We don't have to tell you that one of the best parts about Chelsea is Cafeteria and the best part about Cafeteria is their late night food (especially that mac 'n' cheese!). But just like any NYC ole' faithful, it's time the space got revamped. And of course the restauranteurs breathed new life into the classic grub-stop in a distinctly NYC way — creating a totally new (but not entirely separate) space fit for private dining. The additional room is aptly named Private Dining Room (or PDR) and offers its own distinct (non-Cafeteria) pre-fixe menues. Actually, several pre-fixe menues, for everything from a weekday power breakfast, to a boozy weekend brunch, to a fancy-shmancy dinner party. And if you, like us, want to book the sleek-and-bright spot for your birthday din, tell your 15-20 guests to look forward to truffled porcini risotto, fig-glazed lamb, and, oh, a signature tequila cocktail that tastes so good you won't realize it's quite so spiked (dangerous!). The best part? It's got it's own secret passage-way to a cocktail bar downstairs, and, if you're securing the room this summer, make sure to lift up the front door for an outside-ish feel minus the humidity (and the passers-by) — it is called PDR after all.
PDR, 119 7th Avenue (at 17th Street); 212-414-1717.
Photo: Courtesy of PDR