NYC Food Guy Recommends… Cheap Late Night Eats… With one worthy exception

Date April 18, 2008

NYC Food Guy loves nothing more than ending a night on the town with a delicious meal. Everyone has their late night pizza spot or diner, but sometimes you need to think bigger and better. I’m here to make that very easy for you by shedding light on places that stay open past bedtime or way past last call.

Taco Time All Over Manhattan

Super Tacos

Open until 2:30am ($2.00/taco)

96th St & Broadway (SW Corner) New York, NY 10025 (917)-837-0866

This truck is parked on the corner of 96th and Broadway. I recommend the Al Pastor tacos (photos). Freshly grilled sliced pork, spiced up and mixed with grilled onion and pineapple and sprinkled with lettuce and cilantro and a slice of tomato. Delicious with some of the spicy green tomatillo sauce. No where else on the UWS can you get this caliber Mexican at this hour. A lot of Latin American people ordered Tortas (mexican sandwiches) while I was there, so I take that as a good sign, though I haven’t tried it myself.

Zaragoza

Open until 4AM Friday and Saturday ($2.00/taco)

215 Ave A b/t 13th & 14th St. New York, NY 10016 (212) 780-9204

This unassuming hole in the wall Mexican grocery serves up some awesome homemade tacos that vary depending on what was most recently cooked. The advantage is you always know you’re eating something fresh, the disadvantage is that you don’t know if your favorite taco will be present. If the chipotle chicken (pictured) is there, absolutely go for it. I’ve read good things about the lamb taco but can’t vouch. I saw them making a burrito when I was there and it was massive and cheap. Wash it all down with a watermelon Jarritos (a candy-like and delicious Mexican soda).

San Loco

Open until 4AM weekdays and 5AM weekends

Alphabet City/East Village, Lower East Side, and Brooklyn (check website for exact locations)

What this place lacks in quality they make up for with the biggest menu of all four of these places. Prices are a little higher than the trucks but having your pick of the litter makes up for it. Unfortunately, nothing is really great. The chipotle chicken is better than the regular, it’s spicy and moist, although it’s of the stewed variety, not grilled or shredded. The ground beef is standard and boring (taco pictured). Good guacamole and chips, however. The hot sauces and salsa are ordinary, go with some pico de gallo. I recommend a Queso Loco taco (pictured with chipotle chicken), a warm tortilla with melted cheese wrapped around a hard shell taco, with filling of your choice ($3.70 with chicken, price varies according to filling).

El Idolo

Open from 9:30PM to 5:30AM (No taco more than $2.50)

14th Street at 8th Ave New York, NY 10011

I’ve only eaten at this taco truck once but from what I remember, it was seriously delicious. I’m a pork man so I recommend the al pastor (pictured in 1st 2 photos). It was piping hot, spicy, and sprinkled with cilantro and lettuce. I don’t recall pineapple though it’s a bit hazy. It’s not as flavorful as Super Taco’s al pastor but its damn good when you add some of the fiery red hot sauce. The bistec taco (3rd photo, left taco) was nothing special so I’d pass on that. Same with the standard pork taco (3rd photo, right taco), which was equally mundane. When you’re ready for dessert walk up to 7th avenue and hit the Donut Pub.

24-Hour Donuts The Way They’re Meant to Be Done

The Donut Pub (More Delicious Desserts Here)

Open 24 Hours!!! (donuts $1.10, eclairs $1.20, coffee rolls $1.85)

203 West 14th Street at 7th Ave. New York, NY 10011 (212) 929-0126

Forget Dunkin Donuts, this 24 hour spot is an old school New York relic. It defines what a Donut Shop should be. Cheap homemade donuts, a big long counter lined with stools, and cheap coffee in styrofoam cups. I recommend the Glazed Chocolate Donut with Coconut. It’s sweet, slightly crisp on the outside, airy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. This place is so great even their crullers look appetizing and I hate crullers.

