Current Favorite Dish/Item for Less than $10?

[ronoc]

Sometimes it seems like every post is about Eleven Madison Park, WD-50, or cheeseburgers. So in the interest of getting a new discussion going, what is your current favorite food item for less than $10 from a restaurant/stand/cart/etc anywhere in Manhattan? Even better if you just discovered it.

My current favorite is a surprisingly tasty steak sandwich from Mooncake Foods in Soho. It's $6.50 for a pretty big warm baguette with medium rare steak chunks, garlic dill mayo, a little bit of baby spinach, and roasted red and green peppers. One dollar more for cheese. Awesome.

[LFeinberg]

TOTALLY agree with your statement regarding Eleven Madison!!!
My fave would be the cheese chilaquiles at Tulcingo del Valle in Hell's Kitchen.

[chamorrofoodie]

Where exactly in Hell's Kitchen is Tulcingo del Valle? I would like to check it out.

[delikado]

It's on 10th between 46th and 47th...be sure to try the carnitas tacos!

[jsmitty]

i just said that about emp .. funny

[jsmitty]

if you can still find a hot dog cart with fresh knishes. a knish opened up with mustard and sauerkraut.. the only way to eat them. the last time i had that was a cart by south street seaport. $2.00

also like the pretzel bread at city bakery....couple dollars
grays papaya of course with the crunchy onions a dollar
lenny's tankatsu chicken cutlet very good about 7 dollars
mamouns fallafel 2 dollars

[harrison]

The homemade tagliatelle with shrimp, cabbage, and sheep's cheese at Celeste. I think it's $9.50.

[Andrew P.]

Combo platter, extra white, extra hot at the Cart (53rd and 6th)

2 tacos (pretty much any kind - though carne enchilada and pollo con mole stand out in my mind) at Downtown Bakery (1st ave and 4th st)

Chili with fresh corn tortillas at Paquito's (1st ave and 9th st)

Falafel pita at Cafe Rakka (st. mark's place and 1st ave)

[hilarrrrious]

I COMPLETELY agree with the combo platter, but for those who aren't used to hot sauce should go easy on the hot. The white sauce is awesome, though.

[kobetobiko]

I am going to get bashed by this as this also comes up frequently:

Banh Mi / Steamed Pork Buns@ Momofuku Ssam for $9.
Also:
Banh Mi @ Nicky's
Truffled Egg Toast @ ino $7
Miso Ramen (add butter and corn) @ Rai Rai Ken $9 (?)
Chicken wings @ Tebaya
Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki @ Otafuku $8
Fried Egg Sandwich with Bacon and Gorgonzola @ 'wichcraft $6.25
Chili @ Daisy May's Cart
Suckling Pig on Rice @ NY Noodletown $7
Scrambled Eggs On Toast with Mushrooms @ 202 Chelsea $12 (ok, slightly over, but this is toooo goood!)
Gnocchi (side dish) @ Hearth $9
Any burger @ Shake Shack
Any Naan Bread with curry sauce (haven't seen one more than $10)

Adding desserts:
Cream Puffs @ Bread Papa
Olive Oil Gelato @ Otto

[pellegrino31]

Great thread!

My latest is a sandwich from Lamazou's - proscuitto, fresh mozzerella, pesto on ciabatta. About $6.

[rose water]

nobody ever mentions lamazou around here. it was a favorite of mine when i worked in the area. the sandwiches are fresh, flavorful and tasty. my favorite was the smoked salmon, with thin sliced red onion, capers, cornichons, and a delicious lemon oil sauce.

other favorites (not in order):
--hummous at moustache. does the grilled chicken over lentil puree sneak in under $10?
--double burger with lettuce and tomato at shake shack
--arepitas at caracas arepas
--a small gelato at il laboratorio di gelato, with one scoop each of two different flavors
--banh mi spicy no mayo at saigon banh mi
--fresh ricotta from calabria pork store (arthur ave, bronx), topped with golden reserve honey from blue ribbon bakery, topped with coarse sea salt and herbs de provence from citarella
--spicy beef bing
--mochi at momofuku ssam
--blackstone eggs at mogador
--ronnybrook farms peach yogurt drink, or their plain yogurt, with (sneaking a non-current, but can't wait for a couple months from now) cucumbers from norwich meadows farms mixed in (tompkin sq on sundays, and union sq on some days)
--pakoras, rose lassi at spicy mina's (oh, man--now that i'm on that outside manhattan tangent, i'll also throw in the dal fry)
--kelewele at florence's
--misir wett at zoma
--rugelach at lee lee's

[Pan]

I didn't know where Lamazou was, so I looked it up:

370 3rd Av. between 26th and 27th.

[rose water]

Thanks, Pan. It's a little shop, with an eclectic assortment of Middle Eastern canned goods and gourmet crackers and the like, great meats and cheeses, good soup, and great sandwiches on sullivan st ciabatta. Staff is lovely. It's right next door to a large-ish bakery with a roly poly baker statue outside. I haven't worked there in years, but it's my fondest food memory of the area. Well, that and the spinach pie at the Bellevue Hospital diner/cafe :)

[emilia]

hooray for fun threads!

-La Jardinera arepa at Caracas Arepa bar, it's around $5.

also, i can't help myself:
-Vegetarian meatballs w/ green rice at Rice w/ extra sweet sauce, for $8. I am a sucker for this place as one of my favorite comfort foods.
-Miso ramen at Rai Rai Ken $9
-Sliced fish and Thousand Yr Old Egg congee @ Congee Village - $2.50
-Israeli press toast @ Press Toast w/ zaatar, egg white, olives, ketchup - i know it sounds gross but it's delish. - $4
-dukbokgi at Kunjip in k-town - $7

and to end w/ something sweet:
-kyotofu - original sweet tofu w/ black sugar syrup and dried apricot - $7

[princeofpork]

Cuban sandwich at Sophies on 42 and Lex

[kobetobiko]

Finally found a company who likes Thousand Yr Old Egg! Great Choice!

[ballulah]

OHMYGOSH!!! The veggie meat balls from Rice are one of my all time favorite things to eat ever! (But I like mine with the spicy sauce and brown rice. Haha.) I have my office hooked on them now by telling people they taste like miniature warm savory donuts!

[ballulah]

My new favorite thing I re-discovered after seeing Iggy Pop and the Stooges on Monday night. I was playing tour guide in my uptown neighborhood to my downtown friends, and after the show we were all starving, beer soaked and tipsy, and I eschewed Malecon and El Conde right across the street from the venue, for Mambi. I hadn't had one of their sandwiches in years, but I swear they were better than I remembered. It was two blocks north of the venue and about 200% less mobbed. Everyone's jaw dropped to the counter when waitress brought us 4 fantastic and enormous Cuban sandwiches and asked us $13. Everyone looked confused for a second and asked each other, "Each?" And the waitress said, "The whole thing."

