Braai, New York

Try not to get distracted by the slender woman sauntering around with a bowl of water for hand-washing between courses. Braai, a South African BBQ joint that takes its African theme to the max, has a bamboo-thatched ceiling (which is meant to pull in the BBQ smoke and give the joint a hut-like appearance), exposed brick and wood, a menu that includes everything from oxtail to ostrich -- there’s even a driftwood toilet paper-roll holder in the bathroom. Given the location it’s no surprise that the tourist-heavy crowd is on the older-side, but the service is friendly and the food is well-seasoned ($7-16 appetizers, $28-24 entrees). The bar, located in the middle of the restaurant, attracts a singles crowd lingering as they sip on one of Braai’s signature Cape Docor cocktails (KWV Brandy, White Guava Juice and Patron Citronge, $12). For bigger crowds, there’s the back brandy room which seats about 12 on a long wooden table – though with a side-view onto the restrooms the location leaves something to be desired.