New York.

Cantonese · ChinatownHop KeeDown a short flight of stairs on Mott Street, this late-night Cantonese institution rewards a table that orders family-style.

By Dave

Bar burger · West VillageCorner BistroA robust, honest, greasy bar burger and a beer. That remains the whole argument for going.

By Dave

Historic tavern · Woodhaven, QueensNeir’s TavernCome for a beer, the room and the history of one of New York’s great neighborhood survivors.

By Dave

Dive bar · Columbus CircleSiberiaMidtown is full of expensive traps; descend the subway stairs for a beer and a place with a pulse.

By Dave

Jewish deli · Lower East SideKatz’s DelicatessenKeep the ticket, tip the cutter and order the pastrami on rye. Famous can still be correct.

By Dave

Jewish deli · Riverdale, BronxLiebman’s DeliA neighborhood deli without the downtown theater. The pastrami and chopped liver make the trip north worthwhile.

By Dave

Italian seafood · Sheepshead Bay, BrooklynRandazzo’s Clam BarHuge portions of red-sauce seafood beside Sheepshead Bay. Build the afternoon around the lobster fra diavolo.

By Dave

Dive bar · Hell’s KitchenRudy’s Bar & GrillRed vinyl booths, cold beer, a pig out front and a hot dog with every drink. Rudy’s knows exactly what it is.

By Dave

Steakhouse · Herald SquareKeens SteakhouseA proper old New York room with clay pipes overhead. Go for the mutton chop and let the room be part of the point.

By Dave

Hot dog counter · Upper East SidePapaya KingTwo snappy grilled dogs and an aggressively tropical drink: fast, cheap and unmistakably New York.

By Dave

Steakhouse · WilliamsburgPeter Luger Steak HouseUse the old-school format properly: arrive hungry, order for the table and let the room be part of the point.

By Dave

Tip · New YorkA New York jazz club. Go to Smalls.West 10th between Seventh and Waverly, down a small staircase. Opened in 1994 by Mitch Borden — former Navy submariner, jazz violinist. Basement room, sixty seats, two sets a night. Reserve online. If it's full, Mezzrow across Seventh Avenue is their sister club. Go there. You always meant to see a jazz club in New York. You just never knew where. Smalls.

By Dave