Yup. $3.25 for the best Cuban sandwich I've had in a long long time. 177th and Broadway.

[pixee22]

Mambi, huh? May have to check them out. I am a huge Malecon fan though.

[mr_seabass]

Definitely Seafood Soon Dubu at Seoul Garden

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/38525...

I dream about it!!

[windycity]

Mmm. Great question. Tonkatsu ramen at Menkuitei (E. Village location) - $7.75. Always a favorite.

For dessert, a $5-6 tart from Payard.

I'm going to have to try the banh mi @ Nicky's and Momofuku.

[Drew E]

My favorite under-$10 is what I call 'the trinity' at Mee Noodle House, 53rd and 9th ave. Vegetable Hot & Sour Soup w/ Cellophane Noodles, $1.65; Scallion Pancakes, $1.95 and Cold Sesame Noodles, $1.95. That's $5.55, not for one dish, but a very good meal. The soup alone is more than enough to satisfy a 'small' eater.

[billyeats]

Chicken Bing or Banana Bing (or both) - $1.63 each
at Roll & Dough - W. 3rd St near 6th Ave.

[emgoodman]

Vegetable/cabbage bing for me. Love them!

[Simon]

unagi/avocado salad 7.50 -- Natori

lamb gyro over rice 4.25 -- Rafiqi's cart (Broadway/9thSt)

Indian food from the taxi place on First St.

dried scallop and ginkgo nut congee -- XO Kitchen (Hester St location)

[nyufoodie]

Bahn mi @ Saigon Bakery or Nicky's below $4.oo each

Beef Satay and Roti Canai Appetizer @ Nyonya $ 4 to 6 each

Egg Salad and BLT Sandwich from Panya's Bakery $3 more or less

Coffee Eclair - Patisserie Claude - $2.75

Burger Joint Burger @ Le Parker Meridien Hotel - $ 5.50

[nativeNYer]

excellent post! thanks! approximately 3 hours ago, i was thinking about posting a request for favorite snack ideas as i am becoming bored with my favorites. but this post is even better!

kobetbiko beat me to a number of my favorites but here are some not already listed:
1. gougeres - artisanal
2. dosas or utthappam at saravanaas
3. risotto (tons of varieties) at risotteria
4. wonton in hot parsley sauce - yummy house E 3rd and 12 although not as good last time
5. mac and cheese - blue smoke
6.pizza bianca - sullivan st bakery
7. scallion pancakes - ivy's cafe or our place
8. steak nachos - noche mexicana (huge mound of nachos with more great steak than you can eat for < $8)
9. . mac and cheese - s'mac
10. fried dumpling (chicken or pork)- china fun
11. onion loaf - dallas bbqs (w166 st location near columbia's med school has the sweetest onions)

i'll keep thinking as i'm sure i'm forgetting lots. again, great post!!!! thanks! that steak sandwich sounds amazing.

[ow77]

The Indian taxi place is called Punjab Deli, or simply, Punjabi. and yes, it's great.

Some of my favorites:
Quarter dark at Chicken Kitchen 2nd Ave @ 62nd. About $3.50.
Achat Salad at Jaya (Malaysian on Baxter St) $5.50

[bigjeff]

wooo, I just happened to have ordered one. the best.

[bigjeff]

I always like the fried pierogies at Stage Restaurant (next to Stomp) near St Marks Place. A full order is $7 and I think a dozen is just under $10. You have to pay extra for delicious apple sauce and sour cream, but these are the best; I usually get the meat ones but their other ones are quite good, and you can mix them. nicest people as well and they've got great bread.

[MWinston]

Went here for dinner on this recommendation. I am in utter post-meal bliss. I got the Full Order of 7 perogies and told the extremely Eastern-European girl that I wanted to try all 4 types. She recommended getting them fried so I did. I had them topped with the sweetest oozing fried onions. Unlike the usually noodle-y perogies I've had in the past these were more of a deep fried breading. Absolutely delicious and filling. I will absolutely return. $7.50

[Pan]

I'm very surprised she recommended getting fried pierogies. I never heard of anyone Polish getting anything but boiled.

[bigjeff]

both are good but hey, you can't deny the goodness of a fried starch wrapper! after all, the restaurant is on second avenue in NYC! (although there is a lovely grandma in the back doing all the frying).

[Pan]

I'll stick with boiled, thank you. Not sure what point you're making about the location.

[bigjeff]

i just mean that tradition notwithstanding, and especially in this ukrainian hood, of course there'll be variation. nobody said they were polish anyway although I always thought they were, and in this ukrainian hood, who knows? after all, they said the people who worked the ukrainian national home were polish! regardless, it's all delicious and anyway, we're in the ultimate fusion land so that's whatcha get; the waitress may just be recommending in terms of what the customers enjoy.

[Pan]

I've never heard of Ukrainians having fried varenniki either, not that I can think of. I don't mean to suggest there's anything wrong with liking them that way, though!

[bigjeff]

another is a pair (or triplet) of tongue tacos from Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen (10th and west 48th street). $2 each, freshly made, hot off the grll and they have a little DIY salsa/crema stand at the counter. great right there, decent to go.

[delikado]

Had their carnitas con salsa verde platter yesterday for $9, it brought tears to my eyes.

[Hanachan]

* pomme frites Can't remember how much but it's def under $10
* pork buns from mei la weh 60 cents

and for dessert, cream puff from beard papa

[ballulah]

Pomme Frites I think is $4 or $4.50 for a regular!

[cimui]

Mmm, I like this thread! My faves:

Dosas at Chennai Garden ($7.95)
Bhel vada at Chennai Garden ($3.95)
Arepas at Flor's Kitchen ($3-5)
Any of the chaat at Sukhadia's (about $4)
Homemade kitsune udon at Onigashima ($9)
Mofongo at Cafe con Leche ($5.95)
Gorditas from the taco truck at 97th ($3; one is enough for a full meal)
8 tiny steamed pork soup buns for at New Green Bo ($4.25)
large steamed buns at the bakery around the corner from the Grand/Chrystie St. subway stop (northwestern corner) for $1 each
Goi cuan go (chicken summer roll) or goi ga (chicken salad) at Saigon Grill for about $5, each.
Shwarma platter on the corner of 53rd and broadway, east side of the street (I don't think this is the really famous one, is it?) ($5)
Lahambajin pitza (lamb pizza) at Moustache for ($8)

And this last one isn't UNDER $10, but it's exactly $10: the free range rabbit and ginger sausage at Ivo & Lulu.

