Bring your own bargain

What would you say if I told you that you could enjoy a romantic three-course dinner with high quality food and two bottles of your favorite wine at a spot tucked away in the far West Village or Soho for around $75?

Photo by Shanna Ravindra

“Not without a time machine,” you’d probably say. But you can. All over New York, there are great restaurants that offer a bargain hunters dream…BYOB. Pick up a couple of high value bottles, and check out Tartine, or Ivo and Lulu for fine dining at a can’t miss price. (Bonus low impact points to Ivo and Lulu for using all organic ingredients.) These places often don’t take reservations, so bring an extra bottle to keep you warm (or cool) while you wait for a table, and don’t show up with a big group and expect to be seated promptly. There are lots more options than just these two downtown spots, so find some in your neighborhood, and bon appetit!