Is this the best restaurant in New York City?

There are some things in this world that we can never get enough off: Date night and affordable dining options in New York City.

Not gentrification, but integration: People of different backgrounds enjoy a night at the Mott Haven Bar and Grille.

Fortunately, the Mott Haven Bar and Grille is a solution for both.

Formerly named the Bruckner Bar and Grille, this South Bronx dining establishment is directly across the Harlem River and sits under the shadows of the 3rd Avenue Bridge.

"Isn't it amazing," said Nicole on our most recent visit, "that our hummus plate has pico de gallo?"

"It's amazing," I said, "but not all that surprising, given the clientele." Some restaurants offer the finest Italian food, others give you a taste of Thailand. But the Mott Haven Bar and Grille Menu is as diverse as the neighborhood that bears its name.

Mott Haven is emerging from the shadows of its 1970s stigma. It's neighborhood in something of sweet spot: not gentrifying, but integrating. The high concentration of Robert Moses-style high rise public housing projects has unfortunately burdened the area with a high concentration of people living in poverty. But a recent injection of investment and attention from many middle-class residents who are now priced out Manhattan, Brooklyn, and yes, even Queens, a new light to the nitty gritty South Bronx.

For Nicole and me, it's a marvelous date night: the quality of the food, the selection and the prices are unmatched, perhaps anywhere in all of New York City. The current clientele provides a great look and feel to the restaurant--no celebrities, no hipsters, just a nice mix of people from a nice neighborhood.

Yet I can't help but wonder what the future will bring: Will Mott Haven suddenly become the next Williamsburg, and price out virtually everyone along with it? Will it wither away, or maintain its current status as one of the last affordable areas right next to Manhattan island? Only time will tell.

Easily accessible via the 6 train--and right next to Manhattan.

Speaking of time, the Mott Haven Bar and Grille is only 15 minutes away from Grand Central on the 6 train. It's worth a trip--for now.