Hot bagels were fresh once

The bagels were made about twelve hours ago. On a Sunday evening after dark, it’s sometimes difficult to find a place open when you’re hungry for a bite to eat, so I’ll stop complaining.

Read Full Post »

Pacifico’s a Bud, too

Pacifico Claro is in the InBev family, along with Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Bass, and others. Though Pacifico has its champions, others find it lacking it flavor. The brew was started by German immigrants in Mexico around 1900 but remains relatively unknown in New York City.

Read Full Post »

The happiest pizza joint

Smiling Pizza is in a good spot – there are not many pizza places left AND they are on a good corner. Plus, Smiling Pizza makes a tolerable slice and it won’t set you back too much.

Read Full Post »

Neon psychic

Here’s more proof that Fifth Avenue in the teens and 20’s is moving on up: neon signs, even for small small operations like this. This picture could be better, but I had to move quickly. Psychics have a way of suddenly appearing if you linger by their sign too long: “May I offer you a reading today?”

Read Full Post »

Chinese & Mexican food to go

I got the tofu burrito with black beans and rice. It was actually pretty good, but what worried me was the lack of letter grade posted in the window. The only other customer was getting four orders of chicken wings. I don’t know where you’d find those on the menus.

Read Full Post »

Sad sushi sign

This isn’t black and white, it just looks that way. What’s sad is that this restaurant was open; a few patrons and workers were moving around inside. Fresh fish, anyone?

Read Full Post »

What’s a Staubitz?

It’s a purveyor of meat, at 222 Court Street. I’m no fan of the carne, but I do like the neon. This shop, around since 1917, has such a loyal allegiance that it’s hard to find anyone who will say a negative word about this place and all the meat, game, and gourmet products it has for sale.

Read Full Post »

Magic Touch: Too good to last

That’s my theory at least – The Magic Touch was too much of a good thing. It was a cocktail lounge, as the other side of the sign says, and it served Italian cuisine. That means it was a fancy joint. Above all, there are the spiffy graphics of the sign; all I can say is that I’m glad the current owners left this remnant of old Carroll Gardens on their building.

Read Full Post »