All'onda Chef Chris Jaeckle's Favorite Restaurants | Tasting Table NYC

Although he calls the Lower East Side home base, Chris Jaeckle of All'onda spends enough time in the West Village to know the lay of the land. The Venetian-style fare at Jaeckle's restaurant, opened in 2013 on 13th Street, draws hungry crowds for its extensive crudi menu (hello, hamachi) and hearty risottos and pastas (how you doin', bucatini with smoked uni?).

We caught up with the Long Island native to find out where he heads for an essential coffee fix, where he downs bistro classics, and what he sips on the rocks to unwind at the end of a long day.

Coffee: Birch Coffee

Chris's order: The downtown location of this coffeehouse makes a reliable double macchiato ($3).

Why he loves it: "The line is never long, the staff is friendly, and they have books for me to pretend I have time to read while sipping my drink."

Breakfast: Coppelia

Chris's order: Huevos rancheros at this around-the-clock Cuban restaurant are topped with a bright tomatillo salsa ($8.95).

Why he loves it: "Spicy, fatty, acidic—what's not to like?"

The Knickerbocker Bar & Grill | Photo: Jazz Guy/Flickr

Lunch: Knickerbocker Bar & Grill

Chris's order: The French onion soup ($10.50) at this University Place joint banishes cheese cravings with a melty blend of Muenster and provolone.

Why he loves it: "There are so few of these places left in New York. It's a classic American brasserie and bistro, and the chef is talented. The specials are better than they need to be."

Dinner: Little Prince

Chris's order: Steak tartare ($18) is elevated with a quail egg.

Why he loves it: "I love raw proteins, and very rarely do I find a steak tartare this satisfying. It has all the elements: spice, salt, acid. Plus, the people-watching on Prince Street is great."

Drinks: The Marlton Hotel

Chris's order: Scotch whisky is his current on-the-rocks favorite at the cocktail bar.

Why he loves it: "I look for comfort these days. The lounge chairs hit the spot after a long day."