Where to eat in NYC

with wife and 4 kids before heading to Maine in mid December- looking for best places for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and occasional snack- not necessarily looking for dining palaces- (i can find Nobu, Il Mulino etc) bu tlooking for finds- like 2nd Ave deli-especially loke Italian, deli dim sum and bakeries- Help- All repiles appreciated-you New York natives and frequent visitors too- staying on Upper East side but will travel(and cab) for food.

DiFara's Pizza in the Midwood Section of Brooklyn. Without a doubt the best pizza on the planet. Go for the Square Pie with or without sauteed baby artichokes.

I wouldn't call it dim sum in the classic sense; but when we want chineese dumplings we go to a small place on Lafayette street just south of Canal on the east side of the street. It's right next to a 'Subway' sandwich place (who'd go there???). Not sure of the name; but it's something-or-other Dumpling House. We get a mixture of fried and steamed pork dumplings and scallion pancakes. Oh yeah, make you own dipping sauce with soy, vinegar and hot oil. If they're not on the table, ask for them. They've been under the same owner for several years. After, go to the corner of Canal and Baxter (south side of Canal) for Pork Buns or go north into Little Italy for pastry. We're from Suffolk(LI) and sometimes make the trek.

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Originally posted by Wandering Chew

with wife and 4 kids before heading to Maine in mid December- looking for best places for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and occasional snack- not necessarily looking for dining palaces- (i can find Nobu, Il Mulino etc) bu tlooking for finds- like 2nd Ave deli-especially loke Italian, deli dim sum and bakeries- Help- All repiles appreciated-you New York natives and frequent visitors too- staying on Upper East side but will travel(and cab) for food.

Hi there.

Well.. I recommend a trip to Brooklyn for this one- for a joint treat. Grimaldi's pizza- under the Brooklyn bridge is probably NY's finest. It is the way pizza used to be made. It is not far from Manhattan if you go, and here is the information-
Brooklyn Bridge Pizzeria
718.858.4300
19 Old Fulton St. under the Brooklyn Bridge

Now- to combine 2 other stops- I recommend you take the train to Stillwill Ave to Brooklyn in Coney Island.

Within 2 blocks of each other is the original Nathans. Here you will find the absolute best hot dog and the sweetest french fries you will ever taste. 2 blocks away on Neptune Avenue between 15th and 16th Street is Totonno's pizza- the original. Don't bother with the Manhattan versions. I would check to make sure they are open though, and still serving, because once the dough is gone- it is gone. This restaurant has been here since 1924. The REAL THING!.

In regard to deli's... lets see- you already know about 2nd avenue deli. There is also the Carnegie deli on 7th Avenue for mile high sandwiches, and attitude. If you are looking for a local neighborhood deli try one in my neighborhood- Sarge's. They are on 36th Street and 3rd Ave. They have a full service menu, and if you order extra lean, you will pay for it... but it's worth it. Great chicken soup too.

Hope you enjoy
Nadine

If you are in Chinatown and/or Little Italy, you may want to check out some spots on the Lower East Side. You mentioned Bakeries; here are two:

Kossar's Bialys on Grand St., just east of Essex, is part of a bygone era in NY. There simply aren't too many places like this left. The specialty of the is house is (DUH!) Bialys and they are incredible. They are always fresh and among the best in NYC.

Literally a few storefronts east of Kossar's on Grand St. is the Doughnut Plant. Where Kossar's represents Old NY, DP represents New NY. This guy makes incredible (and enormous!) gourmet donuts, which he sells to gourmet outlets like Dean & DeLuca. This location is his bakery (literally) and his lone retail location. Go early as they close anywhere between 1pm and 4pm depending on when they run out. Flavors vary but they never dissappoint. Your kids will love you forever if you treat them to donuts at this place!

Also on Essex street (south of Grand St.) is Gus Pickle, another NYC landmark. This is also one of a dying breed. In addition to pickles, Gus's has a whole array of pickled vegetables. Buy 'em right out of the barrel. If you saw the movie Crossing Delancy years ago, this was the place that Peter Riegert's character was the proprietor of.

