collegiate Manhattan neophytes on weekends, to the point where a bouncer was stationed outside. Apparently (and thankfully), they've moved on to flashier spots and Essex has since relaxed into more of a destination for folks looking to grab a bite with their drinks. Daily seafood specials are the main draw, such as unlimited mussels on Tuesdays, $16 lobster on Wednesdays and $1 oysters on Thursdays—all with half-price cocktails. The second draw is weekend brunch, with 3 complimentary cocktails included. The sunny, airy space with an industrially lofted second floor ensures a packed house at brunch-time, so plan accordingly.

See more: Lower East Side restaurants, American contemporary restaurants, Burger restaurants, Sandwich restaurants, Seafood restaurants, International fusion restaurants