Where Noodles Come To Get Their Groove On!

REPUBLIC

How can I forget this?! One of my favorite spots and best eating in NYC!

I avoided going in for years, because it looked like a university cafeteria and just looked all “we are so cool, we don't have to decorate” - which annoys me. But...

It's great. Between Republic and Café Orlin it is hard to know which restaurant I go to most often. It's right on Union Square, so it has amazing train connections. You are quickly there and quickly home, and in between, you feed yourself well.

The soups are amazing. Brothy or coconut-milk-creamy, in large bowls filled with noodles, fresh herbs, lime or whatever fills you belly and soul. It will always keep you warm and fragrant... yes, fragrant.

They do pork, like no one else. Their grilled pork is succulent BBQ honey perfection served with rice or over cold rice noodles in a spicy-sweet sauce with carrots and apples, or some other slightly sweet fresh root vegetable.

And if you have time for appetizer – the grilled japanese eggplant is flavor layered on juiciness layered on smokiness good. But everything here is good, as far as I can tell. And if you can afford a cocktail, do! They are awesome.

You will be sharing tables that have hanging wire baskets underneath so you can put your coats, umbrellas and bags away. But the tables are spatious, wooden and support all your various plates and drinks well!

If you can get the green tea ice cream. Do! If you can get that anywhere, you must try. I think Beard Papa Cream Puffs also sells it. But Republic has such a nice communal atmosphere. It does sometimes feel like a club with the music, the lights and the beautiful people, but it's NYC. Sometimes you can't avoid the party scene. :)

37 Union Square West (between 17^th & 16^th Streets)