Locust

What the menu at Locust lacks in length, it makes up for with some of the most interesting dishes in the city. Run by a former chef of The Catbird Seat, this small but mighty dumpling and kakigori shop in 12 South makes perfectly crisp dumplings doused in chili oil, chewy noodles, and fluffy cups of shaved ice that have inspired a local cult following. Is there sake? Of course there’s sake, and you can count on the sake sommelier to make sure the selection keeps you on your toes. Reservations are necessary for the four-hour lunch service, since the space is small and spots fill up fast about a month in advance. For those continually missing out, though, they do walk-in-only dumplings and drinks Friday through Sunday.