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@DietCokeGal: I couldn't name specific bakeries, but I think they're a fairly common thing to find...if you roamed around in Chinatown and visited a few bakeries I'm sure you could find it? Mott Street has lots of bakeries.

fishermb totally nailed it.

-Lucali's is the best pizza in NYC, and if you can go at night, also the best ambience (exposed brick walls, candlelight, guys in an open kitchen rolling out pizza dough with empty wine bottles. priceless)
-Ki sushi is great, probably a notch above Cube 63, and both are better than Osaka (though Osaka is fine)
-Fragole for italian IS the best. I like the rigatoni firenze, with roasted eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and homemade tomato sauce.
-I would also add Alma for new wave/fancy Mexican that's still affordable. Its a bit of a walk west towards the water, but they have an amazing rooftop restaurant (with heaters) that overlooks downtown Manhattan. Especially breathtaking at night. I recommend the enchilada with pumpkin seed sauce (the sauce is key).

In terms of brunch, i would recommend:
-Cafe Luluc, good all around brunch, great hot sandwiches, french bistro atmosphere
-Provence, traditional french leaning brunch in a really cute french bakery type atmosphere with huge windows -- great if its a sunny day
-Patois has a fantastic brunch, especially if you can sit out on the deck in back (if the weather cooperates)

If you must have thai, do not go to Joya. Yes, it's the cheapest in the hood, but the food isn't that good and the music they play is too loud. Try Sesame instead, at 160 Smith between Bergen & Wyckoff, or Ghang at 204 Smith at Baltic.

For Italian, Fragole is the best, 394 Court Street between Carroll Street & 1st Place. Sam's is my personal 2nd place runner up at 238 Court Street at Baltic, though you will find others who love Marco Polo and Frankies 457.

Lucalis is the best pizza in the hood (and now according to Zagat, the best pizza in NYC). BYOB, and go at a non-7:30PM time. They only have pies, and they're a few dollars above $15, so bring a friend, bottle of wine and share. 575 Henry at Carroll.

For fantastic panini's in a nice atmosphere off the main Court/Smith drag, check out Bocca Lupo, 391 Henry at Warren.

The best BBQ places are either over your budget (Char No. 4), or has 0 ambiance (the new Dallas Jones BBQ, not to be confused with Dallas BBQ, located on Atlantic Avenue between Henry and Hicks). That said, if you're in the mood for BBQ, give Dallas Jones a try, it's pretty delicious.

If you're not a big eater and can make sushi work on your budget, the best bets are Cube 63 (234 Court at Baltic) or Ki (122 Smith between Dean and Pacific). There's also 2 very solid options with Osaka (272 Court at Kane) and Kyoto (115 Smith between Dean and Pacific), but the first 2 are best.

Whatever you do, and I can't stress this enough, avoid any and all Mexican and Chinese options in the hood, they're simply not good at all. The only acceptable option for Chinese is Chance (223 Smith at Butler), but if you do go, stick to the Dim Sum.

Enjoy the neighborhood.

@Foodsensation: Thanks for the info and recommendation!