UWS Chinese/Thai/Japanese All in One Place

Empire (Menu Pages menu)

Open until 2AM 7 days a week

2642 Broadway at 100th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 663-6004

I haven’t eaten at this restaurant on 100th and Broadway but all I know is they’re open until 2AM seven days a week and they offer Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. It’s a nice looking restaurant not a divey takeout spot and IT’S OPEN UNTIL 2AM EVERY NIGHT. Where else are you getting this on the UWS? It’s simple, you’re not. Check it out and let me know how it goes.

Diners on Steroids

Big Nick’s

24 Hours/7 Days A Week

2175 Broadway at 77th Street New York, NY 10024 (212) 724-2010

When I say “Diners on Steroids”, Big Nick’s defines the term. This place has what seems like a 50-page menu with everything you could possibly imagine served at every hour of the day. If that’s not enough, they also make pizza and it’s not diner pizza, its good pizza, not just at 5AM. The Big Nick’s on Columbus and 71st Street is unrelated and not as good.

While I wouldn’t recommend the Beef Stroganoff, you’re pretty safe going with anything greasy or fried from burgers, to grilled cheeses, to cheesesteaks, to chicken parm heroes. My standard order is a Large Cheese pie ($15.00) (sprinkled with fresh basil) and an order of spicy waffle fries ($3.75). The burgers are big and flame-grilled. I like getting a grilled chicken, bacon, and cheddar sandwich on a toasted hero. Deluxe-ing a sandwich isn’t really worth it because you only get about 10 steak fries and one or two spicy waffle, just go regular sandwich and order an extra side of fries. Delivery is efficient but takes at least 45 minutes. Be ready to order when you call because these guys have no time for BS.

Big Daddy’s Diner (Full NYC Food Guy review)

Union Square location 24 hours on Friday and Saturday

239 Park Ave. South b/t 19 & 20th St.
New York, NY 10003 (212) 477-1500

UES location open until 12AM Friday and Saturday

1596 2nd Ave. at 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028 (212) 717-2020

This place is all kitsch but they serve tater tots, which are cool, and they embody the “steroids” label. The “What about Bob?” ($8.92) is an egg sandwich with bacon, melted jalapeno jack cheese, and home fries all on the sandwich (pictured left). “Daddy’s Famous Bake’n Cakes” ($9.96) are hot buttered pancakes with strips of bacon mixed in. The Coffee Shop Grilled Three Cheese ($7.96) contains Cheddar, American, and Jalapeno Jack on the bread of your choice (pictured). It’s grease done right and it’s 24 hours. The only drawback is the intensely kitschy environment, loud music, and cheesy decorations. It’s sensory overload, so if you’re teetering on the border of hangover-ville and you need something stabilizing, this place may send you over the edge.

No Frills Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger Done Right

Veselka (Full NYC Food Guy Review)

Open 24 Hours/7 Days a Week

144 2nd Ave. at 9th Street New York, NY 10003 (212) 228-9682

If you’re looking for a delicious flame-grilled burger, cooked to order, with a great bun, tasty bacon, and well-melted American cheese, then go to Veselka. It’s a Ukrainian diner with awesome pierogies and blintzes which also make great, albeit filling, appetizers. You’re here for the burger though, it’s simple and it saves you the trouble of thinking at 4AM because you know you’re getting something delicious.

The One Worthy Exception: A Carnivore’s dream

Katz’s Deli

Open Until 2AM Friday & Saturday

205 Houston Street at Ludlow Street New York, NY 10002 (212) 254-2246

With that information in hand, look at that ridiculous photo (it’s two sandwiches) and read my review and you’ll understand why you must go there now, especially if you haven’t been yet. It’s a NY institution and it’s a carnivore’s dream.

