El Quinto Pino
Tia Pol, the only truly authentic tapas bar in New York City, spawned an equally lovable sibling in the western reaches of Chelsea. The pint-size creamy space with tall ceilings and an impressive curved marble counter is packed with savvy tapeadores sipping pomades—Menorcan gin lemonade with fresh basil—and nibbling on feather-light deep-fried, house-cured cod fingers; fat, silky Basque anchovies served atop refreshing tomato pulp; and dangerously addictive torresnos (Ribera del Duero-style pork crackling). As for the decadent pressed sandwich of sea urchin zapped with Korean mustard oil, it's New York's current "it" sandwich.
Tip: Still hungry? Stroll over to Tia Pol (205 10th Avenue; 212/675-8805) and try the substantial daily specials, such as the long-cooked suckling pig.
AS FEATURED IN...
From the From the May 2008 Food & Wine Go List
At El Pobre Luis, owner Luis Acuña serves juicy, delicious, wood-smoked steaks using cuts of meat favored in both Argentina (rib eye, lamb intestine) and his native Uruguay (rump steak, blood sausage).
2 FREE PREVIEW Issues
Tablet Edition | Give a Gift
f&w everywhere