Brooklyn, get in mah belly!
May 13, 2010 11:12 AM Subscribe
Food-tourism-filter: I'll be staying in Brooklyn (Park Slope) for about a week in June and I'm looking for interesting, affordable can't-miss delicious foods that I wouldn't normally find at home in the Midwest. Here's whats on my list already:
- The Bagel Hole/H&H
- Momofuku Milk Bar
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
- Two Boots Restaurant (for pizza, I think?)
- Colson Patisserie
- El Pollo
- Almondine Bakery (macarons!)
- Ruby et Violette Bakery (magical cookies!)
- Katz's
Any suggestions for other places/foods I should check out? I'm particularly fascinated with food trucks (practically non-existent in my hometown), ethnic cuisine, sweets and novelty items. I have no dietary restrictions. I'd like to limit my spending to about $15-20/meal, (not including tip, if I'm at a sit-down restaurant).
For the sake of sanity/simplicity, I'm limiting myself to Brooklyn and Manhattan, but if you know of a particularly stellar fooderies in the other boroughs, your suggestions are welcome.
- The Bagel Hole/H&H
- Momofuku Milk Bar
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
- Two Boots Restaurant (for pizza, I think?)
- Colson Patisserie
- El Pollo
- Almondine Bakery (macarons!)
- Ruby et Violette Bakery (magical cookies!)
- Katz's
Any suggestions for other places/foods I should check out? I'm particularly fascinated with food trucks (practically non-existent in my hometown), ethnic cuisine, sweets and novelty items. I have no dietary restrictions. I'd like to limit my spending to about $15-20/meal, (not including tip, if I'm at a sit-down restaurant).
For the sake of sanity/simplicity, I'm limiting myself to Brooklyn and Manhattan, but if you know of a particularly stellar fooderies in the other boroughs, your suggestions are welcome.
Bahn Mi Saigon in Chinatown.
Pam Real Thai Food (Manhattan) or Sripraphai (Queens) for Thai food. My preference for Sri, but it may be more of a trek.
You should go to one of the hand pulled noodle place in Chinatown. This one has knife-cut noodles (wider, shorter slices) as well.
posted by subtle-t at 11:20 AM on May 13, 2010
Pam Real Thai Food (Manhattan) or Sripraphai (Queens) for Thai food. My preference for Sri, but it may be more of a trek.
You should go to one of the hand pulled noodle place in Chinatown. This one has knife-cut noodles (wider, shorter slices) as well.
posted by subtle-t at 11:20 AM on May 13, 2010
Best answer: Have a look at midtownlunch.com for reviews of food trucks in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
posted by unlaced at 11:21 AM on May 13, 2010
posted by unlaced at 11:21 AM on May 13, 2010
There are two Two Boots. One is the one you're thinking of, in the city, and the other is in Park Slope. The latter is pretty much amazing for brunch. If you're a drinker, definitely get the bloody mary. It's awesomely refreshing.
Cafe Glechik is awesomely authentic Russian/Ukranian food in a "regular" restaraunt(as opposed to a catering hall, which is what most Russian restaurants are like.) Definitely get the eggplant caviar.
This Ethiopian place is pretty good, if you like stew-based food.
Wo Hop is dirt-cheap old-school Chinese food which, according to my friend who lived in rural China, is very authetnic.
posted by griphus at 11:22 AM on May 13, 2010
Cafe Glechik is awesomely authentic Russian/Ukranian food in a "regular" restaraunt(as opposed to a catering hall, which is what most Russian restaurants are like.) Definitely get the eggplant caviar.
This Ethiopian place is pretty good, if you like stew-based food.
Wo Hop is dirt-cheap old-school Chinese food which, according to my friend who lived in rural China, is very authetnic.
posted by griphus at 11:22 AM on May 13, 2010
The nyccravings truck is pretty great, awesome Taiwanese Fried Chicken. I had it for lunch today. They move around every day though, so check their twitter feed to double check their location before you go.
Shake Shack is a fantastic burger place, and you can grab a beer in the B-line before you get into the burger line. My favorite burger ever. And their "vegetarian" burger is a portobello mushroom stuffed with cheese and deep fried. It's also fantastic. The Shack Stack is a little intense, but if you're hungry, it's awesome (combo cheeseburger and veggie burger). Good shakes, too, obviously. Be prepared to wait on line, though! (there is an iPhone app that has a live feed picture updated every minute or so that shows how long the line currently is)
In Brooklyn, there's a new Montreal style deli called Mile End that has great smoked meat (similar to the Katz's pastrami on rye, but IMHO better, and cheaper, but not as good as the original Schwartz's in Montreal). They also have Montreal style bagels (which are thin and chewy compared to NY bagels) that some people swear by, but I usually pass on. Also has the best poutine in NYC.
posted by Grither at 11:24 AM on May 13, 2010
Shake Shack is a fantastic burger place, and you can grab a beer in the B-line before you get into the burger line. My favorite burger ever. And their "vegetarian" burger is a portobello mushroom stuffed with cheese and deep fried. It's also fantastic. The Shack Stack is a little intense, but if you're hungry, it's awesome (combo cheeseburger and veggie burger). Good shakes, too, obviously. Be prepared to wait on line, though! (there is an iPhone app that has a live feed picture updated every minute or so that shows how long the line currently is)
In Brooklyn, there's a new Montreal style deli called Mile End that has great smoked meat (similar to the Katz's pastrami on rye, but IMHO better, and cheaper, but not as good as the original Schwartz's in Montreal). They also have Montreal style bagels (which are thin and chewy compared to NY bagels) that some people swear by, but I usually pass on. Also has the best poutine in NYC.