Sarge’s Deli

Open 24 hours/7 Days a week

548 3rd Ave. b/t 36th and 37th St. New York, NY 10016 (212) 679-0442

Kosher style deli on a larger and less expensive menu than Katz’s. Thick, crinkle cut fries, overstuffed turkey and pastrami sandwiches, breakfast all day, and a plethora of diner-style desserts. You can have it all here and you can have it any time of the day.

Cheap Beer, Free Hot Dogs, and an Outdoor Patio… Enough Said

Rudy’s Bar and Grill – Open 8am to 4am everyday

627 Ninth Ave. at 44th Street New York, NY 10036 (212) 974-9169

You’ve all seen this place on 9th Ave but never gone in. They’ve got the big plastic pig outside and the old school neon marquee. Rudy’s is the definition of old school dive bar: Torn red leather banquettes patched up with duct tape, an all black paint job, and only one beer with a cost higher than $4.00. If you’re smart you’ll stick with Rudy’s own brand of Red and Blonde beer ($3.00/$2.50 for pints, $9/$7 for pitchers). You can hang out back on the smoking patio when it’s nice out, but beware if you’re anti-cigarettes because this patio really lives up to its namesake.

The most hi-tech objects in the whole joint are the big screen TV up front, the jukebox on the back wall, and the hot dog machine which rolls Stahl-Meyer all beef hot dogs all night long. You can have as many dogs as you want for free! Need I say more? Places like this are what makes drinking fun.

53rd & 6th Halal Cart

Open from 7:30pm until 4AM

53rd Street at 6th Ave. (SW and SE corners)
(N.B. The real Halal cart opens at 7:30pm and goes until around 4AM, the one that’s in this spot during the day is unafilliated.)

To answer your question, yes, this is the famous Halal Cart that has skyrocketed in popularity since Oprah supposedly mentioned eating there (cue requisite wise crack). And to answer your 2nd question, no, it’s not a transcendent experience. It’s good when you’re starving and probably even better when you’re drunk, but I’ve never really enjoyed “street meat”. The white sauce is tasty but rich, don’t use too much or you’ll feel sick and the hot sauce, served in containers no thicker than three stacked quarters, is ridiculously hot, so beware. My photo is of the $6 lamb/chicken platter. If you want a platter, skip the chicken it’s ordinary and tasteless. The lamb is where it’s at. Go for a sandwich if you’re looking for something less involved, but be careful, it’s a mess. Peel a tiny bit of the foil back everytime your ready for another bite. MOST IMPORTANTLY don’t be a fool and wait in the 3 hour line next to the Hilton, if you look right across the street from the cart, the same guys have another cart going and there’s rarely a long line. Check out the fan site here.

NYC Food Guy’s Amazing Creation – PIZZA BAGELS!!!

I told you you’d be kicking yourself for not thinking of this on your own. This is what you eat when nothing else is open and you can’t walk further than the corner bodega.

All you need is a bagel, some mozzarella cheese, and some tomato sauce. You can get a bagel at pretty much any bodega anywhere in the city, and no matter how far from morning-fresh they might be, they’ll be crisp and delicious after you’re done cooking. You can do this with English Muffins, rolls, and white bread if there’s no bagels around or if you’re really desperate. I got through my first two years of college on these bad boys so I stand behind them completely.

Here’s all you need to know:

  1. Pre-heat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees
  2. Spread any kind of tomato sauce on two halves of a bagel, sprinkle with spices as desired
  3. Place Mozzarella (or any other kind of cheese you can get your hands on) on top of sauce
  4. Put uncooked pizza bagels on foil-lined baking sheet and place into oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is burnt on top
  5. Wait a few minutes before you bite in, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burned off the roof of my mouth with molten sauce since I couldn’t wait 5 minutes for the bagels to cool

————–

This is just the beginning of the madness. If you know NYC Food Guy at all, I’m on a constant search for the best in Cheap Eats so if I’ve missed any of your favorite places let me know. Leave a comment or email me at [email protected]. Thanks and happy eating.

