The Long Island Bar is one of our favorite cocktail bars. They make their own bourbon cherries which are a feature of their incredible Manhattan.
This restaurant has become the bride's preference for special occasions. But really we'll go any evening she has a craving for their out-of-this-world cavatelli with hot sausage and browned sage butter. While the original location doesn't take reservations you can have a drink across the street at MiniBar while you're waiting, or try their outpost Frankies 570 on Hudson Street in Manhattan.
Once you make it past the graffitied walls and slightly gritty location you'll find a tiny tap room and brewery featuring some of the most renowned craft beer brewed on the east coast. Any of their IPAs will blow your mind - if you don't make it to the tap room keep an eye out for these beers on tap at bars around NYC.
This neopolitan-style pizzeria has made it onto the bride's list of best pizza in NYC. Visit either of their locations in Brooklyn, the original in Boerum Hill (right across the street from the Nu Hotel) or a newer outpost in Williamsburg (around the corner from the reception location).
Olea is one of the best restaurants near our apartment in Ft. Greene. We love the small plates and paella at this pan-Mediterranean hotspot.
Bar Tabac is one of our favorite brunch spots - we return regularly to this hip bistro even though we're no longer living in the neighborhood. Check out the live band on Sundays and consider the french onion soup and croque madame - they are standouts!