Flex Mussels

A West Village staple where Prince Edward Island mussels arrive by the potful in a dozen-plus sauce variations, from coconut curry to bacon and beer.

The room is narrow and unfussy, all exposed brick and close-set tables, but the mussels are the real draw—plump, briny, and steamed to order in broths that range from classic white wine and garlic to a lemongrass-spiked Thai curry worth mopping up with fries. Pair a pot with a crisp Muscadet and you've got one of the better low-key seafood nights downtown.

Best for: A casual date or catching up with friends over pots of mussels and crusty bread