78 Responses to “NYC Food Guy Recommends… Cheap Late Night Eats… With one worthy exception”

  1. Ulla said:

    I just ate and now I am hungry all over again! This is a great list, to think all the work and eating that went into it:) Pizza and French fries are what I crave when I have had one to many and it is late. Thanks for the tips! I have never done tacos but now want too!

  2. So Good Blog/News Round-Up 4/21/08 | So Good said:

    […] NYC Food Guy looks for the best cheap late night eats. […]

  3. food dude said:

    i cant believe you dont like Nick’ beef strokinoff’.

  4. ulla?? said:

    ulla are you a real person? is that really you in that picture? it cant be

  5. Howfresh said:

    Food Guy- what’s the deal? Late night eats are bringing back some memories. I used to mess with San Loco on the regular but got sick of it- the chicken they used made me sick after a while and the beef ran right through you. So I crossed the street and hit up Cinderella. They used to be open till at least 5am and their chicken in a pita, grape leaves, and meat and spinach pies were always on point. I heard the falafel did the job too.

    Also used to mess with Smiler’s in Times Square on 47th. Rocked with the #23. I forget what was in it but remember the bacon, but positive it was #23.

  6. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Yo Howie

    What up man, good to hear from you. Where’s cinderella? LES?
    I’m never craving falafel that late at night for some reason but I’m going to have to do it one of these days. Bereket might be the move.

    Smiler’s is just a random deli right? I haven’t tried that place. Is this a late night eats spot or a real spot? What you doing in Times Square eating?

  7. newms said:

    I think youre in need of some culinary consulting. Your pizza bagel…all wrong.

    If your making a pizza bagel in the oven, crank up the broiler. Wait till its really fucking hot then put your bagel (no toppings yet) 2-3 inches from the coils. Leave the oven door open a crack to stop it from automatically turning off.

    You want the bagel to become crispy, not just brown, so if your bagel is cooking too quickly move it further away from the coils. Also, make sure you toast BOTH sides. Why? Because one side is getting sauced and will become soggy and soggy pizza bagels suck – thats why those frozen pizza bites are always better when cooked in the oven rather than the cooked in the microwave. A counter-top toaster will work too just make sure you toast the bagel till its dark brown.

    After the bagel is well toasted add sauce and cheese and put that baby back under the broiler.

    Enjoy.

  8. Howfresh said:

    Cinderella’s directly across the street from San Loco on 2nd Ave and St. Mark’s. Right next to B&H Dairy. I don’t do falafel, but the rest of their menu is on point.

    I think there are a couple of Smiler’s- 47th and 7th and Madison and 50s. Sometimes you just wind up places without knowing how you get there.

    I forget to mention the blueberry banana pancakes at Around the Clock on 9th St. between 3rd and 2nd Aves. That shit was always on point. Yeah man.

    These are memories from years ago, but I have a feeling they’re all still around.

  9. shrewms said:

    newms, what makes you a pizza bagel expert? does your boyfriend make you prepare pizza bagels in bed for him every morning?

  10. pancakes said:

    HowFresh, those blueberry banana pancakes are amazing — great call. unfortunately, nycfg only eats chocolate chip coconut pancakes that his mommy makes!

  11. the REAL anonymous said:

    NYCFG, you didn’t invent the pizza bagel…

    And I can’t wait for next week’s post about Ziggiz.

  12. Jeff & George (hump each other) said:

    I make banana pancakes for my boyfriend Jeff all the time 🙂 It’s so funny because he is so naughty that he doesn’t even want the pancake part, just the banana. My banana.

  13. georgina said:

    that meant to say “georgina”, not george…

  14. food dude said:

    hey food guy, where do they serve the best dick sandwich in the city?

  15. The NYC Food Guy said:

    How Fresh-

    I know Cindarella. Haven’t eaten there though.

    Newms-

    Thanks for the tips. I’ll take that into account next time and let you know how it goes. My recipe gets it pretty crispy but not in as short a time as the broiler would.

