1. Oyster Bar
Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. and Vanderbilt Ave.; 212-490-6650
They’ve been serving oyster pan roasts at the counter since way before Joël was born.
2. Spice Market
403 W. 13th St., at Ninth Ave.; 212-675-2322
You’re so close to the action at this ingeniously designed dining bar with its cutout nooks, they should give you an apron.
3. Hearth
403 E. 12th St., at First Ave.; 646-602-1300
The most coveted seats are at “the Pass,” the dining bar facing Marco Canora’s kitchen.
4. Degustation
239 E. 5th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-979-1012
Every seat in the house has a great view of the open kitchen where Wesley Genovart flits about like a young Iron Chef.
5. Room 4 Dessert
17 Cleveland Pl., at Lafayette St.; 212-941-5405
Have something sweet here after a meal at Degustation for the ultimate downtown counter-dining experience.