After a tour of the Tenement Museum, after climbing all those steps and peering into the murky darkness of the Levine apartment, wouldn't a cheery space with great food be just the place to unwind? Well, stroll on over to Congee village, located next to the back door of the Museum's tenement building.

Opened seven years ago by Peter Leong, Congee Village has become a well known and hip dining destination. Mr. Leong came to the United States from China with nothing in his pockets. He has since built up one of Manhattan's most unique looking restaurants. Decked out in bamboo and twinkling lights, Congee Village offers a truly fun dining experience.

Boasting Cantonese style food (which is light, not greasy) with a specialty in seafood, well prepared vegetables and the eponymous rice porridge, the freshness and novelty of the menu never ceases to amaze. Try a few of the house specialties, including the Sampan Congee, Seafood Congee, Jumbo Shrimp with Walnuts, Pan Fried Lamb Chops, Razor Clams in Black Bean Sauce and the Sautéed Snow Pea Leaves.

Crowds of foodies, Chinatown residents young and old, as well as visitors from other neighborhoods, the outer boroughs and foreign countries make this place a bustling hive of culinary pleasure till 2 AM. If the bustle is not for you, the restaurant has a private room located in the basement for up to 50 people, complete with a karaoke machine.

And, if you're looking for a place to sit and sip a drink then head to Congee Village's bar, which features an array of libations, including a knockout Lychee Martini.

Congee Village has been featured in the New York Post, the Ming Pao Daily, the Village Voice and the New York Times. With so much good press, such delicious food and unique decor, it's no wonder that 75% of the diners in the restaurant are repeat customers.