    Shrewms, pancakes, the real anonymous, jeff and george or georgina, food dude,

    Thanks for nothing.

  16. jaf said:

    i live next to ziggis. i love the burrito and quesadilla. i usually have to heat up the burrito but they are so delicious.

  17. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Jaf-

    Nice! What kind of burrito do you recommend? I’ve had the grilled chicken and it was decent. Now that I think of it though, if it had been really heated up, it probably would have been a lot better.

    Where are some of your other favorite burritos in the city?

  18. Blondie said:

    There were too many mornings where my friends and I would wake up to a pizza bagel still in the toaster, left behind in a drunken stupor. Newms is right, you want to toast first, sauce second.

  19. Danny@foodinmouth said:

    You’re like the Zagat for the regular folks. And I been meaning to go get those fries at Ziggis! Ahhhh not enough time to eat. Oh man.

  20. pepsi sucks said:

    nycfg—coke or pepsi???????

  21. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Blondie-

    I respect that, it happens to the best of us. I’m going to have to check out the new methodology.

    Danny-

    Ha, I do what I can man, Zagat minus the cheesey sayings. HOLY CANOLI! (Chris Farley/Adam Sandler SNL skit anyone?)

  22. Blondie said:

    In addition to what before about the drunken stupor, I would often find myself waking up in a random guy’s bed with lube everywhere and no condom anywhere in site. Oh dear me!

  23. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Blondie?

    Obviously not the real blondie. Whoever you are, thanks as always for attacking the readers and commenters who actually have something useful to say.

  24. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    Boys, boys, boys! Your puerile homophobic shenanigans grow tiresome. Perhaps some of you are overcompensating for some inner conflicts.

    The (Not Gay) Doctor

  25. food dude said:

    ill give you an inner conflict.

  26. hey doc said:

    you’re not gay, but be honest, you’re a urologist right?

  27. zaragayza said:

    NYCFG, what is that nasty green stuff on top of that taco you have pictured???

  28. food dude said:

    i have a date with a 9 year old fill-a-pino boy. Food guy, where is the best place to wine and dine him to gaurantee im all up in that once we get back to my place.

    and food guy dont reccomend chucky cheese aka the panty dropper. Ive taken him there before and he was so excited afterward i couldnt walk for a week once he was done with me.

  29. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    Dude, are you truly “ill”, or do you have a problem with punctuation?

    Hey doc, not a urologist. Why do you ask?

  30. food dude said:

    ill take you to dinner brian. then you could put your head in my lap and meet cyclops!

  31. the halall food guy said:

    i fuckin love waiting on that ridiculous line at hallal all drunk and eating that shit at 4 am.

    hallaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

  32. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    Hey, Food Guy:

    I used to believe in the First Amendment, but now I have serious doubts. This is a festival of imbeciles. I am so sorry. You tried to have a voice in food commentary, welcoming suggestions and commentary,

  33. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    … so anyway, Food Guy, you tried, but the Visigoths are at the gate. Hallal, Brian, food dude, hey doc, thanks for pissing on a nice blog. I hope you all resolve your sexual hangups: Too bad you have to act out in public.

    The (Real) Doctor

  34. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Doctor Dyspepsia,

    Well said sir, well said. Let’s just ignore the idiots and keep the constructive conversation flowing.

  35. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Zaragayza,

    It’s spicy green tomatillo sauce on top of the taco.

    It’s very simple to make:

    tomatillos, jalapenos, cilantro, fresh garlic, and salt

    Easy and delicious.

  36. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    Works for me.

  37. King Krab said:

    where’s the best king krab in the city? Top 3 places food guy — why would you delete the same post earlier????

  38. Productivity said:

    Just a thought, you might be better off spending your time eating and writing reviews than deleting comments (some of them completely relevant).