[piccola]

Off the top of my head:

Taro bun or veggie bing from Roll and Dough
Moroccan eggs from Café Mogador
Vegetarian congee from Congee Village
Vegan huevos rancheros from Bright Food Shop
Falafel or roasted carrot salad from Taim
Banana pancakes at Cowgirl
Mushroom pierogis at that Ukrainian restaurant on 1st (NOT Veselka)

[joe_restaurant]

matzoh ball soup - katz
smoked salmon bagel - russ and daughters
1/2 sour pickles - gus'
grilled corn - cafe habana
goat cheese and pomegranite syrup - cafe gitane
strawberry gelato - ciao bella
devils on horseback - freemans
blue balls - marshall stack

[vinogirl212]

Pretzel croissant from City Bakery - I crave these!
Hummus from Hummus Place

I'm limiting myself to 2 contributions, I went with the first 2 that came to mind.

[ballulah]

I am SO with you on the pretzel croissant. I resisted trying one for almost a year, because I just KNEW. A co-worker brought me one that was still warm last week (I was a pretzel croissant virgin until then), and I've had 4 since.

[bigjeff]

and of course, you two are not the only fans!

http://www.pretzelcroissant.com/

[jsmitty]

i wrote the same up thread

[cimui]

Moroccan eggs sound intriguing. What are they?

[emilia]

if i remember correctly, at mogador they're poached or baked eggs served w/ a nice warm pita, hot harissa sauce, and a side of tangy tabouleh.
very yummy, and quite healthy too.
which reminds me, i wanted to add to my list - the Tunisian Eggs at Public brunch - a bowl of 2 baked eggs topped with a berbere butter and creamy yogurt - and a thick slice of sourdough. $9. add a $4(?) side of quinoa hash browns and you're set. :)

[cimui]

Oh my goodness--that does sound wonderful--esp. the quinoa has browns! Thanks for the explanation.

[Pan]

"Moroccan eggs from Café Mogador"

Good one! I love those! The Middle Eastern Eggs are also good.

Thanks for the mushroom pierogies recommendation; I'll try those.

[rose water]

That reminds me--the peirogie shop on 1st Ave and 8th St has fantastic sauerkraut and mushroom perogies...and the great aroma of comforting home cooking, which has always made me hopeful that their other wares are also great.

[weetara]

The $1.50 "cheese rock" at Big Booty Bread Co. on 23rd street and 8th ave--hard on the outside, deliciously cheesy and bready on the inside! Apparently they're made with yuca flour and queso blanco. I just discovered them last week and am completely addicted.

weetara
http://yogblogusa.blogspot.com

[bigjeff]

woo! these are like the colombian or brazilian pandebono found all over the city, but esp. in jackson heights and corona . . . . I just had two the other day . . . so damn good.

[weetara]

I believe that the owner of Big Booty is Colombian-American...

[nativeNYer]

i went for the first time last night. it is an adorable place and the cheese rock was good, warmed up. they are really nice in there. i will go back to taste more items. it's a great bakery idea.

[janethepain]

Inspired by your post, I stopped by on my way to work and ordered this cheese rock... and I will probably be back for many more. Man this is good - chewy inside with cheesy taste even though there (luckily) aren't bits of oily cheese in there. It's like a secret cheese. The other stuff looked good too, I can't believe I've never stopped in here before.

[ronoc]

Wow, this is making me hungry. Since everyone went with a list instead of restraining themselves, I want to add a couple more of my neighborhood favorites:

Mixed chicken and lamb on a pita with white and hot sauce at any Rafiqi's cart - $4

Any two mantou (steamed Chinese bread) sandwiches from Province Canteen in Tribeca (I like one black pepper chicken and one braised pork shoulder) - $7.50

Mole poblano chicken enchiladas from Lupe's East LA Kitchen in Soho - $9

[Desidero]

Taramasalata @ Snack
Sun dried tomato walnut bruschetta @ 'ino
Lentil soup @ Moustache
Tomato soup @ Bread
Bananas Foster @ Freeman's
Curry chicken noodle soup with egg noodles @ Bo-Ky
Sesame & beef pancake @ Dumpling House
Hazelnut gelato @ Cones
Caulliflower pizza @ Grandaisy Bakery
Cocada @ Caracas Arepa Bar
Spicy beef Lanzhou noodles @ Super Taste
Key lime pie @ Billy's Bakery
Tempura green beans @ Red Cat
Pain au chocolat @ Patisserie Claude
Cheeseburger with the works @ Burger Joint
Chocolate chip cookie @ Levain Bakery

[JoLi]

I'm intrigued by your "spicy beef lanzhou noodles" post. Where is Super Taste?

[Desidero]

26 Eldridge St. just south of Canal.

[bigjeff]

their steamed dumplings are good too and quite cheap, I think 10 for $3 so you could have both the hand-pulled spicy beef noodles plus the dumplings for under $10

[JungMann]

1. Pork and scallion or spicy beef bings at Roll & Dough.
2. Spicy tofu salad at Fairway (so amazing I have it once a week now)
3. Fried minibuns at Moon House
4. Tacos de orejas and lengua from the taco truck on 14th and 8th
5. Dozen oysters from Lobster Place at Chelsea Market
6. Chicharon bulaklak at Dragonfly
7. Fatty tea sandwiches and quail egg shooters at Fatty crab
8. Big Nick's Sumo burger (great deal!!!)
There are definitely wonderful ways to get through your day here for less than $10.

[jon]

a few more...

1. falafel with everything at alfanoose
2. chili at daisy may's cart
3. roti rolls at roomali
4. hummus or spanicopita at ethos
5. chendgu in broth at wu liang ye
6. bombolini at a voce
7. black and white at otto
8. bratwurst sandwich at financier

i could go on...

[hopalong]

whoa didn't mean to make such a long list but once i started it took on a mind of its own...

soup dumplings at joe's shanghai
burger and a beer at corner bistro
roast pork with mai fun noodles at any number of chinatown joints
a hot dog and a market side (i'm partial to the brussel sprouts) from westville
a conchinita pebil toco, a grilled corn and a mandarin jaritos at la esquina
beef soon doobu at li hua on grand st
blt on challah from graydog
beef pho or pork with vermacelli from pho bang
bbq ham sandwich at RUB
paperdelle with sausage and spicy tomato sauce at pepe rosso
hot italian sausage sandwich with mustard that they grill outside on grand st in little italy during the summer
a good deli egg and cheese with salt pepper and ketchup
black and white milkshake from emack and bolios on houston

[bigjeff]

not just the market sides at westville (and "eastville") but . . .

mama's veggie plate comes in at $9; I like the roast turnips, beets, and sprouts

[Aiceegray]

Oh dear. Where do I begin?

