Can You Find These Underground Eateries?

There is more to dining in NYC than meets the eye. Imagine finding an undercover entrance or doorway that leads to a concealed restaurant. The restaurants on the list below are just some of the hidden gems scattered around NYC.

• La Esquina
• This trendy, dimly lit restaurant rests underneath The Local Deli located on Kenmare Street in SoHo. You can grab a taco from the deli or open the hidden door located on the wall diagonally across from the shop's entrance to find the restaurant. Head downstairs to experience the restaurants extensive menu and tequila bar. If you plan to check it out on a weekend, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

• Freemans
• Freemans is tricky to find and does not have an exact address because it is located in an alley on the Lower East Side. Freemans offers classic American fare at a moderate price point. In the summer, there is outdoor seating along the alley way.

• Decoy
• If you are a fan of peaking duck, this is place for you! Decoy is located underneath Red Farm on Hudson Street in the West Village. To get to Decoy, you must go down a small staircase. Try not to blink because it can be easily missed.

• Hudson Clearwater
• Hudson Clearwater is a not so easy to find American restaurant in the West Village. To enter, you must go through an unmarked door located on Hudson Street. Be sure to check out Hudson Clearwater during the summer months if you are looking to dine in a backyard hangout setting.

• El Sabroso
• El Sabroso may be the coolest and most low-key restaurant on this list as it is located in... drum roll please... a truck loading dock! Located near Times Square on West 37th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, you can find inexpensive Ecuadorian cuisine being served here from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. 

Why go to a crowded conventional eatery when you can enjoy peace and quiet at one of these incognito restaurants?

Top Five Cheesy Spots

Macaroni and cheese is an awesome cheat day meal. As a mac and cheese fanatic, I tend to seek out restaurants that offer this classic dish. Here is a list of 10 restaurants I've been to over the years in NYC that have mac and cheese on the menu:

1.  The Smith

      With four locations throughout NYC, you will always be able to find mac and cheese in your area. The Smith's menu changes seasonally but don't worry, the mac and cheese always remains. The Smith serves their mac and cheese in the same skillet it is baked in, so be careful it will be hot!

Photo courtesy of  @DailyCravings

2.   Cafeteria

      Located in Chelsea, Cafeteria offers late night hours to fulfill your mac craving. Cafeteria offers a "sampler" which contains small portions of three different types of mac and cheese. They've also put a new twist on mac and cheese with their creation of the mac and cheese spring roll.

Photo courtesy of @FattiesFeed

3.   S'MAC

      Located in East Village, S'MAC offers a wide variety of mac and cheese, take away style. If you're not in the mood for a sit down dinner, S'MAC is the place to go. For those that are wheatless, S'MAC offers a gluten free option!

Photo courtesy of @MikeEatsNYC

4.  The Milling Room

      The Milling Room is located on the Upper West Side. If you're looking for a fancier setting to enjoy your mac and cheese, this is the spot. 

Photo courtesy of @TheMillingRoom

5.   Macbar 
Located in the SoHo, Macbar is a quaint take away spot that only offers mac and cheese. The mac and cheese is served in an adorable plastic container that is shaped like macaroni.

Photo courtesy of @BeautyNTheBites

If you have been to one or all of the restaurants on this list, leave your ranking and reviews in the comments! If there are any mac and cheese havens that are not listed but you feel deserve a spot, please let me know!