The good news for foodies in NYC is that dining out doesn’t need to blow your budget. There are lots of reviews about how expensive the restaurants are in New York, however with limited time and spending money on a city break in NYC, you shouldn’t overlook some of the street food, and food to go options, that are readily available.
Here’s some of our recommended places to try for a taste of New York City, they’re sure to satisfy the craving for foodies in NYC.
375° Fried Chicken has amazing thrice cooked French fries! Their goal is to have the best fries in NYC. Try a portion of loaded fries big enough for sharing, with a fried chicken sandwich. Situated on 124 Ludlow, lower east side. Open Sunday-Thursday midday to midnight, and until 4am on Friday & Saturdays.
Black Tap is the place you’ve seen with the amazing CrazyShake milkshakes, you know the one’s with the massive slices of cake balanced on top (although not a cheap experience at $15)! Definitely the place to go for a new take on a classic burger joint. If milk’s not your thing, they serve a selection of craft beers too. Situated on 45 W 35th Street and open from 11am to midnight.
Café Ferrara in NYC’s Little Italy dates back to 1892. Credited with creating the phrase “Holy Cannoli” this Italian bakery has over 200 Italian specialities on offer. Dine in or take away, you can find them on 195 Grand St between Mulberry & Mott (open 9am to midnight).
Carlos’s Bakery made famous by the television series Cake Boss is the place to head for if you want fancy cakes in NYC. The original store established in 1910, is in Hoboken at 95 Washington Street (open 7am to 9/10pm), however they also have one in Times Square at 625 8th Avenue at 42nd St (open 7am – midnight).
Chelsea Market is a popular indoor food market situated in the Meatpacking District of NYC. Browse a selection of 35 vendors from around the world including stores from Ethiopia, Morocco, Jamaica, Germany, Italy, Asia and France. Dine on tacos, oysters, doughnuts, cheesecake there’s much to choose from! Situated at 75 9th Avenue, between 15/16th Streets (open Mon-Sat 7am to 2am & Sun 8am to 10pm).
Dining Concourse is a food court at the Grand Central Terminal in NYC. On the lower level of this iconic building you can find an array of food outlets offering a variety of food including hot dogs, oysters, bakery goods, soups, pizza, shakes, cafés, Chinese & more. Situated on 89 E 42nd St. The main terminal is open from 5.30am to 2am, the retailers have individual hours.
Fluffy’s Café & Pizzeria has been feeding New Yorker’s since 1975. You can find them on 370 West 58th Street, on the corner of 9th Avenue. From breakfast burritos, bacon bagels, french toast, pancakes or waffles from 6am. To New York style pizza, burgers and cheesesteak, pasta or stir fries until midnight. They also have healthy options including fruit and salad bowls too.
Gray’s Papapaya famous for hot doggery! Open 24 hours there’s one in Midtown at 612 8th Avenue (40th) or Uptown at 2090 Broadway (72nd). Featured in movies such as “You’ve Got Mail”, “Fools Rush In” and “Die Hard with a Vengence”. Load your frank with toppings including chilli, slaw, sauerkraut, onions, ketchup and mustard. Local special 1 frank & drink under $5, recession special 2 franks & drink $7 or addicted to Gray’s 3 franks & large drink $10.
Grand Central Market is a European style gourmet food market in the Grand Central Terminal. Thirteen vendors offer a variety of foods that are ideal for creating a tasting picnic to enjoy whilst exploring NYC or recovering in your hotel room. Situated on Lexington Avenue at 43rd St. Open weekdays 7am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm.
Joe’s Pizza established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli from Naples in Italy. The original classic of this NY slice joint is in Greenwich Village is 7 Carmine Street. They can also be found at 150 East 14th Street, 1435 Broadway, 124 Fulton Street and 216 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. Joe’s pizza is the place to go for an authentic New York street slice. Available as plain cheese, fresh mozzarella or Sicilian Square, you can by a slice or a pie (8 slices). Toppings available on request. Try an interesting soda too including Snapple Iced Teas, Stewarts Cream Soda or Black Cherry.
Nathan’s Famous hot dogs reputation began over 100 years ago at Coney Island. Get the works, go for a chili cheese dog, with crinkle fries with a topping of your choice and old fashioned lemonade. There’s also hot dog nuggets or a corn dog on a stick. If you don’t do hot dogs, then try a philly cheesesteak, or one of their krispy chicken options.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been serving dim sum and dumplings in NYC since 1920. This vintage restaurant can be found on 11-13 Doyers St and has been featured in many TV shows and films including Law and Order.
Russ & Daughters is the place for bagels, established in 1914 this 4th generation store is famous for the best bagels and lox in NYC. You can shop at 179 E. Houston Street (open 8am to 6/7pm) or dine at their café situated on 127 Orchard Street (open 8/9am to 10pm) or restaurant & take away service at the Jewish Museum (no admission required) on 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St (various opening hours).
Street food stands check the hygiene rating, you want to see an “A” displayed. Also ask for the price if it’s not displayed, as they can vary greatly. It’s worth walking a street or two for the best options, for example at Central Park, head for the area by the Natural History Museum rather than eating in the park itself. You shouldn’t be paying more than $3 for a hot dog as a guideline, some visitors have reported being charged as much as $15 from stands not priced! The grades are calculated by points, the more points the greater the risk to public health. “A” grade: 0-13 points, “B” grade: 14-27 points & “C” grade: 28 or more points. No grade, don’t eat!
Taipan Bakery have two locations in NYC, where you can take out Chinese bread & cakes as well as items such as a Singapore fried noodle bun or Scallion pork floss egg roll for something different. Chinatown address is 194 Canal Street, or Flushing 37-25 Main St.
Time Out Market is a waterfront food hall situated in Empire Stores at 55 Water St in Dumbo. This food market is spread out over 2 floors, and includes 20 food stalls, and 3 bars. There’s a great view of the East River from the rooftop. Open 8am to midnight.
Westway Diner in Hell’s Kitchen is where NYC’s cops head for breakfast. This family owned restaurant promises a warm welcome and all the favourite dishes for local American food. Situated at 614 on 9th Ave, they’re open from 6am. It’s a tough choice red, white & blue french toast, bagels, eggs benedict, omelettes, pancakes, waffles & more, you can find it all here.
Whole Foods Market have five stores in Manhattan, providing healthy, natural and organic take away options for food on the go, or as a room picnic in your hotel. Including breads, pastries, salad bar, hot food selection and fruit etc. Generally open from 7am to 11pm you can find them on 808 Columbus Ave (Upper West Side), 1551 3rd Ave (Upper East Side), 10 Columbus Circle, 226 East 57th St (Midtown East) and 1095 Avenue of the Americas (Bryant Park).
Wo Hop is hidden below street level in Chinatown, they have been feeding generations of New Yorkers since 1938. Situated on 17 Mott Street, this basement restaurant serves old fashioned style chop suey food at great prices. Open 21 hours a day from 10am to 7am, this place is a popular take out for the NYPD.
We’ll continue to add to our foodies in NYC information as we discover more hidden gems in the Big Apple. If you’ve got a great tip, don’t be shy and keep it to yourself, contact us and we’ll add it.
Read this article for more tips to get the most out of your city break in NYC. Do get in touch if you’d like help booking your next trip to New York City.