-$2.50 - Falafel & Hummus on pita at Mamoun's
-Sapa Happy Hour features items such as $1 oysters and the following items are all $2 or $3: Potato Knish with Caviar, Duck Confit Steambun (served taco style), mini steak sandwiches on brioche, FREE warm chocolate chip cookies at end of meal if you know to ask.
-Many of the Soups at K-town, especially the Ka-Jang Tang (Spicy Stewed Pork Ribs and potatos) at Kunjip and the Chigae with Squash, potato and bean paste at Cho-Dong Gol--all under $10
-Choice of 3 tacos for $8 at lunch at the Pampano Taco Stand
-And let's not forget...a WHOLE chicken at Peruvian Restaurant Pio Pio for $8 that comes with a lovely green sauce

[jthefoodie]

Do you guys have approximate prices for these, Desidero, JungMann, Jon and hopalong? It's so helpful, thanks!

[hopalong]

sure here you go:

soup dumplings at joe's shanghai- $6.50
burger and a beer at corner bistro- $8.75 approx
roast pork with mai fun noodles at any number of chinatown joints- usually about $5
a hot dog and a market side (i'm partial to the brussel sprouts) from westville- $8 for two hebrew nationals and a side
a conchinita pebil toco, a grilled corn and a mandarin jaritos at la esquina -$3, $2, $2.50
beef soon doobu at li hua on grand st - $7.95
blt on challah from grey dog- $7.50
beef pho or pork with vermacelli from pho bang- $4.50, $4.95
bbq ham sandwich at RUB -$8.75
paperdelle with sausage and spicy tomato sauce at pepe rosso- $10.95 (just a little over the limit)
hot italian sausage sandwich with mustard that they grill outside on grand st in little italy during the summer- i think about $4.00
a good deli egg and cheese with salt pepper and ketchup -usually about $2.50
black and white milkshake from emack and bolios on houston- prob about $5

[hopalong]

have a new addition to my list - went to wondee siam in hell's kitchen the other night and their Nam Sod with ground pork definitely makes it into my top dished under $10 (it comes in at $7.50). cant wait to try the rest of the items on their menu!

[JungMann]

1. Pork and scallion or spicy beef bings at Roll & Dough. - $1.50 each
2. Spicy tofu salad at Fairway (so amazing I have it once a week now) - $2.99
3. Fried minibuns at Moon House - $2.99 for 8
4. Tacos de orejas and lengua from the taco truck on 14th and 8th - $2 each
5. Dozen oysters from Lobster Place at Chelsea Market - $10 depending on type
6. Chicharon bulaklak at Dragonfly - $7.95
7. Fatty tea sandwiches and quail egg shooters at Fatty crab - $6 and $5
8. Big Nick's Sumo burger - $9.25 for a giant 1lb+ burger
ALSO wanted to add
9. Spicy redneck hotdog at Crif Dogs - $4.25
10. Sea scallops with artichoke puree, yuzu mayo and salmon caviar at Alta - $9 for 2

[JoLi]

Dozen oysters for less than $10???? Really?

[brzinnyc]

dan dan noodles from szechuan international on 24th: $4.50

[delikado]

Any of the bocadillos from Despana - $8
Side of mac and cheese from Porter House - $9
Oxtail soup from Pam Real Thai - $10.95 (it's worth the extra 95 cents!)

[nokitsch]

Chicken doner sandwich at Zeytuna
Shwarma at Mamoun's (when they make it good)
Soupy dumplings at Goody's

[maxine]

Meatloaf sandwich at Witchcraft
Veggie chilie at Karen's on Astor
Any dosa at Hampton's Chutny
Peruvian pork tamale at Mancora
Mac and Cheese at Cirty Backery
Aloo Paratha at Cafe Spice
Pasta a la Ragu at Frank

[piccola]

What makes Karen's veg chili special? I'm always looking for exceptional veggie options.

[maxine]

Karen's uses TVP (I think thats what its called: texured veggie protien) and has a meaty teaxture (as the name suggests), so I, a non-vegitarian, do not miss the heartyness that comes with meat chili.

[piccola]

Thanks, I'll make sure to try it when I'm in the area.

[persimmon]

Mac and cheese at SMAC (esp. Manchego and fennel)
Yin Yang icecream at Mary's Dairy
the infamous city bakery pretzel croissant
pistachio cupcakes from sugar sweet sunshine
those pancake/veggie sandwiches at Dumpling house -- $1.50!
the fattoush from Cindarella falafel (new addiction.)

[ballulah]

persimmon, is the Cinderella you're talking about the one just by St. Mark's on Second? I was just there the other day late after a show, and I brought home a bunch of really weird, not quite tasty rosewater flavored pastries. The falafel was pretty good, though! If this is the place you mean, I'll have to give the fattoush a try the next time I'm stuck at Webster Hall after midnight on a school night! Pass on the rosewater pastries, though.

[persimmon]

yup -- that's the one!

[maxine]

Let me know what you think of it when you do.

[bolletje]

Anything from Dumpling house on Eldridge street ($1or $2)
Chinese bakery snacks from anywhere in chinatown ($0.50-$2)
wonton noodle Soup from New Wonton Garden ($3.50)
Spicy pork bing from Roll and Dough ($1.90)
Falafel from Ta'im ($4.50)
over-rice dishes from New Green Bo are suprisingly amazing (less than $4)
Large soup and piece of bread from Medina, fills you up for the whole day ($6.50)

[hungry_fox]

Almost anything on the menu of Tia Pol or Yakitori Taisho that is under $10.00 is amazing. Not so much with Yakitori Taisho but I know with Tia Pol there're very few things on the menu at all that're over $10.00. Also Raj Mahal on the east side between 1st Ave and Avenue A has a really delicious personalized dinner platter, with appetizer and dessert for only $8.95. But the simple fact is, in NYC the best food item for under $10.00 has always and will always be a slice of pizza.

[GetOutTheMapGuy]

Fig and Cheese Empanada from Empanada Mama on 9th and 50th (?) ...3 bucks

[maxine]

Just tried the grilled chedder with ham and pear at whichcraft and must add it to my previous list.

[pixee22]

My favorite sandwich right now! The grilled chicken with roasted red peppers and mozzarella is tasty too!

[Briek]

I love the grilled cheddar and ham at 'witchcraft! Good addition.