posted by Grither at 11:24 AM on May 13, 2010
Oh, also, skip the self-proclaimed "best halal truck in the city" at 53rd and 6th, and instead go two blocks down to 51st and 6th, and get the chicken and rice (or chicken and lamb combo, if lamb is your thing) from the King Tut street meat cart. Way better IMO. Ask for extra hot sauce!
posted by Grither at 11:26 AM on May 13, 2010
posted by Grither at 11:26 AM on May 13, 2010
Also also, I had the Schintzel Down (their version of KFC's Double Down) at the Schnitzel & Things truck, and while the sandwich was pretty good, I'm definitely gonna make the trip back there for their sides and fantastic mustard. I am still dreaming about that mustard.
posted by Grither at 11:28 AM on May 13, 2010
posted by Grither at 11:28 AM on May 13, 2010
Best answer: Welcome to my neighborhood!
Don't miss the Brooklyn Flea Market, outdoors in Fort Greene on Saturdays and indoors at the Williamsburg Bank building on Sundays. Worth going for the gourmet pretzles alone, but lots of unique, cheap, delicious eats at this thing.
I also recommend Vietnamese sandwiches from Hanco's or Henry's on 7th Avenue (practically across the street from one another and with identical menus). I like the classic sandwich and original bubble tea.
Really though, Brooklyn Flea.
posted by etc. at 11:32 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Don't miss the Brooklyn Flea Market, outdoors in Fort Greene on Saturdays and indoors at the Williamsburg Bank building on Sundays. Worth going for the gourmet pretzles alone, but lots of unique, cheap, delicious eats at this thing.
I also recommend Vietnamese sandwiches from Hanco's or Henry's on 7th Avenue (practically across the street from one another and with identical menus). I like the classic sandwich and original bubble tea.
Really though, Brooklyn Flea.
posted by etc. at 11:32 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you like food trucks and Latin American food, you can do no better than the food trucks at the Red Hook ball fields: http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-hook-ball-fields-brooklyn
Hop on the free Ikea shuttle bus at 4th Ave and 9th Street in Park Slope. The fields are just a few blocks from the Ikea.
OOH, and for dessert: Steve's Key Lime Pie. Get an ice-cold chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick, sit yourself by the water, gaze out at the Statue of Liberty...it is heaven on a summer day, for real.
posted by messica at 11:33 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Hop on the free Ikea shuttle bus at 4th Ave and 9th Street in Park Slope. The fields are just a few blocks from the Ikea.
OOH, and for dessert: Steve's Key Lime Pie. Get an ice-cold chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick, sit yourself by the water, gaze out at the Statue of Liberty...it is heaven on a summer day, for real.
posted by messica at 11:33 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Lower East Side:
Kossar's Bialys 367 Grand Street - Tasty Bialys, closed on Saturdays
Right near by at 379 Grand Street is Doughnut Plant - closed on Mondays.
il laboratorio del gelato - 95 Orchard Street - It's a gelato lab! Lots of tasty flavors, and a few surprising ones.
Guss Pickles at 87 Orchard Street or The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex Street - Kosher Pickles! - also closed on Saturdays.
And the Essex Street Market is also right by there at 120 Essex Street and worth stopping by [closed on Sunday].
For Brooklyn pizza, I side with Lucali's.
posted by radicarian at 11:39 AM on May 13, 2010
Kossar's Bialys 367 Grand Street - Tasty Bialys, closed on Saturdays
Right near by at 379 Grand Street is Doughnut Plant - closed on Mondays.
il laboratorio del gelato - 95 Orchard Street - It's a gelato lab! Lots of tasty flavors, and a few surprising ones.
Guss Pickles at 87 Orchard Street or The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex Street - Kosher Pickles! - also closed on Saturdays.
And the Essex Street Market is also right by there at 120 Essex Street and worth stopping by [closed on Sunday].
For Brooklyn pizza, I side with Lucali's.
posted by radicarian at 11:39 AM on May 13, 2010
What, nobody's mentioned the Park Slope Chip Shop? At the very least, you owe it to yourself to stop by and try a deep-fried Snickers or Twinkie. [Note: Their food is better than their website.]
posted by mrbarrett.com at 11:46 AM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by mrbarrett.com at 11:46 AM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Willie's Dawgs on 5th Avenue in Park Slope makes a mean dog.
