The Secret New York Alternative to Tavern on the Green

The words most commonly associated with Tavern on the Green are "overpriced" and "not good." Other words could include uncool, touristy and rip-off. New York arguably has better food than anywhere in the country, so instead of hitting off its most famous tourist trap, check out one of these equally priced, fantastic restaurants. Be forewarned: they're all located below 14th Street. (Appetizers at TOTG range from $12-20 and entrees range from $26-42, so if anything, the following restaurants are less expensive):

Blue Ribbon Bakery - There are a number of Blue Ribbon restaurants and at all of them the food is just as delicious as the experience is annoying. This is because of the group's no-reservations policy, and the ensuing wait time - every night of the week. But Blue Ribbon Bakery, being the least hip of the bunch, gets the least love and is therefore significantly easier to get into. With its huge storefront windows, it's especially terrific for people-watching at lunch, when you'll find yourself deciding between the artichoke hearts, smoked red trout and fried chicken while trying to figure out how to dress like the actor-slash-models on Downing Street. Oh, and they make their own bread. I just gained 5 lbs writing this. 35 Downing Street (Downing and Bedford) 212.337.0404

Five Points - This is a great place to go with your aunt and uncle or a date - if you've been dating for awhile. The white tablecloths and dim lighting feel clubby rather than formal or romantic. The food is solidly good and, though it's not too loud, there's still that comfortable buzz to the room without which New Yorkers can't think. The majority of the menu consists of seafood and pasta dishes, but there is also American bar food like buttermilk free range chicken, a char grilled grass fed burger, and hearty sides like french fries and onion rings. Every night between 5-6pm Five Points offers a happy hour oyster and martini special, with $2 oysters and half priced martinis. Note that when you hit your 13th oyster, it's full price again. PS - For a more romantic experience, try its sister restaurant, Cookshop, in Chelsea. Five Points: 31 Great Jones Street (Bowery and Lafayette) 212.253.5700

The Stanton Social - You'll notice that the theme of the Lower East Side these days is youth, and personally I think the city should consider renaming it "University of the Lower East Side" (it could play in the same athletic conference as Williamsburg College and Murray Hill State). In fairness, the neighborhood also happens to have some of the best restaurants in Manhattan, including Freemans, Little Giant, Barrio Chino, THOR (yes, I like THOR) and Schiller's, where you can get steak frites at 3am. The Stanton Social's menu includes mini lobster rolls, short rib tacos and spicy edamame, and everything's meant to be shared, including the banquettes at the upstairs bar. It's a great place to take the friend from college you only see once a year or that very mature 24 year-old you've been texting. 99 Stanton Street (Ludlow and Orchard) 212.995.0099

Cafe Mogador - Cafe Mogador is one of those restaurants where, if someone looked me dead in the eye and said, "Cafe Mogador is the best restaurant in New York City," I would say, "Yes." The only other restaurants that I would say that about unflinchingly are Bond Street Sushi, which is ri-DIC-ulous, Craft, which just cares more about ingredients than anyone else, and Gramercy Tavern, which is Gramercy Tavern (the culinary equivalent of pointing out that Clive Owen is attractive (I don't love Brad Pitt)). But Mogador is different because it's totally low key. It looks like all the other Euro-esque restaurants on St. Marks Place but the food is superb and it's actually not that expensive. It's Moroccan, which means that things like lamb and couscous are involved, as well as impossibly fresh salad, hot pita and luscious Mediterranean on-the-bone fish. When my dad came to town we ate here, I kid you not, three nights in a row. It's that good. 101 St. Marks Place (First Avenue and Avenue A) 212.677.2226

Giorgione - I feel like this is a restaurant for people in the art world. This isn't really based on anything except for the white-stubbled men I see drinking wine and the fact that I happened to go with my friend Courtney, who works at Mixed Greens (one of those small but crucial Chelsea galleries). Again, the food is stellar, the wine is great and comes in nice big wine glasses, and the ceilings are high and airy enough for even the most heated Damien Hirst conversation. Of course, when Courtney and I go, we usually talk about boys. (Note that there are two Giorgiones, the other one has one big, long bar with high stools. Both are good but the Spring Street one is more of a conventional restaurant.) Restaurant: 307 Spring Street (Greenwich and Hudson) 212.352.2269, Bar: 508 Greenwich Street (Canal and Spring) 212.219.2444

I can't think of a better way to burn all these calories than to go on a walking tour. Luckily, Secret New York: Exploring the City's Hidden Neighborhoods includes walking tours of every neighborhood of Manhattan (and all of the outer boroughs too).