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.
Paulie Gee's has made a name for itself for having some of the best pizzas in New York. Taste is the winner in all of the gourmet pizzas made crisp and light from fresh dough, with a dash of flavorful sauces. Another feature is the plenty of vegan options, including faux meat. Try the Delboy, Monte Cristo, or Ricky Ricotta, or any of the well-seasoned salads for a healthy meal. They also serve coffee, wine, and beer, along with a range of classic soups such as Gazpacho and French Onion.
Set on the eastern bank of Hudson River, Simò Pizza was established by the chef Simone Falco. Falco is known to have brought the flavors of his birthplace Napoli to the table. Using fresh ingredients that are sourced from Italy, the restaurant prepares an exquisite selection of pizzas. Along with delicious pizzas, they offer pastas, soups and salads. The menu also features a list of beers and wines that complement the meals. They even offer vegan and gluten free options.
If you're in the area, Padabe Bakery in East Harlem, a family-run bakery and cafe selling a range of freshly baked products, is a must-try. Their products don't include any preservatives and are prepared using non-genetically modified organisms, which are claimed to contain more nutrients. The freshly baked pastries, which are made every day to preserve the essence of purity and fresh flavours, are the most well-liked items on their menu. There are also options that are vegan and gluten-free. Customers at this bakery have the choice of dining in, ordering takeout, or having food delivered to their place.
Fiore's is an Italian-American grocery store and deli that retails specialty meats, cheeses and condiments. The cash-only store has earned a reputation for some of the best sandwiches this side of Hoboken and certainly one of the best home-made mozzarella you'll find in town. Each day the shop offers a daily special sandwich from the cult-classic roast beef and mozzarella or "muz" as its known by regulars, to the flavorful prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich. Get here early to avoid the lines out the door at peak lunch hour.
Philadelphia-based healthy food chain, Honeygrow has opened its first NYC outpost in Brooklyn Heights. Like its counterparts, the restaurant features communal and two-top seating. However, the restaurant has added a finer touch to its interiors by featuring work from local artists. You can easily view the menu on a kiosk and place your order through it. Take your pick from stir-fries, salads (with meat variants), juices, and fruit bowls. Vegan and gluten-free options are available as well.
Set along East 10th Street in New York, Tsukimi is a one-Michelin starred restaurant. This restaurant is known to offer a Japanese-style multi-course kaiseki menu. Their traditional dishes are prepared by using various modern cooking techniques. The restaurant features counter-style seating arrangements, which is perfect for patrons who want to have a chat with the chef while they enjoy their meals. Due to the restaurant’s limited seating capacity, it is recommended that patrons reserve their table here in advance.
Located in Lower Manhattan in New York, Streecha offers traditional meals from the Ukrainian cuisine. This no-frills eatery’s menu includes homestyle dishes like borscht, soups, holubtsi, kovbasa and a variety of baked goodies. Set in the basement, this restaurant features simple interiors and is managed by the volunteers and members who are part of the St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. This simple restaurant is open from Wednesday until Sunday every week. A visit to this restaurant will surely keep you coming back for more.