Shopsin's at Delancey and Essex is required visiting as well. Their menu is pure, delicious insanity.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:50 AM on May 13, 2010
Shopsin's at Delancey and Essex is required visiting as well. Their menu is pure, delicious insanity.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:50 AM on May 13, 2010
If you're going to Katz's in the East Village:
Russ & Daughters for bagels and toppings. http://www.russanddaughters.com/
Get an Egg Cream at Ray's Candy Store on Thomkin's Square Park http://nymag.com/listings/stores/rays-candy-store/#content
posted by xammerboy at 11:52 AM on May 13, 2010
Russ & Daughters for bagels and toppings. http://www.russanddaughters.com/
Get an Egg Cream at Ray's Candy Store on Thomkin's Square Park http://nymag.com/listings/stores/rays-candy-store/#content
posted by xammerboy at 11:52 AM on May 13, 2010
Please don't forget to try a cannoli from an Italian bakery. You probably were going to, but you'd be kicking yourself if you forgot. They're pretty much the defining dessert specialty in the Northeast, in my opinion, and general opinion on cannoli is that the best ones are to be found in either NYC or Sicily (based on the logic that both have a high Sicilian population).
I live out in the NJ 'burbs, so I don't know the best place in NYC, but according to opinions on Chowhound, Fortunatos Bros. in GreenPoint, Brooklyn is best. They should be cheap and fairly light, as far as desserts go.
As a foodie who can only afford to go into the city rarely and likely to move to the midwest in a year, I can't say how jealous I am of you. Have a great time!
posted by mccarty.tim at 11:53 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
I live out in the NJ 'burbs, so I don't know the best place in NYC, but according to opinions on Chowhound, Fortunatos Bros. in GreenPoint, Brooklyn is best. They should be cheap and fairly light, as far as desserts go.
As a foodie who can only afford to go into the city rarely and likely to move to the midwest in a year, I can't say how jealous I am of you. Have a great time!
posted by mccarty.tim at 11:53 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Have you ever had bubble tea? The best I've found is at Saint's Alp Teahouse, a Hong Kong-based chain that has locations on 3rd Ave in Manhattan (that was the only one in the States when I visited about five years ago) and also another in Brooklyn (and one in Chicago). Upon looking at the drink menu online, it looks like things have changed a bit--you used to be able to get various clear teas with bubbles and exciting ingredients, like whole preserved plums and coconut gel, added, but now it seems mostly like milk teas or shakes. I think it still would be a fun place to visit, however.
posted by trampoliningisfun at 11:54 AM on May 13, 2010
posted by trampoliningisfun at 11:54 AM on May 13, 2010
Ooooh, if you like hotdogs, I highly recommend Crif Dogs in the East Village. They have things like the chihuahua, which is a bacon wrapped hotdog with sour cream and avocado. Delicious!
posted by Grither at 11:55 AM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Grither at 11:55 AM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Speaking of Chinatown: if you like or are curious about hot pot, you should definitely go to Famous Sichuan on Pell Street.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:56 AM on May 13, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:56 AM on May 13, 2010
Forget H&H, go to Ess-a-bagel instead.
Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery (Lower East Side, just down the road from Katz's)
Also, ny.eater.com might have some interesting links as well as the usual slew of ny food blogs.
Not food, but I would include be sure to include a stop at Death & Company (also lower east side) for drinks at least once.
posted by devbrain at 11:57 AM on May 13, 2010
Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery (Lower East Side, just down the road from Katz's)
Also, ny.eater.com might have some interesting links as well as the usual slew of ny food blogs.
Not food, but I would include be sure to include a stop at Death & Company (also lower east side) for drinks at least once.
posted by devbrain at 11:57 AM on May 13, 2010
As my sister resides nearby, I recommend Greenpoint's Peter Pan Bakery. Perhaps the best donuts anywhere, even Tina Fey agrees.
There are also some yummy Polish places in Greenpoint if you like that type of food.
posted by Fortran at 11:59 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
There are also some yummy Polish places in Greenpoint if you like that type of food.
posted by Fortran at 11:59 AM on May 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Please, make a pilgrimage to M&I International in Brighton Beach. Just go to Brighton Beach period, but M&I is the best place to get your fill of Russian food over there.
My mouth is salivating just thinking of it.
Then, have a picnic on the boardwalk. Enjoy.
posted by litnerd at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
My mouth is salivating just thinking of it.
Then, have a picnic on the boardwalk. Enjoy.
posted by litnerd at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
Jackson Heights in Queens for South Asian food (and many other cuisines).
posted by ocherdraco at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by ocherdraco at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
my life would not be complete without the chocolate sourdough bread twists at amy's bread. I'd also have to have the liege wafel from the wafels and dinges truck. maybe topped with korean fried chicken from bon chon or other sites like UFC in queens.
posted by mrsshotglass at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by mrsshotglass at 12:05 PM on May 13, 2010
My fave Park Slope restaurants:
Al Di La (doesn't take reservations but has a nice wine bar to wait in)
Blue Ribbon (stays open super late)
Stone Park Cafe (great for brunch also)
OMG such good restaurants...
posted by egeanin at 12:24 PM on May 13, 2010
Al Di La (doesn't take reservations but has a nice wine bar to wait in)
Blue Ribbon (stays open super late)
Stone Park Cafe (great for brunch also)
OMG such good restaurants...
posted by egeanin at 12:24 PM on May 13, 2010
The Amateur Gourmet writes about his favorite Park Slope places, as a resident for several years.
posted by sararah at 12:26 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by sararah at 12:26 PM on May 13, 2010
Also in Columbus Circle you could hit up Jean-Georges for lunch (a three star michelin ranked restaurant) since they have a phenomenal lunch special for $29 (two plates.)
posted by egeanin at 12:26 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by egeanin at 12:26 PM on May 13, 2010
For Vietnamese, my recommendation goes to Saigon Grill. There's one at 90th and Amsterdam and one in the West Village.
