Lower East Side: The owner of Sweet Ups and the Royal Oak in Williamsburg is going to open a Manhattan spot (thanks to a military loan) called Hotel Chantelle at Ludlow and Delancey before he ships off with his platoon to Afghanistan next year. [NYM]
Upper East Side: Despite the enduring speakeasy surge, Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle is still considered home to some of the city's finest cocktails. [Gridskipper]
Williamsburg: New Mexican cantina La Superior is still BYO, and they have house-made aqua frescas you can use as mixers. [The Strong Buzz]
Anytime Cafe has closed its North 6th Street location, but the late-night fave is still going strong as a delivery-only service. [Zagat]
West Village: John's Pizzeria has been using canned sauce on its pies for years, which probably explains why tourists like the taste so much. [Slice]