Frank 88 2nd Ave. (@ E. 5th St.)
East Village
212.420.0202
Frank:
Ok, we know: The wait is obscene. And once it’s over, you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with every hungry soul below 14th Street. Even with those caveats, Frank on 2nd Avenue is a must-visit. The wine list is extensive for such a small restaurant, and the knowledgeable wait staff is more than happy to steer you in the right direction. All the wines are from Italy except one from Francis Ford Coppola’s vineyard in Napa. The menu has more than its fair share of highlights, including a ridiculously large burrata appetizer, a heaping helping of meatloaf, gnocchi that will melt on your tongue, and (blasphemy!) spaghetti served with only olive oil and garlic. With 10 years in business and a wait like this, Frank must be doing something right.
