Thread: Hitting NYC hard...

...the food, that is. And on the cheap, since I went with a friend on a modest budget. Several of these places were from recommendations in the cheap eats thread, many thanks to Turbology and carendt242.

NYC: cheap(er) eats

Carnegie Deli
Open late, which is why we went. Thick, but not as juicy as 2nd Ave or Katz's. The former is my favorite, pastrami with a side of liver.




Les Halles
Fallen from grace, but I still think their frites are amazing. I had cote de porc with mustard this time.




Burger Joint
This is a hidden gem. You go through the fancy bar in the Parker Meridien, round a corner, past a curtain, and then voila, ghetto burger place. $7 for a cheeseburger, and it's awesome.




Magnolia Bakery
Started the cupcake craze. Unfortunately also in Sex and the City. But still has awesome cupcakes, I had to have a Red Velvet.




Who the hell knows
This is in some ghetto food court in a basement in Flushing. I can give directions if anyone wants. $3 for a plate of dumplings, made and cooked on the spot by a couple from Fujian province. Absolutely wonderful.

Lombardi's

Supposedly the first pizza place in NYC, and it's certainly the best NYC style I've had. Meatballs, tomatoes and extra cheese.



Pastis
This is better than Les Halles. Wonder how it stacks up to Balthazar. Willem Dafoe sat behind us here, and no, I did not get him to rep. We had onion soup, roast chicken and moules frites.








Bruno Bakery
Stunning cannoli. It's not in the display, you need to ask for it, and they pipe their own filling into the little cannoli cases.




Momofuku
Waited for 30 mins, this is quite the popular place. We had very fresh hamachi followed by the pork belly and garlic miso ramen and the house ramen.

Chickalicious
Dessert bar run by the wonderful Chicka. $12 for 3 courses. Sorbet, creme brulee bread pudding, panna cotta and then petite fours. We also visited the Chickalicious pudding bar, which is across the road. Same fantastic stuff but less formal. I'd happily do both again.









BLT Prime
Wanted to do Luger's, booked Wolfgang, but then bailed and went here instead. It's not the best steak I've ever eaten. However, the tuna appetizer was simply delicious, the popover bread is fantastic, and the sides are to die for. So actually a really good experience. I wonder if I can just do appetizers and sides...

good stuff Andy... looks like you eat good when you're traveling.

all look good,....

mmm hungry now...great reviews

Very nice. Think I've been to all the ones you mentioned. Burger Joint rocks! Behind a little curtain in the PR. It's a wonder anyone even knows about it, but it's always packed. Although it's too cold now (and not even sure it's open in the winter), Shake Shack in Madison Square Park has THE BEST burgers along with a kickass shake (Shack Attack). Food is the only thing I miss about NY......

looking good!

so now when we go out to eat here I don't want to hear about your diet!

Chikalicious pudding bar?!?!?! Yummm.....

Are you going to Doughnut Plant?

- chuck