I know that no one will ever take me up on it, but I simply loved
Virgil's Barbecue when I was last in NYC. Granted, my last visit was in the last millennium, but I have heard from more than one source (including from the person who introduced me to this place) that the food is just as good as when I was last there.
I know BBQ may not sound like the quintessential NY fare, but it is darned good (my favorite is the 14-hour slow roasted dry ribs - dry as in no sauce but an amazing rub).