FOOD: Cozy Fall Spots I'm Looking Forward To [NYC]

My summer bucket list is coming along...this Friday I'll be going to Central Park to watch "Rear Window" but what got me thinking this weekend was fall.  I spent this past weekend in Vermont, where my friends and I enjoyed one of the last BBQs of the season and also discovered that fall beers are hitting store shelves.  The weather was definitely chillier and no matter how much I want summer to continue on forever, I know it's coming to a close for the year.

With my impending move, I get a whole new area of the city to explore this fall and I'd like to share what I'm most looking forward to.  So in no particular order...

 Photo from Guest of a Guest

Freemans Restaurant (191 Chrystie Street, Lower East Side)

After spending the day wandering around the East Village and Lower East Side, I came upon Freemans Restaurant at the end of Freeman Alley, across the street from Lorely.  I had heard of this place before and had been meaning to check it out.  I walked down the alley, which was illuminated at the other end with twinkle lights.  There is a chalkboard sign at the end of Freeman Alley so you know this place exists, but other than that, you'd kind of have to know about it in order to find it.  I walked inside and immediately knew I had to come back in the fall or winter.  The atmosphere has a very upscale pub vibe, taxidermy on the walls, and no outdoor seating to be found, which is why I kept on walking.  But the mental note was made and I'm excited for the colder weather to see what this place is all about.

Photo from Local Bozo

Whitmans (406 East 9th Street, East Village)

In an effort to try every burger in the city, Whitmans is definitely on my list.  I have heard nothing but amazing things, and located perfectly in my new neighborhood, I have a feeling this could become a fall staple for me.  I tried to come here once before a couple of weeks ago on a Monday only to find out that they didn't open until 5pm.  But I will not be deterred--a Whitmans burger is a must this fall!  I can't resist a Juicy Lucy after all...

 Photo from Stone Street Blog

Fat Radish (17 Orchard Street, Lower East Side)

This is becoming a bucket list of sorts, but Fat Radish has been on my list for a long time and now that I'll be living significantly closer to the Lower East Side I have no excuse.  Fat Radish fascinates me for its rustic vibe--perfect for the fall.  And might perhaps even be a little healthier than what I'm used to eating!

Photo from Grubstreet

Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard Street, Lower East Side)

In the vein of Barney Greengrass, I need to try Russ & Daughters.  There are few things better than smoked salmon and cream cheese on a New York  bagel.  And now that there is a cafe where you can sit down, Russ & Daughters flies up on my list quite quickly.  (The original Russ & Daughters is on 179 East Houston Street, FYI).