1. Sample Some Savory Pies At Tuck Shop
Tuck Shop
East Village
68 East 1st Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave)
(212) 979-5200
Yelp: 4 stars, 272 reviews
Do you enjoy cheap, filling grub served up by attractive Australians? If so, head downtown to Tuck Shop and try one of their six drool-worthy meat pies, which taste much better than their name would have you believe.
You can’t go wrong with a traditional meat pie, filled with tasty, seasoned ground beef. The Mac’N’Cheese Pie is also a great choice, and perfect for any vegetarians in the crowd.
Insider tip: If you want ketchup, ask for “tomato sauce.” You’ll appear cool and in-the-know to the Aussies behind the counter.
2. Stuff Yourself With Drunch At Fatta Cuckoo
Fatta Cuckoo
Lower East Side
63 Clinton Street
(212) 353-0570
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 174 reviews
What is “drunch,” you ask? The unforgettable (err…sometimes forgettable) combination of delicious brunch foods and endless cocktails. Fatta Cuckoo is a Lower East Side establishment that does drunch right.
Grab your friends, and settle in for a brunch entrée and three cocktails—all for a mere $25. Try the awesome vegetarian tacos, which are filled with all kinds of good-for-you goodies like kale, potatoes and tomatoes. You know, to help you feel a little less guilty about the three Tequila Seabreezes you’re about to knock back.
3. Munch On Moroccan At Café Mogador
Café Mogador
East Village, Alphabet City
101 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10009
(212) 677-2226
Yelp: 4 stars, 1047 reviews
When was the last time you had Moroccan food for breakfast? Give it a try at St Marks staple Café Mogador. In lieu of toast, you’ll soak up your halumi eggs with zahatar pita. Or try the Moroccan eggs, topped with a spicy tomato sauce. Whatever you do, don’t miss a taste of their creamy hummus and crispy pita.
Insider tip: You can easily turn breakfast at Café Mogador into drunch, if you feel so inclined. Located just a stone’s throw away is Continental Bar NYC, home of the 5 shots for $10 deal.
4. A Salty Pimp Awaits You At The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop
East Village
125 East 7th Street (between 1st Ave and Avenue A), New York, NY 10009
(212) 533-9333
Yelp: 4 stars, 820 reviews
The huge cones at the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop are sure to satisfy even the sweetest of sweet tooths. The names of the treats will entice you as much as their flavors (“Salty Pimp,” anyone?). “American Globs” is a fan favorite, with vanilla ice cream that is stuffed with pretzels and then generously dipped in milk chocolate.
5. The Best Beer And Pub Grub At The Pony Bar
The Pony Bar
Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West
637 10th Ave at 45th Street
(212) 586-2707
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 592 reviews
For its reasonably priced craft beer and great pub food, The Pony Bar is an awesome place to begin a night out on the town. A quick visit to their website will give you a live feed of the beers currently on tap at both their Upper East Side and Hell’s Kitchen locations.
The food is down-to-earth yet unique: be sure to try the Clams & Sausages, which is simmered in thick gravy and served with a side of Sullivan Street Bakery bread.
6. For The Fry Fiends: Pommes Frites
Pommes Frites
East Village
123 2nd Ave (between 7th Ave and St. Marks Place)
(212) 674-1234
Yelp: 4 stars, 2707 reviews
Can’t be bothered to travel all the way to Bruges to get your frite fix? Look no further than the tiny, no-frills Pommes Frites, which serves the fries, all the fries and nothing but the fries.
Smother them with poutine for a Canadian treat, or dip them into any of their 28 sauces. Not sure which to choose? Just ask for a sample! I like the Sweet Mango Chutney Mayo and Parmesan Peppercorn the best.
7. Drop Some Dough For A Perfect Meal At Per Se
Per Se
Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West
10 Columbus Circle #4
(212) 823-9335
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 828 reviews
If you need to spoil someone for a special occasion, look no further than Per Se. Located inside Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, Per Se offers amazing views, excellent service and, of course, phenomenal food.
Head chef Thomas Keller and his team put out two distinct nine-course tasting menus each day, so you’ll be guaranteed to try something (or nine things) innovative when you visit.
Insider tip: Reservations must be made exactly one month in advance.
