NYC Italian Eats: Enotecas

Frankies 457 and Frankies Spuntino

The original Frankies 457 on Court Street in Carroll Gardens (pictured) is a local staple for any time of day: perfect French toast at brunch, midday salads and sandwiches, or the famous meatballs when the sun goes down. Inexpensive Italian wines (a carafe of the house red goes for around $12) make the inevitable wait go by that much faster-it's even more enjoyable if you're chilling outside in what is arguably the best backyard in the neighborhood. The menu is packed, on both front and back, with a wealth of choices, a la carte items all. Of the delicious two-bite crostini, try the ones with ricotta or avocado. Expect the decor, menu and wait times at the Frankies smaller outpost on Clinton Street on the Lower East Side.

Frankies 457
457 Court St. between Fourth Place and Luquer St.
718-403-0033

Frankies Spuntino
17 Clinton St. between Stanton and Houston Sts.
212-253-2303