A neighborhood

Murray Hill

Quiet brownstone blocks and Curry Hill flavor

Murray Hill has a reputation, and the Third Avenue bar crawl mostly deserves it — so skip it. A block east or west the neighborhood turns into quiet brownstone streets, a cobblestone mews or two, and the Curry Hill stretch of Lexington with the best South Asian food in Manhattan. Dinner here is easier than anywhere nearby: tables are gettable, prices are fair, and Grand Central puts it within reach from both ends of the city. Best for the easy weeknight date that doesn't need a production.