Flatiron Joe's: In the former home of the short-lived Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Jay Shaffer, who owns Shaffer City Oyster Bar and Grill down the block, has created a casual spot where, for the time being, he's serving up bar snacks like sliders and nachos. He plans on serving lunch and dinner starting in October. 29 West 21st Street, (212) 414-3139.

8th Street Wine Cellar: This long awaited cozy wine bar is a welcome addition to the block between 5th and 6th Avenues in Greenwich Village. Union Square Cafe alums Michael Lagnese and Jonny Cohen are offering an excellent and diverse selection of wines both by the glass and by the bottle, in addition to a full bar, and have a tasty-looking small plates menu, featuring cheese, charcuterie, oysters sandwiches, and even pigs in blankets. 28 West Eighth Street, (212) 260-9463.

Spitzer's Corner: This Lower East Side newcomer is still in the soft-opening stage, only serving beer and raw bar for the time being. But that should keep you busy for quite a while -- they offer forty different brews! In a few weeks, it will blossom into a full-on eatery. Restaurant Girl gives us a glimpse of the menu, which includes drool-worthy snacks (pork fat popcorn!), small plates (bacon-wrapped chicken liver skewers; fried zucchini blossoms with ricotta and truffle oil), and entrees (PBLT -- a pork belly, lettuce, and tomato sandwich on challah). 101 Rivington at Ludlow, (212) 228-0027.

BLT Market: Opening this Thursday is the latest from Laurent Tourondel, housed in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, locally grown whenever possible. The regular menu will be rotated monthly, and specials will be updated weekly to reflect what the farms have provided. They're operating in preview mode until September 10th -- serving dinner only at a 10% discount. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner at regular menu prices beginning September 10. 1430 6th Avenue at Central Park South, (212) 521-6125.

Accademia del Vino: We've told you about it before, but this mecca to wine is officially opening August 15th. The enoteca, restaurant and pizzeria is run by Anthony Mazzola, former owner of Sutton Wine Shop and current owner of ‘Cesca. 1081 Third Avenue at 64th Street, (212) 888-6333.