[chompchomp]

this thread is making me stupidly hungry. a few things to add to the fire -- the crispy pork at pam real thai, around $7; pork soup dumplings from New Yeah Shanghai Deluxe (I know, I know, I've yet to go to Joe's Shanghai) and frozen yogurt from Pinkberry.

[chamorrofoodie]

Falafel @ Azuri Cafe $5
Chocolate Banana Empanada @ Empanada Mama $3
Chocolate Chip Cookie @ Levain $3.50
Macarons @ Bouchon $2.50

Great topic - made me realize that I haven't even scratched the surface of what Manhattan has to offer foodwise!

[windycity]

Been to both Joe's and New Yeah. New Yeah has tastier soup dumplings with skins that hold up better. Plus it's cheaper.

I just got into the Pinkberry :( Both fortunately and unfortunately, since it's going to kill my grad student budget.

[bigjeff]

you should also check out the offerings at Moon House on the same block; really cheap, and quite good. their soup dumplings are only $3 or somthing like that, $6 or $7 with crab meat. and their "tiny" buns are not that tiny, basically sen-jian-bao; a bit too doughy, but delicious, and for $2, an insane deal.

[Josh M]

Momofuku Ssam's Banh Mi. Bouchon's Roast Beef sandwich. The cinnamon buns at 'wichcraft if you get them hot in the morning.

[Jel212]

Saigon Grill: Ga Sate #36 = best asian chicken dish I've ever had anywhere. And I'm a freak for asian food of all kinds.
Joe's Shanghai Soup Dumplings. Insanely good.
The burger at Mustang Grill on the UES of all things. Not a great place, but a fantastic burger!!

[marlie202]

Mamoun's falafel $2.50
B&H matzo ball soup with challah (or any soup $4.50)
Challah french toast Odessa $4.50
coffee egg cream at Ray's $1.00
I plan to check out the bings and dumplings as suggested here-
I make my own sandwiches and salads-nothing to post here about them-

[VirgoBlue]

Thanks so much for starting this thread ronoc! I am actually from the San Francisco Bay Area but visit NYC often and LOVE the food, especially the cheap eats.

I was there just there last week and I love Sapporo at 49th and Broadway. The shoyu ramen and rice plates are great. The ramen is just the best: flavorful, meaty, perfectly cooked noodles. I wish I had a bowl right now! And best of all, most dishes are less than 10 bucks.

I wish I'd known about Mooncake Foods during my last trip to NYC! Oh well, next time.

[jinet12]

My favorite is a combination plate at Mamouns with falfel, hummus, baba ganache, lamb, and pita...Pure bliss!

[ricky7]

anything from Chomp (2nd and 12th) especially the fried shrimp sandwich.
a few tacos from The Big Enchilada (12th and Univ)
The Pannini's from Bite (14th at 3rd ave)
shake shack and burger joint burgers of course

[persimmon]

I second Chomp. Chomp is a hidden treasure with $5 sandwiches. The fried shrimp sandwich has an amazing chili mayo on it.

[marlie202]

I just ate the fried shrimp sandwich from Chomp-it was good but not fantastic--with tax cost:$6.23

[ricky7]

all prices at Chomp were originally only 5 bucks. prices have gone up slightly but are definitely worth it. also their soup is great too. try the new england clam chowder. the chilli mayo is too hot for me so i go for the basic mayo. also when i was there last week co-owner told me they are moving soon to 14th street just west of 2nd avenue next to the kfc. will be alot bigger than current Chomp.

[Pan]

My first thought is the spicy Banh Mi Ga (roast chicken sandwich) at Banh Mi Saigon Bakery, Mott. St. between Hester and Grand. 2nd thought, the Roti Telur at Skyway, Allen St. between Division and Canal.

[eateryrow]

Simply put, there's simply nothing as satusfying as a plain slice of pizza from some place you picked at random while headed home or wandering around with nothing to do but wander.

[Polecat]

I'll take this powwow uptown, just for the hell of it:
- Chicharron de pollo at El Mundo Fried Chicken (Bway in the lower 190's)
- three slices of fried whiting on wheat bread with ketchup and tartar sauce at A Taste Of Seafood (125th and Madison - if it's still there, that is)
P.

[stuartlafonda]

On that note, you can't do better then Charles Southern Kitchen's $9.99 lunch buffet.

[windycity]

Now I'm thinking of desserts: I've never had rice pudding before but I had some caramel rice pudding from Rice to Riches recently and I can only say "mmmmm." Like textured, liquid flan, rich on the tongue. All for about $5. I love that NYC is so big that we can have all these specialty restaurants and there's enough people for these businesses to stay open and even thrive.

Mama's empanadas in queens- guava and cheese for under $3.

Lychee ice cream @ Chinatown ice cream factory - $5.50 for a pint. Haven't been there in a little while but I think prices might have gone up.

Otto gelato coppetta $9 - perfectly balanced textures and flavors, an exquisite symphony on the tongue.

[emilia]

hmmm. well, if we're gonna do desserts...

i DREAM of the desserts at kyotofu, especially the original sweet tofu w/ black sugar syrup.
~ $9? i also really love the ginger infused japanese rice okayu, which is delish for $9. and the crystal plum anmitsu.

for cheaper style, the almond tofu at Rai Rai Ken, the perfect $2 way to top off a stomach full of delish miso ramen for $8. reminds me of childhood old-skool desserts.

for my carby days, nutella panino at Bar Veloce topped with a vanilla gelato. Yumminess for appx $7.

and for full-on fat days, the banana bread pudding at Vespa. Toasted but soft, drizzled in that banana-soaked goodness.

i'm getting hungry.

[chocokitty]

I second Kyotofu. Even though it's $9 desserts, they're works of edible art! Even the photos I've taken of the food is too darn pretty.

Tina
http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com

[Briek]

Ronoc - per your recommendation, I had the Steak Sandwich from Mooncake Foods last night. I've eaten at Mooncake before, but I can't believe I've never tried this sandwich before!! It was really delicious. The steak was cooked perfectly and the garlic sauce was an excellent condiment on the sandwich - not too heavy. I will definitely be ordering this again. Have you tried their other sandwiches??

[ronoc]

Nope - I used to get the sliced steak plate or the shrimp on rice or a few other things there but I am completely obsessed with this sandwich now. It's awesome every time.

[bigjeff]

I always get that by default. the tunaburger is not that good, the pulled pork sandwich is not good at all, the braised beef shin w/ tortillas is not good, and the whitefish salad one is not nice either. the grilled chicken is boring as well. so by default, I've gotten the steak sandwich at least 28 out of 20 times. the best!

