Down in the West Village there is an interesting restaurant which many New Yorkers have discovered even though it is not easy to find. At 50 Commerce Street, next to the Cherry Lane Theatre, it presents casual food in a happy environment and its name is Commerce, 212 524.2301.

From our helpful waiter, we learned that this busy spot was originally a "Speakeasy." Now it is crowded and diners may have to wait for service, but the wait is worth it.

We perused the list of cocktails at $13 and ordered a Nor'easter of rum, fresh ginger, lime, soda and mint; our second drink was an Agave Stinger of tequila, burnt honey, fresh lime and honeycomb. Other drinks include a Sloe Gin Fizz, a Sazerac and a Mulberry Spritz.

The brunch presents Cinnamon Rolls and Donuts hot and good. Brunch entrees are Pork Schnitzel with fingerling potatoes and cucumber salad and a Croque Madame with ham, gruyere and an egg sunny side up; a second egg is $3.

When next I visit Commerce, a portion of Duck and Foie Gras Rillettes Terrine with Black Cherry shallot jam will be my selection. My brunch entrée might be a popular choice: "Israeli working man's Breakfast" of Pita with scrambled eggs, parsley and hummus at $14.

The menu has many fascinating dishes from which to select. At dinner there is Black Sea Bass with crushed sunchokes, spiced almonds and heirloom apple at $35. Pot Roasted Beef Short Ribs with Grandmother's Vegetables at $29. Then there are "Things to Share" like Porterhouse for Two with cipollini onions, creamy spinach and red wine shallot steak sauce at $48 per person.

Desserts deserve some attention. There is Banana Foster Sundae, Classic American Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Souffle, Baked Heirloom Apple Crisp and Roasted Pineapple Cheese Cake. There is a variety of Cheeses; among the choices are Petite Sapin (France), Haystack Mountain Peak (Colorado) and Quadrello di Bufala (Italy).

Hours: Monday - Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Credit cards: All Major
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes
Price: $$$

Virgil's at 152 West 44th Street (212) 921-9494 is located at one of the busiest spots in the theatre district. For many years there were no BBQ places midtown. Then, Artie Cutler was traveling with a friend all over the South and they opened a place in 1994 where the cuisine was authentic and all the delights of southern barbecue have been retained. Unfortunately, Artie passed away soon after the opening.

The meats at Virgil's include Owensboro style barbecue lamb, Carolina pulled pork and Memphis style of pork ribs—the most popular dish. In addition, there are a great number of "sides" like barbecue beans, coleslaw, cheese grits, Georgia Pecan Rice and Country Greens. Jeanette, a smart young woman with a good knowledge of what was available, described the homemade desserts such as Lemon Chess Pie, Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Pie. For $14.95 you can have a dessert sampler of five sweets.

There are a group of specialty cocktails including Fall Off the Porch Iced Tea, Cajun Swamp Water and Frozen Gold Margarita. We happily sipped our Bourbon Delights—an excellent Mint Julep for my companion and a strong Old Fashioned for me. With our entrees we had a Merlot for me and a good Soave for my companion. The restaurant boasts that it has 16 beers on tap including its recipe lager brewed by Magic Hat Brewery in Burlington, Vermont.

We enjoyed sampling signature dishes like Pulled Pork, BBQ ribs, Beef Brisket, BBQ Shrimp, Macaroni and Cheese and some special desserts like Peanut Butter Pie. We began with fine Crab Cakes, Train Wreck Fries and Fried Catfish filet. Diners can order two meats served with two sides and cornbread for $23.50. There are homemade barbeque sauces: Memphis Mild, Memphis Hot, North Carolina Vinegar and South Carolina Mustard.

Flatdogs are all made with Hebrew Nationals and you can order Po' Boys for $14.25. Boneless Fried Chicken Chef's Specials start at lunch on Fridays with New England Clam Chowder for $4.25, Buffalo Shrimp Salad, Fish Fry Steak Sandwiches and Carrot Cake. These specials are also available Friday evenings. Friday is the busiest time of the week.

Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and consists of Smoked Beef Brisket Hash and Poached Eggs, and Texas Toast Batter Dipped French Toast with Maple Butter and Syrup, Candied Raisins and Bacon or Sausage. Breakfast Platters present eggs any style, hand rolled burritos and sausage pancakes. Of course you can order sides of grits, eggs or home fries.

This is a great place for good food at reasonable prices and you should wear comfortable clothes so you can really enjoy yourself.

This is a big place with a downstairs dining room and lunch counter, and an upstairs balcony. Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. there is a Blue Grass band playing. There are breakfast and brunch menus on weekends, take-out delivery and full-service catering.

Hours: Monday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 12 midnight; Saturday 9 a.m. to Noon and Sunday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Breakfast and Brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Credit Cards: All Major
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes
Price: $$

The dollar sign indicates the approximate cost of dining for two persons, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity.