Need a restaurant with a bar so I can watch the kitchen...

[domesticgodess]

Last time I was in NYC I ate at Nougat, Momofuku Noodle Bar, and Tabla.
All had a bar where I could sit and eat and watch the kitchen!!
Im alone travelling and prefer not to go to a stuffy restaurant by myself.

SO...can you suggest a few more places with great food and a bar where I can sit and eat while watching the kitchen.

Im staying midtown - west side.

Many thanks. You guys are great.

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Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

[Hey19]

Casa Mono, and the back bar at Hecho en dumbo both have good kitchen watching. Cool Staff, sometimes some light banter w the audience, not much, but usually theres not any, but seems like they work well together at least. Both have great food and could never be described as stuffy.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[ExFlexitarian]

Traif in Williamsburg

[MMRuth]

Casa Mono fits the bill.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[hungrycomposer]

Second Ko, if you can swing the price. One of the most memorable meals I ever had, and fascinating to watch it prepared. Just don't expect any ingratiating behavior from the chefs - they are there to work, not entertain.

[fooder]

Aldea has an open kitchen seating area where you can literally see all the action.

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Aldea
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

[domesticgodess]

thanks for all the great suggestions. I have been to L'atelier in Vegas. One of the best meals I had. Will keep you posted.

[UES Mayor]

L'atelier Joel roubachon would suit this just fine!

[goodhealthgourmet]

numerous open kitchens & chef's counters discussed here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/684989

[small h]

Mercat has a few seats facing the kitchen. You can see 'em there in the picture.

http://www.mercatnyc.com/

[ellenost]

Since you've been to Noodle Bar, I highly recommend you try Momofuku Ko. I've dined many times solo at Ko, and have always enjoyed watching the preparation/cooking of some of the most extraordinary food in NYC. You do need a reservation (unlike Noodle Bar).

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Momofuku Ko
163 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

[JeremyEG]

How about Hearth?
JeremyEG
homecooklocavore.com

[domesticgodess]

Thanks JeremyEG, checked out the menu...its ok. Nothing earth shattering but I appreciate the suggestion. Anything else come to mind?

[JeremyEG]

Hearth is quite simple but the food is really spectacular! How about Degustation?

[gutsofsteel]

Hearth is a terrific restaurant and has the best experience in the category you are looking for.