It's refreshing to find new businesses open under circumstances like these in 2020 but Hole in the Wall Cafe, it's 3rd location in Flatiron is a hit and here's why!

Australian Cafes are few and far between but based on my experience, they've all been pretty amazing, and HITW-Flatiron is no exception. Note that I've been to the other locations. Service with a smile, cheerful attitude even among hiccups will smooth anything over, not that there was anything to complain about.

The outdoor area which is the only section open at the time is spacious and inviting thanks to Hotel Henri with a well thought out F&B floorplan.

Cocktails are amazing as are the food, which are to be expected. All the pasta plates are worthwhile ordering. The short rib ragu penne, shrimp pappardelle. The winner is the Vietnamese Fried Chicken Sandwich!

Chef Jae S. Lee takes over the spot that once housed Carma East, but unlike those before it, Chef brings with him his experience under Momosan, Talde's Rice & Gold, and his latest HIM Popup at Black Emperor.

Nowon named after his hometown in South Korea, is serving one of the best burgers in the city; the Dry-aged burger w/ cheese and kimchi mayo keeps it simple without getting too overcomplicated, making it approachable even as a $20 burger. Trust me. You'll want it, despite wanting the tots and wings too.

The Honey butter tater tots and Shin Ramyun Wings are carryovers too from HIM, but definitely try 'em.

Other must-haves? I love carbs and so the Chopped Cheese Rice cakes will not disappoint.

As far as ambience notes go: Check out the bathroom!

Putnam's is one of those neighborhood joints in Clinton Hill you'd love coming back to (because they still retain that homely feel)

They've got a daily happy hour running 3pm-7pm which is unbeatable and their staff has always been so welcoming to me!

Love their Angels on Horseback (oysters), Curry Mussels and signature burger w/ fries. Their house beer is from Circa Brewing, also nearby and worth checking out! I'm definitely all about their cocktail menu; Brittany, the awesome bartender is the one crafting them all! There's literally something for everyone on the menu and this is how they won me over!

The mark of genius is always masked by simplicity. Such is the case of Brooklyn Chophouse, which borrows from its sister restaurant concepts in the city to make a steakhouse!

I've had the whole duck, baos, bacon, satay skewers and the frequently mentioned variety of dumplings! While the pac-man dumplings are cute and gimmicky, they're reason enough to get me to try them and photograph, and photo we did! Mind you, they taste like any other har-gow, but far more photogenic. Spicy nine season shrimp is, as expected, spicy yet flavorful.

Among the vast dozen or so choices of dumplings and dim sum options, the Pastrami, philly cheesesteak, reuben, french onion soup leaped out at me, and we had to try them. I have to honestly report back to you that they attempt very well to replicate to flavor of their respective sandwich counterpart.

The steaks are the star of the show. The 55-day Porterhouse for two is straightforward and seasoned well.

As far as ambiance goes, it's hip, and sports bar themed in the front, and multi-level restaurant in the back. There are ample tv screens throughout. Service is courteous and professional as can be expected. I'll definitely need to come back to check out lunch!