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70 7th Ave S
Manhattan, NY 10014
(212) 929-2188

Old Town Hot Pot  

Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: West Village

4.0 star rating
12/27/2011
I went here with the family for Christmas Eve in true Jewish ritual style (though we were the only non-Chinese people there) and had a great time. They bring you a mound of vegetables plus some crab (2 people for $20) to boil, which is quite filling on its own. We also ordered the shrimp balls which were a tasty addition, and the beef which turn out to be unnecessary and not too flavorful. I asked for my spicy broth "medium" and it was still a bit on the spice side, but I got used to it after a few bites.

The green loose leaf tea is not to be missed, and be sure to ask for a refill.

Overall a great place to go, especially with a small group.

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20 Morris Street
New York, NY 10006
(212) 486-5935

Hertz Corporation  

Neighborhood: Financial District

1.0 star rating
8/29/2010
Hertz doesn't honor reservations. We called the Hertz hotline at 2pm and made a reservation for just half an hour later. On the phone they offered us several types of cars and we reserved one. When we got there at 2:30pm, they didn't have any cars at all and said there were no cars in all of NYC. The people at the brach were nice, but it seems Hertz is just listing cars on their website and phone hotline without really having any.

I feel it necessary to quote Seinfeld, who articulated the issue better than I ever could:

Agent: I'm sorry, we have no mid-size available at the moment.

Jerry: I don't understand, I made a reservation, do you have my reservation?

Agent: Yes, we do, unfortunately we ran out of cars.

Jerry: But the reservation keeps the car here. That's why you have the
reservation.

Agent: I know why we have reservations.

Jerry: I don't think you do. If you did, I'd have a car. See, you know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to *hold* the reservation and that's really the most important part of the reservation, the holding. Anybody can just take them.

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58 Carmine St
New York, NY 10014

Cho's Grocery  

Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: West Village

4.0 star rating
8/29/2010
Cho's is a quality neighborhood bodega. Despite their small size, they have almost any product you can imagine from tomato sauce to greek yogurt. They're also open 24/7. Prices are even competitive with the local supermarkets.

Unlike another Yelp reviewer's claims, I've never been sold an expired or moldy good there and I've even bought their milk and eggs. Having said that, I probably wouldn't order a sandwich from them, but who does that at a bodega anyhow?

Don't walk another block, Cho's probably has what you're looking for.

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60 Centre St
Manhattan, NY 10007
(646) 386-3600

New York County Supreme Court  

Category: Public Services & Government
Neighborhood: Civic Center

4.0 star rating
4/22/2010 First to Review
I'm currently serving my juror summons. I'd expected curt government bureaucrats, but the staff here is quite polite and relatively laid back. The seats are comfortable and the wifi works very well. The lawyers and judges are pretty understanding about not sticking you on a jury if you've got a job or plans that would make it difficult. I just told them I'm running my own company and that was enough. They even have a little coffee cart in the building. My only complaint is that there aren't many power outlets, but I guess there are still books for that.

Remember that you're only a block away from Chinatown, so go there during your lunch hour. I recommend the Excellent Pork Chop House (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).

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16 Main St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 222-8500

Galapagos Art Space  

Categories: Performing Arts, Venues & Event Spaces
Neighborhood: DUMBO

5.0 star rating
1/12/2010
We hosted the first Shorty Awards (http://shortyawards.com/) at Galapagos. Robert and his team were very helpful and supportive. We choose Galapagos because it's a unique space, and it left an impression on everyone who came. The stage and A/V equipment worked well and allowed us to mix a presentation with a party. I've been to other events there too, which always liven up the DUMBO cultural scene.

If you're an event producer, I'd highly recommend hosting at Galapagos!

