There’s a new Center for Architecture in town (536 La Guardia Place, between Third and Bleecker streets), opened by the American Institute of Architects.

Among the inaugural exhibits is “Going Public,” a three-part exhibit, as well as “NYC 2012,” a look at the Summer Olympics. For more info, visit http://www.aiany.org. Great meals are just steps away.

Washington Park

24 Fifth Ave.

(at Ninth Street)

(212) 529-1700

Chef Jonathan Waxman turns out deceptively simple, modern American dishes, including his signature chicken with crispy fries.

Lupa

170 Thompson St.

(between Bleecker and Houston streets)

(212) 982-5089

Crowds flock to Mario Batali’s mid-priced Roman trattoria to sample artisan meats and cheeses, pastas and entrées that pop with fresh ingredients.

BB Sandwich

120 W. Third St.

(between MacDougal Street and Sixth Avenue)

(212) 473-7500

Chef Gary Thompson’s menu consists solely of his take on the Philly cheese steak: thinly sliced rib-eye, marinated onions and white American cheese on a fresh poppy seed roll.

Mercer Kitchen

Mercer Hotel,

99 Prince St.

(at Mercer Street)

(212) 966-5454

Chef Jean-George Vongerichten’s magic hand draws connoisseurs and celebs to this classy subterranean kitchen with a clever French-American menu.

Peep

177 Spring St.

(between Sullivan and Thompson streets)

(212) 254-7337

A packed bar, fluorescent pink lighting and lots of lusty, modestly priced riffs on Thai food.