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 12:34 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 12:34 PM on May 13, 2010
...I highly recommend Crif Dogs in the East Village.
However, do not go in there with the expectation that they will deep-fry a hot dog with bacon on it. It is one or the other.
posted by griphus at 12:41 PM on May 13, 2010
However, do not go in there with the expectation that they will deep-fry a hot dog with bacon on it. It is one or the other.
posted by griphus at 12:41 PM on May 13, 2010
Best answer: Subtle-t suggests bahn mi in Chinatown, which may be awesome for all I know, but if you're going to be in Brooklyn anyway, I recommend going to Ba Xuyen in Sunset Park, getting one of their amaaaazing sandwiches, and eating it out in the park in the sunshine.
posted by thedaniel at 12:49 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by thedaniel at 12:49 PM on May 13, 2010
Seconding devbrain - Ess-a-bagel is the authentic bomb. H&H is a commodity bagel, not worth a special visit.
I also hear good things about Cafe Steinhof, if you're into German/Austrian food.
posted by Citrus at 12:58 PM on May 13, 2010
I also hear good things about Cafe Steinhof, if you're into German/Austrian food.
posted by Citrus at 12:58 PM on May 13, 2010
Go to the very end of City Island, there eat fish and chips, repeat.
posted by Freedomboy at 1:10 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by Freedomboy at 1:10 PM on May 13, 2010
In Williamsburg, I can't recommend Motorino, Egg, or Northeast Kingdom (ok, it's in Bushwick) enough. All well worth a trip up the G from Park Slope.
posted by frankdrebin at 1:31 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by frankdrebin at 1:31 PM on May 13, 2010
Not a hater but...
Going to the very end of City Island will take a very, very long time (used to live there, but DAMN good fish and chips).
And the Ethiopian referenced above (Meskerum) has gone to hell, but their phenomenal chef moved one block north to Queen of Sheba. Best Ethiopian in the city.
Also, this is an awesome askme.
posted by digitalprimate at 1:52 PM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Going to the very end of City Island will take a very, very long time (used to live there, but DAMN good fish and chips).
And the Ethiopian referenced above (Meskerum) has gone to hell, but their phenomenal chef moved one block north to Queen of Sheba. Best Ethiopian in the city.
Also, this is an awesome askme.
posted by digitalprimate at 1:52 PM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you get a chance, try out the Artichoke pizza on East 14th street. It's to die for.
posted by cazoo at 3:14 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by cazoo at 3:14 PM on May 13, 2010
FWIW--I use Where's My Taco in L.A., and it's not just for tacos. They have a NY page.
posted by 6:1 at 3:46 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by 6:1 at 3:46 PM on May 13, 2010
Junior's Cheesecake! Best cheesecake I've ever had. (site autoplays music for some reason)
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 4:26 PM on May 13, 2010
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 4:26 PM on May 13, 2010
I really like Eileen's Special Cheesecake. I once went to pick up a cheese cake from there (special order). I didn't call before arriving, and Eileen thought I would. She was waiting to put the topping on until right before I arrived. Since it wasn't ready, she told me it would be a few minutes and to have a seat. She proceeded to serve me rugelach right from the oven, since I had to wait. Yeah--that'll teach me! ;->
She also has little mini cheesecakes, so you can try different ones.
posted by 6:1 at 4:48 PM on May 13, 2010
She also has little mini cheesecakes, so you can try different ones.
posted by 6:1 at 4:48 PM on May 13, 2010
I would skip H&H and Two Boots.
If you're going to go to Milk Bar (have a pork bun and any dessert), you will be close to the E. Village Motorino. They have a lunch special (pizza and salad or ice cream for cheaper than it is at dinner). You'll also be near Crif Dog's (I like the Spicy Redneck) and Caracas (have an arepa).
posted by Frank Grimes at 4:50 PM on May 13, 2010
If you're going to go to Milk Bar (have a pork bun and any dessert), you will be close to the E. Village Motorino. They have a lunch special (pizza and salad or ice cream for cheaper than it is at dinner). You'll also be near Crif Dog's (I like the Spicy Redneck) and Caracas (have an arepa).
posted by Frank Grimes at 4:50 PM on May 13, 2010
Seconding Two Boots and Juniors.
Adding:
Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn, by the base of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Nearby that is the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
And then finally:
Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies in Red Hook, Brooklyn. A storefront that looks like it's an afterthought, and nothing but key lime pies in various sizes, fresh-squeezed limeade that you can customize how sweet you want it, and something called the "Swingle" -- which is a tiny key lime pie, on a stick, deep frozen, and then DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:56 PM on May 13, 2010
Adding:
Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn, by the base of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Nearby that is the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
And then finally:
Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies in Red Hook, Brooklyn. A storefront that looks like it's an afterthought, and nothing but key lime pies in various sizes, fresh-squeezed limeade that you can customize how sweet you want it, and something called the "Swingle" -- which is a tiny key lime pie, on a stick, deep frozen, and then DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:56 PM on May 13, 2010
Response by poster: Bless you, mefites! These are great suggestions! I'm going to try to visit as many as possible.
