Traveling to NYC - pick best fast food restaurants for me

2

Replies

  • jamaljohar
    jamaljohar Posts: 55
    If you come to NY it would be a shame to eat at only fast food chain restaurants! There are hundreds of privately owned food places to eat that are amazing and you cant get anywhere else in America.. Most of the country is filled with fast food chains but NY really does a great job of moving away from that route.

    When you get to NY make sure you go to

    Mamouns- They have amazing falafel sandwhiches and they are in and out, real quick. HOT SAUCE IS EXTREMELY HOT SO BE CAREFUL IT CAN RUIN YOUR MEAL

    Lombardis pizza, they are the first pizzeria in NY and have been ranked #1 in the nation

    Katz Deli- get the pastrami ruben... you can thank me later,

    Halal cart - specifically go to the cart on 53rd st and 6th avenue they are great, go at night they are a different crew during the
    day. HOT SAUCE IS EXTREMELY HOT, INFACT HOTTEST IVE EVER EATEN CAN EASILY RUIN YOUR MEAL!

    Artichoke - pizza made from artichokes... deliciousness

    Keens steakhous: chateu breau steak (only if your rolling in cash) $106 per steak (DO NOT GET THE PORTERHOUSE FROM HERE)

    Peter Lugar: again only if your rolling in cash GET THE PORTERHOUSE FROM HERE!

    GREYS PAPAYA: hot dogs, 2 blocks from mamouns so you can hit up a small falafel sanwhich and get a dog one shot.
  • Peaches516
    Peaches516 Posts: 104 Member
    I work in NYC but I live outside the city area.

    Here is what I would HIGHLY recommend:

    Go to W56 st. and 6th ave. and look for the Halal Guys. You will see a line so you can't miss. It's best if you go after drinking.

    Go down to Brooklyn and look for Grimaldi's. Ask for a pizza pie. I would go with plain cheese and basil. Trust me.

    If you like beer and sliders (small burgers) go down to St. Marks Place and 3rd ave. 33 St Marks Pl. It's called Mark.

    I mean I can go on and on...

    Totally agree on the Halal guys. They were voted as the #1 street vendor in the city some years ago. The line is usually a 45 minute wait, but you can't really get anything like it outside of NYC.

    Grimaldi's was good, but if you're short on time and don't want to go to Brooklyn, there are comparable places in the city. Haven't been to Mark's.

    As for Moe's, I've seen it outside of NY, but yeah, it hasn't made it there yet. Chipotle's okay, but I agree with some of the other people - try the places that aren't fast-food chains!

    There is not a 45 mins wait at the halal guys. I've never waited more than 15 mins. Unless you go at lunch time. And now they have carts in all 4 corners. People are retarded and don't realize that all 4 are the same. So just go to the one with no line. And if you go, make sure you get the WHITE sauce!

    I used to work right across the street, so I've tasted all of the food carts, and there is a difference in the way the rice tastes. No need to call people retarded.

    As for the 45 minute wait - it just depends on the time of day. I stood in line for half an hour a few weeks ago, on a Friday afternoon! And another time, I was waiting in line for 45 minutes at 3am. Lucky you - only had to wait 15 minutes!
  • martintanz
    martintanz Posts: 280
    So much to choose from.. Stay away from chains, except for maybe a Nathans hot dog.

    Other than that, focus on other cheaps eats.

    Any non chain pizzeria.
    Bagels and cream cheese.
    Jewish deli, my favorite is pastrami on rye with brown mustard.
    New York style cheese cake.
    Chinese - Go to chinatown and you can't miss, but really, decent chinese food can be found anywhere in NYC.
    A knish from a street vendor
    Indian food in the East Village
    BBQ (used to be on University place, but I see they are now on W. 8th St. now
    http://www.bbq21universityplace.com/) Great cheap eats. Way better than anything you would get at McDonalds or Taco Bell for about the same money.
  • CindyMarie_
    CindyMarie_ Posts: 122 Member
    Coming to NYC and you want fast food? I highly recommend restaurants, as we know that NYC has some of the best restaurants. I'll give you a few of my favorite fast food places and restaurants:

    Fast food:
    Chipotle
    Shake Shack
    Food trucks
    Any pizza place for NY pizza :)
    Diners

    Restaurants:
    Havana Central (Cuban)
    Max Brenner (if you're a chocolate lover this place is a must)
    La Mela (Authentic Italian)
    Southern Hospitality (BBQ/Southern)
    Aji Sushi (Sushi/Asian)
    Caliente Cab (Mexican)


    I'm from NYC, love my city, enjoy your stay! :wink:
  • Hambone23
    Hambone23 Posts: 486 Member
    NY has the BESSSST pizza ever, I moved from NY to NJ and no where can I find pizza as good.....Brooklyn by far has the best.

