Eating out in New York City (Union, Bedford: fit in, hotel, theater)

[lilyj]

I am visiting New York, from England, in October with my daughters aged 18 and 14 and would like some tips about where to eat out lunch/ evenings. I would like to take them for 1 "special dinner" as it is my eldest daughter's birthday, but I don't have limitless funds. Also could you advise on dress codes with any recommendations.
Many thanks
Lily

[Viralmd]

What's your price range?

Chinatown is always fun. There are tons of great restaurants, the food is plentiful and cheap and everything is casual. If you go Sunday morning you can get great dim sum, too.

Then, on the upper West side, Broadway and 78th St, is La Caridad, also with plentiful, cheap Chinese-Cuban cuisine (yes, there is such a thing). The stewed beef is amazing as is the ropa viejo. And don't forget fried plantains. This, too, is casual.

If you want high-end restaurants, we've got those, too. And plenty of them.

[NJ Chutzpah]

try 46th St on 9th Ave, 8th Ave, 7th Ave, lots of variety

9th and 10th Ave between port authority, and columbus circle also has lots of great restaurants

actually the area west of the theater district has great food

you should also see a show while here, as you cannot get that quality anywhere else

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by NJ Chutzpah

you should also see a show while here, as you cannot get that quality anywhere else

Well, no. London, which gave us Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, lots of Shakespeare productions, Cats, and lots of other theatrical productions has first rate theater!

[bmwguydc]

If you want a lighter place for lunch, you can try the vegan restaurant Candle Cafe on Third & 75th, which has everything from great smoothies to salads, sandwiches, and excellent desserts. Candle 79 is their more upscale restaurant on 79th near Lexington. Candle Cafe Vegetarian Cuisine

I have found that many international travelers I know actually like the experience of Ellen's Stardust Diner. It's on Broadway & 51st and it's fun, what with the singing wait staff and all. Ellen's Stardust Diner

If you'd like a fast tex/mex style lunch place that's quick and no-frills, but offers pretty good food, check out Chipotle. They're a chain, but they are a good one, and there are a few scattered throughout the city. Chipotle: Gourmet Burritos and Tacos

The Chocolate Bar Cafe also offers some pretty tasty treats, and is great for a snack. Who We Are | Chocolate Bar NYC

Another place that doesn't fail to disappoint is the New York classic, Junior's. If you are a cheesecake lover, they have some nice treats. Junior's Most Fabulous Cheesecake and Desserts

[roccos]

You'll find plenty of places whilst out walking. I wouldn't bother too much with trying to find specific places (you could spend your entire vacation just doing this) except for maybe the one special dinner for the birthday celebration. Every street and corner has something you can pick up or eat in - no dress code required. Enjoy your visit

[DaSkorpion]

Being that am from England myself - the places I frequent in NYC include Virgils BBQ, Gabriela's for Mexican food and Carmine's for some decent Italian food...there are the more high end places but for someone balling on a budget these are great maybe there may be more but others can chime in.

Junior's Cheesecake factory is another nice place to visit and oh if you like Pommes Frites there are a few places to try out as well whiles in NY -- just google 'em

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Originally Posted by lilyj

I am visiting New York, from England, in October with my daughters aged 18 and 14 and would like some tips about where to eat out lunch/ evenings. I would like to take them for 1 "special dinner" as it is my eldest daughter's birthday, but I don't have limitless funds. Also could you advise on dress codes with any recommendations.
Many thanks
Lily

[tpk-nyc]

I don't mean to offend anyone, but these are ridiculous suggestions for anyone interested in food. You don't come to New York to eat in chain restaurants.

Below are some of my favorites. They aren't dirt cheap, but they are great value for the money. Without alcohol, these should run you $20 to $30 a person. If you had a specific budget or cuisine type I could make more specific suggestions.

Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 Sullivan St. (My favorite brasserie in the city.)

Casa Mono
52 Irving Pl. (Contemporary tapas with a twist, very yummy.)

ChikaLicious
203 E. 10th St. (Tiny restaurant with a three-course, all-dessert prix fixe for $12. It's the perfect birthday treat and very affordable.)

The City Bakery
3 W. 18th St. (Lunch/takeout place near Union Square, very good.)

Essex
120 Essex St.

Fatty Crab
643 Hudson St. (Malaysian food, excellent value.)

Kyotofu
705 Ninth Ave. (All dessert restaurant near the theater district. Desserts are made with tofu but delicious.)

the little owl
90 Bedford St. (A cute little place in the West Village, reservations a must.)

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 First Ave. (Far and away the best $10 meal in the city.)

’inoteca
98 Rivington St.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St.

[BronxisBack]

Hmm...I thoroughly enjoy eating out in NYC just for the sheer variety of choices. However you should note that the food here is typically not made to order and cooked well in advance. As a result, I have had "intestinal distress" to put it nicely (explosive projectile diarrhea to put it more accurately) because food is too often served lukewarm, and not freshly prepared. In Europe much of the food is made to order and fresh...not so here unfortunately. So you will not doubt enjoy the plethora of choices..just be aware that if the food is not served HOT, you may be enjoying the bonus round stuck in the hotel!

[bmwguydc]

Originally Posted by tpk-nyc

I don't mean to offend anyone, but these are ridiculous suggestions for anyone interested in food. You don't come to New York to eat in chain restaurants.

Below are some of my favorites. They aren't dirt cheap, but they are great value for the money. Without alcohol, these should run you $20 to $30 a person. If you had a specific budget or cuisine type I could make more specific suggestions.

Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 Sullivan St. (My favorite brasserie in the city.)

Casa Mono
52 Irving Pl. (Contemporary tapas with a twist, very yummy.)

ChikaLicious
203 E. 10th St. (Tiny restaurant with a three-course, all-dessert prix fixe for $12. It's the perfect birthday treat and very affordable.)

The City Bakery
3 W. 18th St. (Lunch/takeout place near Union Square, very good.)

Essex
120 Essex St.

Fatty Crab
643 Hudson St. (Malaysian food, excellent value.)

Kyotofu
705 Ninth Ave. (All dessert restaurant near the theater district. Desserts are made with tofu but delicious.)

the little owl
90 Bedford St. (A cute little place in the West Village, reservations a must.)

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 First Ave. (Far and away the best $10 meal in the city.)

’inoteca
98 Rivington St.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St.

Some good suggestions on this list, but I didn't get the impression from the OP that she was looking for an epicurean tour of the city, more practical places that they can fit into their travel plans with a couple of special restaurants, hence my recommendations for lunch places.