By the end of this trip, my wallet will be empty, but my belly will be full. And happy!
posted by chara at 5:22 PM on May 13, 2010
By the end of this trip, my wallet will be empty, but my belly will be full. And happy!
posted by chara at 5:22 PM on May 13, 2010
Best answer: Hopefully you've seen the latest Outer Boroughs episode of No Reservations? It's on again Friday, May 21, at 1 E/P.
Also between Eat to Blog and Zagat Buzz, you should be able to find all of the Twittering mobile food trucks.
- The Bagel Hole/H&H
I would recommend getting a mini-bagel sandwich with smoked salmon at Russ & Daughters (takeout) from the counter. The smoked salmon is really great.
- Momofuku Milk Bar
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Since you seem to like unusual ice cream and gelato flavors, see also Sundaes & Cones, Il Laboratio de Gelato, Grom, L'Arte de Gelato, Otto (sit at the bar and try the olive oil gelato as the 'coppetta' with sea salt), Shake Shack (flavor of the day sometimes includes really interesting stuff), and some of the new artisanal popsicles around town.
- Two Boots Restaurant (for pizza, I think?)
I think the canonical "slice" tour would be a slice of coal oven fired at Patsy's in East Harlem, a slice of gas oven fired style from Joe's on Carmine, a Naples style "personal" size pie from Motorino, a square slice from Artichoke (be prepared to wait), and a square and round slice from Di Fara in Brooklyn (be prepared to wait and research hours, also be prepared for complete lack of a real line). See also Slice. Two Boots isn't really NYC style pizza. IMO Grimaldi's, Lombardi's, and John's have gone really downhill in the 7 years I've lived here.
- Almondine Bakery (macarons!)
Personally I think the ones at La Maison du Chocolat (flown in from France a few times a week but they all include chocolate) or Madeleine Bakery are better (but they are kept too cold, so let them come to room temp before eating).
- Ruby et Violette Bakery (magical cookies!)
You may be interested in this round up of the best chocolate chip cookie in New York.
Pam Real Thai Food (Manhattan) or Sripraphai (Queens) for Thai food. My preference for Sri, but it may be more of a trek.
Rhong Tiam is also very good and I really like their khao soi aka chiang mai noodles. Note that they have moved to the East Village.
Oh, also, skip the self-proclaimed "best halal truck in the city" at 53rd and 6th, and instead go two blocks down to 51st and 6th, and get the chicken and rice (or chicken and lamb combo, if lamb is your thing) from the King Tut street meat cart. Way better IMO. Ask for extra hot sauce!
Midtownlunch.com did a blind tasting of something like 15-20 street meat carts and proclaimed Kwik Meal the best FWIW.
I also recommend Vietnamese sandwiches from Hanco's or Henry's on 7th Avenue (practically across the street from one another and with identical menus). I like the classic sandwich and original bubble tea.
Although if you really want an adventure, and what I've been told is the very best banh mi sandwich in the five boroughs, I'd go deeper into Brooklyn to Ba Xuyen.
Don't miss the Brooklyn Flea Market, outdoors in Fort Greene on Saturdays and indoors at the Williamsburg Bank building on Sundays. Worth going for the gourmet pretzles alone, but lots of unique, cheap, delicious eats at this thing.
If you find yourself at Brooklyn Flea, I heartily recommend Asia Dog (fusion Asian hot dogs) and The Good Fork (best pan fried dumplings ever). My friends like the lobster rolls from the Lobster Pound. I see that Mile End (mentioned above) has a stand. Oh, and there's a satellite truck or too from the Red Hook ballfield vendors (Rafael Soler's pupusas).
If you find yourself liking the pupusas, check out the Red Hook ballfields where you can sample wares of many more pan-American trucks: pupusas, tamales, tacos, huaraches, elote (grilled corn with cheese and spices), ceviche, fruit-ades, melon drinks, horchata, etc. Details and a map.
Lower East Side:
Kossar's Bialys 367 Grand Street - Tasty Bialys, closed on Saturdays
Right near by at 379 Grand Street is Doughnut Plant - closed on Mondays.
il laboratorio del gelato - 95 Orchard Street - It's a gelato lab! Lots of tasty flavors, and a few surprising ones.
Guss Pickles at 87 Orchard Street or The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex Street - Kosher Pickles! - also closed on Saturdays.
And the Essex Street Market is also right by there at 120 Essex Street and worth stopping by [closed on Sunday].
If you're going to Katz's in the East Village:
Russ & Daughters for bagels and toppings. http://www.russanddaughters.com/
Get an Egg Cream at Ray's Candy Store on Thomkin's Square Park http://nymag.com/listings/stores/rays-candy-store/#content
Here's a great self-guided LES food tour that incorporates all of these (minor updates: Guss' Pickles has closed, so substitute The Pickle Guys, on Essex St. And the correct address for Economy Candy is 108 Rivington St. not 145).
Shopsin's at Delancey and Essex is required visiting as well. Their menu is pure, delicious insanity.
