Cafe Katja

For a "nice change from the regular repertoire", check out this "novel" Austrian that pairs bratwurst, spaetzle and the like with "delicious liters of beer" in a "laid-back" tavern set "in the wilds of the Lower East Side"; "agreeable staffers" and "reasonable" tabs add to the "wunderbar" feeling.

While beers draw all the buzz, cocktails such as the Lower East Cider (vodka, fresh cider, Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray, $9) are equally exemplary.

Ask for the window table, which provides a view of downtown dwellers shuffling past and extra room.

Austrian cafe on the Lower East Side.

This Austrian eatery on the Lower East Side may be one of the few Graz-inspired restaurants in the country. Which is a shame because this little gem would be worth reproducing. The simple, rustic interior exemplifies the straightforward and hearty offerings from the menu: the pork belly “Katja’s Ruben” is a refreshing and welcome iteration of a classic (and a nod to the neighborhood). The...

The anti-Thor, serving Austrian food with a homey angle. Plenty of wurst, from liverwurst and pickled onion sandwiches, to weisswurst and pretzels or homemade brats. Big portions of salty little spaetzle dumplings, cooked with emmentaler cheese and chives. Euro-feeling exposed brick and glass fixtures. Krauty beer and wine list changes seasonally. Settle in with your fave Gustav Klimt fanatic...

This romantic Argentinean spot in Williamsburg serves up seriously big steaks as well as empanadas, pastas and more; it also features brunch and a backyard.

Austrian cafe on the Lower East Side.