5 Unlikely Dining Options to Feed Your Soul This Summer
Some people think summer is a time to eat light. You know, salads, fresh fruit, vegetables and I get that – it’s too hot to cook, we all want to look good in our bathing suits but sometimes (even when it’s 95 outside) you need some good old fashioned comfort food. Burgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ, oh my.
LIEBMAN'S KOSHER DELICATESSEN
552 W 235th St, Bronx, NY 10463
Located on 235th street in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, Liebman's is one of the best Kosher delis you'll find in New York City—after all, it's been a neighborhood staple since 1953. The moment you walk in, the place feels like an instant throwback, but that's just one major part of its charm, the other? The food—it wraps you up in a scrumptious blanket of nostalgia.
While it's easy to pick from any number of delicious items on the menu, one of their best offerings? The crispy, delicious all beef hot dogs, so good, they put those dirty water dogs you find on New York City street corners to shame.
This is a great spot to take someone if you really want to show them you know what's up. After all, what’s more summery than a snappy hot dog with onions, coleslaw and a side of potato salad? Nothing.
Don’t want to eat it there? Take it to go and catch some rays at Van Cortland Park or the designated Picnic area at Wave Hill.
BRONX ALE HOUSE
216 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463
In neighboring Kingsbridge, the Bronx Ale House is one of the best good-time spots to hit up in the ‘nabe. As soon as you walk inside, you feel like there's either a party about to start or the staff is cleaning up after the last one, getting ready for the next get down. Bars that automatically make you feel like you're about to have a good time are aces in my book, great vibes.
The beer selection is some of the best in the borough, with a changing line up of craft brews to pair with the BBQ-gastropub chow. A great spot to bring a date or a rowdy group of friends. I'd even suggest bringing some of the beer snobs in your life; they may even thank you.
While you're there, treat yourself to their signature Alehouse burger, coming at you with a seared patty topped off with pulled pork, spicy slaw and a crispy onion ring. It's like putting a backyard BBQ in your mouth, all in one bite.
BREWSKIS BAR & GRILL
3718 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10465
Any bar that has a back deck and offers live musical performances on said back deck, has my attention. So Brewskis is always an easy choice when it comes to where to get great food, good vibes, craft beer and awesome music, any day of the week.
The spot to hit up if you want to watch a game on one of their giant screens, meet up with friends after work or sing your heart out on karaoke night. And the food, man it’s shockingly good for a ‘sports bar.’
Brewskis slings out some tasty ribs, excellent when paired with truffle mac’n cheese; the menu also boasts some of the most delicious chorizo tacos you'll find anywhere in the Bronx and BBQ sliders, which are insane—seriously, why are you still reading this? Go get those sliders now, thank me later.
188 BAKERY CUCHIFRITO
158 E 188th St #1, Bronx, NY 10468
Not BBQ or burgers but this place has all the soul and pork you’d expect from a BBQ joint, wrapped up neatly in a Latin package. This place is a haven for those who need their stomachs (and souls) satiated with the wonderful fried goodness of Dominican food.
Located in the Fordham section of the Bronx on E188th, it’s understandable to think that from the outset this is like any other Cuchifrito joint you'd find scattered across the Bronx and uptown Manhattan. Well, you’d be wrong. Everything on the menu is what I consider soul food of the highest caliber, and is prepared daily with a double dose of love and authenticity.
While I literally recommend everything on the menu, you can't go wrong with rice and beans, chicharron, tostones, and chicken pastelillo. Flavors so good, you'll feel an urge to lay out on a sandy beach afterward with a coconut in your hand. Santo Domingo may not be an option, but hey, there's always Orchard Beach.
MILK BURGER
148 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454
Some of the borough's most exciting restaurants are popping up in the South Bronx and among these new eateries is a spot that slings out some of the tastiest burgers you're going to find anywhere in New York City.
Serving up Black Angus Beef, Milk Burger offers up some delicious burgers, both simple classics and other's loaded with gourmet toppings.
This is a great spot if you're on a casual date, lunch break or if you're in need of some grub before heading out to Port Morris' craft beverage corner just a few blocks away.
In fact, they have a lineup of great local beers waiting for the tab to be popped and paired with crusty, cheesy meat on a soft bun. Good beer and good burgers. Summer, the way it should be done.
