Places to Eat around the City
New Yorkers love to eat, and there is food available on every corner and at all times of the day or night. The problem isn't finding something to eat, but deciding what to choose! From mobile food vendors, to coffee chains, to world-class restaurants serving up cuisines from the four corners of the world, there is something to cater to every taste and budget.
Our new meeting app lists restaurants with locations and maps, and there are numerous other apps and websites which provide restaurant information and recommendations. Many restaurants have online menus where you can order in advance, either for delivery or pick-up, which is particularly useful at peak times.
To start you off, we have listed a few quick and reasonably priced options close to the conference hotels.
Coffee
New York runs on coffee, and there is a variety of coffee shops within walking distance of the meeting hotels. There are several Starbucks, as well as a Dunkin Donuts and a Tim Hortons. Delis and food carts are also worth a try, as they too sell coffee and can provide a fast cup of joe when you're on the go.
Fast Food and Chains
There are many options for a quick bite close to the conference hotels. The usual international fast food restaurants are all represented nearby. The Local Arrangements Committee recommends several chains, some local to New York, with multiple locations in the city. For burgers, try Shake Shack, now a national chain, but with its origins in Madison Square. Westville and Spice are small local chains; Westville specializes in fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared simply, while Spice has an extensive Thai menu. For more casual, counter-service options, Chipotle serves good-quality Mexican fast food and Pret A Manger has ready-made sandwiches, salads and soups. For vegetarian and vegan options, try Otarian or Maoz for falafels.
Delis and Diners
If you want to get away from the chains, there are several delis in the locale serving affordable sandwiches and salads. Diners also provide scrumptious-albeit at times greasy-food at reasonable prices, and will usually be open from breakfast to late-night dinner, with an extensive menu selection to match.
The Carnegie Deli (854 7th Ave at 55th St.) is an old-school New York delicatessen with huge portions and oversized sandwiches. It is on the tourist trail, so it can get very busy at peak times. Closer to the conference are the Stage Star Deli (105 W. 55th St. between 5th and 6th Ave.) and the W. 53rd Gourmet Deli, conveniently located right between the hotels (1301 6th Ave. at 53rd St.). Earnest Klein & Company International Supermarket is a grocery store which stays open late and has a large selection of prepared sandwiches, soups, and salads, while the Astro Restaurant (1361 6th Ave. between 55th and 56th St.) is a good diner option with a varied menu.
World cuisine
The meeting location is close to Koreatown, so this is a great opportunity to wander the neighborhood and experience a Korean meal during your stay. Bann Korean is a short walk away from the conference at 350 W. 50th St. (between 8th and 9th Ave.).
Benares (240 W. 56th St. between 8th and Bway.) serves moderately priced Indian dishes. For Japanese food and sushi, try the East Japanese Restaurant (253 W. 55th St. between 8th Ave. and Broadway). Guantanamera (939 8th Ave. between 55th and 56th St.) offers inexpensive authentic Cuban cuisine, a selection of rums, and dancing from Tuesdays to Sundays.
The Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien (119 W. 56th St. between 6th and 7th Ave.) is a tucked-away, but very popular, place for high-quality burgers and fries, so you should expect a wait at peak times. Enter through the lobby of Le Parker Meridien Hotel on 56th or 57th St. and go down the hallway with the neon hamburger sign.
Molyvos (871 7th Ave. between 55th and 56th St.) serves moderately-priced to expensive Greek food. The appetizers and salads make a reasonably priced lunch or dinner, and there is plenty of room for large groups. Uncle Nick's (747 9th Ave. between 50th and 51st St.) is another good, moderately-priced Greek option.
Finally, Famous Halal Guys (53rd St. and 6th Ave.) is a popular street cart serving chicken and rice. Don't forget to ask for plenty of the white sauce! For more information on restaurants further afield, and with a wider range of prices and menus, check out the dining guides in the AHA 2015 Almanack. Articles include:
- The Rise of the New York City Restaurant
- Dining Around the Conference
- Local Arrangements Committee Favorites
- Ethnic Flavors
- Dining in Style
- For Vegans and Vegetarians
- Historic NYC Restaurants