Ritz

Visually part pub, part East Village coffee shop, Ritz feels like the neighborhood hangout back at home, complete with a Friends" cast. The sweet eye-candy is what pulls in patrons, whose pocketbooks are flush with high-limit credit cards. But OK, it's the award-winning burgers too—mo' meaty and thick—accompanied on a plate with the house's coveted bolinhas de arroz (fried rice balls). Hit spot with gays, with straights who come to ogle them and flirt. The red banquettes and close quarters encourage it. Ask to be seated on the elevated area for a bird’s-eye view to be envied.