[jeannious]

Mooncake Foods is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! I adore the garlic-soy chicken wings, and the miso salmon entree! I've tasted the grilled pork chop sandwich as well - tastes like a vietnamese grilled pork chop in sandwich form!

Seriously, you MUST try the chicken wings !

[bigjeff]

ya the wings are good and sometimes, I like the shanghai short ribs (a super sticky version of korean kalbi) in a pinch. but time and time again, I just end up with the steak sandwich; it gets repetitive, but I can't help it! I've never had a steak sandwich that is not only hollowed out and slathered with their dill butter, but then overflowing with delicious steak! must be at least 10 or 12oz of seared wonder in there. I've also managed to perfect a copy of their jalapeno sauce after unsuccessfully trying to buy a pint of it for a party I was having. its an all-raw sauce, just blend together about 20 seeded jalapenos, maybe 1/4-cup or more of white vinegar, half of a large white onion, salt to taste, and a bit of oil slowly to emulsify.

[solarlane]

Wow...so many treats around town...excuse the repeats...most are downtown

Miso Tofu and Veggie curry at Soy on Suffolk between Rivington and Delancey, each $7
Pan fried pork dumplings at the Dumpling House on Eldridge $1
Slice at Joe's Pizza on Carmine's at Bleecker $2
7 boiled potato perogis w/ sauteed onions at Teresa's on 1st Ave $6 (spring $2 extra for sour cream)
Truffled egg toast at Ino and Inoteca $7
Bowl of Sopa Azteca (yum!) at Barrio Chino on Broome $7/$9 med./lg. (med is plenty)
Chorizo glazed in red wine at Tapeo 29 on corner of Stanton and Clinton $7
Chicken fingers at Zozos corner of Stanton and Orchard $7
Carne asada taco at L'Esquina corner Elizabeth and Kenmare $3
Square potato knish w/ spicy mustard at Katz on corner Houston and Ludlow $3
Chicken curry puffs at Jeeb on Orchard $5
Pollo al Horno (1/4 roast chicken) w/ rice and beans El Castillo De Jagua on Riv $7
3 pulled pork sliders at Swift on 4th St. $6 (addicting!)
Pressed sandwich of prosciutto cotto, gruyere, tomato & mustard at Barbossa on Elizabeth $8 (for dessert try the caramelized banana w/ coconut tapioca $6)
Roti canai at Malaysian Grill on Broadway at 87th $3.25 (uptown but so delish!)
Burger and fries at Schiller's Liquor bar on corner Riv and Norfolk $9 (they do it right!)
Baked Eggs w/ tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella and freshly baked bread at Falai Panetteria corner of Clinton and Riv $8

[momofukuman]

Joes Pizza on Bleeker & 6th
Fried Dumpling on Allen St
Falafel at Taim on Waverly
Momofuku pork buns
Chicken wings at Tebaya
Burger at Royale
Fried chicken at Bon Chon or Fort Baden Baden
Jamaican beef patty at Golden Crust
Shroomburger at Shake Shack
Dosa Cart in Washington Sq Park or at Hampton Chutney
Greys Papaya
Yoneh Shimmel's knish
Meatball sliders at Little Owl
Fried pork chops at Pink Teacup (maybe more than $10)
Kalbi sandwich from the LES Kimchi Dog Cart guy
Taco Truck on 14th and 8th Ave
Pinkberry with rice cake (ask for it)
Bulgogi rock n rice at Manna Kitchen
Crif Dogs bacon wrapped dogs
Mushroom burger at Stand
Rotisserie chicken at Pardos

[Pan]

Your mention of rotisserie chicken reminded me of the pollo a la brasa that can be purchased at El Malecon (175th and Broadway or Amsterdam between 97th and 98th). You can get half a chicken with rice and beans for less than $10.

[BennyB]

OK, here's a challenge: Something under $10 (under $5 would be best) in Midtown East:

I'm temping at 58th and Madison today and want something good for lunch!

[NicoleFriedman]

Bings and egg custard on the corner of West 4th and 6th ave (sorry- forgot the name). They also have great buns (I prefer the steamed to the baked)

[Pan]

Roll & Dough on 3rd St. east of 6th. I had a sour and spicy vegetable bing this afternoon, and it's damn good, for $1.90.

[AndreaLynn]

In my quest to work my way through this fabulous list of NYC cheap eats, I organized the more popular list items into categories by location. I wanted to pass it along so others could work their way through the list as well. Enjoy.
http://madisonandmayberry.typepad.com...

[nativeNYer]

this is wonderful. countless thanks!

[JoLi]

That was great and very helpful!

Thanks!

[cimui]

Nice blog, AndreaLynn. Thanks for this. I'm glad you liked the rabbit sausage at Ivo & Lulu!

[nycfoodie1976]

The Halal guys on the corner of 53rd & 6th Ave. It's a cart, and for only $6 you get a humongous plate with chicken, Gyro, rice, pita, salad, hot sauce, white sauce, BBQ sauce. Lines are always long but move fast.

http://www.53rdand6th.com

Best dish ever!

[mr_seabass]

I love love love the Five Spice Pork Belly with rhubarb sandwich at the bahn mi store on 12th Street / University. $7.50 plus tax for pure heaven.

[bigjeff]

rumpang (sp?)? the cambodian place across from stand?

[small h]

Num Pang.

http://www.numpangnyc.com/

[mr_seabass]

Yes, Num Pang. Just saying it makes me hungry....

[MWinston]

Looks like I know where I'm going for dinner tonight :)

[MWinston]

Had this for dinner last night. I asked the guy behind the counter whether to go with the Five Spice Pork Belly with Rhubarb or the Pulled Durok Pork and he told me he likes the 5 Spice the best. Unfortunately I ended up a bit disappointed. The sandwich was rather small, and pricey and was good but not good enough to justify returning to.

[small h]

Spicy mung bean noodles ($5ish) and seafood soup ($8ish) from Ollie's Sichuan on W. 42nd St. Enough for two people. I eat it all, though.

[cimui]

So nice to see this thread still alive. An update:

Alutikki chaat at Indus Express -- $3.95
Chicken chaat at Indus Express -- $4.95
House pho at Xe Lua -- $6.50
Stuffed tofu dim sum at Red Egg -- $2.75
Steamed spare ribs with olive sauce dim sum at Red Egg -- $3.50
Sheep's milk ravioli with brown butter and sage at Kefi -- $9.95
Sweetbreads with spinach, crispy shallot and garlic meze at Kefi -- $7.95
Potato pancake at Sarge's -- $3.50

[JungMann]

What is chicken chaat?? I was just asking myself the other day if there was a way to make chaat more Atkins-friendly and I think I may have found my answer!