8. Ditch Your Fork At Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
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Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Manhattan Valley
947 Amsterdam Ave (between West 106th and 107th)
(212) 961-1416
Yelp: 4 stars, 225 reviews
Have you ever tasted something so delicious that all you wanted to do was scoop it up in your hands and shovel it into your mouth? Well, at Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, this is perfectly acceptable behavior.
Choose from a wide selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, which are served with injera, a spongy flatbread that is used to pick up your entrée. Eating at Awash is the perfect chance to gather a big group of friends, let your germ guard down and share everything on the menu. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet honey wine.
9. Grab A Liquid Lunch At Joe’s Shanghai
Joe’s Shanghai
Chinatown
9 Pell Street (between Doyers St and Bowery)
(212) 233-8888
Yelp: 4 stars, 2554 reviews
Whatever means Joe’s Shanghai uses to get soup inside their dumplings, I don’t care. All that matters is that these soft, doughy pillows are filled with a pork broth so rich that you’ll want to bathe in it.
The best part? You can get eight of these babies for about five bucks. They also have crab dumplings, which are worth a try as well.
Insider tip: This joint, like many Chinatown restaurants, is cash-only.
10. Chow Down On A Kebab At Souvlaki GR
Souvlaki GR
Lower East Side
116 Stanton Street
(212) 777-0116
Yelp: 4 stars, 300 reviews
This friendly Lower East Side joint makes you feel like you’ve crossed over to the island of Mykonos. Instead of taking a dip in the Aegean, though, you’ll be swimming in their cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Try the Pita Souvlaki any way you like (chicken, pork, beef or veggie), all for under five bucks.
11. A Meal For Every Occasion At Cuba
Cuba
Greenwich Village
222 Thompson Street (between 3rd and Bleeker)
(212) 420-7878
Yelp: 4 stars, 667 reviews
This Greenwich gem offers an extraordinary selection of Latin dishes for any meal of the day. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with a classic Cubano sandwich, stuffed with pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. For dinner, try the inventive “Pollo Guajira,” made with plantains and mushrooms, and served with rice, beans and white wine sauce.
Don’t forget about weekend brunch, either: the Benedict Habaneros is a great take on the classic brunch dish, and tastes even better served with two hours of endless cocktails.
Insider tip: Hit up Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm for $5 mojitos and sangria.
12. Journey To Italy Via Il Buco
Il Buco
NoHo
47 Bond Street
(212) 533-1932
Yelp: 4 stars, 292 reviews
What separates Il Buco from every other Italian restaurant in Manhattan? Maybe it’s that you feel like you’re stepping back in time into a Tuscan cottage in the old country. Maybe it’s their unique offering of breakfast, ranging from homemade ricotta to an organic bread basket. Maybe it’s their pillowy house-made gnocchi. No matter the reason, Il Buco is simply the best and totally deserving of your time.
13. Kick It Old School At The Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop
Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop
Greenwich Village
240 Sullivan Street (between Bleeker and West 3rd)
(212) 677-3995
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 555 reviews
If you long for the days when PB&J on Wonderbread was considered a nutritious lunch, then the Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop is the place for you. Indulge your every childhood whim at this playful restaurant, which features peanut butter in nearly every dish.
Want something savory? No problem. The Heat Is On Sandwich is Peanut Butter & Co’s version of chicken satay, with spicy peanut butter, grilled chicken and pineapple jam. Round out the meal with one of their drool-worthy desserts, which include the Death by Peanut Butter Sundae, Peanut Butter Parfait and the classic Wafflewich Sundae.
14. Slurp Some Soup at Saigon Shack
Saigon Shack
Greenwich Village
114 Macdougal Street
(212) 228-0588
Yelp: 4 stars, 646 reviews
If you’re craving Vietnamese fare in Greenwich (or anywhere in the city, because it’s worth the trek), Saigon Shack has got you covered. You can get a great sandwich (bahn mi) for less than $10, ranging from the S.S. Classic (Vietnamese ham, bacon and pate) to the Peking Duck. The pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, is also excellent. You’ll love the grilled lemongrass chicken variety.
15. Drink To Your Health at The Butcher’s Daughter
The Butcher’s Daughter
NoLita
19 Kenmare Street (corner of Elizabeth Street)
(212) 219-3434
Yelp: 3 stars, 127 reviews
Who says detoxing can’t be delicious? This juice bar and café offers all kinds of yummy juices and smoothies that will have you feeling great. Get glowing with Goddess of Green juice, made with kale, cucumber, fennel and pineapple.