    So wrong. Chicago does. ;}
  • Christine1110
    Christine1110 Posts: 1,786 Member
    Any grilled salads...watch those dressings. All fast foods are high in sodium, so drink tons of water!! It's not easy to eat good at fast food. I find it easier to go to a restaurant....and have a grilled fish : )

    Good luck, and have a safe trip : )
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    Gray's Papaya! Best hot dogs EVER.
    It's on the upper west side.

    2090 Broadway
    (between 72nd St & 73rd St)
    New York, NY 10023
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    NY has the BESSSST pizza ever, I moved from NY to NJ and no where can I find pizza as good.....Brooklyn by far has the best.

    So wrong. Chicago does. ;}
    I beg to differ.

    Pizza should be thin with a crisp crust. It is folded and eaten point-first. Any other way is just uncivilized.
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    Gray's Papaya! Best hot dogs EVER.
    It's on the upper west side.

    2090 Broadway
    (between 72nd St & 73rd St)
    New York, NY 10023

    There is also one down in the village. 402 6th Ave.
  • apatheticLog
    apatheticLog Posts: 24 Member
    oh HELL no. tho i love chipotle, its not the best. if you want mexican, real mexican with organics, OAXACA. INSANELY GOOD! http://www.oaxacatacos.com/

    pizza in manhatts? south brooklyn pizza hands DOWN. east village location...SO GOOD. http://www.southbrooklynpizza.com/

    hamburgers? i know its a chain, but Five Guys. http://www.fiveguys.com/

    these are all in manhattan. lower manhattan. enjoy! and, yes, this is how i got fat! haha
  • Thesoundofwolf
    Thesoundofwolf Posts: 378 Member
    Ok, avoid the typical McDee chains. first of all. Seriously.


    And these are my favorites!

    www.caracasarepabar.com

    http://www.maxbrenner.com/home.aspx

    http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
  • ilikepandasyay
    ilikepandasyay Posts: 96 Member
    "fast" food that is not a chain-

    Vanessa's Dumplings
    118A Eldridge Street New York, NY 10002
    (212) 625-8008

    or

    Prosperity Dumplings
    46 Eldridge Street New York, NY 10002
    (212) 343-0683

    Burger chain- 5 Guys

    Best burger ever- Brindle Room (it's a bit pricey tho, about $14)
    277 East 10th Street New York, NY 10009
    (212) 529-9702

    good dim sum, which is often fast

    Jing Fong
    20 Elizabeth Street New York, NY 10013
    (212) 964-5256
  • shoomai1227
    shoomai1227 Posts: 83 Member
    If you plan on hitting Chinatown...there's a hole in the wall place that everyone goes to after a night of partying!! It's called Wo-Hop.

    Here's a link about a review of the place:

    http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/wo_hop/


    Enjoy your visit to New York City!!!
  • Martucha123
    Martucha123 Posts: 1,089 Member
    whoa so many more suggestions
    I guess I'll pick the ones that appear multiple times

    definetly going for hot dogs and pizza :)
  • Pedal_Pusher
    Pedal_Pusher Posts: 1,166 Member
    lol @ coming on a fitness site to ask about the best fast food restaurants. Classic.
  • cdprouty
    cdprouty Posts: 140 Member
    If I were in NYC and I could only pick ONE place to go...without hesitation, Max Brenner's Chocolate Restaurant.

    14th and Broadway.

    I could write a million words to describe how incredible this place is...but I don't have that kind of time.

    Max has a bunch of these restaurants around the world but the NYC location is simply amazing.
  • Martucha123
    Martucha123 Posts: 1,089 Member
    lol @ coming on a fitness site to ask about the best fast food restaurants. Classic.

    cose here people are foodies
    where should I go if not here? I don't want gourmet meals I want burgers and pizza :)
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    So I'm going to NYC next week for work (for a week).
    But I will have 1-2 days to walk around.
    I will be on my own and will have limited time to eat, so I figured I might as well try the food US is really famous of - fast food.

    Here in Spain we have McDonalds, Burger King, PizzaHut, KFC, Dominos pizza, Subway and Starbucks... so I'd rather not eat in any of them, also,
    I have never ever in my life had a burrito or been to mexican type of fast food!

    I wouldn't mind to include one fast food / fast service restaurant that is not chain one, but really famous in NYC

    Suggestions please :flowerforyou:

    IMHO why go to chains? Why not go to local places you won't have a chance to go to again?
  • Martucha123
    Martucha123 Posts: 1,089 Member
    If I were in NYC and I could only pick ONE place to go...without hesitation, Max Brenner's Chocolate Restaurant.

    14th and Broadway.

    I could write a million words to describe how incredible this place is...but I don't have that kind of time.

    Max has a bunch of these restaurants around the world but the NYC location is simply amazing.

    sounds lush!
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    lol @ coming on a fitness site to ask about the best fast food restaurants. Classic.

    are the two mutually exclusive? I would argue not.
  • Martucha123
    Martucha123 Posts: 1,089 Member
    So I'm going to NYC next week for work (for a week).
    But I will have 1-2 days to walk around.
    I will be on my own and will have limited time to eat, so I figured I might as well try the food US is really famous of - fast food.

