Up and down the streets of New York City are millions of restaurants and bars in disguise. The city loves to make things hard to find, but I guess this just adds to the thrill of discovering something new. Imagine finding yourself dining in a ski lodge cafe in disguise, or opening the garage doors to a studio and finding a neighborhood-friendly restaurant. Welcome to the mystery of dining in NYC! I am here to give you a guide on the top five underground restaurants to check out the next few times you get hungry in NYC.

1. Bassanova Ramen (Chinatown: 76 Mott Street)

Can't get enough ramen? Then you have to check out this ramen-themed restaurant! Down a small stairwell in Chinatown, Bassanova Ramen is a quick and cheap stop for you to get your ramen fix.

2. Barbuto (West Village: 775 Washington Street)

Dining in a garage really doesn't sound too appealing, am I right? When it comes to this casual Italian restaurant, Barbuto seems to be a neighborhood favorite. Occupying a garage space just beneath Industria Superstudio, Barbuto opens up its garage doors for guests to enjoy alfresco dining during the warmer months. The setting of the restaurant portrays a laid-back and inviting vibe with simplistic decor and an open kitchen that adds to the friendly atmosphere.

3. Apres Ski Fondue Chalet in Cafe Select (SOHO: 212 Lafayette Street)

Doesn't it just seem so warm and cozy sitting in a ski lodge by the burning fireplace, roasting marshmallows and devouring fondue? If you've never had the chance to experience this firsthand, have no fear because Cafe Select is here! During the colder months, you can enter into a hidden room in Cafe Select that replicates the closest thing to a real ski lodge that NYC can mimic. Whether dining for dinner or getting with some friends for dessert, this hidden ski lodge is definitely a must-visit.

4. Breakroom (Chinatown: 83 Baxter Street)

What could possibly be a better combination than messy burgers and stuffed tacos? If you want to experience it for yourself, take a trip to the Breakroom: a small food shack smashed between two brick walls with very limited seating, but great food and drinks. At this tiny shack, there is one bar to sit at, and that's it. Aside from eccentric burgers and tacos, the Breakroom menu also include hot dogs and yummy sandwiches. This eatery is definitely worth a try. Also, pricing is quite cheap.

5. Beauty & Essex (Lower East Side: 146 Essex Street)

On the Lower East Side, somewhat hidden within a pawnshop, you can find Beauty & Essex. This American-themed restaurant—known for grilled cheese and dumplings—shifts over to a great nightlife party scene with upscale drinks. The overall image of the restaurant/club is glitz and glamour with sparkly chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. This is definitely a hot spot to hit up with your girlfriends for a fun night out!

And these are just some of the underground restaurants that I came upon. There are definitely tons more, so make sure to keep your eyes open before you walk past that graffitied wall that hides an amazing restaurant.