Not quite feeling up to drinking a whole glass? Take a shortcut with one of their Elixir Shots. With names like Liquid Vitality and Vampire Slayer, I guarantee you’ll be ready and raring to go in no time.
16. Ditch The Dirty Water Dog For Gray’s Papaya
Gray’s Papaya
Upper West Side
2090 Broadway at 72nd Street
(212) 799-0243
Yelp: 4 stars, 830 reviews
There is nothing more quintessentially New York that enjoying a great hot dog. Sure, you can always grab a dirty water dog on the street. But be sure you check out this famed establishment that boasts the best dogs in the city.
Don’t miss everyone’s favorite order, the Recession Special: two perfectly grilled hot dogs and a drink (go with papaya juice) for five bucks.
17. Sample The Freshest Sushi At Nobu Next Door
Nobu Next Door
TriBeCa
105 Hudson Street
(212) 334-4445
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 242 reviews
Nobu is a world-class chain of sushi restaurants, with the hefty price tag to prove it. Head to Nobu Next Door, its quieter sister restaurant, to save some cash without sacrificing quality.
Keep it simple and let the fish shine by ordering a sampling of sushi and sashimi. The Bigeye Tuna and Japanese Red Snapper are particularly tasty. More adventurous diners can order live scallops or octopus as well. Finish your meal with one of Nobu’s elaborate desserts, like the black sesame panna cotta with blood orange gelee.
18. Sober Up At Rosario’s Pizza
Rosario’s Pizza
Lower East Side
173 Orchard Street (between Stanton and Houston Sts)
(212) 777-9813
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 181 reviews
It’s true that there are many great slices of pizza in Manhattan (though some say the best ones are actually in Brooklyn). But when it’s late night on the LES and you need a delicious slice to soak up all that alcohol coursing through your system, Rosario’s Pizza is there for you. It’s hot, crispy and dependably open until 3 am.
Insider tip: The bacon cheeseburger pizza will sound like a great idea at 2 am. It’s not. Stick with a slice of Sophia (mozzarella, fresh tomato and garlic-basil sauce).
19. Feast On Tacos And Tequila At Diablo Royale
Diablo Royale
West Village
189 West 10th Street #1
(212) 620-0223
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 263 reviews
From traditional offerings like fish tacos and enchiladas, to more unique dishes like Pork Belly BLT and Fried Oyster tacos, Diablo Royale has it all.
Don’t just come here for the food, either—this restaurant makes a range of killer tequila cocktails. No really, the Diablo Ricky might kill you: it’s three parts beer and one part margarita (all parts delicious).
20. Get Your Schmear On Absolute Bagels
Absolute Bagels
Manhattan Valley
2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
(212) 932-2052
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 550 reviews
Absolute Bagels is the place to grab a bagel on the Upper West Side (just ask any Columbia student). Head there early (doors open at 6 am) to beat the crowds and get the freshest bagels. They have a host of different flavored cream cheeses, from blueberry to jalapeno. There’s even an option for the health conscious among us: “tofutti,” a tofu cream cheese substitute.
21. Pure Thai Cookhouse
Pure Thai Cookhouse
Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West
766 9th Street (between 51st and 52nd Sts)
(212) 581-0999
Yelp: 4 stars, 872 reviews
For authentic Thai food that won’t break the bank, Pure Thai Cookhouse is it (just don’t expect a lot of elbow room at your table). Be sure to try their wok stir-fried dishes, like Wok Ginger Curry with Calamari, made with aromatic jasmine rice. You can also stick to the basics, and get a dependably delicious bowl of pad Thai. No matter what you choose, Pure Thai Cookhouse will blow your taste buds away.
Insider tip: Let them know your desired level of spice, or your taste buds might get decimated.
22. Cozy In At Jacob’s Pickles
Jacob’s Pickles
Upper West Side
509 Amsterdam Ave
(212) 470-5566
Yelp: 4 stars, 611 reviews
Comfort food is the order of the day at Jacob’s Pickles. The Turkey Leg Dinner and Sausage Gravy Smothered Chicken are like warm hugs from the Southern grandmother you never had. And let’s not forget about the restaurant’s namesake—the fried pickles are a must-try.