    Here in Spain we have McDonalds, Burger King, PizzaHut, KFC, Dominos pizza, Subway and Starbucks... so I'd rather not eat in any of them, also,
    I have never ever in my life had a burrito or been to mexican type of fast food!

    I wouldn't mind to include one fast food / fast service restaurant that is not chain one, but really famous in NYC

    Suggestions please :flowerforyou:

    IMHO why go to chains? Why not go to local places you won't have a chance to go to again?

    I'd love to but I'm time limited. Chains are all over the place so it's easier...
    I don't mind throwing in 2-3 special places to visit on my off days
  • tuffytuffy1
    tuffytuffy1 Posts: 920 Member
    Bump, I am planning a NYC weekend this fall, these suggestions are great!
  • kdf606
    kdf606 Posts: 9 Member
    I'm going to throw Shake Shack out again just so you see it multiple times... You can go to 5 guys anywhere... Shake Shack is only in a few select cities... There are about 5 in manhattan, so wherever you are, you should be able to find one fairly close by...
  • wendyrn1
    wendyrn1 Posts: 28 Member
    For a fast food cheeseburger, I recommend Five Guys over McDonalds both are in Times Square! Enjoy your trip.
  • graceylou222
    graceylou222 Posts: 198 Member
    i was thinking chipotle - can't wait to go and have a burrito :)

    you're going to be addicted. Mexican food is the best thing since sliced bread! ha!
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    New York is know fo rtwo things great pizza and delis. Ask your hotel for the good ones close ot where you are. Just as guick as fast food but so much better.
  • docnyto
    docnyto Posts: 26 Member
    I'm in NYC a lot, and also in Mexico a lot. Believe me, Chipotle isn't REMOTELY anything like Mexican food. No one mentions Taco Bell here ... it is the least expensive of the "fast food" options and REALLY tastes like what I find in Mexico. Also, there are MANY options that will work for someone dieting. You can have two of their Soft taco steak tacos Fresco style and still only use up 320 calories! The Cinnamon Twist desserts there are only 170 calories. There is one at 18 E. 14th Street, one at 3645 Broadway, and one at 390 8th Avenue.

    Speaking of 3645 Broadway, you'll also find 5 Guys Burgers & Fries there. If you haven't had THESE great burgers (available mostly all over the US now) you haven't really had a hamburger. For anyone dieting, order the "LITTLE Hamburger" ... its the only one with only one meat patty. All toppings are free. You'll see the toppings listed at the counter. To make mine diet but delicious, I get it topped with grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapenos (a little Mexican touch there), green peppers, and double A-1 sauce. To die for - like steak at a top restaurant. The fries at 5 Guys are special and you'll see it listed on the wall precisely WHERE that day's potatoes are from. They do not have a truly small order. If you are with friends, you could split an order of Regular fries. 5 Guys always "Tops off" the order and literally fills the bag with fries. If you order "regular" and don't want to be tempted by tons of fries, ask them to NOT top off the bag. This is truly one of the best hamburger & fry options in the world. Better than In & Out burgers in L.A. (I know blasphemy to say that!) Besides the 3645 Broadway location, they are also at 690 3rd Avenue and at 296 Bleecker Street.
  • docnyto
    docnyto Posts: 26 Member
    Oh, and for sure NO trip to NYC is complete without a visit to a Juniors Cheesecake. They are legendary and deservedly so. All kinds of cheesecake. If you like cheesecake you'll probably want to go back more than once. You'll find them at the Grand Central Train Station. This is also near where the shuttle buses go to/from LaGuardia Airport, so if you don't get a shuttle from the hotel, you may be very near this cheesecake when you arrive and when you depart. I always pick up one to eat on the way to the airport!
  • steviedrew1967
    steviedrew1967 Posts: 30
    My top recommendation to people for a quick lunch in midtown is Woorijip, a korean place.

    Check out the reviews on Yelp. 964 reviews, 4 stars

    http://www.yelp.com/biz/woorijip-new-york
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    Good God, people--no, Chipotle is not authentic Mexican food, but it is authentic Mission style Mexican food. And it's ****ing delicious. Nothing wrong with having a burrito from there especially if you've never had one (and trust me, I live very close to Sunset Park and go to Tacos Matamoros or Tacos el Bronco all the damn time; I know authentic Mexican...)

    Anyway--I'd say Chipotle, Shake Shack for sure for their burgers and "concrete" ice cream, and definitely chicken and rice from a street vendor (on practically every corner...some are better than others, but most are pretty damn good). Gray's Papaya for sure for hot dogs...there are several around the city. What about delicious Jewish deli food? Don't bother with Carnegie Deli, go to Katz' instead for great pastrami and corned beef.

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