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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
Hi!
I'll be staying in NYC for 3-4 days. My hotel is located in Midtown East, but from what I've heard I should avoid eating there as it's expensive and overpriced. So, I'd be very thankful if you could give me some advice on where to eat. I'm not looking any famous world class restaurants, just nice places with tasty food at a reasonable price. I plan to eat at least once in Chinatown, but then I have 3 more days when I'll be needing lunch and dinner. Do I need to know specific names of restaurants, of is it safe to just stick to the right parts of the city (in that case which parts) and pop in at a place that looks nice? Finally, I've heard that at some restaurants you need to book weeks in advance to get a table. Is that a general rule in NYC, or is that only true for the most famous places? Are there nice places where I can just drop in without having a reservation? |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 15:22:40 GMT, "John123" wrote:
Hi! I'll be staying in NYC for 3-4 days. My hotel is located in Midtown East, but from what I've heard I should avoid eating there as it's expensive and overpriced. So, I'd be very thankful if you could give me some advice on where to eat. I'm not looking any famous world class restaurants, just nice places with tasty food at a reasonable price. For a 3-4 day stay, I wouldn't sweat it. There are restaurants in various price ranges on 2nd and 1st avenues in Midtown East. And you can easily whisk yourself down to the East or West Villages and walk around and find a restaurant to suit your price range and taste in food. Menus are posted outside the restaurants. The #6 subway train to Astor Place will put you within a short walk of the East Village and West Village. Walk a few blocks either East or West from the subway stop and you will find many restaurants to suit all tastes and pocketbooks. I plan to eat at least once in Chinatown, but then I have 3 more days when I'll be needing lunch and dinner. Do I need to know specific names of restaurants, of is it safe to just stick to the right parts of the city (in that case which parts) and pop in at a place that looks nice? That sounds like a good plan. Just find one that looks inviting and pop in. Best to look to see that there are other diners -- if a restaurant is largely empty you can assume it isn't that great. Some restaurants that have obtained good reviews from restaurant critics post them outside as well. Finally, I've heard that at some restaurants you need to book weeks in advance to get a table. Is that a general rule in NYC, or is that only true for the most famous places? Are there nice places where I can just drop in without having a reservation? Booking ahead is necessary only for trendy and usually expensive places. Most do not require reservations. Sometimes there may be a short wait for a table in popular places. You can always walk in and ask. If you are looking for a specific type of food, mention it here and give a price range. You may get some recommendations. Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
John123 wrote:
Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? Try Jaya, a Malaysian place on Baxter St a few doors south of Canal. It's right in your price range. Make sure to get the roti canai ("rotee chen eye") appetizer. Malaysian food is somewhere between Chinese, Indian, and Thai. Best cuisine on the planet, far as I can tell. miguel -- See the world from your web browser: http://travel.u.nu/ |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 18:59:27 GMT, "John123" wrote:
Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? Yes that is reasonable if you don't order wine. But $10 is low end, more like having a pasta dish and nothing else. __________________________________________________ __________ For Chinese everyone will tell you to go to Chinatown but there are alternatives. On Lexington Ave near 34 Street is Grand Sichuan. There are other locations but the guy who started them all has left the others and is currently involved with this one, but the others are still noteworthy. Reasonable prices and authentic menu. Wu Liang Ye at 36 West 48 Street between 5th and 6th Avenues (Rockefeller Ctr) is, I'm told, run by the Chinese government. The food is very good and well within your price range. Lunch specials are cheap and very good. They also have other places on East 86 Street near 3rd Ave. and 338 Lexington Ave (bet 39th & 40th). DO NOT EAT AT RUBY FOO'S!!!! in Times Square or anywhere. Indian food can be had on Lexington Ave below 34 Street. The area is called Curry Hill (For Murray Hill!) I'm not familiar with most Asian cuisines so I can't really advise on this. __________________________________________________ __ ITALIAN (you didn't ask but that is the NYC default food) My current favorites: Coppola's on W 79 Street, Arte Cafe on W 73 Street, Basilica on 9th Ave at 46 Street. I don't like Celeste on Amsterdam Ave although people still talk about it. For old-fashioned pizza I like John's of Bleecker Street and Patsy's on 1st Ave at 118 Street (off the beaten path). Most seem to like Lombardi's on Spring Street but it left me unimpressed. __________________________________________________ _ AMERICAN I don't know what American food is! For a really good pub burger and draft Pilsner Urquel I like Westside Brewery on Amsterdam Ave at 76 Street. Second choice would be a pint of Guinness and the burger at Molly's Pub on 3rd Ave between 22-23 Streets. Just for the hell of it try to have lunch at Katz's Deli on Houston Street at Ludlow. The F or V train to 2nd Ave will put you a short two blocks away (stay at the front of the train). Or you can take an M15 bus down 2 Ave. It turns left on Houston and then right on Allen St. At that point get off and it's a short distance on Houston. The pastrami sandwich is