1. 1. Jodie’s Friends

   22 W. 8th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-260-5646

   A Korean-Japanese menu of kalbi, bibimbop, and California rolls debuts August 10, when this stone-and-log-lined room aims to open.

2. 2. 8th Street Winecellar

   28 W. 8th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-260-9463

   Two Union Square Café alumni man this subterranean bar, where small plates range from tuna sliders to pigs in blankets.

3. 3. Pio Maya

   40 W. 8th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-254-2277

   Recently revamped, this humble taqueria has added banquette seating and applied for a liquor license; happily, the homespun food hasn’t changed.

4. 4. Cachaça

   35 W. 8th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-388-9099

   Intimate Brazilian bar that serves caipirinhas and live jazz nightly.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Aug 13, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!