Local color

14 Arthur Avenue between East 184th and East 186th Streets, Belmont, Bronx

The Arthur Avenue Market is like an Italian open-air bazaar with a roof (the Bronx’s Little Italy lacks its Manhattan cousin’s red-sauce Disneyland vibe). You’ll find grocery stores, Arthur Avenue Baking Co. and Peter’s Meat Market, plus delicious sandwiches from Mike’s Deli and live cigar rolling at La Casa Grande Tobacco Company. 2344 Arthur Ave between 184th and 186th Sts (arthuravenuebronx.com)

40 North 6th Street between Kent and Wythe Avenues, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Gentrified but retaining old-school charm, Sweetwater Bar & Grill draws ’em in with moderately priced American bistro fare, dark textured wood,  unusual tiled floors and a back porch. 105 North 6th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-963-0608

50 49th Street between Skillman and 39th Avenues, Sunnyside Gardens, Queens

The locals swear by Aubergine Café, a coffeeshop with bistro fare, just down the street from Sunnyside Gardens Community Park. At night the closely packed tables and candles give it a romantic, bohemian flair. 49-22 Skillman Ave at 50th St; 718-899-1735, auberginecafe.com