The December Hit List: Achilles Heel, Yellow Rose, Shabu Tatsu, Anton’s, and More

Off the beaten path on the northern tip of Greenpoint lies one of the coziest gems in New York, part of the realm of Brooklyn restaurant pioneer Andrew Tarlow. The cozy goes for their pandemic-appropriate patio seats, too. Start with a glass of wine, then dig into wholesome dishes like chicken liver toast with braised radicchio; squid with cranberry beans and potatoes; and black rice with sweet potatoes, hazelnuts, and pickled peppers.

Dining status: Patio is open for reservations. Pickup and delivery are also available.

Real-deal Texas tacos were hard to come by in this city until Yellow Rose came around. After a successful pop-up run, San Antonio natives Dave and Krystiana Rizo are now open on 13th St. and 3rd Ave., slinging excellent renditions of their hometown fare — refried beans and cheese on handmade flour tortillas, vegan queso, beef chili — from a quirky brick-and-mortar with a retro down-south feel.

Dining status: Patio is open for walk-ins only. Pickup and delivery are also available.

Who would’ve thought we’d be dining  al fresco in December? Yet here we are, and Ruffian’s making the most of it with a heated outdoor chalet they’re calling “Base Camp.” Inspired by the slopes of the Andes and the Himalayas, the month-long menu features hot cocktails, mountain wines, and vegetarian fare like black garlic momos, spätzle with charred caraflex cabbage, and pumpkin-coconut pie.

Dining status: The patio (Base Camp) is open for reservations. Ruffian Wine Shop is open for pickup and local delivery.

A meal of shabu-shabu, the Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables dipped in boiling water and served with a variety of sauces, is a warming treat best enjoyed in the wintertime. Lucky for us, Shabu Tatsu, part of the same Little Tokyo collective that includes Decibel and Hi-Collar, is open seven days a week, with cook-your-own stoves for all diners, both outdoors and in.

Dining status: Patio and dining room are open for reservations. Pickup and delivery are also available.

White tablecloths, slow jams, and a front-row view to their expert duck slicer are all part of the appeal of dining outside at Peking Duck House. This Chinatown stalwart has been specializing in shimmery-crisp poultry and pancakes since 1978, but the outdoors version is a particular treasure. Don’t sleep on the sesame noodles or the blistered green beans, and be sure to hit your local wine shop before you head over (it’s BYOB).

Dining status: Patio and dining room are open for reservations; call 212-227-1810. Delivery is available from their Midtown location.

Although chef Chintan Pandya and restaurateur Roni Mazumdar get plenty of fanfare for Adda in Long Island City, Rahi remains under the radar, and should not. At their Greenwich Village eatery, the menu is hit after hit after hit, from fiery dahi chili paneer to the rich, risotto-like khichdi with wild mushrooms and truffle, and the comforting yet spicy gobi korma. Come hungry.

Dining status: Patio and dining room are open for reservations. Pickup and delivery are also available.

Thick slabs of seasonal whole-grain focaccia. Flakey frosting-topped cinnamon buns. Gorgeously constructed, gooey-inside chocolate croissants. Custardy country loaves. Mel the bakery is a phenomenon, and although it’s only been open for retail on the weekends, baker-owner Nora Allen recently announced she’ll be expanding her hours on Dec. 16 to Wed. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Dining status: Take-out only via walk-up.

No matter your craving when it comes to soba, Sobaya’s got it all. You can have yours topped with tempura, bathed in curry dashi, or served cold with dipping sauce — indoors, on the East 9th St. sidewalk, for pickup, or delivery. If you’d rather stay home, your best bet is to put a pot of water on and call for an order of fresh noodles to cook at home.

Dining status: Patio and dining room are open for walk-ins and limited reservations. Pick-up and delivery are also available.

At Anton’s, embrace the unique allure of a still-new spot with an Old World spirit. You’ll want to start with a classic cocktail, say a martini or a Manhattan, then have an appetizer followed by a pasta or a main, and finish with the pillowy dark chocolate tart with sour cream and sea salt. The menu fits many types of moods, which is exactly what makes it a perfect spot to drop in for Village residents, as well as those ready to make a trip.

Dining status: Patio and dining room are open for reservations. Pickup and delivery are also available.

Pearl has served summertime year-round for eons, but never took reservations — until now. Slurp down a dozen oysters on the half shell, linger over a lobster roll with shoestring fries, or warm up with a cup of New England clam chowder laced with double-smoked bacon. Bookings can be made for the dining room; the patio is walk-in only.

Dining status: Dining room is open for reservations; patio is open for walk-ins. Pick-up (call 212-691-8211 to place your order) and delivery are also available.

As we brace for more meals at home, let’s not forget all of the ways in which our favorite restaurants are here for us — including and especially as grocers. La Vara, Cervo’s, Hunky Dory, and Popina have recently morphed into provisioners of tinned fish and breakfast churros, martini olives and seasonal vegetables, heritage flour and hand-drawn cards, housemade pasta, wine, and more. Walk-ups only.