New York, made simple.
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Your Dining Guide
Overview
This chapter summarizes the dining recommendations discussed between you and your friend.
Feel free to make special requests any time!
Comments:
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Special Requests
Katz's Delicatessen
| Neighborhood: | Lower East Side |
| Address: | 205 E. Houston St (by Ludlow) |
| Hours: | 8 AM - 11 PM |
| Contact: | 212-254-2246 |
New York's oldest and most authentic kosher deli, famous for sublime, gargantuan sandwiches in a classic old-time diner atmosphere. Especially famous for their pastrami sandwiches, but anything with meat is great. The sandwiches are really expensive ($14+ dollars) but unquestionably worth it.
You can choose table service or counter service here. Counter service is a more interesting experience. The meat cutters offer you samples upon asking. But tipping is key: a $1 - $2 tip is the path to getting the choice cuts of meat.
Katz's is also unique for their ticket-based payment system. On entry, you're given a ticket. Any food you get is then marked on the ticket. On exit, you present your ticket to the cashier and finally pay for your food. So whatever you do, don't lose your ticket!
You can choose table service or counter service here. Counter service is a more interesting experience. The meat cutters offer you samples upon asking. But tipping is key: a $1 - $2 tip is the path to getting the choice cuts of meat.
Katz's is also unique for their ticket-based payment system. On entry, you're given a ticket. Any food you get is then marked on the ticket. On exit, you present your ticket to the cashier and finally pay for your food. So whatever you do, don't lose your ticket!
Directions: Katz's Deli is only near the 
train 2nd Ave station. You can take the subway (take a Brooklyn-bound 
train to 6th Ave where you can catch a downtown ), but in this case a taxi is much easier: it's an easy 5 to 10 minute ride from your hotel.
train 2nd Ave station. You can take the subway (take a Brooklyn-bound train to 6th Ave where you can catch a downtown ), but in this case a taxi is much easier: it's an easy 5 to 10 minute ride from your hotel.Comments:
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Looks really nice. This might be the place I missed last time. We'll definitely check this out.
- Mark, Dec 16, 2:01 PM
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Is there anything else to see in the neighborhood?
- Mark, Dec 16, 2:07 PM
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Well, this is the Lower East Side, a famous historic district full of tiny streets and old tenement buildings (with surprisingly upscale tenants). It's an interesting neighborhood to walk through (but I'd stay between Houston and Delancey). North of Houston it becomes the East Village, a bohemian area of shops, bars and cafes which is definitely worth some of exploration.
- Greg, Dec 16, 4:36 PM
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Around Your Hotel
Your hotel is in the heart of New York's premiere restaurant area, which revolves around Union Square and Greenwich Village. A quick walk in any direction takes you past endless options on every block, but following are some especially reputable highlights:
- Gramercy Tavern - One of New York's most famous restaurants, serving superbly executed American fare in either a formal dining room or a more casual rustic "tavern". Pricey and reservations are a must. 42 E. 20th St by Park Ave. (two blocks north of your hotel)
- Union Square Cafe - This is the restaurant that founded Union Square's culinary scene. It sources ingredients directly from the farmer's market next door, offering oysters, steak, chicken, and other fine American fare. Good for dinner or an indulgent lunch. 21 E. 16th St, west of Union Square. (across the park from your hotel)
- Shake Shack - Danny Meyer's (of Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe) fine chef's take on an outdoor burger & shake stand. This place is incredibly popular and often has long lines stretching around the block. Also has winter offerings like gourmet hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches, etc. In the southeast corner of Madison Square Park (by 23rd St & Madison Ave).
- Num Pang - This is different: gourmet Cambodian sandwiches to go. I'm not sure how to describe a "Cambodian sandwich" (think baguettes, cilantro, roasted meats), but these sandwiches are superb. They also have grilled corn on the cob and other treats. A great lunch option (it's essentially a takeout place, although there is seating, and it's quick and cheap). 21 E. 12th St by University Place. (across the park from your hotel)
- Via Emilia - A casual restaurant offering great, simple Italian food at affordable prices. Nothing overtly fancy but a neighborhood gem. 47 E. 21st St by Park Ave. (three blocks north of your hotel)
Comments:
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Any good Italian in the neighborhood?
- Mark, Dec 17, 10:23 AM
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Well, Hearth and Lil Frankies are just a short cab ride away (East Village). Closer is Via Emilia, a great little casual place that's got wonderful, reasonably priced dishes. I've added info about it above.
- Greg, Dec 17, 2:40 PM
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9th Avenue
9th Avenue has some of the best restaurant options in the otherwise touristy Times Square. It's also close to all Broadway theaters, so it's perfect for pre-theater dining.
This is also your best backup if your New Year's Eve dinner plans at Landmarc don't work out:
This is also your best backup if your New Year's Eve dinner plans at Landmarc don't work out:
- Nook - A cut above the other 9th Ave places food-wise, offers expertly prepared American fare in a super-intimate environment. Reservations recommended. $15-$20 entrees. 746 9th Ave (at 50th St). (212) 247-5500
- Marseille - The go-to place for reasonably priced quality French fare in the area. $20-$30 entrees. 630 9th Avenue (at 45th St). (212) 333-2323.
- Kashkaval - A gourmet wine and cheese market with an intimate wine/tapas/fondue bar in the back. Small and popular, so reservations recommended. $12+ entrees. 856 9th Ave (at 55th St). (212) 581-8282.
- Turkish Cuisine - A cute, elaborately decorated, casual Turkish restaurant with a small but pleasant backyard garden. $15 entrees. 631 9th Ave (at 44th St). (212) 397-9650.
Directions: From your hotel, take an 8th Ave-bound train two stops to 8th Ave (5 minutes), then an uptown 
train two stops to 42nd St or three stops to 59th St (5 minutes). Walk west one block to 9th Avenue. The "prime" area is between 42nd and 57th Streets.
train two stops to 8th Ave (5 minutes), then an uptown train two stops to 42nd St or three stops to 59th St (5 minutes). Walk west one block to 9th Avenue. The "prime" area is between 42nd and 57th Streets.Comments:
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New York Foods
As requested, here are some top destinations for "New York" cuisine:
- John's of Bleecker - Classic New York pizza restaurant (booths! no slices!). Can have lines out the door (if so, go to Keste across the street). < $10 per person. 278 Bleecker (btw 6th & 7th Aves). 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM. (212) 243-1680.
- Joe's Pizza - Famous NY slice joint. Tiny, counter-service only, limited seating. You can also sit in the small plaza across the street. $2.75 and up. 7 Carmine St (at 6th Ave).
- Ess-a-Bagel - Famous old-time bagel bakery and cafe with eat-in and takeout options. $2-$10. 35 1st Avenue (at 21st Street). (212) 260-2252.
- Gray's Papaya - The oddly named place-to-go for dirt cheap hot dogs. No other place for hot dogs. $2 and up. 2090 Broadway (at 72nd Street) and other locations.
- Keen's Steakhouse - Old-world steakhouse with top-notch food and service. Pricey, best to make reservations. $30-$50. 72 W. 36th St (at 6th Ave). (212) 947-3636.
Comments:
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Is this the closest Gray's Papaya location?
- Mark, Dec 17, 10:36 AM
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Oh, not for you, no. The closest to you is at the corner of 6th Avenue and 8th Street, a 15 minute walk into Greenwich Village (go south to 8th Street, then walk across). The other one I listed is close to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History.
- Greg, Dec 17, 2:42 PM
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Thanks. I might check them both out!
- Mark, Dec 18, 12:29 PM
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