Cafe Andalucia

➜ George, a kind-faced commuter from Jersey enjoying a pint at Blaggard’s Pub (210 W 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, 212-564-8221), boasts that nothing is premade at modest tapas place Cafe Andalucia (533 Ninth Ave between 39th and 40th Sts, 212-736-9411). He also notes that the owner, Guillermo Vidal—whose amateur, Picasso-esque paintings adorn the walls—is a great guy. Danny, a taxi mechanic having a drink across the street at Holland Bar (532 Ninth Ave between 38th and 39th Sts, 212-502-4609), agrees. “[Guillermo] calls me his Colombian little brother,” he says.

➜ Brazilian health-food spot Amazonia (498 Ninth Ave between 37th and 38th Sts, 212-268-0796) is a lunch favorite for some TONY staffers (this area is our turf). The place makes a mean oatmeal smoothie, among other unusual concoctions.

➜ Belazza (519 Eighth Ave between 35th and 36th Sts, 212-971-6100) is a gleaming marble spa tucked smack in the middle of a seemingly endless span of surly chain shops. Noelle, who also works in the area, says the charming Russian staff makes this perfect for a lunchtime mani-pedi.

NEXT STOP: 6 to Hunts Point Ave