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"BEST FRIED (& ROTISSERIE) CHICKEN"
Dirty Bird To-Go 204 West 14th St., between 7th-8th Avenues. Any connoisseur of chicken won't want to miss this organic take-out joint just on the outskirts of the Meatpacking District. "Dirty Bird to-go" specializes in antibiotic-free, free-range fried (and roasted) chicken from Pennsylvania's Amish Country. There are just a few seats in this tiny eatery but it's always busy as New Yorkers know a good thing when they find it. Our favorite is the chicken tenders (3-piece is $4.95), gently fried in non-hydrogenated oil with a thin, buttermilk coating that is seasoned with light spices to give it a huge flavor. They give BBQ and Honey Dijon Mustard sauce with the tenders and for a few bucks more you get a choice of one or two sides, ranging from "smashed" potatoes & gravy, sauteed garlic kale, cole slaw, mac-n-cheese (yum) or fresh veggies. Also not to be missed is their Buttermilk Dipped Fried Chicken (3-piece is $8.25) and their Slow-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken ($9.90 for Half Chicken or $13.95 for whole). You can wash it all down with a Boylan's Soda or their incredible Homemade Lemonade & Peach Supreme Iced Tea. If you're still hungry after that, finish off your meal with their homemade chocolate chip cookies. Yep, there's a lot cookin' in this tiny, storefront joint, so add it to your "must eat" list when visiting NYC. It's an 8-min walk on 14th street from Ground Zero Museum Workshop. Their web site is www.dirtybirdtogo.com
Phone: 212-620-4836
$4.95 - $20.00
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"BEST JEWISH DELI"
Friedman's Lunch (A Real Jewish Deli) Inside Chelsea Market, 9th Avenue Between 15th & 16th Street. You no longer have to trek to Times Square for real, Jewish NYC Deli Sandwiches and classic dishes. Friedman's Lunch is the newest addition to the Meat-Packing District and the food, according to us, is as good as the classic, famous NYC delis, such as Carnegie Deli and Sarge's Deli. The classic hot pastrami sandwich ($10.50) is our staff's top pick. However, the Roast Beef with Melted Provolone Cheese Sandwich ($10.50) is no slouch and melts in your mouth. Also a standout is the "Spicy Mac-n-Jack." They also have classics like the Roast Turkey Sandwich, Tuna Salad Sandwich and are now open for breakfast, serving up an "Egg Wrap" with mushrooms, peppers & onions. The decor is pretty basic and doesn't have the historical flair & personality that the classic Time's Square deli's have, but pound for pound, the quality and taste of the food matches wits with those long standing establishments. Whatever you order, you can't lose either way. Try a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup or Matzoh Ball Soup for just $3.00. The quality of the food here is stellar.
Phone: 212-929-7100
$3.50 to $28.00 .
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“BEST BREAKFAST” (The‘Classic'Egg Sandwich')
Hector's Diner (no competition) 44 Little West 12th Street at Washington St. Okay, forget what you THINK you know about an egg sandwich. There is no fresher breakfast sandwich in New York than the ones Hectors make. Blink and you will walk right by this little hole-in-the-wall. First off, this "best kept secret" originally opened to service all the meat-packing district employees who come to work at 2AM to move beef around (think ROCKY). And yes, they still eat here. So, you have the freshest beef, poultry, eggs and bacon all being distributed to NYC right through this neighborhood. The owners of these warehouses eat where at 6AM ? Hectors! So, naturally they give the freshest meats and eggs to them because hey, they gotta' eat there! But Hector's is not just a classic for that reason; it is where all the diner scenes for the film, "TAXI DRIVER" were filmed with Robert DeNiro. The checkered wallpaper that was installed for the film way back in the 1970's is still there! Listen, it ain't pretty in there but it is REAL New York and the best egg sandwich in the world. Our pick? Three eggs (over-medium or scrambled) with bacon (ask for it well-done), cheese, extra salt n' pepper and served on an un-toasted English muffin or on a toasted bagel. As you can see, we don't eat there often. "Euphoric" is the only way to describe your first bite into a Hector's breakfast sandwich. It is fluffy and melts in your mouth. You will thank us. And yes, it is a safe area. A 3-minute walk from the Museum.
