Cafeteria, on 7th Avenue at W. 17th Street

Serving creative versions of American comfort food 24/7, trendy Cafeteria (119 7th Ave., offers great people-watching from its massive garage-door windows (there's outdoor seating when the weather warms) and a see-and-be-seen vibe. It's fun for breakfast (try the silver-dollar pancakes with fresh berries and chantilly cream), and even more enjoyable for a late-night nosh after partying at nearby G Lounge or Barracuda. Recommended fare includes baby spinach salad with goat cheese and portobello mushrooms, grilled turkey burgers, truffle-Parmesan fries, country-fried steak with garlic-mashed potatoes, and blackened catfish with chipotle remoulade (a Tuesday special). It's a long, long menu. Cafeteria is just across the street from Le Pain Quotidien bakery, and close to Dance Theater Workshop and Jensen-Lewis contemporary furniture showroom.