Name: Dimes

NGM Rating: B+/A-

Restaurant Inspection Rating: Grade Pending

Website: http://dimesnyc.com/

Location: 143 Division Street, NY, NY 10002

Cuisine: Eclectic and Health-conscious

Owner/Chef: Alissa Wagner and Sabrina DeSousa

When did it open: September 2013

Ambiance:  This tiny restaurant gem on the edge of Chinatown attracts the ‘cool’ hipster crowd of the LES. You have to pay attention as you turn the corner on Division Street or you’re likely to miss it. … I pretty much did. The signage is discreet and you wouldn’t think to see a popular restaurant among the other storefronts lining the street. When you walk into Dimes, you’re immediately immersed in the close-knit community of this restaurant. … whether you want to be or not. The dining room is very small and the tables are cramped together to accommodate a modest crowd. It’s difficult to ignore other table’s conversations or notice the plates being passed around – acai bowls, chia pudding and eggs in a variety of eclectic preparations. Each table I noticed was either filled with laughter, people entrenched in some deeply intellectual conversation or a twosome simply enjoying afternoon brunch with a friend they hadn’t seen in a while. Very pleasant vibe even given the lack of elbow room.

Menu highlights: Navigating the menu here was fun. I basically didn’t recognize three-quarters of the menu and used the advice of my server to guide me. I mean. … do you know what to expect from an acai bowl? Well now I do, and I urge others to try one of four options at Dimes. The eggs any style were simple – mine served over easy – but came with savory roasted tomatoes and greens that were pretty darn tasty as garnishes. I also added half of a sliced avocado for $2.50. … why not, right? The seven-grain toast here is also spot on – thick, grainy, healthful goodness. Love it when restaurants get bread right. I don’t really think you can go wrong with much of what Dimes has to offer in the Brunch department. It’s not your typical NYC brunch, but it’s darn tasty. … and apparently healthy too!

What I didn’t get to try: I ate at Dimes for Brunch so missed the opportunity to sample any of the dinner options. I didn’t hit most of the brunch menu too and at a place like this you kind of want to sample all the options. I am still curious about the chia pudding, quinoa porridge, egg sandwich, Sayanara Summer Tacos and the assorted chilled beverages (those looked particularly interesting.

Constructive criticisms: It would be nice to have a little more space when eating, but I don’t think that’s what Dimes is going for. The restaurant is meant to be cozy and collegial, with the humming of people’s conversations heard throughout the room.

Best for: Brunch for two. … or any meal for two (groups are tough), hipster hang out, going off-the-beaten path and a healthy food fix.

Dress Code: Vintage tees, over-size sweaters, leggings, jeans and booties

Average Pricing: Brunch items: $10, Juices: $4, Cocktails: $9, Appetizers: $11, Entrees: $18. Very reasonable!

Reservations: No reservations. Tables on a first-come-first-serve basis.