Most-recommended just over the county line — for when it’s worth the trip.
Spots the community loves just past the border — the city, Connecticut, Rockland, Putnam, the Hudson Valley. Kept off the home-county lists so they don’t crowd them.
17 places
Bbq · Ridgefield
HooDoo Brown BBQ
Also called: HooDoo, HooDoo's in Ridgefield, Hoodoo Brown, Hoodoo's
Vegetarian-Friendly
The Texas Holy Trinity plate — pork ribs, brisket, and jalapeño cheddar sausage — is the centerpiece of this Ridgefield BBQ spot that earns raves even from members who grew up in Memphis and Kansas City; the half chicken, vegetarian collard greens, smoked turkey, and chocolate chip bread pudding with crème anglaise make it equally hard to stop ordering.
Went there last week for the first time and it was phenomenal. Shared the Texas Holy Trinity plate which came with pork ribs, brisket and the jalapeno cheddar sausage.
Next time try the half chicken - it will knock you on your ass. Also the collard greens are out of this world and believe it or not they are vegetarian!
Also on the list of their must tries (aside from above listed) is the smoked turkey! And chocolate chip bread pudding with crème anglais!
Italian · Bronx
Tra Di Noi
Their layered lasagna — made the way it's done in Italy — and veal so tender it cuts like butter are reason enough to make the trip to this small, Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized spot, where the authentic Italian cooking and warm service keep locals coming back again and again.
We had a wonderful dinner at Tra Di Noi. Fantastic food and service. We liked it as much as Antonio's but for different reasons…we will keep both on our go to list.
I've eaten at both places. A nod to Tra Di Noi. They make a layered lasagna the way it's made in Italy.
The chef at Tra Di Noi used to be Sophia Loren's personal chef. It's a small place with great food.
Italian · New York
Raos NYC
Rao's
The meatballs here have earned near-mythic status among members — repeatedly called the best they've ever had and a true bucket-list bite — while the generous portions and the feeling of being treated like royalty make every visit feel like a special occasion.
Stanziato's is top tier food and wood fired pizza!
Italian · New York
Becco
Also called: Becco on W. 46th
Lidia Bastianich's Theater District Italian institution since 1992, famous for its unlimited three-pasta tasting and classics like osso buco and the porcini-rubbed ribeye — quality regional Italian at prices gentle for Manhattan.
We went to Becco but I'm looking forward to working my way through this list!
Italian · Bronx
Conti's Pastry Shoppe
Also called: Contes on Morris Park Avenue, Conti in Morris park, Conti's in Morris Park, Conti's on Morris Park, Conti's, Morris Park
The cookies and Boston cream pie coming out of this Morris Park Avenue shop have earned it an enthusiastic 10/10 from regulars, and the pull-apart leopard cake is just one more reason the pastry cases here are worth a special trip — they even deliver.
Contes on Morris Park Avenue. Grab a Boston cream pie also
Reach out to Conti's Pastry Shoppe and they deliver too!
Conti's on Morris Park, and Madonnia both are 10/10
Swedish · Beacon
HÃ¥kan Chocolatier
Also called: Hakan
The cardamom buns and chocolates at Håkan are reason enough to make the trip — members rave that each handcrafted chocolate is a "surprise flavor of deliciousness," and the cardamom buns are widely called the best around. The beautiful gift boxes are almost as impressive as what's inside.
HÃ¥kan (hawk-ahn) is wonderful! Admittedly, I haven't been there in a couple of years now... but I do still have their gorgeous gift box (that I gifted myself).
Husband got me a 'chocolatier's choice' mixed box for Valentines Day …. AMAZING chocolates! Wow, wow, wow … each one was a surprise flavor of deliciousness!
HÃ¥kan chocolates are some of the most unique and amazing chocolates I have ever seen and tasted.
Seafood · Clinton
Lobster Landing
Warm, buttery lobster rolls — including a crowd-pleasing double lobster roll — have been drawing devoted fans on weekend drives for decades, and the fresh lobster and eclectic atmosphere make every visit feel like a worthy day trip.
One of our favorite Saturday drive places. Great, fresh lobster and eclectic, interesting owner!
Great stop, one of our favorite day trips is to that part of the Connecticut!
My husband thought it was a little too buttery for him, but I loved it!
