Founded in 1990 by Jeremy Wladis, The Restaurant Group is a special portfolio comprising of several distinctive restaurant brands with 20 different locations in New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington D.C. The three restaurants represented are just a selection of the six brands underneath the Restaurant Group umbrella within New York City, satisfying eclectic tastes that offer diners anything from South of the Border barbecue to made to order customized pizzas. Common to all the Restaurant Group properties is that they are all neighborhood eateries that became an important part of the fabric of the communities they reside in.
A neighborhood favorite since it opened in summer 2012, A. G. Kitchen offers a tantalizing blend of Latin American and American cuisine. Located on the Upper West Side, with a brand-new outpost in Silver Spring, MD., A. G Kitchen, named for the initials of famed Food Network Personality, Cookbook Author and Chef Alex Garcia, is comfort cuisine fused with a modern twist. Renowned for its varieties of made-to-order guacamole (Classic, Pineapple and Pomegranate, and Papaya and Mint), plus entrees such as the Brazilian-style Samba Chicken, Manhattan Latin burger, Surf ‘n’ Turf and Seafood Paella (lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken, chorizo with saffron rice and calamari salad) as well as the city’s most authentic tasting Cubano sandwich. Another establishment highlight is the 100-year-old mahogany bar, the perfect perch for enjoying specialty cocktails like the Mango Mayhem (Mango/Lime/Chili Pepper-infused vodka, passion fruit juice, and fresh lime) or the Cilantro Daiquiri.
269 Columbus Avenue, NY, NY 10023
212-873-9400
931 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD [New]
301- 588-9400
Chef Alex Garcia has made Amigos Mex-i-que Mexican & Barbecue a popular neighborhood hangout by filling it with his own friends, including James Beard Award nominee Aaron Sanchez (Chopped, Taco Trip), Adrien Leon and Roberto Santibanez (author of Tacos, Tortas and Tamales), who will man the kitchen for monthly “residencies.” Highlights include the made-to-order guacamole (ranked fourth best in the US) as well as spicy dishes that straddle the line between Mexican and barbecue, like the Pulled Pork Sandwich with fries and coleslaw or the Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas with creamy tomatillo and avocado salsa with pico de gallo.
2888 Broadway, NY, NY 10025
212-864-1143
A Harlem eatery, Custom Fuel Pizza & Salads allows guests to “build your own” with a myriad of pizza crusts, sauces, and locally sourced, seasonal toppings to choose from to craft a personalized meal. Dietary restrictions like vegan, dairy and or gluten free can all be accommodated and customized by diners from a menu of artisanal pizzas such as the Brooklyn Bridge (Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Rosemary, Cherry Peppers, Chili Oil, Prosciutto), the Prosciutto, Fig & Arugula (Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Fig Marsala, Prosciutto, Olive Oil, Arugula) or the Riviera (Olive Oil, Spinach, Mozzarella, Tomato, Garlic, Artichoke, Kalamata Olives, and Goat Cheese). Custom Fuel is also committed to green living, using pedal power for deliveries, and paper products with 50- to 100-percent recycled paper.
2288 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, NY, NY 10027
646-524-5636
Howard University
2301-L Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
202-299-0989
Foggy Bottom
1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington D.C.
202-530-3918
Immerse yourself in firefighter culture at this temple to New York’s Bravest. Enjoy Buffalo wings, which have been named best chicken wings in New York for over 25 years; Fireman Bob’s special chili in veggie, beef, or chicken; burgers and sandwiches; and gourmet style pizzas along with its décor featuring vintage firefighter paraphernalia. Wall-to-wall televisions make sure guests never miss a moment of the big game, while outdoor seating is ideal dining with friends over Firehouse Frozen Margaritas or seasonal draft specials.
522 Columbus Avenue, NY, NY 10024
212-787-3473
Sate your craving for traditional American home cooking at this 30-plus year old Upper West Side dining establishment that caters to neighborhood regulars, international travelers and celebrities alike. Tuck in to classic breakfast dishes like Apple Pancakes, Bacon Waffles or New York State eggs and made-daily buttermilk biscuits; hearty lunch options including sandwiches served on bread baked on-site nightly, mac ‘n’ cheese or salads; as well as popular dinner meals such as Traditional Turkey Dinner (roasted turkey served with cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, and sautéed kale); Charcoal-Grilled New York Strip Steak; or Pork Chops with maple orange mashed sweet potatoes. Desserts like cakes, pies or rich homemade ice cream satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
520 Columbus Avenue, NY, NY 10024
212-496-0163