Another great stop further north on Essex is the Economy Candy Store. This place has a mind-boggling array of bulk candy, chocolates, and confections. Don't even think of comparing this place to the bulk candy stores you see in the mall -- this place is in a league of its own. If you like what you see there, you can also order from their web site at http://www.economycandy.com.

On Delancy St. - Katz's Delicatessen. Not what it used to be but still quite wonderful. As you move north into the East Village, there are many more great places to explore including some great Mexican places in the vicinity of Rivington St. and Allen St.

Have fun!

quote:

Originally posted by Chumley

If you are in Chinatown and/or Little Italy, you may want to check out some spots on the Lower East Side. You mentioned Bakeries; here are two:

Kossar's Bialys on Grand St., just east of Essex, is part of a bygone era in NY. There simply aren't too many places like this left. The specialty of the is house is (DUH!) Bialys and they are incredible. They are always fresh and among the best in NYC.

Literally a few storefronts east of Kossar's on Grand St. is the Doughnut Plant. Where Kossar's represents Old NY, DP represents New NY. This guy makes incredible (and enormous!) gourmet donuts, which he sells to gourmet outlets like Dean & DeLuca. This location is his bakery (literally) and his lone retail location. Go early as they close anywhere between 1pm and 4pm depending on when they run out. Flavors vary but they never dissappoint. Your kids will love you forever if you treat them to donuts at this place!

Also on Essex street (south of Grand St.) is Gus Pickle, another NYC landmark. This is also one of a dying breed. In addition to pickles, Gus's has a whole array of pickled vegetables. Buy 'em right out of the barrel. If you saw the movie Crossing Delancy years ago, this was the place that Peter Riegert's character was the proprietor of.

Another great stop further north on Essex is the Economy Candy Store. This place has a mind-boggling array of bulk candy, chocolates, and confections. Don't even think of comparing this place to the bulk candy stores you see in the mall -- this place is in a league of its own. If you like what you see there, you can also order from their web site at http://www.economycandy.com.

On Delancy St. - Katz's Delicatessen. Not what it used to be but still quite wonderful. As you move north into the East Village, there are many more great places to explore including some great Mexican places in the vicinity of Rivington St. and Allen St.

Have fun!

Also down on the Lower East Side is Russ & Daughters home to the best appetizing, as we like to call it, in the world. Great lox, whitefish, sable, salmon, salads. Hand sliced, always perfect, Yum Yum.

Upper Eastside haunts for my wife and I when we travel to NYC.

Papaya King for hot dogs and tropical drinks (non alcoholic)
Schaller and Weber for - traditional Jewish sausage/meat markekt & deli
Orwaschers Bakery - Raisin Pumpernickle Rolls
Sables - for smoked fish, Lobster salad
H & H Bagel - bagels
Agata & Valentia (check on exact name) - a great NYC grocery store
Payard Patisserie - good for lunch and/or desserts

Let us know where you end up going...

Thanks for replies to date- anyone have ideas for good Italian dinner in city

Hi Wandering.. that is indeed a problem in New York. Where to have good Italian food? We have so many good Italian restaurants, but they seem to fall into 3 categories- very, very expensive- (and great,) mediocre, and still semi expensive, or pizza joints.

The really good places will cost you over $100 a person- like an Il Mulino, or Felidias, or Scalini Fedeli, or one of Mario Battali's restaurants. They are all excellent though. We have mediocre ones that still cost, and the pizza places, already mentioned- like a Grimaldi's or maybe Patsy's (cash only.)

You did not mention if you were bringing the kids with you, and how old they were. If you are looking for a decent neighborhood place near me we have 2. This would also be convenient if you were going to the empire state building, or visiting Macy's. Da Ciro is on Lexington and 33rd street. Although not inexpensive- they have a robialo cheese foccacio drizzled with truffle oil that is to die for. Zagats shows the restaurant at $37 per person- about right. There is also a really inexpensive pasta place here- on 34th between 2nd and 3rd ave called Tre Pomadoro that is dirt cheap. The quarters are cramped, but the pasta is very inexpensive.

