Several times, Mr. Babiel and his wife, Bernadette, tried to open a restaurant, but it wasn't until the third try that they succeeded, with this small, unpretentious spot.

Tucked away in a cellar, Gubernator is an unpretentious spot with a menu featuring Latvian and international dishes.

Atmosphere: Friendly, unpretentious spot, good food, non-Hamptons attitude and prices.

The gratifying Mediterranean-inspired fare and reasonable prices make this unpretentious little spot popular among neighborhood residents.

A good place to bask in the sun at brunch with a glass of British Columbia sparkling wine is the deck at the Beach Side Cafe, a bright, unpretentious spot overlooking the water.

Saranac 1350 Madison Avenue, at 94th Street (212-289-9600) - Named after the Saranac Lakes region of the Adirondacks, this unpretentious spot serves all-American food at reasonable prices.

Fifteen minutes in the opposite direction, west, gets you to the town of Point Pleasant Beach, a pretty, unpretentious spot that is veering upscale.

This charming, unpretentious 20-year-old spot is one of the Island's best kept secrets.

With its cheerful blue-and-white trim and colorful Aegean mural, this unpretentious Greek spot has recreated the atmosphere of a relaxed taverna.

C Map Piano bar and cabaret venue extraordinaire, Don't Tell Mama is an unpretentious little spot that's been around for more than 25 years and has the talent to prove it.