The Red Cat
http://www.theredcat.com/redcat.php
or Txikito
http://www.txikitonyc.com
If you're OK with pizza try Prova on 8th between 20 and 21st. It's really a dinner place, good wine, wonderful staff, you can hang out and talk, it's just that dinner is pizza. And good pizza. (Actually they have other food, but I've never tried it, the pizza is just fine for me.)
Try Seven Bistro. It's on 7th between 29th and 30th. I've been there twice and I'd go again.
Pennsylvania Six, the bar room (and bar menu) at Keens, Tir Na Nog, John Dory Oyster Bar (might be too loud but it's fun). I like Seven a lot for drinks but I don't care for the food.
But you'd do much better a little farther away, and still be a short walk from Penn.
Momoya, 21st/7th, we used to live a stone's throw away back in the pre-kids days before the move to Maplewood, try to go back every chance we get.
Great food and service
Tre Dici on 26th is excellent italian. Kobe beef raviolis, yum.
http://www.tredicinyc.com/
Promote your business here - Businesses get highlighted throughout the site and you can add a deal.
Looking for good food, easy to talk, nice place to linger. Thanks mavens