legendary. Don't go on a weekend! __________________________________________________ __ If it's warm enough to eat lunch outside try the Qwik Meal cart at the SW corner of 45 St and 6 Ave. It's run by a Bangladeshi who makes the most mouth watering chicken and rice platter for $4.50 (or lamb and rice) in the city. You can eat in Bryant Park at 42 Street or in the park behind the building across 6 Ave from the cart. (His sign says formerly of the Russian Tea Room!) A cheap indoor lunch is at Fresco Tortilla on W 42 Street between 6 & 7 Aves. (a few doors down from Conde Nast) Try a couple of chicken fajitas in soft tacos at $1.59 each. Two plus a soda is under $5. The combo platters are good also and under $5 each. The place is grungy looking and you sit at a counter but the food is good. Both places are near Times Square, NY Public Library, Rockefeller Center, or Grand Central Terminal. ALSO, there is a string of good reasonable restaurants on 9th Ave from 43 Street to 55 Street (Basilica is one). This is convenient to the Broadway theater district and is therefor very busy on Fri and Sat nights. Staying on the East side means nothing as far as where to eat or go. Transportation is so good that any restaurant is within striking distance for you. Brian Wickham |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
In article om,
"John123" wrote: Hi! I'll be staying in NYC for 3-4 days. My hotel is located in Midtown East, but from what I've heard I should avoid eating there as it's expensive and overpriced. So, I'd be very thankful if you could give me some advice on where to eat. I'm not looking any famous world class restaurants, just nice places with tasty food at a reasonable price. Only you can decide what a reasonable price is for your budget. If you like Jewish deli, don't miss a meal at one of NYC's better delis. I like the 2nd Avenue Deli on 2nd Avenue & 10th Street. I plan to eat at least once in Chinatown, but then I have 3 more days when I'll be needing lunch and dinner. Do I need to know specific names of restaurants, of is it safe to just stick to the right parts of the city (in that case which parts) and pop in at a place that looks nice? Finally, I've heard that at some restaurants you need to book weeks in advance to get a table. Is that a general rule in NYC, or is that only true for the most famous places? Are there nice places where I can just drop in without having a reservation? No, only with the top tier restaurants do you need to make reservations weeks in advance. If you just walk around or ask at your hotel, you'll have no problem finding affordable tasty dining options with no trouble at all. |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 18:59:27 GMT, "John123" wrote:
Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? For the lower end, go to Chinatown. But don't overlook Grand Sichuan on 9 Av. and 50 St. as a Chinese restaurant to go to. I and many other connoiseurs believe it's one of the better ones in Manhattan, but you have to like hot pepper and be willing to tolerate a degree of oiliness and saltiness along with the great taste. If you're in Midtown, check out some Korean restaurants in the west 30s. Dinner will cost you about $20-30 at Korean places, but you get a lot of food for your money, what with the panchan (side dishes) that are provided for you automatically. I recommend Kang Suh on the south side of 32 St. just east of Broadway (excellent kalbi and bulgogi, which are types of barbecue), and Cho Dang Gol (elegant restaurant specializing in artisanal tofu but don't let that fool you into thinking the food doesn't have plenty of taste!) and Han Bat (informal diner atmosphere, a bit cheaper) on 35 St. between 5th and 6th Avs. I also had a nice late-night meal of hot and cold cuts at Gam Mee Ok on 43 W. 32 St. One of the places on my list to try next is the Mandoo Bar (I think it was called) on the south side of 32 St. just west of 5 Av. Mandoo are Korean dumplings. Here are some threads that might interest you on Korean places in Manhattan: http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?...f9ccbd5cef4856 http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?...f9ccbd5cef4856 http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?...4366e522cf8fe2 I'm not so sure what you'll be able to get in terms of American for under $25, but if you post your questions on eGullet, people who have a clearer idea on this will reply. Michael If you would like to send a private email to me, please take out the TRASH, so to speak. Please do not email me something which you also posted. |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 23:22:29 GMT, Brian Wickham
wrote: Yes that is reasonable if you don't order wine. But $10 is low end, more like having a pasta dish and nothing else. _________________________________________________ ___________ For Chinese everyone will tell you to go to Chinatown but there are alternatives. On Lexington Ave near 34 Street is Grand Sichuan. There are other locations but the guy who started them all has left the others and is currently involved with this one, No kidding? When did he leave the 50th St. and 9 Av. location? [snip] ITALIAN (you didn't ask but that is the NYC default food) My current favorites: Coppola's on W 79 Street, Arte Cafe on W 73 Street, Basilica on 9th Ave at 46 Street. I don't like Celeste on Amsterdam Ave although people still talk about it. For old-fashioned pizza I like John's of Bleecker Street and Patsy's on 1st Ave at 118 Street (off the beaten path). Most seem to like Lombardi's on Spring Street but it left me unimpressed. I like it, but the best pizza I've had outside of Naples is at DiFara's in Brooklyn. It's probably a pretty long trip for someone on a brief visit, however. My favorite Italian restaurants are in the East Village, but none of them fit easily into John's price range. Col Legno on 9 St. just west of 2 Av. can be under $30 without