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Life so far in the Dirty Jersey is pretty nice, and it’s even better after finding some good places to eat!

Skinner’s Loft is just a hop and skip away from the Grove St. PATH station and it serves up some solid American-style bistro fare. They are definitely more than just a beer and burger joint. Some favorites on the menu include penne with shrimp, BBQ ribs, Filet Mignon with a nice reduction, and a wasabi-crusted salmon. Yum!!

And let’s not forget the desserts – a fantastic Crème brûlée (when it’s available on the daily specials) and a neat “ice cream for 2″ with 6 different ice creams on 12 mini cones served on this cool little cone holder tray. When someone orders it, you see newcomers all looking over and asking “What is that?!”

Also, they have a small, but reasonable wine list, and some damn fine beers on tap (Fuller’s ESB is my go-to drink there).

Lastly, the staff there is extremely friendly (I believe the owner is Irish and they are really down to Earth folk) and the decor of the place is really nice and open – large artist loft with local art on the walls.

Skinner’s Loft
146 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Pam Real Thai is one of many Hell’s Kitchen Thai restaurants and it’s given generally good ratings on City Search and Menu Pages. The place is small and maybe holds about 25-30 people.

Bottom line: It’s cheap and the food is good (not great), but hey, where can you order a Green Papaya Salad, Chicken Pad See Ew, Shrimp-Pineapple Fried Rice, Rama Chicken, and 2 beers for $40? Ok?

But, so far the best Thai that I’ve had in NYC is still Sea Thai Bistro.

Pam Real Thai Food
404 W 49th St. @ 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

My wife and I *love* this place!

But we only get to come here maybe once every other month or so. Maybe that’s what makes Republic seem even better. Their food is simple and clean, and the staff is very nice even when it’s packed and hurried. I also love the fact that they use PDAs to “sync” our orders to the kitchen. Hot!

Recommendations: If you don’t know what to get, go with the Fried Dumplings and the Shrimp Pad Thai. If you want something a bit different, try the Grilled Salmon on Curried Rice. Yum yum yum!

Ok, now I’m hungry again.

Republic
37 Union Sq. West, New York, NY 10003

Solid mexican food hot off the grill. The steak burrito never disappoints. Also, the pitcher of sangria is really tasty and BIG! Yeah!!!

Chip’s Mexican Grill
4215 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside, NY 11104

The best seafood paella I’ve had in NYC!  Plus, tasty tapas and sangria! Yum! Yum!!

Went there for a friend’s b-day party and had a great time! It’s a small but cozy place with good food and drink.

La Nacional Tapas Bar 
239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

Corner Fried Chicken
72-32 Broadway, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Jackson Heights, Queens below the Roosevelt Avenue stop on the 7 Train. Also has a Halal menu.

[gmap name='CFC' lat='40.747355' lng='-73.893356' width='375' height='295' zoom='16' desc='Corner Fried Chicken

72-32 Broadway
Jackson Heights, NY 11372']