Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pukk
THAI
Don't be intimidated by the overdesigned interior (reclining Buddha encased in Lucite, anyone?) of
this narrow neighborhood restaurant. The food here transcends trendiness to deliver inventive meat-free soups,
curries, and tofus. Among the fake flesh, “duck” is the standout. Entrees and noodle dishes start at $7 (the spicy
eggplant tofu comes in a huge, delicious portion), and two-course lunches are just $6.
71 First Ave., btw. 4th and 5th sts.
212/253-2741.
www.pukknyc.com
. Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-midnight. Subway: F to
Second Ave.
Punjabi Grocery & Deli
INDIAN
Local hipsters have discovered this Sikh taxi stand, which serves its dual con-
stituencies with equal cordiality. Choose from six veggie entries, which are then microwaved and served over
rice. Have two on a small plate for $3.50, or three over a big plate for $5.50. The food is fresh and spicy, and you
can throw in two samosas for only $2.50 more.
114 E. 1st St., btw. First Ave. and Ave. A.
212/533-9048.
Daily 24 hr. Subway: F to Second Ave.
Royale
BURGERS
Though it's short on history (and the TVs undermine its character), this bar's deft burger ex-
ecution reflects the ambitions of a place targeting classic status. Big patties full of Black Angus flavor rest on bri-
oche buns ($7), cooked to order and served fresh. (Add $1 for a “Royale with Cheese.”) In the warmer months,
the garden in back makes for a laid-back scene. To maximize your savings, come at happy hour (weeknights from
4-7pm) and enjoy two for one drafts and well drinks.
157 Ave. C, btw. 9th and 10th sts.
212/254-6600.
www.royalenyc.com
. Sun-Thurs 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat 4pm-4am. Subway: L to First Ave.
Zaragoza
MEXICAN
A renowned late-night fortification stop, this run-down deli's food tastes just as good
before
a 5-hour East Village bender. The handwritten menu shows off homemade delicacies, long on authenticity and
short on price. Among the rotating selection of stewed meats, you can't go wrong with roast pork, chipotle chick-
en,
lengua
(beef tongue, but trust me), and the enchiladas, spiced with hints of pineapple. The friendly counter
folk will stuff your meat of choice in a double corn tortilla and top it with an addictive tomatillo sauce for just
$3. They also serve top-rate tostadas, tamales, and under-$10 entrees, all of which justify my somewhat obsessive
relationship with this place.
215 Ave. A, btw. 13th and 14th sts.
212/780-9204.
www.mexicanrestaurantnewyork.com
. Mon-Thurs 9:30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9:30am-4am;
Sun 11am-midnight. Cash only. Subway: L to First Ave.
6 West Village
Corner Bistro
AMERICAN/BURGERS
Inside this dark, worn West Village bar you'll find one of the best burgers
in the city. The no-frills regular is $6.75, while $8 adds decadent layers of cheese, bacon, and onions. This place is
a well-guarded local secret, known only to you and the 10,000 other people waiting on line beside you at the bar.
(Weekday afternoons are the least-crowded times.) A mug of beer to wash it down will only set you back $3.
331 W. 4th St., btw. Jane St. and Eighth Ave.
212/242-9502.
www.cornerbistrony.com
. Mon-Sat 11:30am-4am; Sun noon-4am. Subway: 1/2/3
or A/C/E to 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave. Other location:
LongIslandCity,Queens,
47-18 Vernon Blvd., at 47th Rd.
718/606-6500.
Subway: G to
21st St.; 7 to Vernon Blvd./Jackson Ave.
Meal Deal-ing on St. Marks Place
St. Marks Place runs from Avenue A (bookended by Tompkins Square Park) to Third Avenue (it turns into Astor Place
there, before becoming 8th St.). Somehow in just 3 short blocks, there are more than five dozen restaurants. The com-
bination of proximity, NYU-friendly pricing, and exotic and original cooking make this the city's best stretch for affordable,
adventurous dining. Highlights follow, listed from west to east.
NORTH SIDE
