Well with so many New Yorkers in our Miami building we were chalk full of tips and suggestions for restaurants and food places around Manhattan. We were staying near Times Squares and sometimes avoiding tourist traps can be difficult especially when staying in a touristic area.
John’s of Times Square (tip from a friend)
This Times Square pizza joint is set in an old cathedral; it’s quite amazing to see the stained glass windows, painted ceiling, murals and decor. The menu includes a great selection of thin crust pizzas. We easily managed a large between the two of us.
QI Bangkok Eatery
We almost missed this place walking up 7th Ave and had to circle back as they had a curtain in the window to keep out the cold and not much more than a small silver on silver sign in the corner of the entrance. I think the regulars knew how to find it, as the place was full. The interior was interestingly decorated. The hologram in the bathroom mirror may spook you too. Food and service were both great and we would definitely recommend this place for Thai lovers.
Szechuan Gourmet
Listed in the top 10 NY dining spots we were looking forward to a nice Chinese meal. The place was packed and had lots of interesting selections which we were not adventurous enough to try (see menu) so perhaps our choices or our attempt to stay on the cautious side with pot stickers, spareribs and General Tao’s chicken didn’t do the place justice. It was our least favorite of our visit.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
We waited in line outside in the cold and then got squeezed into a tight table with barely elbow room between neighboring tables only to get a passable and not very generous Philli cheese steak sandwich for $20. That said, we simply loved this place where the waitstaff take turns belting out lyrics to Broadway classics. They were so talented we really enjoyed the show more than the meals. My chicken potpie was delicious and our neighbor’s burger and other neighbor’s corn beef melt also looked good. Perhaps my husband’s choice was not the best but again, do come for the show. Ellen’s Stardust Diner was our favorite place.
The Red Flame
Next to our hotel we thought we’d grab a diner home-style breakfast before our 10-block walk to our conference. Friendly service. Generous portions. My eggs Benedict were good. A genuine diner experience!
The Algonquin breakfast
Fluffy Pancakes in a wood paneled dining area, it’s like being taken back to the great Gatsby or into the 30s. Being frequent Marriott guests our status covered most of the meal but I wouldn’t recommend it for the usual $30+ price tag for breakfast.
Ess-a-Bagel
So where do you find a bagel bakery around Times Square? Our hotel concierge recommended this place in 50th and 3rd Ave. It was a bit of a walk, albeit nice to go and get the hot bagels straight out of the oven and still hot in the bag. Jury’s still out as we bring the bagels home, we’re used to our Montreal bagels but hey; we don’t want to start a war. We know people are sensitive about who makes the best bagels!
Bouchon Bakery
There is more than one location; we went to this little bakery in the Rockefeller Center area. With only a dozen seats you may have to stand but the macarons are to die for (so even at $3.50 each we had to try). Lots of mouthwatering pastries and cookies are on display. Yummy!
Conclusion
There were so many other places to try and recommendations we just could not get to. We will try harder next time! We are sure to be back and hopefully get to try some new spots then. Keep the recommendations coming.
Related Post:
Things to Do and Places to See in New York City