Drinks/small plates near Varick & King St.

[MB fka MB]

I'm going to be jumping off the 1 train at Houston for an appointment and I don't know the 'hood at all (still a newbie).

Are there any good cocktails/snacks in that nabe? A good bar where a solo girl will feel comfortable and well cared for?

As reference, my most recent favs are Death & Company (loved the drinks, tho' the food was way under-seasoned and not quite as thoughtful in execution as in theory). I quite enjoyed small plates at Degustation and Casa Mono is a go-to for me.

Any suggestions?

[sandwich22]

There's a communal table at En though Chowhound people give it mixed reviews.

[thew]

tailor on broome

i repeat

tailor on broome

[mrnyc]

i like GIORGIONE 508 for small plates.

maybe try out pegu club for fancy drinks.

[squid kun]

Giorgione 508 is closing at the end of the month ... http://eater.com/archives/2008/07/the...

[Lucia]

'ino--just wine/beer but good small plates.

[jenniebnyc]

Blue Ribbon Bar, Hhundred Acres, Ditch Plains

[MB fka MB]

Thanks, jenniebnyc. I've been to Blue Ribbon and think it's kind of overrated. Plus the bar is tiny and not at all comfortable.

I did some more looking around and here some places I've been meaning to check out:

Little Branch (for drinks)
Ino (it will probably be mobbed, tho')
Mas Farmhouse
Fiamma
Da Silvano Restaurant

And there's always Pinkberry...

[chow_gal]

Not Blue Ribbon Brasserie (tiny bar). Blue Ribbon Downing Street Wine Bar.

[MB fka MB]

well that changes things (see - told you I'm still a newbie). thanks.

[jenniebnyc]

correct. and my suggestion of Hundred Acres stands. Nice bar and food.

[MB fka MB]

I ended up at Blue Ribbon Downing Street and it was perfect. I had a snack of the hard cooked eggs and the rillette and all was right with the world. The eggs I had were the "cajun"-ish ones with a shrimp on it and pickled jalapeno slices. Good. and the smoked trout with roe and creme fraiche - very good. the bar man mentioned that people eat them with forks and how silly but then I learned that you must because they are slippery! The rillette was a nice serving - already spread on toast points (4 pcs) with mustard and cornichons. I would have given it a bit more mustard, but it really was delish.

The bar men were really delightful and fun to chat with. The service was casual but 100% on top of things and that is such a nice mix. This is a great place to stop in solo and not feel like a leper.

Thanks for the recommendations, jenniebnyc. I look forward to trying these other places when I'm in the 'hood.