    Maybe you should lay out some rules instead of arbitrarily deleting comments so that your readers know what they can/cannot say

  39. food dude said:

    honest question.

    Good Guy,
    what gentlemans clubs have you eaten at and which do you reccomned. The egg salad at New York Dolls is amazing.

  40. Hot Dogs, Bananas, Cucumbers, Sausages, Kielbasas, Shish Kabobs, Kumquats said:

    those are all of my favorite foods!!!!!

  41. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Productivity and the rest of the idiot posters whose comments have been deleted:

    You want rules? You got it.

    Here’s when you shouldn’t post on my site:

    1) Your comment has sexual connotations
    2) Your comment is making fun of posters who actually contribute to a constructive and productive food conversation

    There you have it, nice and easy for all you dimwits. I have no faith in the ability of any of you morons to uphold these.

    Thanks,
    NYC Food Guy

  42. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Food Dude,

    I haven’t eaten at any Gentleman’s Clubs in this city.

    King Krab,

    I’ve only eaten King Crab twice in Manhattan. Once was at Smith and Wollensky’s and it was amazing and expensive.

    The other time was at Georgia’s Eastside BBQ on a Sunday, $25 for a plate of 4 big claws, some butter sauce, and some old bay seasoning. Pretty damn delicious. You can also get $28 all you can eat ribs. Make it happen. Here’s my review of Georgia’s.

  43. the MEAT man said:

    I’m sorry NYCFG. I think my love for MEAT is a bit out of control.

    I will never make a post like that again in my life. I will only talk about real food from now on.

  44. the MEAT man said:

    NYCFG – do you like your fries with manonaise?

  45. man of meat said:

    yo MEAT man — do u eat street meat?

  46. joselyn said:

    katz deli is the best around!

  47. stephanie said:

    is ziggis even that good? it just looks greasy and only hammered idiots eat there.

  48. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Meat Man,

    No worries. Thanks. I rock the fries with mayo once in a while, only if it’s provided as one of a few sauces, mix in some ketchup, you’ve got Russian, which is great with everything.

    Joselyn,

    Katz’s deli is indeed one of the best around. Does anything else compare in your book?

  49. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Stephanie,

    Funny you ask. It is greasy but it is delicious. Don’t go expecting culinary greatness, go for exactly what I tell you, excellent fries and some mozzarella sticks. Drunken idiots do go there on weekends, but where don’t they go in Murray Hill? You’ll enjoy Ziggiz too after a few drinks. Stick with the fries and you’ll be okay. The burritos are okay as well if you’re feeling bold.

  50. Ulla said:

    Paint me impressed. I can not believe all the comments.
    I promise to make a pilgrimage to my local taco truck after a night of drinks tomorrow….

  51. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Ulla,

    Ha, good stuff. Which truck do you think you’ll be hitting up?
    I know you grew up in mid-state, do you know about an island in the Hudson that is nice to hang out at in the summer?

  52. Doctor Dyspepsia said:

    My compliments on your wise decision to impose some discipline to the discourse. Sometimes the third-graders need to be told to shut up and go to their rooms.

    And that Carnegie burger looks way too good to be real at $4. Times like these make me sorry I don’t live or work in Manhattan.

    Doc

  53. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Doc-

    You said it man. Do what we gotta do. The Carnegie Burger was simply burger bliss. No frills, no fancy stuff, just a charcoal grilled and griddled beef patty on a fluffy roll with a thick slice of American and L & T. Pretty damn near perfect.

    What would be the best fries to eat with it?

  54. Taco gal said:

    I am loving your blog. It’s eleven at night and I’m hungry again and your pictures of tacos and things that ooze with american cheese are really firing me up. I love mexican food but haven’t tried any of your suggestions…yet, but I’ll get to work starting with the taco truck on 8th Ave and 14th St. I tried the taco truck that is down in Soho, I think it’s near Prince and Greene. It was great but totally not authentic and not super cheap either. Worth trying though.

