Russian Tea Room

Opened in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet, the high-end blini-and-caviar salon became a favorite haunt for stars, artists and various wealthy eccentrics before closing in the mid-’90s. After a $30 million renovation, it was revived for a short stint in 2001, only to fail in a post–September 11 economy. But in 2007 the doors flew open again, and now it seems it’s here to stay. Bright-red banquettes, massive crystal bears, chandeliers and a colorful stained-glass ceiling make the various dining rooms here pop; borscht, lamb chops, blini and chicken Kiev, meanwhile, sing with flavor.