Room 18 (CLOSED)

Large suede-covered cubes and the chic diners lounging on them suggest a bar scene, but food’s the draw at this slim eatery. The menu meanders between Spanish and Asian territory: udon noodles with vegetable tempura; succulent, spicy ropa vieja; crispy, chorizo-stuffed wontons with shiitake mushrooms. Inexpensive lunch options make Room 18 popular with Nolita shoppers; weekend warriors seeking a hangover cure will find no better balm than the $10 salty-sweet fried rice tossed with pineapple and minced sausage.