If you want to go family style- there are 2 alternatives, but no reservations- but real fun places- Carmines- one in the theater district and one on broadway and 91st street. You have to like garlic though. Carmines is recommended. Another "Carmine"esque type of restaurant- also serving family style is Tony Di Napoli- again with 2 locations. Carmines is preferable though. I hope this helps.

Nadine

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Originally posted by verysleepy

Hi Wandering.. that is indeed a problem in New York. Where to have good Italian food? We have so many good Italian restaurants, but they seem to fall into 3 categories- very, very expensive- (and great,) mediocre, and still semi expensive, or pizza joints.

The really good places will cost you over $100 a person- like an Il Mulino, or Felidias, or Scalini Fedeli, or one of Mario Battali's restaurants. They are all excellent though. We have mediocre ones that still cost, and the pizza places, already mentioned- like a Grimaldi's or maybe Patsy's (cash only.)

You did not mention if you were bringing the kids with you, and how old they were. If you are looking for a decent neighborhood place near me we have 2. This would also be convenient if you were going to the empire state building, or visiting Macy's. Da Ciro is on Lexington and 33rd street. Although not inexpensive- they have a robialo cheese foccacio drizzled with truffle oil that is to die for. Zagats shows the restaurant at $37 per person- about right. There is also a really inexpensive pasta place here- on 34th between 2nd and 3rd ave called Tre Pomadoro that is dirt cheap. The quarters are cramped, but the pasta is very inexpensive.

If you want to go family style- there are 2 alternatives, but no reservations- but real fun places- Carmines- one in the theater district and one on broadway and 91st street. You have to like garlic though. Carmines is recommended. Another "Carmine"esque type of restaurant- also serving family style is Tony Di Napoli- again with 2 locations. Carmines is preferable though. I hope this helps.

Nadine

Thanks Nadine- my kids are 11-21 but well travelled and fed- I agree with you in my somewhat limited experience (in NY) that its the middle priced places that touhghest to find- Il Mulino is one of the truly great dining experiences anywhere and with a good bottle of wine well over $100 a person- but worth every penny for the right occasion. I was actually considering Carmine's -is there any difference in the 2 locations, better food service size etc- b/c we are staying on 61st and Park-so either one works. I figure $30-40pp is what to expect anywhere i go for a good (not top) meal with my gang in NY-so all recommendations appreciated- what do you rec at Carmine's?

Hey, New Yorkers. How about some recommendations for Italian in Little Italy? One place is Luna at 112 Mulberry Street. I know there are others down there. C'mon.

Hi there

Since neither of the two Carmines accept reservations, I would think that the one on Broadway and 90th Street might be better, because the other is a big pre theater place. Carmines has a website that shows the entire menu, and actually shows the extent of the portions. I would call Carmines, and ask their advice as to when to show, and when the crowds are thinnest- thought it will be difficult, regardless. Probably, real early is the best time.

I hope the family likes garlic, as much of the food has lots. So.. maybe earlier than later reservations! ahhahaha

Carmines has great simple food served family style. The meat portions are not huge though. Salads, pastas, desserts are very big. So.. forget about subtleties here, and enjoy. go with the flow- chicken parmigiana, rigatoni with sausage, and the like. I also like their fried zucchini, and their bread pudding. Suprisingly, they have a decent, wide and affordable wine list.

Hope the family enjoys.

You may also want to think about taking the kids to Otto Pizzeria at 1 5th Avenue (the cross street is 8th Street). It's Mario Batali's pizza restaurant and is very reasonable. Great wines, great cheeses and salamis, and the pizza is very good. The wine list is great as well and reasonably priced The gelati is out of this world -- make sure you get the olive oil gelato.