Italian · Bronx
Madonia Bakery
Also called: Madonia, Madonia on Arthur, Madonia on Arthur Ave, Madonia's, Madonnia, Madonnia bros Arthur Ave
The pistachio chocolate chip biscotti at this Arthur Avenue classic is the kind of thing that stops you mid-stride and sends you straight back to the counter to buy out the rest of the batch — and the cookies are every bit as good.
Madonia bakery on Arthur Ave in the bronx. The first time I went there and grabbed one and ate it while I was walking back to my car. I immediately went back and bought them out of the rest they had in stock.
Madonia's. Their pistachio chocolate chip biscotti is my favorite!
Conti's on Morris Park, and Madonnia both are 10/10
Bakeries & Desserts · Nyack
Nyack Hot Bagels
Crispy on the outside and praised as the best bagels many members have ever tasted, Nyack Hot Bagels draws serious devotion for their spot-on exterior and toasted crunch that rivals anything the city has to offer — with really good sandwiches rounding out the menu.
The BEST bagels I have ever had. Amazing when toasted - super crunchy! Better than any NYC bagel for that matter!
Nyack Hot Bagels are the best outside of NYC. They also make really good sandwiches.
They look perfect. The exterior is spot on.
Food Truck · New York
Cousins Maine Lobster
Also called: Cousins Maine Lobster food truck
Cousins Maine Lobster brings the taste of the coast right to Westchester, with made-to-order lobster rolls and a New England Clam Chowder that keeps locals coming back again and again — no five-hour drive required.
Not exactly the same as being in Maine but they are very good without having to drive 5+ hours. They have been somewhere in Westchester every week or two recently.
Fresh Maine lobster rolls, creamy lobster bisque, and coastal favorites — all made to order and packed with bold seaside flavor.
I have had them several times, very good. I especially love their New England Clam Chowder!!
Pizza · Norwalk
Crust Issues
The mashed potato pizza alone is worth the trip — a crowd-pleasing twist that has regulars already dreaming of their next visit — and the zeppole and garlic knots make it nearly impossible to leave without a full, happy table. The space is clean and fun rather than fancy, with a genuinely warm staff to match.
We love this place! I always forget about the supper club. Thanks for the reminder!
We got garlic knots, a mashed potato pizza, a mozz stick pizza, and zeppole.
I want to bring the mashed potato pie to my Italian/Irish family gathering.
Korean · New York
Her Name is Han
The Army Stew and potato croquettes have earned this Korean spot a devoted following, with members raving about both dishes in the most enthusiastic terms. Conveniently located near Madison Square Garden, it's a natural choice before a concert or game — just be sure to book ahead.
The food was very good, living up to its numerous favorable reviews... It's a resto worth checking out if you're in midtown although a reservation is a must.
I love that place to bits!!! The Army Stew is fantastic!!! The potato croquettes are to die for.
It's delicious and close to MSG. A perfect place to go before a concert or a game.
French · Greenwich
L'escale
Also called: Le escala
Groups & Celebrations
The waterfront restaurant at Greenwich's Delamar hotel, channeling Provence on the harbor — known for beef tartare, local Noank oysters, seared scallops, and filet mignon, with a romantic terrace for special occasions.
Le escala in Greenwich is great for this. It's our date spot
Chinese · New Paltz
Bobo's Farm
Groups & Celebrations
The epic lamb roast is the star of the show at Bobo's Farm, where the country-style Chinese cooking and wide open upstate setting make for a perfect Sunday escape with a group of friends.
it's looks awesome and delicious and a perfect Sunday getaway in upstate NY… devouring country-style Chinese cuisine including the epic LAMB ROAST
Went with a group of friends in April. It was a great experience. Enjoy!
International & Specialty · Bronx
Borgatti
Borgatti's fresh pasta sheets are the secret weapon behind many a great homemade lasagna, earning quiet loyalty from cooks who won't settle for anything less.
I don't really want to ship from Teitel Bros and Borgatti if I can avoid it.
I use fresh sheets from borgatti and my lasagna comes out great.
International & Specialty · New York
Kalustyan's
Also called: Kalustyans
A floor-to-ceiling room dedicated entirely to tea sets the tone at this spot, which also draws visitors for hard-to-find treats like fresh almonds and sour plums — the kind of place that makes every visit feel like a discovery.