JoeDoe ("aggressive American" cuisine), 45 East 1st Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues), (212) 780-0262. chefjoedoe.com
Bar menu standouts: Fried cheese curds, pickled duck eggs, lentil falafels. There's also a daily bar special wildcard. Nice.
They'll run you: $5 each ($8 with a drink)
Washed down with: A Thai Sunset. Siembra Azul tequila, coconut milk, fresh lime and sriracha sauce -- it's not just for pho anymore.
Tip: If there's a wait to eat at Prune across the street (and really, when is there not?), this is a dandy way to bide your time.
Check out the full menu at Grub Street.
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