The Bourgeois Pig

I love this place for so many reasons. Aside from the small, dark and comfortable mismatched antiques factor and very funny musical selections, the food and drinks here are fantastic and very affordable. The fondue plates are huge (I'm a big fan of the gruyere with cracked pepper and garlic served with frittes and prosciutto) and comfortably shared. The dessert fondues are also excellent, and provide a good selection of options for all varieties of chocolate lovers. Both coffee drinks and beer and wine are available, and on Monday and Tuesdays bottles are half-price. I had a truly spectacular birthday dinner here back in October, and since then have made it my favourite place to take people -- both local and from out of town. Be warned, however, the place is tiny, and it can be hard, if not impossible to get a table. One or two big groups, and there's no room for you. As such, go early or late (not primetime) or early in the week. more

The Bourgeois Pig is a delight for fondue lovers. How many restaurants call you when your table is ready (of course, this is necessitated by the tininess of the Pig and the lack of real waiting space)? Leave your name, wander around the neighborhood or sit in Tompkins Square Park, and think about the scrumptious meal your are about to devour. Some folks just come for the atmosphere (eclectic and somewhat elegant) and sip wine or cider. I like the spread with the fondue (fruit, bread & frites with a la carte options) followed by a Babette (dessert chocolate). Out of there for under $50 for two! WARNING: Sodium is a major part of the meal (in the cheese & lots on the frites). You will want to drink a lot of water, but this will cause the cheese to form a cold little ball in your stomach and leave you aching for the rest of the evening. Try not to consume too many frites too fast. more