too much trouble, but Lavagna and Il Bagatto can be closer to $50 than $30, depending on how many courses one orders and what one drinks. [snip] Just for the hell of it try to have lunch at Katz's Deli on Houston Street at Ludlow. Katz's is an institution for a reason: Their pastrami is fantastic. John, do you remember the scene in _When Harry Met Sally_ with the faked orgasm? When it's good, the pastrami really is that good at Katz's. And the counterman will give you a couple of slabs to try, so you'll be able to tell him if you want it juicier, more tender, whatever - and don't forget to tip him (at least $1, and I tip $2 if I reject his first batch and he gets a new one for me). [snip] Don't go on a weekend! It's busier, but I wouldn't say "Don't go." I've been there with pleasure on weekends. [snip] ALSO, there is a string of good reasonable restaurants on 9th Ave from 43 Street to 55 Street Absolutely. Good and in many cases inexpensive. Aside from Grand Sichuan, I also like Rinconcito Peruano just north of 53 St., Turkish Cuisine between 43rd and 44th, and Ariana Kebab House between 51st and 52nd Sts. (curiously, all on the west side of the avenue). I'm not familiar with Basilica. Michael If you would like to send a private email to me, please take out the TRASH, so to speak. Please do not email me something which you also posted. |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 18:59:27 GMT, "John123" wrote:
Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? Yes that is reasonable if you don't order wine. But $10 is low end, more like having a pasta dish and nothing else. __________________________________________________ __________ For Chinese everyone will tell you to go to Chinatown but there are alternatives. On Lexington Ave near 34 Street is Grand Sichuan. There are other locations but the guy who started them all has left the others and is currently involved with this one, but the others are still noteworthy. Reasonable prices and authentic menu. Wu Liang Ye at 36 West 48 Street between 5th and 6th Avenues (Rockefeller Ctr) is, I'm told, run by the Chinese government. The food is very good and well within your price range. Lunch specials are cheap and very good. They also have other places on East 86 Street near 3rd Ave. and 338 Lexington Ave (bet 39th & 40th). DO NOT EAT AT RUBY FOO'S!!!! in Times Square or anywhere. Indian food can be had on Lexington Ave below 34 Street. The area is called Curry Hill (For Murray Hill!) I'm not familiar with most Asian cuisines so I can't really advise on this. __________________________________________________ __ ITALIAN (you didn't ask but that is the NYC default food) My current favorites: Coppola's on W 79 Street, Arte Cafe on W 73 Street, Basilica on 9th Ave at 46 Street. I don't like Celeste on Amsterdam Ave although people still talk about it. For old-fashioned pizza I like John's of Bleecker Street and Patsy's on 1st Ave at 118 Street (off the beaten path). Most seem to like Lombardi's on Spring Street but it left me unimpressed. __________________________________________________ _ AMERICAN I don't know what American food is! For a really good pub burger and draft Pilsner Urquel I like Westside Brewery on Amsterdam Ave at 76 Street. Second choice would be a pint of Guinness and the burger at Molly's Pub on 3rd Ave between 22-23 Streets. Just for the hell of it try to have lunch at Katz's Deli on Houston Street at Ludlow. The F or V train to 2nd Ave will put you a short two blocks away (stay at the front of the train). Or you can take an M15 bus down 2 Ave. It turns left on Houston and then right on Allen St. At that point get off and it's a short distance on Houston. The pastrami sandwich is legendary. Don't go on a weekend! __________________________________________________ __ If it's warm enough to eat lunch outside try the Qwik Meal cart at the SW corner of 45 St and 6 Ave. It's run by a Bangladeshi who makes the most mouth watering chicken and rice platter for $4.50 (or lamb and rice) in the city. You can eat in Bryant Park at 42 Street or in the park behind the building across 6 Ave from the cart. (His sign says formerly of the Russian Tea Room!) A cheap indoor lunch is at Fresco Tortilla on W 42 Street between 6 & 7 Aves. (a few doors down from Conde Nast) Try a couple of chicken fajitas in soft tacos at $1.59 each. Two plus a soda is under $5. The combo platters are good also and under $5 each. The place is grungy looking and you sit at a counter but the food is good. Both places are near Times Square, NY Public Library, Rockefeller Center, or Grand Central Terminal. ALSO, there is a string of good reasonable restaurants on 9th Ave from 43 Street to 55 Street (Basilica is one). This is convenient to the Broadway theater district and is therefor very busy on Fri and Sat nights. Staying on the East side means nothing as far as where to eat or go. Transportation is so good that any restaurant is within striking distance for you. Brian Wickham Thanks for all the tips! As for what "American Food" is, I've found a somewhat general definition of it as often being "grilled meat, fried fish and shellfish, with french fries and sallad, being served in enormous portions" ... New American, is "a cousin of the French Cuisine, often based on old regional recepies, and often come in smaller portions, and at a higher price", all according to one definition I've found on the net. Anyway, there wasn't that many tips for such restaurants, but I got one hint that I might have to be prepared to pay a bit more for this kind of food (at least for New American). Since I'll only be having it once or twice, I should have no trouble raising my budget a bit at those occasions. So, please if it was my restricted budget that held you back from suggesting such restaurants, I give you a second chance... |
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Dining in NYC - Which areas and restaurants do you recommend?
