Death & Co.

Avoid the long waiting process that many others complain about by sneaking here early for a surprisingly pleasant dinner. A pretty varied menu is available, from mac&cheese to short ribs to chocolate wontons, all beautifully served and delicious, though small. Drinks are what you'd expect from bartenders hailing from Pegu and Freeman's - classic with a twist, thirst-quenchingly enjoyable, and totally scornful of vodka (gin is the preferred base). They take great pride in the martinis but I went for the Company Buck, essentially a Dark and Stormy given extra zing with pineapple juice. The jazz music and 1930s ambiance makes this a sophisticated hangout for a small group of friends in the East Village.