    I do truly love both tacos and american cheese and Jack in the Box has a taco with both. It’s embarrassing but true that I consider myself a taco connoisseur and still find the Jack in the Box taco so satisfying.

    NYC Food Guy, what is your favorite food? Do you yearn for something like I yearn for tacos?

  55. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Taco Gal,

    There is no shame in finding fast food satisfying, it’s a guilty pleasure if anything, when you start going there instead of real places, that’s when you have a problem.

    That being said, thanks for the kind words about my site. It has been a lot of fun since I started, immensely rewarding, a lot more than I could have imagined.

    After you hit some of the other taco trucks, please let me know how it compared to the SoHo one (which I’ve never actually been to). Have you had tacos upstairs at La Esquina? They’re excellent. Their quesadilla is filled with oxaca cheese and is delicious as well.

    Have you been to the Red Hook Ball Fields? It’s amazing. I don’t know authentic Latin American food, but after eating there in consecutive weekends last summer, I can’t imagine anything more authentic in this area. Check out my FLICKR pics for a peek. That starts up again in May.

    My favorite food is pizza because I can eat it every meal, anytime of day, probably everyday, it’s different everywhere. That being said, I don’t yearn for it the way you do for tacos. I love so many different foods, I can’t say I yearn for one. As far as yearning for a meal though, I’d probably go with Houston’s: Burger, Fries, Ribs, Salad, Brownie Sundae. I’m in heaven. You can see my review of that meal here.

    What other favorite foods do you yearn for? Are you from NY?

  56. Taco Gal said:

    My eyes almost burst out of my head when I saw the pictures of Pampano Taqueria, I will be there as soon as I can possibly get there. It sounds amazing. I’d heard of it before, but I live and work downtown so I would have to make a special trip to Midtown mid-day to get there so I was being lazy. Not anymore. Your pictures convinced me that Pampano must be tried immediately.

    I have yet to try the Red Hook Ball Fields food. And I don’t think it matters if it’s authentic as long as it tastes good. I love Mexican Radio in Soho and it’s pretty far from being authentic. The flavors are great though and they have a ton of good hot sauce to try. You should give it a shot sometime soon. It’s right next to La Esquina, which I tried but wasn’t in love with.

    Saw your review of Bleecker Street Pizza. I live right around the corner and it’s incredible. They actually put parmigiano-reggiano in the tomato sauce which makes it incredible. I always wondered what made their pizza so great and that explained it. You recommended Pizza Box which I’ve never bothered to try, I will now though.

    So to answer your question I also yearn for thai food. Much like your drunken noodle tour I have been on a quest to find the best pad thai and I haven’t really found anything spectacular yet. I’m disappointed more often than impressed. They do have great drunken noodles at Galanga on West 4th Street though. You should try it and let me know if your tastes truly line up with mine.

  57. Raj said:

    Genius tips. I have been to a couple of these places and now need to enjoy the rest.

    Keep doing what you are doing. This is a great service to foodies.

  58. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Raj,

    Thanks brother. You have any beef with any of these places? Some are definitely better than others. What’s next on your list?

    Thanks for the kind words, have you had any great meals lately?

  59. Entertainer said:

    I did Super Tacos last week. Exceptional tacos. They had a good salsa that doesn’t taste store bought but homemade.

    Been to Big Daddy’s diner several times. While I love the decore, the food can be hit and miss. The fried chicken was great but their foot long hot dogs was short on flavor. The tater tots definitely made up for the shortcomings of the hotdog.

  60. The NYC Food Guy said:

    @Entertainer,

    Big Daddy’s is okay, not as great as it could be. The place overall is a little intense but I respect the fact that the Gramercy location is 24 hours on weekends. I don’t know why the UES spot isn’t.

    Super Tacos is awesome but I think the El Idolo Truck on 14th and 8th Ave is better. Have you tried it yet?

