Even though we live in the land of yellow cabs, we still tend to count on Uber for our transportation needs.
It's reliable, we don't have to worry about payment, and we get to sit in someone's car rather than a potentially putrid cab. On top of that, they sometimes deliver puppies. Swoon.
It seems as if the world of transportation is simply not big enough for Uber because they've entered the realm of analyzing trip data within NYC to determine the most popular restaurants. Now, in the age of information, our own data is quickly evolving into one of the most viable commodities.
Uber has developed the list of 15 most popular restaurants according to the amount of trips made on Friday, January 25th to Sunday, January 31st.
Keep in mind that some of these restaurants were participating in Restaurant Week, and people may have been taking advantage of their reduced meal prices.
Check out the list below.
1. Vandal (199 Bowery)
This hotspot nabbed the top spot as the most popular restaurant last week according to Uber. This spot made our list as one of the top restaurants to dine at this month, as they've only been open for three weeks.
[anad]
Vandal has three dining rooms decked out with artwork completed by seven street artists and phenomenal food inspired from cuisine from 14 different countries, according to Eater. We're not surprised that it took the top spot.
2. Toro/ Del Posto/ Colicchio & Sons (85 10th Avenue)
No, this isn't some hot new mashup of neighboring restaurants, but they all share the same address. All three are dishing out incredible culinary creations, so they're going to share the number two spot.
3. Beauty & Essex (146 Essex Street)
If you're anybody who's anybody, you've been to Beauty & Essex. With good food, great cocktails, and a crowd of beautiful looking people, you really can't go wrong.
4. Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Avenue)
This fine dining establishment is one of the most highly lauded spots in the country, not merely just in NYC. Although they changed their dining concept only two weeks ago, people continue to flock to Eleven Madison Park for their flavorful, minimalist dishes and impeccable service.
5. Locanda Verde (377 Greenwich Street)
This beloved local hotspot is serving up rustic, soulful Italian cuisine that always hits the spot. Can't get there for dinner? Their brunch is spectacular. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes.
6. Barbuto (775 Washington Street)
If you're going to get anything at this West Village restaurant, you need to order the "Pollo al Forno." Don't just take our word for it, take Food Network's Tyler Florence. He declared it a "master recipe."
7. Catch (21 9th Avenue)
This trendy spot in the Meatpacking district is serving up some quality fish with a trendy menu and atmosphere.
[anad2]
If you're in the mood for some delicious seafood with some friends, this is the spot you need to hit.
8. The Mercer Kitchen (99 Prince Street)
Truffle lover? You need to try the "Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza" as an appetizer. Or just get two and call it a meal... as in, the last meal you'll ever eat. This spot is trendy, unpretentious, and delicious. Again, truffle fontina pizza.
<!--nextpage-->
9. Balthazar Restauant (80 Spring Street)
Apparently, Balthazar's dinner is just as incredible as its well-known brunch.
[anad]
This French spot in SoHo must be on your New York City bucket list.
10. Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway - Brooklyn)
The original, the historic, and the delectable steakhouse of NYC. Need we say more? Oh, we do? No need. Even El-P of Run the Jewels loves Peter Luger.
11. ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th Street)
As a Jean George restaurant, you can be sure that you're going to get a memorable meal. It's a casual, trendy hotspot that any self-respecting NYC foodie must try at least once... but they'll probably at hello, or tuna sashimi... whatever comes first.
12. ACME (9 Great Jones Street)
Though ACME has changed to a French-Italian bistro, it's still a NoHo favorite.
13. The Spotted Pig (314 West 11th Street)
We're not so sure someone can say they've had the best burger in the world unless it's from The Spotted Pig. Though it's simple in its construction, the burger is exactly what we'd expect a burger to be. Just be prepared to wait on a line; trust us, it's worth it.
14. La Esquina (114 Kenmare Street)
If there's one spot that you wouldn't expect to be on this list, it'd be a hidden spot serving Mexican dishes through a window.
[anad2]
Though they also have a table-service café and bar, we're still obsessed with the quality Mexican fast-food operation at La Esquina.
15. Santina (820 Washinton Street)
Mediterranean food in NYC is widely underrated. Plus, the colorful decor and light fare offers a great escape from the dreary, slush covered streets of the city.
Check out This Incredible Manhattan Pizza Subway Map.
[via Uber Newsroom] [Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]