Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Absolute Bagel
BAGELS
The absolutely fabulous bagels here are a little too puffy to be traditional, but the extra
air doesn't hinder the taste. For $1.95 you get a bagel loaded with cream cheese. Opt for butter and it's just $1.25.
Don't let the lines deter you—that's a reflection of the quality, and the cheerful staff works fast.
2788 Broadway, btw. 107th and 108th sts.
212/932-2052.
Daily 6am-9pm. Subway: 1 to 110th St.
Big Nick's Burger Joint/Pizza Joint
AMERICAN/BURGERS
When your menu serves every dish ever thought
of, you're bound to have a few items that seem a little overpriced. For the most part, though, this Upper West Side
joint has great values on big portions. The options are endless—with burgers alone, there are over three dozen
choices. It's $6.75 for the Big Nick and $9.75 for the heart-unfriendly Hollandaise and Canadian bacon Benedict
Burger.
2175 Broadway, at 77th St.
212/362-9238.
www.bignicksnyc.com
.
Daily 24 hr. Subway: 1 to 79th St.
Hummus Place
MIDDLEEASTERN
New York is known for dinner menus packed with just about every dish
and combination imagined by humanity. There's something nice, however, about a place that specializes in one
thing, especially when they do it so damn well. Imported white tahini is the key ingredient to the rich hummus
served here. For around $8 you can have your choice of three versions: plain, with fava bean stew and egg, or
with whole chickpeas. The somewhat expanded menu also offers
shakshuka,
a hearty Israeli tomato stew ($8.95)
and falafel ($3.95).
305 Amsterdam Ave., btw. 74th and 75th sts.
212/799-3335.
www.hummusplace.com
. Daily 10:30am-midnight. Subway: 1/2/3 to 72nd St. Oth-
er locations:
EastVillage,
109 St. Marks Place, btw. First Ave. and Ave. A.
212/529-9198.
Subway: L to First Ave.
WestVillage,
71 Seventh Ave.
S., btw. Bleecker and Commerce sts.
212/924-2022.
Subway: 1 to Christopher St.; A/B/C/D/E/F/M to W. 4th St./Washington Sq.
UpperWest
Side,
2608 Broadway, btw. 98th and 99th sts.
212/222-1554.
Subway: 1/2/3 to 96th St.
Land Thai Kitchen
THAI
Mercer Kitchen alum David Bank presents the flavors of his native Bangkok inside the
brick, tin, and mesh confines of this Uptown charmer. Seared mains from the wok top out at $13, while noodle
dishes hover in the $11 to $12 range. The prix-fixe lunch, which includes papaya salad and basil and beef, prof-
fers two courses for $9.
Small place plus rabid popularity equals potentially long waits (the Upper East
Side spinoff takes reservations).
450 Amsterdam Ave., btw. 81st and 82nd sts.
212/501-8121.
www.landthaikitchen.com
. Mon-Thurs noon-10:30pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm; Sun
noon-10pm. Subway: 1 to 79th St.; B/C to 81st St. Other location:
UpperEastSide,
1565 Second Ave., btw. 81st and 82nd sts.
212/439-1847.
Subway: 4/5/6 to 86th St.
Noche Mexicana
MEXICAN
Authentic Mexican food was long a void in the New York gastronomic scene, but
mom-and-pop places like Noche are rapidly raising standards. Choose a savory red or green salsa to top your
enchilada platter ($10), or opt for a triple order of tamales ($8) or corn-tortilla chicken
chilaquiles
($9). Tacos are
excellent ($2.75 for most) and the wine is cheap, too.
842 Amsterdam Ave., at 101st St.
212/662-6900.
www.noche-mexicana.com
.
Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Subway: 1 to
103rd St.
Roti Roll Bombay Frankie
INDIAN
A grill annexed to a bar and that's open until the wee hours, this place is
a convenient spot to get your fortification during an UWS debauch. The specialty is
roti,
chewy wraps packed
up with spicy fillings, approximating an Indian burrito. Egg ($3 each) and spiced potato with pea ($3.50 each)
occupy the low end, working up to shrimp with sour cream and fenugreek ($7). Buy two and get a discount ($5
for the cheapest). And it's not just for a night out—it works equally well for lunch.
994 Amsterdam Ave., btw. 109th and 110th sts.
212/666-1500.
Sun-Mon 11am-2am; Tues-Wed 11am-3am; Thurs-Sat 11am-4am. Subway:
1 to 110th St.
Sal's & Carmine's Pizza
PIZZA
At your first taste of the pizza here, you will realize what your previous 10,000
New York slices were supposed to taste like. Creamy mozzarella syncs with a tangy sauce and crispy crust to
achieve perfection. Although Sal has passed on, Carmine or a family member will be on hand to ensure both