  61. Entertainer said:

    Haven’t done El Idolo yet. I’ve seen the crowd around there. Any one thing you would recommend?

  62. The NYC Food Guy said:

    @Entertainer,

    Al Pastor all the way.

  63. Tuck Shop: The Great Aussie Bite « NYC Food Guy said:

    […] MORE CHEAP LATE NIGHT EATS Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Australian Bush tucker: Lets put on a barbieOIC 1st anniversary at Tuck Shop […]

  64. Alexandra Bruskoff said:

    Dear New York Food Guy,
    My husband and I are both big fans of your site for your endless search for the best NYC has to offer! I recently launched my own on-line cookie company named Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams (www.alexandrascookiedreams.com) selling gourmet cookie gifts nationwide. As former New York City school teacher (I moved to Austin Texas last year for my husbands job), and to stay connected to children’s education, Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams donates a portion of all profits to Austin and New York City public schools. I would like to send you a sampling of our cookies for you to try.
    Thank you,
    Alexandra
    http://www.alexandrascookiedreams.com

  65. The NYC Food Guy said:

    Alexandra,

    Sounds great, I’ll shoot you an email. What do you miss most about NY food?

  66. NYC Cookies: 15 Cases of Tim Tams at Tuck Shop RIGHT NOW! « NYC Food Guy said:

    […] delicious dessert at Tuck Shop, where they specialize in Australian street food (nothing like the Halal Guys).  In fact, two of the best desserts I’ve ever had can only be found at Tuck Shop: […]

  67. NYC Cheap Eats: Luigi’s Delivers, Afghan Kebab House #1 Does Not « NYC Food Guy said:

    […] #1 Does Not By The NYC Food Guy NYC Food Guy’s M.O. is delicious and affordable. My cheap eats repertoire is strong. And in the current economic state, bang for your buck carries added importance. Chicken […]

  68. East Village Late Night Eats Part 1 (With One Out of Bounds 24-Hour Exception) | NYC Food Guy said:

    […] already done a comprehensive round up of cheap late night eats all over Manhattan but now it’s time to focus on the East Village, arguably Manhattan’s finest […]

  69. The End of NYC Food Guy’s Favorite Late Night Fries: Murray Hill Grease Pit “Ziggiz” Now Closes at 10PM | NYC Food Guy said:

    […] you’re still looking for some serious late-night eats check out these two posts: NYC Food Guy’s Comprehensive Cheap Late Night Eats East Village Late Night Eats Part […]

  70. Mike said:

    I tried the 53rd ST Halal guys, I went there with high expectations but it was no better than any of other Halal places in Manhattan. If you want to experience a Halal Cart that raises the bar to a level of art, you have to go to Astoria, the guys at Falafel King of Astoria make a phenomenal chicken and rice plate and have other excellent dishes.
    Its near the N train station in Astoria in front of a supermarket.

  71. Lana said:

    Thanks for the info 😉

  72. NYC Food Guy’s Favorite Late Night Dessert: Cookies and Cream Italian Ices at Led Zeppole | NYC Food Guy said:

    […] Related: NYC Food Guy Recommends…Cheap Late Night Eats […]

  73. NYC Food Guy Video: Cheap Late Night Eats Food Tour, West Village to East Village, Everything Under $10 | NYC Food Guy said:

    […] Related: NYC Food Guy recommends Cheap Late Night Eats…with one worthy exception […]

  74. Where to eat this weekend: Hecho en Dumbo for Upscale, Affordable Mexican Street Food | NYC Food Guy said:

    […] most flavorful of the three sopes (and my usual meat choice when ordering sopes at the El Idolo Truck), the crisp-edged, slightly spicy chorizo balanced nicely against the sharp […]

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    King krab

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  78. himahama owner of the cart said:

    i recomand you a better halal food cart very close to the clubs , good food , good price right on 14 street and 8 ave south west corner if you have the pass word you get a free drink with your meal :):) remember i am the owner try me

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