My experiences at Carmines have been less than satisfactory. It is almost always overcrowded, and the service is indifferent at best. To me, aside from the "family style" service, it is nothing more than an upscale Olive Garden strategically placed to draw in tourists. The few times I've been there I've never left happy.

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Originally posted by tsores

Hey, New Yorkers. How about some recommendations for Italian in Little Italy? One place is Luna at 112 Mulberry Street. I know there are others down there. C'mon.

We really like Paolucci's in Little Italy- it looks like the palce the mob bursts into in "Analyze This" the food is great and not expensive.

Here are two mid-priced Italians in my neighborhood that I like very much. But, this isn't necessarily a neighborhood you'd be traveling to.

One, where I just ate last night, is called Via Oreto (1121 First Avenue, between 61st and 62nd). Everything I've had is very fresh and very good. The other recommendation is a very tiny place called Il Gatto & La Volpe (1154 First Avenue, between 63rd and 64th). I happen to prefer Via Oreto, though.

For great Italian, though its out of the way, try Robertos in the Belmont section of the bronx. Great food, can get crowded, parking is tough, very reasonable prices.

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Originally posted by Ballpark Roadtripper

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Originally posted by Zin Chef


Schaller and Weber for - traditional Jewish sausage/meat markekt & deli

I hate to nitpick, but Schaller and Weber is about as far from "Jewish" food as you can get. It's a very traditional German butcher, specializing in pork. The place is a pork-a-torium.

It's among just a handful of German businesses left on the Upper East Side from back in the day when it used to be called Germantown (it's still sometimes referred to as Yorkville). A bit of horrid trivia...the American nazi party had it's headquarters on 86th and Lexington in the early 1930's, and held pro-nazi rallys on 3rd Avenue in 1936.

I do agree, Schaller and Weber happens to be an absolutely wonderful place. A real full-service butcher, super fresh meats, friendly service. But Jewish, it ain't.

Ballpark Roadtripper is right on the money here. As recently as the 1960's, Yorkville was not a terribly safe place for visibly Jewish folks to travel to or through. I went to grade school in the area and I have vivid memories of the German kids freaking out whenever Hitler and WWII were discussed in history class.

However, there are still a handful of restaurants and food stores left over from that era that are well worth visiting, Schaller & Weber being one of them. 86th St. between 2nd & 3rd Ave. may still have a couple of German cafes left. If you travel south along 2nd Ave. into the upper 70s, you may see some vestiges of the Hungarian community that once populated this area. Once you hit 76th St., it's all pretty much "homogenized" again.

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Originally posted by Ballpark Roadtripper

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86th St. between 2nd & 3rd Ave. may still have a couple of German cafes left. If you travel south along 2nd Ave. into the upper 70s, you may see some vestiges of the Hungarian community that once populated this area. Once you hit 76th St., it's all pretty much "homogenized" again.

Well, Chumley...it looks like the homogenization of the UES is complete. The last Hungarian restaurant from the old days, Mocca, has closed, just this past week. Here is a lovely article on the closing from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/nyregion/thecity/26hung.html

As far as the old German cafes, they're all gone, except for Heidleburg on 2nd ave, right next to Schaller and Weber. That row of German establishments on 86th between 2nd and 3rd (Fleming's, Elk Candy, Ideal Restaurant) was torn down about 7 years ago and replaced by a luxury high rise with a Barnes and Noble and Circuit City at its base. This is progress?

Mocca is gone? Oh, that's too bad. Is Paprikas-Weiss still around? That's the last place I can remember (besides Mocca) on that stretch of 2nd Ave.

I worked my way through high school on that stretch of 86th St. back in the 70s. I used to chow down on schnitzel at Ideal before going to work up the street at Haagen-Dazs. Both are gone now. It was a rough block back then, despite the proximity to well-heeled environs. There were coke dealers and prostitutes all over the place. I'm sure it's safer now but, as you suggested, it's lost something. Kind of like the "Disney-fication" of Times Square.

<sigh!>