I posted this earlier in another message, but I'm not sure if it was
responding to you. But, you might want to check out these websites: www.nymetro.com (Cheap Eats) and www.ny.citysearch.com, as reference. Chinatown is definately a good place to save money, and eat well. Baxter Street is filled with Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Vietnamese. Try Nha Trang - the place is very non-descript but very good. Jaya, which is on that street, is not bad. (If you want to start Malaysian food, try a branch of Penang, (they have one in Soho, the Upper West Side, as well as in the East Village). For Chinese food, there is Grand Sichuan, Joe's Shanghai (try their soup dumplings), Sweet and Tart (on Canal Street, it's like a contemporary Hong-style eatery), or even a bubble tea stop at Ten Ren, the Chinese version of Starbucks, (try the green tea with milk and tapioca balls...it's interesting.) Koreatown is also a good bet, though the bbqs tend to be expensive and best eaten with a large group of people. Nevertheless, try going there during lunch, when they have the lunch specials. Korean fare is pretty hearty, with lots of little appetizers, so you are guaranteed not to go hungry. Mandoo Bar, Gam Mee Ok, Kang Suh, and Kum Gan Sang (sp?) are some suggestions. You'll find them on 32nd streets, between Broadway and 5th. The East Village and Alphabet City have a few interesting places as well. Sea Thai, (on 2nd Avenue, between E. 2nd and 3rd Street) is inexpensive and cool. The area on E.9th and E. 10th Street, near Cooper Union, between 1st and 3rd Aves. has a string of inexpensive Japanese restaurants. For a warm Japanese noodle soup, try Rai Rai Ken. They have no more than 10 things on their menu, and nothing exceeding more than $7 at best. For American/New American, I like the West Village, particularly along Cornelia Street, right off of Bleeker. If you plan to brunch, try the Cornelia Street Cafe. And across from it, a place called Home. Good luck! Xanthe Sonza "John123" wrote in message ews.com... On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 15:22:40 GMT, "John123" wrote: Hi! I'll be staying in NYC for 3-4 days. My hotel is located in Midtown East, but from what I've heard I should avoid eating there as it's expensive and overpriced. So, I'd be very thankful if you could give me some advice on where to eat. I'm not looking any famous world class restaurants, just nice places with tasty food at a reasonable price. For a 3-4 day stay, I wouldn't sweat it. There are restaurants in various price ranges on 2nd and 1st avenues in Midtown East. And you can easily whisk yourself down to the East or West Villages and walk around and find a restaurant to suit your price range and taste in food. Menus are posted outside the restaurants. The #6 subway train to Astor Place will put you within a short walk of the East Village and West Village. Walk a few blocks either East or West from the subway stop and you will find many restaurants to suit all tastes and pocketbooks. I plan to eat at least once in Chinatown, but then I have 3 more days when I'll be needing lunch and dinner. Do I need to know specific names of restaurants, of is it safe to just stick to the right parts of the city (in that case which parts) and pop in at a place that looks nice? That sounds like a good plan. Just find one that looks inviting and pop in. Best to look to see that there are other diners -- if a restaurant is largely empty you can assume it isn't that great. Some restaurants that have obtained good reviews from restaurant critics post them outside as well. Finally, I've heard that at some restaurants you need to book weeks in advance to get a table. Is that a general rule in NYC, or is that only true for the most famous places? Are there nice places where I can just drop in without having a reservation? Booking ahead is necessary only for trendy and usually expensive places. Most do not require reservations. Sometimes there may be a short wait for a table in popular places. You can always walk in and ask. If you are looking for a specific type of food, mention it here and give a price range. You may get some recommendations. Thanks for your help. I'd like to try American, New American, Chinese, and maybe some other Asian food. Price range approximately $10-$25 (depending on type of restaurant) for a main course including tax and service. Is that reasonable? |
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