Where Should I go for a Delicious, Cheap Lunch Today?

[ChowDiva]

I work downtown but will be leaving early. I am ending a long summer of extravagant eating for two reasons, the first being money and the second being that I must lose weight. This weekend is the last "hurrah". I've got time to burn this afternoon so I'm looking for some great suggestions, anywhere in the city, of a place to have a delicious, indulgent meal on the cheap (less than $20). I'll eat pretty much anything, but not in the mood for sushi or Indian. Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks in advance...

[ChefJune]

I love the Pad Sie Ew at Bennie's Thai on the corner of Fulton and Gold! I sure wouldn't call it diet food! You can get it with shrimp for $9. ( chicken or pork is $8).

[kobetobiko]

Why not go to RGR's LES tour (even if you have done that before) and spend the afternoon there!

OR go to Essex Market for a round of food shopping plus visiting the recenly reopened Shopsins!

[youngjung]

hay Diva
Klatch - 9 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038 (between Broadway & Cortlandt St)- great coffee if your near F dist.

Lamarca Café and Take Out for fattening pasta,161 E 22St (corner 3rd Ave) New York, NY, 10010

and one of my favs, Paris Sandwich Corp. for a little shopping in C-town
http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show...

[JungMann]

If you check OpenTable you can get a list of all the places that are still doing Restaurant Week lunch. Today is the last day for a decadent lunch at some of the best restaurants in the city for only $24.07.

[maxine]

Shake Shack! get there at an off time and enjoy a shake burger, french fries and a shake! That is where I would go for a inexpensive end of summer lunchtime splurge. (second choice in the same vane would be Stand or another "upscale" burger joint.)

[buenosds]

go to tony lukes for a roast pork italiano sandwich with broccoli rabe for under 10$....you will have enough money for a cab to 74th and bway to get a couple of cream puffs from papa beards! yum!!! have fun today!

[ChowDiva]

Didn't the Hell's Kitchen Tony Luke's close? Is there another location I don't know about?

[buenosds]

just found out Tony Lukes NYC changed the name to Shortys.....called them and they said " same bread , same cheese , same everything. " Whew, that was close!

[KTinNYC]

They say it's the same but it's not as good as it use to be.

[LeahBaila]

What are your thoughts on Mexican food? That's my ultimate indulgence!

[ChowDiva]

I'm open to all ideas. However, I will be eating alone so places where I won't feel awkward are better. Thanks.

[LeahBaila]

I'd head over to Tulcingo del Valle on 10th Ave btw 46th and 47th for some great, authentic Mexican food.
...or, I'd go to Ali Baba Turkish Cuisine on 34th btw 2nd and 3rd. Get a potato pide...they're unbelieveable.