Love Shopsin's! It's a little nutty though. Kooky diner with long lines, cranky service, the occasional swear word, a giant menu with items that they essentially made up, no parties larger than four, no copying other people's orders, closed Sunday and Monday. Open at 9am Tuesday through Friday and 9:30am on Saturday. I recommend going on a weekday.
Not food, but I would include be sure to include a stop at Death & Company (also lower east side) for drinks at least once.
Technically D&C is in the East Village as it's above Houston Street. The made to order house cocktails here are $13 though, so it's just skirting the top of the budget. Worth it, I think, for the craftsmanship, freshly squeezed juices, house made bitters and syrups, infused liquors, etc. It's most fun on an "off" night around 6pm or 7pm, sitting at the bar. No standing and no lingering outside if they don't have space; they'll call your cell phone. Just don't ask for a vodka drink.
If you like Death & Co, I highly recommend their sister bars: Mayahuel (Phil Ward's great temple to tequila and mezcal) or Cienfuegos (enter through the sandwich shop and go upstairs, and have a serving of rum punch, Rosa Verde is my favorite so far). Pricing is similar at all three.
If you're going to go to Milk Bar (have a pork bun and any dessert), you will be close to the E. Village Motorino. They have a lunch special (pizza and salad or ice cream for cheaper than it is at dinner). You'll also be near Crif Dog's (I like the Spicy Redneck) and Caracas (have an arepa).
NB: only the EV branch of Milk Bar has pork buns. The midtown one doesn't. The Motorino lunch special is only weekdays, BTW.
Idk what the Chinese food situation is where you're from, but Flushing is pretty freakin nuts.
There is a lot of regional Chinese food in Flushing that you probably can't find elsewhere easily, if at all like Xian or Dongbei food.
My favorites so far:
1. Guang Zhou Restaurant (136-59 37th Ave)
My favorite dim sum items are char sou siu (BBQ roast pork in pastry), and the rice noodle rolls. Their egg tarts are also fantastic but not always available. More of a sit down restaurant, though.
2. Corner 28 duck bun window (40-28 Main St)
Duck buns: not the highest quality nor true Peking duck for unbeatable for price. No seating. You'll probably spot the line on the sidewalk before the window.
3. White Bear (135-02 Roosevelt Ave #5)
I always order the boiled wontons with scallions, pickled veggies, ginger. Not super spicy like Sichuan kind, though. Very little seating, & they can be shy about photos. Awning has random signage about ice cream, real estate.
4. Zhu Ji Guo Tie (40-52 Main Street is the technical address, but the actual window is on 41st Avenue)
Fried dumplings, 4 to an order. No seating. Huge menu, haven't had time to try anything else. Good to pick up frozen ones for home. Across the street from the Starbucks.
5. Xian Famous Foods in the Golden Mall (41-28 Main Street, stall #36, lower level, they also have one in the Flushing Mall)
Cumin lamb "burger" and handmade noodles with lamb. Lamb face salad is OK, kinda weird. Liang pi (cold noodle salad) also very good but very oily. Lamb burger travels OK. Make sure you ask for a fresh one if you dine-in, they prepackage them sometimes. Very little seating, can get warm, it's a little dingy, but they speak good English. Owner is sometimes there, with bluetooth headset on. They've been on No Reservations!
http://www.xianfoods.com/
6. Chengdu Heaven in the Golden Mall (41-28 Main Street, stall #36, lower level)
Dan dan noodles. Comes heavy on the peppercorns, light on the peanut. Service can be a little grumpy, but in an amusing way.
7. Temple Snacks in the Flushing Mall (133-31 39th Ave, food court is on bottom floor, located on the way left hand side)
Gua bao aka Taiwanese hamburger. Stewed pork belly, peanuts, pickled veggies, in white mantao. Their English isn't so great, so try ordering by number if they don't understand you.
8. Sun Mary Bakery (13357 41st Road)
Funny looking cakes. They also make pineapple cakes (in actually more like fig newtons) fresh, in house, which is nice. Unusual Chinese/British/French style bakery with items you won't see elsewhere. Not too sugary, either. REALLY nice service, too.
9. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (38-12 Prince Street)
Best soup dumplings in the city. Larger than Manhattan ones, that's for sure. Broth tastes cleaner and lighter than most. Usually has a line out the door on weekends. Order the soup dumplings as soon as you are seated. Also good are the scallion pancakes with beef, I've heard. Tiny kitchen but worth the wait.
10. Best North Dumpling (135-08 Roosevelt Ave A4 BUT I think they moved to 41-42 Main Street)
Pork and fennel steamed dumplings, northern China style, with thicker skins. They also have frozen ones for home, too.
See also
What to eat in New York City that you can't find in Chicago?
posted by kathryn at 8:27 PM on May 13, 2010 [19 favorites]
Also between Eat to Blog and Zagat Buzz, you should be able to find all of the Twittering mobile food trucks.
- The Bagel Hole/H&H
I would recommend getting a mini-bagel sandwich with smoked salmon at Russ & Daughters (takeout) from the counter. The smoked salmon is really great.
- Momofuku Milk Bar
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Since you seem to like unusual ice cream and gelato flavors, see also Sundaes & Cones, Il Laboratio de Gelato, Grom, L'Arte de Gelato, Otto (sit at the bar and try the olive oil gelato as the 'coppetta' with sea salt), Shake Shack (flavor of the day sometimes includes really interesting stuff), and some of the new artisanal popsicles around town.
