The Meatball Shop (Lower East Side)

All meat is ground in-house and ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible to create the highly popular balls here—made of beef, spicy pork, chicken, salmon or vegetables—that can be served as sliders, heroes or just in a bowl, with a choice of sauces (classic tomato, spicy meat, mushroom gravy or Parmesan cream). Opt for spaghetti, risotto or mashed potatoes to round out the meal. It's a friendly little spot with a farmhouse communal table and a busy bar lined with wine bottles. On the walls are disassembled meat grinders and poignant vintage photos of immigrants. Vegetable sides are cheap and good, as are the homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert.