MONDAY-TUESDAY -- NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN

Every once in a while, you just want some classic Italian food at a neighborhood spot. And somebody recently told us that they used to love today's pick and just haven't thought about it for a while. So if you're a regular from the past, take a trip back to Max this week. If you haven't been yet, it's worth checking out - neighborhood Italian, East Village style.

FOOD & BOOZE: MAX (Avenue B between 3rd & 4th Sts.)
Site/Menu + Map
Our Take: This outpost of the original Morningside Heights Italian spot, is very popular with the neighborhood crowd. While the food is heavily anchored in traditional Italian fare, it offers a fresh enough take on things to keep the young, Alphabet City crowd coming back for more. The great prices and casual atmosphere don't hurt either. Max offers a decent selection of reasonably priced Italian wines by the glass. In the summer, there's a great outdoor space in the back. We'll remind you.

Recommendations: The Rigatoni alla Siciliana is always great. And more than one person has told us the lasagna is the best they've ever had.

Details: Open Noon to Midnight seven days a week. Pasta about $10. Meat & fish $13-17. CASH ONLY.

Max recently opened another outpost in Tribeca at 181 Duane St b/w Greenwich and Hudson. We haven't checked it out yet. So if you go, let us know how it is.