215051 Fri Oct 15 14:30:28 -0700 2004 19 18 Manhattan 0 1145125 Hello, Can you recommend a nice place to eat early dinner (5:30-6:30pm) near Union Square? My boyfriend and I love to go there for the farmer's market and to enviously ogle at other people's dogs at the park, but we have never been able to find a good place to eat in the vicinity of US(we usually head to EV or Chinatown for that). I will be going to the Union Square Theatre next week w/my mom however so we would like to grab a bite to eat beforehand not too far from 17th street. Please recommened a sit-down place, with good food (any cuisine really), and moderate (<$20/main) prices. Fri Oct 15 14:30:28 -0700 2004 0 Olga 1 1145128 It's kind of more East Village than Union Square, but what about Cacio e Pepe? (2nd between 11th and 12th) Link: http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=5591&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=0 Fri Oct 15 14:41:23 -0700 2004 1145125 0 Bowfinger 1 1145129 Try Republic - It's a bit noisy but it delish. and cheap. Also good is Steak Frites. Fri Oct 15 14:47:00 -0700 2004 1145125 0 LS 2 1145131 Republic is a good place for cheap Asian food but it's not something i'd describe as "nice." Fri Oct 15 14:53:18 -0700 2004 1145129 0 Bowfinger 3 1145145 Disagree. I think the food at Republic sucks, and it's a madhouse. But it is fairly cheap. Fri Oct 15 15:28:09 -0700 2004 1145131 0 AssociEat (formerly EatClerk) 4 1145189 it's very cheap! good drinks + i think it has really good food (it reminds me so much of wagamama in london) you just have to know what you're going there for. you're not there for authentic food or even amazing food. just a reasonably cheap, fun experience Fri Oct 15 17:10:51 -0700 2004 1145145 0 The Jumps 5 1145213 I think it might be affiliated with wagamama. they both have the same cute kid on the front of their menus Fri Oct 15 18:42:10 -0700 2004 1145189 0 MV 6 1145587 Sorry, but Republic is the cheap knock-off version of Wagamama. And while it LOOKS very similar, the TASTE leaves a lot to be desired... Tue Oct 19 11:11:43 -0700 2004 1145213 0 genghis 7 3347943 Republic: meh food, incredibly bad acoustics, and you may be seated at a 4-person table with another party of 2. That said, if you're there the spinach lime noodles are pretty good. Wed Jan 30 08:41:21 -0800 2008 1145587 37051 squishface 6 3349205 Interesting. I was at the Wagamama in Amsterdam and I remember that Republic kid. Pretty decent bowl of noodles, I have to say. Wed Jan 30 13:11:56 -0800 2008 1145213 154121 GoddessofFood 1 1145132 There is a decent sit down Cuban spot on 17th street west of union square called Havana Central. I've just had the cuban sandwiches and plantains but there are other main dishes on the menu. Fri Oct 15 15:00:08 -0700 2004 1145125 0 ds 1 1145134 A few places within easy walking distance that might fit the bill: Casa Mono(Irving & 17th) or Bar Jamon (next door) Via Emilia (PAS and 19th) Cafe Amiana (3rd and approx 19th) Pain Quitodien (19th bet bwy and PAS) A little further up, Bao Noodles (22 & 2nd). Fri Oct 15 15:07:42 -0700 2004 1145125 0 skigirl 1 1145180 I'm a fan of Cafe Spice, the Indian place a few blocks south of Union Square on University. Fri Oct 15 16:50:23 -0700 2004 1145125 0 eeee 2 1145664 I second the Cafe Spice recommendation. I'm sure it is not authentic, but it is cheap and satisfying. I'm partial to the chicken pad thai and the warm duck salad. Tue Oct 19 16:15:09 -0700 2004 1145180 0 Desidero 3 3348028 i think you are talking about spice, http://spicenyc.net/university.html cafe spice is an indian restaurant that does not serve pad thai Wed Jan 30 09:01:00 -0800 2008 1145664 131674 Whatsgood 2 3348873 I like Cafe Spice a lot. Their dosas are not so hot, but their curries are very good. Wed Jan 30 12:05:02 -0800 2008 1145180 10473 melon 1 1145195 I just started working in the Union Square area, and I found great resources for places to eat on starchefs.com. Chop't is a reliable, albeit expensive spot for salads, and Ennju is recommended for sushi. Check it out at http://www.starchefs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=36 Fri Oct 15 17:26:27 -0700 2004 1145125 0 greekgoddess 1 1145496 Devi just opened on 18th btwn brdwy and 5th. It's got some of the best indian cuisine i've ever tasted. Beautiful atmosphere too. Mon Oct 18 19:47:12 -0700 2004 1145125 0 mads 2 3349659 I love Friend of a Farmer on Irving between east 18th & 19th. Great fare! www.hermanweb.us Wed Jan 30 14:51:55 -0800 2008 1145496 137778 skepner169 1 3349801 How about Chat n' Chew on 16th, 1/2 an avenue west of Union Sq? Pretty good mac n' cheese and other comfort foods and it's very cheap. I don't think they have an entree over $20. Wed Jan 30 15:26:18 -0800 2008 1145125 161436 mepm231