Congee Bowery: When people talk about heading downtown to get some real Chinese food, this is the type of place they have in mind. With dishes including roasted young pigeon, cold jellyfish, and boiled goose intestine with bean sprouts, Congee is the real deal. You don't need to be adventurous for everything on the menu, however--they do a great job with dim sum and go above and beyond on take-out classics. A surprisingly cheap and inventive cocktail menu in addition to the over-the-top kitschy decor adds to the charm of the restaurant, making it a must-see, even if you're not willing to bite into a bird that regularly poops on your head. Go with a big group and take advantage of the oversized space, family-style portions, and overall outrageous experience. |