2009, can you really be ending? We can barely even remember all the good times we had (guess that means they were really good times). Despite the doom and gloom that came with the recession, New York still proved to be one hell of a blast. Though it was hard to narrow down the city's new spots into a "best of the year" list, we ate, we drank, we danced, and partied all over NYC to bring you, dear readers, this Best of '09 list. We're pretty sure we remembered all of them, and we only blacked out a few times. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

Restaurants

Minetta Tavern - Think you'd never pay $28 for a burger? One bite of this West Village Restaurant's black label pattie will leave you weeping. You'll beg to hand over the money to thank Keith McNally and his team for coming up with such brilliance.

The Standard Grill - The city's swankiest new hotel comes equipped with some excellent edible options. Their Standard Grill brings bistro fare to the next level. You might be more focused on the remarkably trendy crowd that fills this space every night, but the food is pretty damn good too.

Fatty Crab UWS - After huge success downtown, this Malaysian restaurant opened an outpost on the Upper West Side. Their braised short ribs and fatty duck are welcome additions to a neighborhood known more for oversized strollers and French toast at brunch.

Manhattan Inn - Because we all love Polish cuisine and live piano players. This warmly designed Greenpoint restaurant serves a mean borsht but the true transcendence is in the atmosphere department. The place is decked out like a cozy winter lodge, and a baby grand piano sits smack dab in the middle of the room. They even take suggestions, just don't drunkenly shout out "GaGa Poker Face!" in the middle of your meal.

Marea - Yes, it's expensive. But, so are a lot of the great joys in life (come on, you know you spend ¼ of you income on taxis). If you can save up, or if you're in the mood to spend the last of your rent money, check out Michael White's seafood spot. The name means "tide" in Italian. While your wallet may get swept out with the current, this will be one trip to the coast that you'll remember forever.

DBGB - Daniel Boulud's new space provides something that his other restaurants lack: food we can afford. This gastro-pub does an upscale take on low-key delights. If you dream of washing down some really good sausage with even better beer (don't we all), this is the place for you.

The Vanderbilt - There are very few spots that will make us travel this far into Brooklyn, but The Vanderbilt's small plates and chic design are beacons of deliciousness. After a few of their specialty Black Cherry Rickey cocktails, you realize it's not getting there that's the problem, it's getting back. Hint: trying to swim across the river = not a good idea.

Locanda Verde - Andrew Carmellini's Italian restaurant in Tribeca is what Marea is not: affordable. Robert Deniro owns this establishment, while Carmellini works his magic in the kitchen. The result? Fuggedaboutit. If the burger at Minetta will make you weep, Locanda's fried chicken dinner will leave you bawling.

Bar Artisanal - Terence Brennan's Tribeca restaurant will rock your world, cheese style. The spot has an on-site cheese master that will pair some fromage with your wine or cocktails. Just don't call him the "cheese-whiz", it's not that type of place.

Velcoe Pizzeria - This New York wine bar chain has a few excellent outposts throughout the city, but only one has some of the most delicious pizza in town. While it's not fine dining, their thick crust pizzas are great for an easy dinner or Sunday afternoon snack. Their excellent wine list is great for an easy trip to drunk-ville or a Sunday afternoon tipsy-fest.

Bars

Superdive - Keg Service is the new bottle service and Superdive is the city's best new bar. They take divey heights to ridiculous new levels. On Tuesday, they host "all you can drink champagne night". A midget wheels around a bathtub full of champagne, and opens the bottles with a saber when you need a refill. Pure. Brilliance.

Henry Public - Could this be the most charming bar in Cobble Hill? This new Brooklyn spot dishes out the classic cocktails and garnishes them with a side of friendly. Think that sounds cheesy? After a few of those $9 Whiskey drinks, you'll ask the bartender "Oh, Ms. Friendly, can I please have another?"

Blue Ruin - Another top notch dive. Where else can you enjoy 2 for 1 happy hour until 8 PM every night with the vagrants waiting to get on the buses at neighboring Port Authority? We're not sure where they're headed but we hope, wherever it is, the police don't find them.

675 Bar - This Meatpacking district spot calls a former sex club home. They've managed to recreate the sexiness without overdoing it on the smut. More importantly, they've restored civility to the neighborhood. There are no velvet ropes, the excellent cocktails are reasonably priced, and the vibe is stylish yet laid back. Be sure to say hi to the gigantic statue of a horse in the corner. He thinks your purtty.

Raines Law Room - What would any respectable top 5 list without a hidden speakeasy-style bar? If you can find the unmarked door, ring the buzzer and get ready for some cocktail bliss. They have limited seating and don't take reservations on most nights. If there are people headed to the unmarked door ahead of you, get ready to use your elbows.

Clubs

The Jane Ballroom - This cool kid magnet opened in The Jane Hotel, a former "rooms by the hour" flophouse. These days you'll find the hippest of hipsters sipping reasonably priced drinks and swaying to the music. Be sure to wear appropriate attire. Leopard print leggings are encouraged for the ladies, while David Bowie makeup is a plus for the gents.

The Boom Boom Room - This club lands The Standard Hotel on the list twice. Located on the top floor of the swanky hotel, this is the hottest ticket in New York club land. Meaning, unless you're not getting in unless your first name is Linsdey and your last name is Lohan. Hmmm - maybe you should try a pseudonym to get past the door. If she's able to get in, we suggest trying first name Hot last name Mess.

Avenue - Proving that there is still room for a large club on the West Side, Avenue impressed with a strict door and some good club-grub on their menu. Definitely skip the main space and head up the catwalk to the more exclusive area up top. There, you can actually have a conversation before shaking your booty.

The Gates - Yes, the shtick at this club is kind of annoying. They've distributed 10 key cards that guarantee their owners admittance. If you can get over the door shenanigans, the space is hot and the crowd is looking for a good time.

Above Allen - Located on the top of the Thompson LES hotel, this spot boasts the exclusivity of a club with the vibe of a lounge. They host top DJ's and draw a fashionable crowd. The drinks are a little pricey, but the view of the skyline makes up for it. Just don't drink too much, get too close to the edge, and fall / puke over the side!