Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The famous “Recession Special” at Gray's Papaya is a NYC classic.
New Yorkers speak over 130 languages, and we eat at least that many different cuisines. Many of the ethnic su-
perstars are hidden away in low-rent corners of the boroughs, but plenty of spectacular cheap eats can be found
even in the high-rent districts of Manhattan. Being selective about price doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing qual-
ity. Some of my favorite cooking just happens to be some of the city's cheapest. The island tilts toward downtown
when it comes to budget grazing—Chinatown and the East Village dominate. Across the rest of the city, Asian
eateries offer the most for the least, with some solid backing from Latino and Indian contenders. Culinary trends
of late have been favoring the low end, meaning new purveyors of cheap burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and
pizza now dot the city. Lunch specials are a great way to sample the city's harvest with a minimal investment,
but for all meals, I'm constantly surprised by how far $6 or $7 or even $3 can take me. Leave the Jacksons in the
wallet and bon appétit.
1 Financial District
Bennie's Thai Café THAI This unprepossessing basement spot serves authentic Thai food that bursts with fla-
vor. Worker bees stream in for the $6.45 lunch specials served over rice on weekdays from 11am to 3pm. Red,
yellow, and green curries are the highlights. The dishes are pork, chicken, and beef, so vegetarians have to order
off the regular menu. Helpfully, vegetarian entrees, including an awesome Pad Thai, average $8.95.
88 Fulton St., at Gold St. 212/587-8930. www.benniesthaicafenyc.com . Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat-Sun noon-9pm. Subway: A/C/J/Z/2/3/4/5 to
Fulton St./Broadway Nassau.
Carl's Steaks CHEESESTEAKS City of Brotherly Shove transplants have long looked down their noses at New
York's attempts at the cheesesteak. A slew of hopefuls have stepped up, but only Carl's delivers a sandwich with
the potential to hold its own in Philly. The shaved sirloin melts on the tongue, while taut hoagie rolls make the
meal substantial. American or provolone are options, but connoisseurs know Cheese Whiz is the only way to go.
A steak sandwich is $6.75, with cheese $7.25; $2.50 for a side of fries.
79 Chambers St., btw. Broadway and Church St. 212/566-2828. www.carlsteaks.com . Mon-Tues 11am-9:30pm; Wed-Fri 10:30am-9:30pm;
Sat-Sun noon-9:30pm. Subway: A/C or 1/2/3 to Chambers St.; R to City Hall. Other location: Midtown, 507 Third Ave., at 34th St. 212/
696-5336. Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue HAWAIIAN For most New Yorkers, the katsus,locomocos, and laulau combos here will
be unfamiliar. The tangy Asian-inflected flavors make quick converts, though. Plates come with creamy macar-
oni salad and scooped rice. Short ribs in black pepper sauce are $6.99; a mixed barbecue combo that could feed a
family for a week is $10.59. (Manhattan is blessed with the only version of this franchise east of Texas.)
64 Fulton St., btw. Cliff and Gold sts. 212/577-8888. www.hawaiianbarbecue.com . Mon-Fri 10:30am-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Subway:
A/C/J/Z/2/3/4/5 to Fulton St./Broadway Nassau.
2 Chinatown
Search WWH ::




Custom Search