- Two Boots Restaurant (for pizza, I think?)
I think the canonical "slice" tour would be a slice of coal oven fired at Patsy's in East Harlem, a slice of gas oven fired style from Joe's on Carmine, a Naples style "personal" size pie from Motorino, a square slice from Artichoke (be prepared to wait), and a square and round slice from Di Fara in Brooklyn (be prepared to wait and research hours, also be prepared for complete lack of a real line). See also Slice. Two Boots isn't really NYC style pizza. IMO Grimaldi's, Lombardi's, and John's have gone really downhill in the 7 years I've lived here.
- Almondine Bakery (macarons!)
Personally I think the ones at La Maison du Chocolat (flown in from France a few times a week but they all include chocolate) or Madeleine Bakery are better (but they are kept too cold, so let them come to room temp before eating).
- Ruby et Violette Bakery (magical cookies!)
You may be interested in this round up of the best chocolate chip cookie in New York.
Pam Real Thai Food (Manhattan) or Sripraphai (Queens) for Thai food. My preference for Sri, but it may be more of a trek.
Rhong Tiam is also very good and I really like their khao soi aka chiang mai noodles. Note that they have moved to the East Village.
Oh, also, skip the self-proclaimed "best halal truck in the city" at 53rd and 6th, and instead go two blocks down to 51st and 6th, and get the chicken and rice (or chicken and lamb combo, if lamb is your thing) from the King Tut street meat cart. Way better IMO. Ask for extra hot sauce!
Midtownlunch.com did a blind tasting of something like 15-20 street meat carts and proclaimed Kwik Meal the best FWIW.
I also recommend Vietnamese sandwiches from Hanco's or Henry's on 7th Avenue (practically across the street from one another and with identical menus). I like the classic sandwich and original bubble tea.
Although if you really want an adventure, and what I've been told is the very best banh mi sandwich in the five boroughs, I'd go deeper into Brooklyn to Ba Xuyen.
Don't miss the Brooklyn Flea Market, outdoors in Fort Greene on Saturdays and indoors at the Williamsburg Bank building on Sundays. Worth going for the gourmet pretzles alone, but lots of unique, cheap, delicious eats at this thing.
If you find yourself at Brooklyn Flea, I heartily recommend Asia Dog (fusion Asian hot dogs) and The Good Fork (best pan fried dumplings ever). My friends like the lobster rolls from the Lobster Pound. I see that Mile End (mentioned above) has a stand. Oh, and there's a satellite truck or too from the Red Hook ballfield vendors (Rafael Soler's pupusas).
If you find yourself liking the pupusas, check out the Red Hook ballfields where you can sample wares of many more pan-American trucks: pupusas, tamales, tacos, huaraches, elote (grilled corn with cheese and spices), ceviche, fruit-ades, melon drinks, horchata, etc. Details and a map.
Lower East Side:
Kossar's Bialys 367 Grand Street - Tasty Bialys, closed on Saturdays
Right near by at 379 Grand Street is Doughnut Plant - closed on Mondays.
il laboratorio del gelato - 95 Orchard Street - It's a gelato lab! Lots of tasty flavors, and a few surprising ones.
Guss Pickles at 87 Orchard Street or The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex Street - Kosher Pickles! - also closed on Saturdays.
And the Essex Street Market is also right by there at 120 Essex Street and worth stopping by [closed on Sunday].
If you're going to Katz's in the East Village:
Russ & Daughters for bagels and toppings. http://www.russanddaughters.com/
Get an Egg Cream at Ray's Candy Store on Thomkin's Square Park http://nymag.com/listings/stores/rays-candy-store/#content
Here's a great self-guided LES food tour that incorporates all of these (minor updates: Guss' Pickles has closed, so substitute The Pickle Guys, on Essex St. And the correct address for Economy Candy is 108 Rivington St. not 145).
Shopsin's at Delancey and Essex is required visiting as well. Their menu is pure, delicious insanity.
Love Shopsin's! It's a little nutty though. Kooky diner with long lines, cranky service, the occasional swear word, a giant menu with items that they essentially made up, no parties larger than four, no copying other people's orders, closed Sunday and Monday. Open at 9am Tuesday through Friday and 9:30am on Saturday. I recommend going on a weekday.
Not food, but I would include be sure to include a stop at Death & Company (also lower east side) for drinks at least once.
Technically D&C is in the East Village as it's above Houston Street. The made to order house cocktails here are $13 though, so it's just skirting the top of the budget. Worth it, I think, for the craftsmanship, freshly squeezed juices, house made bitters and syrups, infused liquors, etc. It's most fun on an "off" night around 6pm or 7pm, sitting at the bar. No standing and no lingering outside if they don't have space; they'll call your cell phone. Just don't ask for a vodka drink.
If you like Death & Co, I highly recommend their sister bars: Mayahuel (Phil Ward's great temple to tequila and mezcal) or Cienfuegos (enter through the sandwich shop and go upstairs, and have a serving of rum punch, Rosa Verde is my favorite so far). Pricing is similar at all three.
