Where to restaurant hop (and bop) this Friday, according to Ruby Sarancino.

It’s 10:00 p.m. on a Monday night. 

You’re in bed scrolling through Resy wearing your Skinny Confidential mouth tape and new Dairy Boy pajamas. Ugh. You’re kinda sick of Italian, but you know you’re gonna be craving Cacio e Pepe by the time Friday comes.

Why is every decent reservation for 5 or 10 p.m.? You’re not a 75-year-old grandma named Babs who belongs to Boca Beach Club, nor the Columbia Prep type who grew up going to Up and Down at the ripe age of 11. You’re about to give up and aimlessly scroll through Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Tok (RIP) until an amazing idea pops into your head. 

You know who always knows the coolest spots? Ruby Saracino. The self-proclaimed “Manager of New York” (could not be more obsessed with this ), Ruby just gets it. Leading marketing campaigns and engagement strategies for buzzy brands such as Body Vodka, Upside Pizza and Lox Club, Ruby has established herself as an expert within the lifestyle and hospitality landscape.

Always at the forefront of the cultural conversation, Ruby somehow knows what’s cool before the rest of us do. Plus, she’s a really good time.

Rule of thumb: If Ruby’s there, you know the place is about to blow the f**k up.

In the spirit of anti-gatekeeping, keep reading for Ruby’s favorite places to martini & yap. 

*turns on notifications* 

Emmett’s on Grove

Social / Website 

Request the bar table. Order the hot girl. See if they’ll serve you a meatball in a martini glass. End your meal with espresso martini shots. 

Zimmi’s

Social / Website

New to the West Village, it’s already one of my favorite spots. Cozy vibes. Great staff. I prefer a 9 p.m. reservation. 

Fairfax

Social / Website

Ask for Vish. Get the burger. Enjoy the vibes.

Chez Margaux

Social / Website

A perfect place. I think that’s all I can say. 

Fini Pizza WB Backroom

Social / Website

Pizza-making class FTW. Ask for Will. I promise it’s worth the trip to Brooklyn. 

I Sodi

Social / Website

I dream of the lasagna. And the Negronis. If your seat happens to block the wine cellar... they might give you a special treat :)

Bar Pitti

Social / Website

If you have to wait, deal with it. Get the mushrooms. Yes, you should just get a bottle.