[cimui]

It's my favorite lunch, ever, probably. :) Ingredients, as described on the website:

boneless pieces of broiled chicken
cucumber
tomato
spring (green) onion
chopped red onion

Actually, though, they also add green peppers, ripe and / or green mango, tamarind and cilantro chutneys, chili powder and possibly potato and chickpeas... No crisps, I don't think, and no yogurt. (When I make it at home, I also mix in a bunch of sev, which makes it even better, I think, but rather less Atkin's friendly.)

[... Sorry to be such a mom, but please don't go all Atkins on us! My best buddy in grad school yo-yo'd up and down by about 20 lbs, depending on whether he was on it or not. Very, Very Bad News. And you know ripe mango is too good to resist in chaat...]

[JungMann]

So chicken chaat is basically chicken salad made with chutneys? This might have to call for a lunch trip today!

Too late on the low-carb warnings: I jumped on the bandwagon years ago and lost 90 lbs. I have stably kept off 70, even with this past month of pizza and chaat!

[cimui]

jest hush up and eat yer mango, jungmann. ;) if you must restrict carbs, south beach seems ever so much healthier. i find the prohibitions on fruit under atkins pretty perturbing. but it sounds like you're eating your tomatoes and veggies, at least -- phew!

yep, it really is more chicken salad than anything (in the non-u.s. sense of chicken salad, at least). it's healthy, doesn't send me into a food coma, and keeps me going until my mid afternoon snack, at least.

if you have a chance to try, i'd love to hear how you like it!

[xigua]

Current breakfast obsession - oatmeal at wichcraft, $4.28. Healthy, tasty, chockful of fresh toasted almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and fruits.
And perennial favorite - shio tama at Setagaya at $1.50. Of course you should get the noodles too, but the egg is why i go there.
www.orderinny.wordpress.com

[NAtiveNewYorker]

'witchcraft oatmeal. Yes.

[emilia]

which reminds me of my favorite sandwich at wichcraft: the chopped chickpea. maybe it was because i had tons of free chopped chickpea sandwiches at Tribeca Film Fest ('wichcraft was a sponsor in the media lounge) and it got to my head, but whatever they put in them is amazing. and i think about $8/ a pop.

as for oatmeal, i'm a big fan of the oatmeal at the Bagel Zone on Ave A / 5th street, which might now be called The Native Bean. It's the only place I've found oatmeal w/ fresh (not dried) cranberries, blueberries, bananas, walnuts, and honey. amazing. i think it comes out to about $5 or slightly more w/ steamed milk. Also comes in a couscous version.

another decent and cheap oatmeal is at Ciao for Now, on 12th between A and B, for roughly $6. But definitely more run of the mill, and with less of that Moroccan twist that Bagel Zone has.

[rose water]

it's been years since i lived in the neighborhood, but i'm so glad to hear that the bagel zone oatmeal is still around. i was concerned about the name change. the steamed milk puts it over the top.

[JungMann]

Some new additions:
Grand Sichuan - fuqi feipian - $8.95
Myers of Keswick - pork pie - $3.95
La Rural - morcilla - $6.00
Despaña - pintxo Asturiano - $3.50
Red Egg - sesame balls, grilled lamb chops, beef balls - $4-$7
Tehuitzingo - taco de sangre - $2.50
Elettaria - housemade hotdog - $4
Bar Blanc Bistro - bitterballen, terrine - $8, $10
Wah Fung - char siu on rice - $2.50
Banh mi Saigon - banh mi Saigon - $3.95
Taqueria y Fonda - torta milanesa - $6.75
Tacos El Angelo truck - torta de chorizo - $5
Cafe Katja - pretzel with Liptauer - $3.50
Poseidon Bakery - tiropita - $4
Lahore - lamb samosa - $2
10th Ave Deli - Jamaican patty with cheese - $2

[firni]

My list is dessert heavy...

Baoguette: soft serve (pandan or ovaltine) $3.50
Cybercafe: crepes from the crepe lady (b/w $4-8)
Three of Tarts: Bail/Yuzu/mango marshmallows ($1)
Momofuku: Pork Buns ($8) or soft serve ($4)
Sigiri: hoppers
Hummus Place: Shakshouka (sp?), Malabi
Bali Nusa Indah - Ikan Kari
Cafe Habana: grilled corn - $4.50 (?)

[bigjeff]

what else i good at bali nusa indah? haven't been there in a very long time but thinking of going this weekend (watching a bunch of indonesian movies on sunday and wanted to make it a complete day); last time i went it was rijsttafel all around but if you have specific picks aside from the ikan kari, I'd love to hear about it. and, keep them under $10! :)

[cimui]

You just put Bar Blanc Bistro on my radar. I love the word "bitterballen". I can't get over how much fun it is to say. ;) And how cool is it that they have crispy pig ears?!

[JungMann]

Bitterballen is a great word. That and Hollandse Nieuwe have made feel as Dutch as Peter Stuyvesant all month. Crispy pig ears are good, but I prefer my auricles in tacos or sisig.

[Simon]

nice list!...you just added many things to my to-try list...

what is La Rural?...never heard of it...

[JungMann]

La Rural might be an occasion to redeem the UWS: it's an Argentinean restaurant in the 90s, right by El Malecon. I've only tried their asado. Their beef was ok, but the Argentinean morcilla was something I've been craving for a long time!

[Simon]

once in a while, i housesit for some friends on CPW and 97th, so i'll try it next time i do that, or when i go to Columbus Wines, which is still my favorite wine shop in Manhattan...

[JungMann]

Well that's a lot closer for me than Astor Place. Any reason in particular you prefer Columbus Wines?

[Simon]

i like Astor Wines too...i bought a La Burgette Beaujolais Villages there the other day that's delicious, and they also have a very reasonably priced selection of Provence roses, and a yummy oddball Beaujolais Blanc that's a nice summer wine...

But i think Columbus Wines has a great selection for small store (they get some really interesting French wines that i haven't found elsewhere, as well as some organic Cali stuff)...but i also like them because they always give a discount on mixed cases *and* free delivery...and because their staff (the owner Murray, and a redheaded woman named Kristen) give fantastic recommendations...in the past, i've trusted them so well that i've called them and asked them to make me a mixed case of their choosing with an average price of somewhere around 15 or 17 dollars per bottle, and i was delighted with what arrived...

[nativeNYer]

Simon, are you familiar with Cafe Ronda and Cafe Frida? La Rural is a sister restaurant. Have yet to try it but I've heard it's better than both Ronda and Frida.

