Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in New York

For more than a 100 years, this huge cafeteria-style Jewish deli has been delighting New Yorkers with their pastrami and brisket sandwiches alongside their scrumptious "kosher-style" meals. The humble eatery, with Formica tables lined up in rows is a great place if you are craving a giant sandwich served with perfect pickles or a couple of kosher hot dogs. The decadent dessert options include Rugelach, Babka, and New York Cheesecake. There is table service, but most people take a ticket at the door and give it to the counterman when placing their order; they then pay on the way out.

Burgers, shakes, sodas and pretty much all the classic fast food staples can be found at this revered burger joint in Madison Square Park. In addition to addictive burgers and shakes, the Shack offers a leafy outdoor setting for its patrons to watch the city go by. The surprise here is that they serve booze with your burger; from beer, to reds and whites available by glass and bottle, grab one and try to find a spot on the grass. What's more, they're dog-friendly and they have a few things on the menu as well for your pooch. During the spring and summer, the line outside can be inexorably long, however there are other locations around Manhattan which are only a cab ride away.

Established by brothers Oliver and Leo Kremer, Dos Toros Taqueria brings burritos from the San Francisco Bay Area to Union Square. These Bay Area-born brothers opened this restaurant as a tribute to their favorite haunt, Gordo's Taqueria. At Dos Toros, you can feast on a delicious variety of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. This place has been lauded for serving the best tacos in the city by countless publications, so it's safe to say the secret is out. A recommendation by the brothers themselves and much approved by their regulars is the burrito with guacamole.

The name of this restaurant comes from the founder Brian Shebairo trying to say the name of his friend and co-founder Chris, while eating a hotdog. An absolute must for those who love franks, Crif Dogs has upped the ante with its handmade, naturally smoked wieners. They also serve some amazing burgers and shakes, but most come for the dogs. Try the Spicy Redneck, a bacon wrapped masterpiece topped with cole slaw and jalapenos.

Since 1973, Gray's Papaya has been a New York favorite on the West Side. With two locations, both spots merit an obligatory visit, especially if you're broke. So what if it is just a hot dog joint? Founder Paul Gray (formerly from Papaya King), has fed thousands of New Yorkers, in addition to many celebrities and tourists. The special is two juicy dogs served with your choice of onions, kraut, mustard, ketchup and a foamy papaya drink for some of the lowest prices around. The place is standing room only, but then again these dogs are meant to be eaten on-the-go.

This tiny Israeli restaurant serves some of the best falafel to be found in the city. Limited seating in the restaurant can be an issue, so when the weather is nice, take your food outside to the benches out front. The falafel platter is a favorite, and the sauces are sure to please. Wash it all down with some refreshing iced tea, fresh lemonade or a smoothie.