About $6 (worth double)
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"BEST CHEESEBURGERS"
CORNER BISTRO (old school; to die for) Corner of Jane Street and West 4th st. (331 W. 4th St.) Go for lunch or an early dinner or you will be waiting for a table for a while. Regularly rated New York 's #1 Cheeseburger, it's an 8-ounce slab, flame-broiled and tender. They also can add raw onions or bacon upon request. The beer is dirt cheap too & usually served by a scruffy, old bartender. Their thick, chicken sandwich is no slouch either, smothered in cheese and served on a paper plate that usually turns to a greasy pulp after 5 minutes. Bring your antacid and have fun. A must-do in NYC. Burgers are modestly priced at
$6.50.
PASTIS (Foofy-Foofy; Beverly Hills style) 9th Avenue at Little West 12th St. Well, Pastis is the competition for Corner Bistro and usually ranked in the Top 3 burgers in New York. A different setting though…This French bistro is called pretentious/snotty by many, but truth is the decor is really cool. It's like being in France ! Waiter service leaves much to be desired (slow), but who really cares? The burger is a monster, served on a soft brioche bun and you can pick what cheese you want. We like Cheddar. It is served with arguably the BEST french fries in New York , so there are no complaints here. Once again, go for lunch or early dinner, but always be prepared to WAIT. Burgers are around $14.00, but that can change. Pastis is like the stock market. Prices can fluctuate daily...And the bar is beautiful with a great beer & wine selection. Don't be surprised if you see actress Susan Sarandon or actor James Gandalfini (SOPRANOS) in there, either. Big celebrity hangout. Website is: www.Pastisny.com
$14 to $20.
POP BURGER (Gourmet White Castles, anyone?) 14th St., between 15th-16th St. Great for large groups , as they can accommodate up to fifty (50) people at a time for lunch (call ahead). This is a unique place indeed. Little "mini-burgers" served two to an order for 5 bucks and VERY tasty. Served with their own "Pop Sauce" and sliced tomato. Ready in 2 minutes and they are HEARTY burgers. Their milk shakes are killer and made to order. Eat-in tables or take-out. The staff is not known to be friendly at all - but who is really looking to win a popularity contest? You are there for the burger, right? So enjoy. The onion rings are 1950's style; nothing fancy but tasty. They also serve canned beer. If you are Vegetarian, you will love the "Invisible Burger" which is a deep fried Portobello Mushroom served on a big, brioche bun, with lettuce, tomato and "Pop Sauce." Their chicken sandwich is also a beast. Cute & fun atmosphere. Website is: www.PopBurger.com
$5 to $8.
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"BEST SOUP"
HALE & HEARTY SOUPS Chelsea Market, 9th Avenue, Between 15th-16th St. Pretty much any flavor of soup you could think up is at this well-known soup joint, including vegetarian soups. We love the Shrimp-Asparagus Bisque a nd the Macaroni, Beef & Cheese Soup, but the flavors change daily. The line is usually long but worth the wait, and the soup is not cheap either. They also have a salad bar where you can custom order your leafy green desires and whatever extras you want mixed in. We love that it's free to "sample" any soup you want so you don't get stuck with a lemon. Tables are just outside the soup area for anyone to sit at. Very "cozy" place. (cash only)
$6 to $10.
THE LOBSTER PLACE Chelsea Market, 9th Avenue, Between 15th-16th St. Although they only have 5 varieties of soups, they are all exquisite. We like the Scallop & Corn chowder and the Lobster Bisque, but the Crab & Corn Chowder is no slouch either, nor is the Clam Chowder! What's great & unique about this place is their "Bread Bowl." They carve out the insides of an entire round loaf of bread and fill it to the rim with your choice of soup. A great novelty and cool to look at! Sit outside the Lobster Place at the granite bar and people watch as you sip your soup!
Website is:www.LobsterPlace.com
Around $6.50.