[Simon]

Cafe Ronda is my fav restaurant on the UWS...i regularly ate the lamb meatballs, shepherd salad, roasted cauliflower, and sauteed spinach when i lived near there, and it's the only restaurant in that hood that i've been to already that i'll look forward to returning to when i'm nearby (e.g. before/after opera, after long walks in Central Park)...

i walked by Frida many times but never went there...had no idea there were related...

[nativeNYer]

I thought I had remembered reading a very favorable post you had written about Ronda but wasn't sure! So, this may be a new great find for you. Let us know what you think once you head on over to Rural.

[thew]

off the top of my head (and i havent read the entire thread so i'm some are repeats)

miso (or any) ramen from naruto ramen
arepas from caracas arepas on 7th st
any 2 dishes from elvies turo turo
wonton soup from chow chao
pho from cong ly
papaya king hot dog
pork belly bun and momofuku
taco's from paty's taco truck
taco's from el idolo truck
pizza from italian village
the crab slice from artichoke pizza
mamouns falafel
shrimp and peas from chow chao
duck on rice from chow chao

ok that's enough for one list

[LeahBaila]

Pork bun: C&L Dumpling House, $1
Fried Pork dumplings: Prosperity Dumplings, 5 for $1
Bubble tea: Dishes' mango flavor, $4.50
Glazed stick donut: Your local coffee cart, $1
Lemon cupcake: Buttercup Bakeshop, $1.95
Chips and queso: Q'doba, $5.19
Cheesesteak: Carl's Steaks, $6.75
Chili Cheese Fries: Carl's Steaks, $5

www.thelunchbelle.com

[Polecat]

A Georgia-style soul food breakfast at Margie's Red Rose Diner: Eggs, sage sausage, pancakes, homefries and a biscuit - all for 6 bucks and change. Add some fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee and that'll get you up to about 8 and change. This is about as tasty and filling a breakfast as I've had in Manhattan in many a moon, and the service is welcoming, warm, friendly and gracious as well.
P.

[bigjeff]

sounds great, thanks man!

[LeahBaila]

Ditto!

www.thelunchbelle.com

[fredid]

When I googled, one blog said Margie's was closed....Call first?

[bigjeff]

ya saw that too but that seemed confusing. let's hope it is still open cuz all the other reviews sound great!

[Polecat]

I've also dug the fried chicken there. It's definitely a different style - less emphasis on the batter, with a thin skin and very moist and tender. This was before they re-located, some time ago, but Margie's still there, doing the cooking, so it's probably still worth it.
P.

[bigjeff]

sounds good! def. will check out.

[sidd]

halal food at 53rd and 6th
Dumplings at prosperity
Eclairs at Veneiro's
Kati Roll
Shake Shack
Brownies at Fat Witch

[awesometastic]

Katsu Curry at Go!Go! Curry
yum.

[JeremyEG]

I love the Lamb Sausage with Truffle Gruyere sauce at Dogmatic. Yum!
JeremyEG

[fmogul]

Okay, so this thread is old news, but I only just now found it, and it's exactly what I go to CH for! (albeit not often enough to stay on top of these things). Figured I'd bump it into the second decade of the 21st century with some bargain finds from my work neighborhood, Soho, where bargains are that much tastier for being so elusive. (Some of the following aren't in Soho, per se, but close enough). I'll try not to repeat earlier offerings, but can't promise, cuz I didn't go through with a fine-toothed comb. This list is actually geared to be as close as possible to $5 and under, but some are a little more.

-Spinach, leek, risotto torte at Raffetto's on Houston/Macdougal -- $4.25
-Pissaladière at Rheon Bakery on Spring -- $4
-Palermo slice at Ben's (otherwise pretty mediocre) Pizza on Spring -- $3
-All of the square slices at Granddaisy on Sullivan, esp cauliflower -- $3-4
-Previously mentioned, but here's my take: Taim's falafel (on Waverly) crushes Mamoun's; it's a couple bucks more, but worth it (and I lived in the Middle East for years) -- $5-6
-Much, much better than it sounds: Eggplant, Portobello, Tempe sandwich at Noodle Bar on Carmine -- $6.50
-Mooncake Foods' whitefish banh mi has been dissed here, unfairly, imo; it could indeed be smokier, but as long as you don't expect it to be what you get at a really great bagel place, it's very good. It's also huge -- with soup or salad, it's enough for two people (and if you don't eat meat, the steak sandwich isn't an option) -- ~$7.50
-Aamchi Pao on Bleeker appears to be closed, but hope springs eternal; Kati Roll, cited previously, is pretty good, but seems like it's about $1-2 more per item than it should be.
-Korean Cart at Vandam/Varick -- great fried whiting; I don't eat beef, but I'm told the bulgogi is worth trying, if not life-altering.

Back when this started, almost three years ago, AndreaLynn turned this thread into a phenomenally useful listing by neighborhood on her blog, http://madisonandmayberry.typepad.com. There's a lot more info here than at that time, but if you're out there, AndreaLynn, and have a little extra time, you'll win endless amounts of admiration.

[wvvm]

Pizza Pomodoro from Grandaisy Bakery

[bigjeff]

!

[emilia]

if we're doing underrated slices, the sicilian slice at Vinny Vincenz in the East Village, straight out of the oven, is rockin.

[knol]

You'll need to take the ride out to Queens, but the falafel shop under the LIRR Forest Hills (you can take the E or F to 71st Ave, Continental too). The falafel is always warm and fresh, the pita is soft perfect, and there are tons of toppings to choose from. mmmmm

Also in Queens - Wafa's. AMAZING schwarma, baklava, and pretty much anything else that come's out of her kitchen. YUM

[bigjeff]

that LIRR falafel is quite good! when you get the big one in the wrap (laffa?) it is a monster but still under $10 and quite good. the guys let you load it on, combo-style. always satisfied with my takeout from there.

[daffyduck]

There's too many here's the first 10 i thought of
striphouse-creamed corn with pancetta!
bruno bakery-gelato
otto-brussel sprouts vendure
rice to riches-almond schmalond, french toast, tiramisu (i've tried some bad chocolate and fruit flavors that i don't remember)
thai son-pho
shake shack-stack burger (their cheese fries and black and white shack are also awesome and each under 10)
bread pudding-sullivan st bakery (to die for reheated at home with ice cream)
donut plant-my fav is creme brulee, a close second is coconut custard, 3rd is peanut butter and jelly, 4th is carrot cake, then tres leches. i love all 5.
quality meats-corn creme brulee
shopsin's-mocha nutella milkshake