Not-too-crazy restaurants for solo dining week of New Year's?

[PDFierro]

I'm coming into the city on the 29th, and I know it's going to be super crazy. Would restaurants anywhere be more crowded than usual? I'm staying in the East Village, but will be all over Manhattan. Any suggestions for BPC/Lower Manhattan would be good, too.

I was there during Irene, and I kind of missed some places I wanted to eat at, but I have my list of casual places to eat at down pat. I'm looking for places to sit down and have a nice dinner, somewhere to look forward to going to eat at night.

I like all types of food, surprise me. Not really set on a certain style. Looking for some places not casual but not super fancy either. Somewhere I can eat by myself.

If there is a super busy place you think I would like, don't be afraid to mention it. I don't mind crowds, but I know everywhere will be packed because of the week it is.

[dyrewolf]

Actually, aside from the 7PM and 9PM seatings on the 31st it might be an easier week to eat out. I saw a lot of availability for the 30th at better places, (I go fancy the 30th and have a dinner party or eat Asian/Pizza on the 31st as I hate restaurants that night... )

Anyway, solo dining at the bar is very nice at Hearth (actually kitchen counter there) Apiary, Ippudo (but always a line), Kanoyama (sushi bar), Maialino, Scarpetta

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Hearth
403 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10009

Kanoyama
175 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014

Apiary
60 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010

[PDFierro]

Sorry, I realize my question was vague and should have been more specific. I love anything from pizza to burgers, seafood, etc.

Two really good pizza places I ate at last time were Motorino and Inatesso in BPC. Loved the atmosphere of Inatesso. won't be dressing super fancy. Grand Central Oyster Bar was my #1 place to go to back in August, but I never made it there.

I won't be eating dinner on the 31st as I'm doing the Times Square thing, but I will be in town 5 nights. I just assumed everywhere would be hectic, but I guess not.

Hearth looks pretty good.

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Inatteso
28 West St, New York, NY 10006

Motorino
349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

[H Manning]

It would be helpful to mention which restaurants your list of casual places so we can get some idea of your preferences. Also, what is your food budget before drinks, tax and tip?