Listed in: I'm DUMBO

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88 University Pl
New York, NY 10003
(212) 645-4525

Osso Buco Restaurant - CLOSED  

Category: Italian
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square

1.0 star rating
10/11/2009
I ended up at this restaurant after relying on Yelp mobile to pick a place post-movies, so I feel an extra responsibility to review it so other don't fall victim. The food was mediocre run-of-the-mill Italian food, but the service made the whole meal uncomfortable. The waiter was very difficult to understand - he'd break into Italian even though it was clear he was a native English speaker (and not in a charming sort of way). When we say down, he asked if we'd like a drink. I said we'd like to see the drink menu, and instead he just blurts out some of their cocktails (which were all standard drinks you'd get at any restaurant). I said we'd take a minute, still no menu.

Finally, after I ordered and received a dirty martini, he then explained to me what's in it as if I would have ordered it without knowing.

We ordered the mussels as an appetizer and it arrived as we were running out of bread (they only gave a small portion to start.). I asked the busboy for more bread (to soak up the sauce), and he looked at me like I was crazy. About 10 minutes later as we're finishing the appetizer he brings out two small slices of bread and says "sorry we didn't have more". And this wasn't fresh bread either.

This place isn't particularly cheap for family-style Italian, so you'd be a fool for wasting your money here (after reading this review) with so many better options available nearby.

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36 Front St
New York, NY 11201
(718) 437-6289

Chase Bank  

Category: Banks & Credit Unions
Neighborhood: DUMBO

5.0 star rating
10/30/2008 First to Review
Though I have plenty of gripes with Chase in general, this branch is small and attentive. They're all very friendly yet keep lines moving.

When someone stole money from my account by writing fake checks, Rita and Victoria were very helpful about getting everything fixed up. We're lucky to have them in the neighborhood.

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26 Bay St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-7100

Dockside Bar & Grill  

Category: Seafood

5.0 star rating
9/22/2008 First to Review
Located strangely inside an American Legion, Dockside offers very fast service, outdoor seating across the street from the water, and most importantly amazing seafood.

The bar scene is happening if you're 80, but the dinner's enjoyable for all ages. Pretty good beers on tap too.

The food's not cheap but very reasonable for the quality. I had the jambalaya so I can vouch for the clams, mussels, sausage, chicken and whatever else they threw in there.

I'd go all the time if it weren't a three hour trip out there.

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41 W 58th St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 832-0022

Fika  

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Caterers, Scandinavian
Neighborhood: Midtown West

4.0 star rating
8/26/2008
This place is IKEA meets Starbucks. In a good way.

Very good coffee and friendly service. I don't have much to add over the other Yelpers except to say that Fika does have free WiFi! (Hard to find in midtown.) There's not much seating, but most of their customers are to go so you should be able to find a spot.

Listed in: Good free wifi spots

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29 Bedford St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 633-0202

Ditch Plains  

Categories: Bars, Seafood
Neighborhood: West Village

4.0 star rating
Update - 8/24/2008
Since the first time I've been here, Ditch Plains has improved quite a lot. The menu's matured and it has a great feel as a neighborhood joint. The ditch dogs are excellent. Even has a nice bar scene too. DP is of the few places you can get draft beer and free wifi.

Listed in: Good free wifi spots

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/1/2006 First to Review

    Hip seafood bar setting. Pretty solid food and generous portions. They don't exactly take a lot of risks though: The oysters were smothered in garlic and butter -- how can you screw that up?

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3 Lists

I'm DUMBO

While DUMBO's acronym (Down Under the Manhattan…
1.  Bridge Fresh
If you work or live in…
2.  Retreat
Retreat takes the funky…
3.  Rice
Asian fusion food that…
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Good free wifi spots

Free wifi is elusive in NYC, but when you find it…
1.  Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
I've never browsed the…
2.  Ditch Plains
Since the first time I've…
3.  Fika
This place is IKEA meets…
See Full List »

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"Hungry Entrepreneur"

Review votes:
91 Useful, 69 Funny, and 48 Cool

Location

New York, NY

Yelping Since

March 2006

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http://www.venturevoic...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm getting any sleep either

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