NYC Restaurants

Harbor Bar offers upscale dining at downscale prices. The space, which overlooks Bryant Park, has a great marble bar, funky lighting and its own oyster station. Chef Daniel Boulud is the force behind the food, with some of the freshest seafood in the city at prices that won't break the bank.  Lightly-battered popcorn shrimp ($12) are so good you'll want to pop 'em all day. They come with a cajun remoulade.  A well-chilled lobster tail (14) arrives with a classic cocktail sauce and citrus mojo.  It wasn't the largest lobster tail I've eaten, but it was among the tastiest. Harbor Bar is also serving charred octopus ($14) that is perfectly prepared.  Four or five large pieces served atop a bed of herbed lima beans and Turkish peppers. It is fabulous. Seared tuna, grilled oysters and a lobster roll are also on the menu. And, of course there are oysters, and two dozen different beers on tap, also well-chilled. The wait staff is pleasant and helpful. The Harbor Bar is loctated inside the Whole Foods at Bryant Park on the second floor. It is worth the trip!