The Forge for drinks beforehand. If you want an app, the Old World Falafel is life changing. (I didn't know falafel could taste that good)

Dinner afterwards, in that area:

-Morcilla: Spanish tapas. A little pricy but incredibly unique for the city and also unique as far as Spanish tapas places go.

-The Parlor Dim Sum: Get a bunch of dumplings in all shapes and sizes. Great for sharing, and an excellent cocktail list.

-The Vandal: contemporary American food. I haven't been since they remodeled, but prior to, it was a cut above in this highly represented genre in the city.

-Bar Botanico: after dinner drinks spot if you stay in the area. They're GREAT!

Others less close by:

-Apteka: vegan Polish food. They have a pop-up right now, so it may be impossible to get in until after next week. They're THE MOST unique restaurant in the city, simply because I don't think there's another restaurant in America making food like they are (it's why they made the NYT top 50 list)

-Gi-Jin: Raw fish bar. They're doing unique things with raw fish and rolls which I haven't seen outside of PGH, let alone in the city.

-40 North at Alphabet City: Upscale Asian inspired cuisine. The setting in a bookstore is unique on its own. Don't let that deceive you, the quality is on another level here.

-Spork: also upscale/commentary American. Great service, fun dishes. Expensive, but at my last visit I was given two or three amuse-bouche which I did not select. Worth it, to me. Try the crispy octopus!

Let me know if you have any questions!