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"BEST SUSHI"
THE LOBSTER PLACE (Fast & Delicious) Chelsea Market, 9th Ave, between 15th-16th St. Take-Out Sushi. Two years ago, the Lobster Place, who distributes the freshest fish daily to Manhattan restaurants, decided to open up a little sushi bar. It makes sense as their fish is right off the boat and still jumpin'! This mini-bar, serviced by three sushi chefs, churns out more sushi than you can imagine in one day because the demand is so high. They have the sushi pre-packaged next to the bar, or you can ask them to custom make you a roll. Their Spicy Tuna Roll is the big favorite amongst locals as it is very fresh and tastes amazing. Their Eel-Avocado Roll is amazing also and don't forget to get a side of Edamame. The prices are quite reasonable for what you get. If you are in the mood for Lobster, the main area off of the sushi bar has pre-made "Lobster Salad Rolls" for $13.50, and it is stuffed with big chunks of Lobster Meat. This is the #1 Lobster distributor in New York , so odds are the Lobster meat in your sandwich was steamed within 2 hours of you eating it. If you are a seafood junky, then this place is your Heaven. One of the BIGGEST secrets (not anymore) is that they will steam to order (about 7-minutes) any piece of fish you buy for an additional $2. VERY FRESH! And they have 4 types of pre-packed sauces for purchase to put on your fish. You can eat your food right outside in the general seating area. Website is www.LobsterPlace.com
$5 to $13.50
MORIMOTO (Dine-In; Expensive) 10th Avenue, between 15th-16th St. Two minute walk from museum. The KING of Sushi, Chef Morimoto, opened this new hot spot in 2006, and it is quite extraordinary. Gorgeous architecture/design & be prepared to spend some CASH (you're on holiday, right?) as this joint isn't cheap! We suggest you go for lunch, when it isn't so crazy, or go for early dinner at 5:30 as a walk-in and ask for the sushi bar BEFORE all the reservations show up later. You may have seen Chef Morimoto on the IRON CHEF competitions on the Food Channel. So, we have eaten there a few times and suggest the following: King Crab Claw appetizer with Spicy Aioli Sauce, Tempura Rock Shrimp Appetizer with 3 dipping sauces, Bluefin Tuna Pizza appetizer, Toro Tuna Roll with Avocado, Shrimp Tempura-Asparagus Roll. Website is: www.MorimotoRestaurant.com
$40 to $80 (per person)
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"BEST CUPCAKES and PIE"
BILLY'S BAKERY 184 9th Avenue at 21st Street. Billy's has the #1 ranked cupcakes in New York City . Yeah, we know, you want to visit the famous Little Magnolia Bakery (featured in Sex & the City), but do you really want to stand in a long line around the corner for the same quality (or better) baked goods you can get at Billy's? There's a long-standing feud between the two bakeries because a former employee of Magnolia opened Billy's, but we aren't concerned about the gossip. We care about what tastes great! Billy's staff is quite pleasant and the pie selection is unreal. Tiny, tiny seating area, so be prepared to take your baked goods to go or sit on the bench outside. It looks like an old-fashioned country bakery inside – very cozy. We suggest: Oreo Icebox Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, Red Velvet Cake, Pecan Pie, chocolate chip cookies and the Banana Cream Pie. Have a glass of ice cold milk to wash it down with and make plans for the gym to burn it all off. And of course, you MUST get a famous cupcake at Billy's. Museum is an eight-minute walk from Billy's. Their website is www.BillysBakerynyc.com
$5 to $10 .
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"BEST FRESH FRUIT"
Manhattan Fruit Exchange Chelsea Market, 9th Ave., Between 15th-16th St. Yes, we are back in the Chelsea Market again, and this time it's for fruit. The Fruit Exchange has a "Fruit Bar" with chopped up watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, papaya, grapes, honeydew & more. They have the freshest fruit in the city and wholesale to most major restaurants. If you like salad, make your own at their salad bar which includes freshly made guacamole ($5.99 lb). And if you like fresh squeezed carrot juice or orange juice, they make it all day long and have it to go in the refrigerated section.
They don't accept any credit cards so have cash at the ready!
Around $10.00
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