Republic

Republic would be easy to hate were the food not so good. This restaurant/bar is located on Union Square (at 37 Union Square West), an area that gets enormous traffic, especially on days when the farmers' market is in operation. With all that strolling and shopping, people get hungry and look for a fast meal - Republic gets the traffic. This place is the brainchild of restaurant entrepreneur Jonathan Morr and opened in 1995. The decor is clean, crisp, minimalist modern with a large room in a soothing seafoam color and open kitchen. A slate counter adjoins the kitchen. Seating is communal at hardwood tables and benches. Click here for more photos. Everything is quick - the atmosphere is not really conducive to lingering. The cuisine is Asian fusion with elements of Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. The emphasis is on noodles and one-bowl meals as illustrated with their large photo posters on the walls with models adorned with noodles. This is quintessential New York City with the good and not so good all rolled into one. The space can be noisy, loud and crowded. The line for a table can be long (but moves quickly). But the food is fresh and unique. Definitely give it a try if you are in the neighborhood ...