The staff at this UES joint is so amiable, many regulars say the atmosphere is similar to that of "Cheers." Though the menu is tiny, there are several star dishes, including the much-lauded Macaroni. Delicious little radiatori get coated in parmesan, becoming soft and creamy. The cook tops the dish with a big hunk of cheddar before popping it in the oven; it comes out nice and crispy, slightly burnt around the edges, and quite mouth-watering.

The Boston Lettuce Salad–with a caramelized pear, stilton cheese, crushed toasted hazelnuts, and a balsamic reduction and hazelnut oil is a nice complement to one of the bar's drinks, as is the
Fondue for Two–with gruyere, appenzeller, fontina, homemade bread, and apple slices.

247 E 81st St between 2nd and 3rd; 212-396-9928; 6 to 79th St.