Worth the wait

Worth the wait
They don’t take reservations, so you better get to these haute spots early
By Karen Tina Harrison
Special to amNewYork

New Yorkers hate to wait … unless it’s to get into the restaurant du jour. In which case it’s all part of the fun. These blazing-hot eateries don’t take reservations, so go early or late, or give in to cooling your heels with fellow trend-setters.

Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 Second Ave.
212-254-3500
Entrees $10-$25

Momofuku Noodle bar
171 First Ave.
212-777-7773
Entrees $9-$17
momofuku.com
Chef David Chang is a wonder boy of New York cuisine. At his twin East Village hotspots, you can sample his quasi-Asian, quasi-NYC bites. You’ll feel very in the know chowing on the meat-centric menu.

Boqueria
53 W. 19th St
212-255-4160
boquerianyc.com
Tapas $4-$8
Decorated in organic modern style, this Flatiron hangout offers a wine bar, tapas bar, communal tables and sociable nooks. It’s an ultra-happening place, and chef Seamus Mullen’s Spanish tapas are tops.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St.
212-620-0393
thespottedpig.com
Entrees $16-$32

Chef April Bloomfield brought her belly-warming gastropub cuisine from Manchester, England to the West Village, where locals and foodies line up for her Roquefort burger and ricotta dumplings called gnudi.

Cantina
29 Avenue B
212-228-0599
cantinanyc.com
Entrees $16-$17
Globe-trotting DJ and restaurateur Jason Swamy has done up his East Village hipster magnet with sweet flea-market finds and an intriguing menu of Cuban dishes to munch on while you take in the scene.

Jimmy’s No. 43
43 E. 7th St.
212-982-3006
jimmysno43.com
Entrees $10-$22
Jimmy Carbone’s popular East Village lair boasts a way-cool crowd and cozy, cavernous atmosphere. And its style is backed up with a great beer list and chef Phillip Kirschen-Clark’s homey, yummy chow.

Bacaro
136 Division St.
212-941-5060
Entrees $12-$18
Frank DeCarlo’s latest haunt is this inviting Italian spot in Chinatown. Head straight for the seductive cellar, rustically elegant with wood beams, a chandelier and a marble bar.

Shorty’s.32
99 Prince St.
212-375-8275
shortys32.com
Entrees $18-$25
Chef Josh Eden, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten protégé, is behind this comfy 32-seater that serves New York comfort food with a smart SoHo twist.