Glad you found Contis... its actually gone downhill a bit, but still a good place.
These are the places I like, ymmv:
Teresa Caffe (broken link) in Palmer Square
- good, simple italian place
- gets crowded and some tables are too close together
- these folks also own Mediterra, but that place is pretty expensive.
JB Winberie - on the right in Palmer Square
- American cuisine, some steaks, some chicken dishes, some burgers and sandwiches
- get the spinach dip as an appetizer, its to die for.
The A & B
They have a sit down area and a pub area with different menus for each. The pub stuff is funky wraps and sandwiches which are cheaper. The sit down area is more expensive.
PJs pancake house on Nassau street
- you gotta do this place for brunch or breakfast at some point
Triumph Brewing on nassau street
- microbrewery with lots of different beers
- food is reasonably good and reasonably priced (you can spend a lot if you want also)
- live music on the weekends and some weeknights
Bar at the Nassau Inn in Palmer Square
- I guess its kind of like an old man bar, but I like it (I'm only 31)
- Lots of TVs, big leather chairs
Thomas Sweet on Nassau Street for ice cream
- Einstein used to go there for cones, need I say more?