Best comfort-food restaurants

UPDATED: February 2009—As we stare down yet another winter, our thoughts turn to the kind of food that nurtures tummy and soul.  What's more soothing on a gray winter day than tucking into a deep dish of mac and cheese or a gooey, carb-laden dessert, while nestled on a body-heated banquette? Go ahead and indulge: Your veggie-virtuous ideals can wait until next month.

Rack & Soul
Culinary therapy kicks in as soon as the heaping basket of moist, honey-glazed corn biscuits lands on the table. For maximum tactile pleasure, order the stickiest options on the jam-packed Southern menu: short ribs covered in your choice of mild or spicy BBQ sauce, simple, creamy macaroni and cheese, and huge slices of homemade cake. Trust us: You won't be able to choose between the decadent red velvet and fluffy coconut-pineapple, so order one of each.
258 W 109th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (212-222-4800, rackandsoul.com).

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