23. Unleash Your Sweet Tooth At Max Brenner
Max Brenner
Greenwich Village
841 Broadway (between 13th Street and East Union Square)
(646) 467-8803
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 2223 reviews
Skip the meal and head straight for dessert at this paradise for chocoholics. Their drinks range from hot chocolate (Mexican Spicy sounds strange but is out of this world) to milkshakes (Chocolate Espresso! Salted Caramel!)
As for the desserts themselves, Max Brenner has everything from waffles and cakes, to fondue and ice cream. Bring a few friends, and work your way through their enormous selection of treats.
24. Find Your New Favorite Portable Affordable Snack At Empanada Mama
Empanada Mama
Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West
763 9th Ave Front 1, New York, NY 10019
(212) 698-9008
Yelp: 4 stars, 1102 reviews
This Latin restaurant proves that there is truly an empanada for every occasion—with over forty varieties of this flaky stuffed pastry on the menu, there’s something for everyone. Customers rave about the Brasil, a traditional Brazilian empanada filled with ground beef, onions and potatoes.
Empanada Mama doesn’t limit itself just to empanadas, either. The fried pork belly served with tostones is quickly becoming a favorite as well.
25. Chill Out At Fresh Salt
Fresh Salt
South Street Seaport
146 Beekman Street, Front 4, New York, NY 10038
(212) 962-0053
Yelp: 4 stars, 170 reviews
Fresh Salt is a great lunch spot, perfect for enjoying a gourmet sandwich and a bottle of beer. Sip on a Six Point while you take in the views and munch on your Salt sandwich, made with spec, avocado, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. This is a nice oasis in the usually-touristy area of South Street Seaport.
26. Bake A Cake At Butter Lane Bakery
Butter Lane Bakery
East Village
123 East 7th Street (between 1st Ave and Avenue A)
(212) 677-2880
Yelp: 4 stars, 895 reviews
Who doesn’t love a great cupcake? These bite-sized treats have gained enormous popularity in the past few years, and it’s easy to see why Butter Lane Bakery has been so successful.
With creative flavors like Maple Pecan and Elvis (a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting), to special occasion cupcakes (trendy brides are now going mini), Butter Lane does it all. They even offer classes so you can learn how to bake cupcakes like a pro.
27. Fire Up Your Taste Buds At Amma
Amma
Midtown East
246 East 51st Street
(212) 644-8330
Yelp: 4 stars, 247 reviews
Rich, spicy and savory, Amma gives you everything you’ve come to expect from great Indian food. Take a step outside the box and try the Mint-Cilantro Grilled Halibut, which is served with coconut chutney. Vegetarians have several delicious options, with Channa Masala (chickpeas) and Laukee Ke Kofte (zucchini dumplings) as two popular choices. Cool off your palate with mango or rose lassi.
28. Revolutionize Your View On Ramen At Ippudo New York
Ippudo New York
East Village
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-0088
Yelp: 4 stars, 5829 reviews
You’ll never look at Ramen the same after devouring a bowl of it at Ippudo New York. While it might pain you to pay $15 rather $0.15 for it, trust me when I say it’s worth it.
Enjoy delicate appetizers like Avocado and Tofu Tartar before tucking into a big bowl of the stuff. The original Akaru Modern, a pork noodle soup, remains their most popular Ramen choice.
29. It’s Oktoberfest Every Day At Lederhosen Wurst & Bierhaus
Lederhosen Wurst & Bierhaus
West Village
39 Grove Street
(212) 206-7691
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 227 reviews
Beers and brats: what more could you want? Choose from seven types of sausage sandwiches, ranging from currywurst to weisswurst (veal), each for only five dollars.
The beer comes in pints, in boots and even in a mini keg that you can tap yourself at your table. This lively institution is cheap, delicious and a whole lot of fun.
30. Devour The Best Lobster Roll In New York At Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster
East Village
93 East 7th Street (between 1st Ave and Avenue A)
(212) 387-8487
Yelp: 4 stars, 1117 reviews
If you think you have to go to Maine to get a great lobster roll, think again. With five different locations in Manhattan alone, Luke’s Lobster is serving more people now than ever before, thanks to the huge demand for its amazing, buttery lobster rolls. Can’t decide between the lobster, shrimp or crab? Go for the Taste of Maine, which gives you a little bit of each.
