Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
including
bibimbop
and
japchae
are $8 each. Fresh, crisp kimchi stands out.
There are just a couple of
seats; most business is takeout.
334 Eighth Ave., btw. 26th and 27th sts.
212/675-5277.
Mon-Sat 11am-10pm. Subway: C/E to 23rd St.
Hot Dog Days
Papayas and hot dogs aren't an intuitive combination, but the city hosts a heated rivalry over the best fruit and meat com-
bos. Skeptics may argue that the difference between any two tube steaks is academic, but connoisseurs can parse subtle
distinctions in density, texture, and taste.
Papaya King
was the original, but time has not been kind to this chain. Knockoff
Papaya Dog
holds down the middle of the pack, leaving
Gray's Papaya
as New York's top dog. The meat is flavorful, fin-
ished with a light char, and kept fresh thanks to quickly moving queues. Long live the recession—as long as Gray's contin-
ues to offer their Recession Special (two hot dogs and a drink for $4.95).
Standing room only here.
2090 Broad-
way, at 72nd St.
212/ 799-0243.
Daily 24 hr. Subway: 1/2/3 to 72nd St. Other location:
West Village,
402 Sixth Ave., at
8th St.
212/260-3532.
Subway: A/B/C/D/E/F/M to W. 4th St./Washington Sq.
La Taza de Oro
PUERTORICAN
The daily specials at this classic greasy spoon make it easy to fill up. My fa-
vorites are
bacalao
(stewed codfish),
ropa vieja
(“old clothes”—a stew made with shredded beef), and
mofongo
(mashed fried plantains), which range from $6 to $8.50 and include knock-out rice and beans.
96 Eighth Ave., btw. 14th and 15th sts.
212/243-9946.
Mon-Sat 6am-10:30pm. Subway: A/C/E to 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave.
Maoz
FALAFEL
I've never understood how a little ball of shredded chickpea can come out tasting so meaty
and delicious. Somehow falafel satisfies in a way other vegetables can't. (The deep-frying probably doesn't hurt.)
Maoz makes some of the best falafel in town, and they'll let you customize your sandwich with toppings from
their extensive salad bar. A sandwich, three toppings, and two sauces costs $5.25. Meal deals, which go over well
will the local worker bees, are $7.75 to $9.95.
38 Union Sq. E., btw. 16th and 17th sts.
212/260-1988.
www.maozusa.com
. Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun
11am-10pm. Subway: L/N/Q/R/4/ 5/6 to 14th St./Union Sq. Other locations:
WestVillage,
59 E. 8th St., btw. Broadway and University Place.
212/420-5999.
Subway: N/R to 8th St.; 6 to Astor Place.
MidtownWest,
558 Seventh Ave., at 40th St.
212/777-0820.
Subway: 1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/S
to 42nd St./Times Sq.
MidtownWest,
683 Eighth Ave., btw. 43rd and 44th sts.
212/265-2315.
Subway: A/C/E/7 to Port Authority.
UpperWest
Side,
2047 Broadway, btw. 70th and 71st sts.
212/362-2622.
Subway: 1/2/3 to 72nd St.
UpperWestSide,
2857 Broadway, btw. 110th and 111th
sts.
212/222-6464.
Subway: 1 to 110th St.
Tebaya
CHICKENWINGS
All the way from Nagoya, Japan, comes this recipe for extraordinary chicken. I had no
idea wings could taste this good. City of Buffalo, hang your head! The chicken is double fried to burn of the fat,
and then basted in a savory garlic sauce. Ten pieces are $8.69. For your next Super Bowl party, volume discounts
bring the price of each wing as low as 78¢. Japanese fast food items like teriyaki chicken sandwiches and fried
potato cakes fill the rest of the menu.
Seating is limited.
144 W. 19th St., btw. Sixth and Seventh aves.
212/924-3335.
www.goojapan.com/newyork/index.html
.
Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm; Fri
11:30am-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8:30pm. Subway: 1 to 18th St.
8 Midtown East