If you're going to go to Milk Bar (have a pork bun and any dessert), you will be close to the E. Village Motorino. They have a lunch special (pizza and salad or ice cream for cheaper than it is at dinner). You'll also be near Crif Dog's (I like the Spicy Redneck) and Caracas (have an arepa).
NB: only the EV branch of Milk Bar has pork buns. The midtown one doesn't. The Motorino lunch special is only weekdays, BTW.
Idk what the Chinese food situation is where you're from, but Flushing is pretty freakin nuts.
There is a lot of regional Chinese food in Flushing that you probably can't find elsewhere easily, if at all like Xian or Dongbei food.
My favorites so far:
1. Guang Zhou Restaurant (136-59 37th Ave)
My favorite dim sum items are char sou siu (BBQ roast pork in pastry), and the rice noodle rolls. Their egg tarts are also fantastic but not always available. More of a sit down restaurant, though.
2. Corner 28 duck bun window (40-28 Main St)
Duck buns: not the highest quality nor true Peking duck for unbeatable for price. No seating. You'll probably spot the line on the sidewalk before the window.
3. White Bear (135-02 Roosevelt Ave #5)
I always order the boiled wontons with scallions, pickled veggies, ginger. Not super spicy like Sichuan kind, though. Very little seating, & they can be shy about photos. Awning has random signage about ice cream, real estate.
4. Zhu Ji Guo Tie (40-52 Main Street is the technical address, but the actual window is on 41st Avenue)
Fried dumplings, 4 to an order. No seating. Huge menu, haven't had time to try anything else. Good to pick up frozen ones for home. Across the street from the Starbucks.
5. Xian Famous Foods in the Golden Mall (41-28 Main Street, stall #36, lower level, they also have one in the Flushing Mall)
Cumin lamb "burger" and handmade noodles with lamb. Lamb face salad is OK, kinda weird. Liang pi (cold noodle salad) also very good but very oily. Lamb burger travels OK. Make sure you ask for a fresh one if you dine-in, they prepackage them sometimes. Very little seating, can get warm, it's a little dingy, but they speak good English. Owner is sometimes there, with bluetooth headset on. They've been on No Reservations!
http://www.xianfoods.com/
6. Chengdu Heaven in the Golden Mall (41-28 Main Street, stall #36, lower level)
Dan dan noodles. Comes heavy on the peppercorns, light on the peanut. Service can be a little grumpy, but in an amusing way.
7. Temple Snacks in the Flushing Mall (133-31 39th Ave, food court is on bottom floor, located on the way left hand side)
Gua bao aka Taiwanese hamburger. Stewed pork belly, peanuts, pickled veggies, in white mantao. Their English isn't so great, so try ordering by number if they don't understand you.
8. Sun Mary Bakery (13357 41st Road)
Funny looking cakes. They also make pineapple cakes (in actually more like fig newtons) fresh, in house, which is nice. Unusual Chinese/British/French style bakery with items you won't see elsewhere. Not too sugary, either. REALLY nice service, too.
9. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (38-12 Prince Street)
Best soup dumplings in the city. Larger than Manhattan ones, that's for sure. Broth tastes cleaner and lighter than most. Usually has a line out the door on weekends. Order the soup dumplings as soon as you are seated. Also good are the scallion pancakes with beef, I've heard. Tiny kitchen but worth the wait.
10. Best North Dumpling (135-08 Roosevelt Ave A4 BUT I think they moved to 41-42 Main Street)
Pork and fennel steamed dumplings, northern China style, with thicker skins. They also have frozen ones for home, too.
See also
What to eat in New York City that you can't find in Chicago?
posted by kathryn at 8:27 PM on May 13, 2010 [19 favorites]
Dude, kathryn's post here is the shit. I came back to check on this thread, started reading the last post, and I was like "damn, whoever wrote this really has this on smash..." then I got to the bottom of it, and unsurprisingly, it turned out to be kathryn. Anyway, if you are making your decisions voting style, I'd like to allocate all my votes to her post.
posted by jeb at 7:46 PM on May 14, 2010
posted by jeb at 7:46 PM on May 14, 2010
Compound.com deserves some research.
Nearby to park slope is Brooklyn fare, a GROCERY STORE which was recently rated 3 Michelin stars ...
posted by Aquaregia at 7:08 PM on October 14, 2010
Nearby to park slope is Brooklyn fare, a GROCERY STORE which was recently rated 3 Michelin stars ...
posted by Aquaregia at 7:08 PM on October 14, 2010
I think you are confused. There are four restaurants in the five boroughs of NYC with three Michelin stars: Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, and Per Se. I'm pretty sure that Brooklyn Fare, while delicious, does not have a Michelin star rating.
posted by AkzidenzGrotesk at 7:16 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by AkzidenzGrotesk at 7:16 PM on October 14, 2010
Brooklyn Fare's Chef's Table, where Chef Cesar Ramirez cooks, just received two Michelin stars. Note: you're eating at a chef's table in a kitchen, not in the grocery store.
posted by kathryn at 9:55 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by kathryn at 9:55 PM on October 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
Idk what the Chinese food situation is where you're from, but Flushing is pretty freakin nuts.
posted by jeb at 11:18 AM on May 13, 2010 [1 favorite]