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Ardesia
510 W. 52nd St., 212-247-9191, Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
If you're looking for a nice glass of wine and a light bite in a stylish, civilized setting, voilà! Ardesia, with its soothing music and upscale clientele, typifies how much Hell's Kitchen—now often called the more polite "Clinton"—has changed. Seated at the base of the Archstone Clinton, a "green" luxury apartment complex, the high-ceilinged space features a wall of wine and a low-lit lounge done in burgundy fabric. Service at the marble bar is welcoming and happy to advise on wine and items like pork belly bites, garlic shrimp skewers and a house-cured and -smoked pastrami sandwich. When it comes to New York–style soft pretzels with little pots of fondue and fiery mustard, opt to pair with one of Ardesia's fine beers.

Casa Lever
390 Park Ave., 212-888-2700, Midtown East, Manhattan
Lever House seemed like one of those timeless institutions that would last forever, oh, like Gourmet magazine. But this high-end victim of the economy has risen again, thanks to the family behind the Sant Ambroeus restaurants. Casa Lever's menu, which is still being tweaked, pays tribute to Milanese classics (risotto, veal Milanese), along with several pastas and whole grilled fish. At the bar are snacks of mini burgers and meatballs. The old Lever House was a power-lunch canteen, and its new model may very well slip into those shoes—the prix-fixe for two courses is $37; it's $53 for three. At night, it's à la carte. Art fans may also appreciate the collection of Andy Warhols on display inside and Tom Sachs' crying Hello Kitty sculptures outside.

Henry Public
329 Henry St., 718-852-8630, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Henry Public is a step back in time—a heartwarming, cozy saloon with planked floors, suffused with the sort of golden glow achieved by great cinematographers. Old-timey jazz on the sound system is occasionally punctuated by a bell from the kitchen, signaling that the fresh oysters or grilled cheese sandwich is ready. But what you really want to get here is the juicy turkey-leg sandwich, which is downright revelatory. The brief menu also offers housemade juniper pickles and marrow bones with toast, good to snack on with a cold beer or a professionally made cocktail. The spot's old-fashioned egg cream makes you sigh and wish you could take your grandpa there.

Mark
33 St. Marks Pl., 212-677-3132, East Village, Manhattan
A burger bar that grinds its own meat is reassuring amid all the recent scares surrounding ground-beef recalls. Despite the extra labor, sliders start at only $2 here, topped with American cheese and fried onions. The bacon slider is delectable, the pork diced up and folded into the beef so you get a little in each bite. Skinny fries are long and salted just right, while freshly blended milk shakes are thick and sweet. Microbrews and imported beers on tap sell for just $4. The hip space looks more like a lounge than a burger joint, with a fun 19-foot-long mural running along one wall depicting notable East Village locals and artists.

The Crosby Bar
79 Crosby St., 212-226-6400, SoHo, Manhattan
The UK's high-design Firmdale Hotels now has a New York outpost, Crosby Street Hotel, which even New Yorkers are curious to check out. Dog sculptures and a large sculpture of a head made up of letters are prominent features of the lobby, and a left turn lands you in the vibrant Crosby Bar, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. On the lunch and dinner menu are seared tuna Niçoise, a classic club sandwich and fish and chips with minted pea puree. Playful portraits of Queen Elizabeth in elaborate headgear show that this is no stiff-upper-lip undertaking. More touches of whimsy—and massive dog portraits—are scattered throughout the public rooms. Be sure to take a peek in the state-of-the-art screening room with neon orange leather seats.