Help me feed a BF who likes QUANTITY

[Ora]

This is NOT the way I eat, I like quality over quantity, and will pay any reasonable price for quality. But, the BF (a P/T body builder) is obsessed with going to restaurants with large protein portions and relatively low prices (think 1/2 chicken meal at Chirpin Chicken, I know, I know...he's not from NYC). Boy, have I had my hands full coming up with places to eat where we will both be happy--him with the portion size and me with some semblance of good food. So, help me feed this hungry man while satisfying my need to find good quality food, while keeping an eye on value. Oh, he LOVES burgers if that helps. And yes, I took him to Le Burger Joint and while he liked it, he totally tripped on the "high" prices there (I know, I know...) as he had to have 2 burgers to feel "satisfied". Suggestions?? Westside locations preferable, but open to all neighborhoods.

[piccola]

Take him to Big Nick's on the UWS. Huge portions, low prices, and a menu that never ends. Typical diner atmosphere, though.

Congee Village is dirt cheap and really tasty, so you'll both find something to your taste.

[Ora]

Funny--we ordered from Big Nicks just last night. I had the meat calzone--it was very good. He had the Chicken Parm--said it was OK and he had better.

keep those suggestions coming!

[piccola]

Yeah, they're not so great on the more complex dishes (ie, chicken parm, which requires at least three different steps) but they do well on the basics like eggs, sandwiches and burgers. And, surprisingly, pizza - it's no Adrienne's, but it's pretty darn good.

[Ora]

I love their pizza too!

[DarthEater]

mondays ayce rib tips, hot wings and aycd beers$14.95
http://www.brotherjimmys.com/location...

[brendastarlet]

I was going to suggest the Carmine's in Times Square. You really need a wheelbarrow to get the leftovers home.

[Ora]

You're on the right track--the BF mentioned that place on one of our first dates. I knew I was in big trouble at that point, eating-wise anyway :)

[LNG212]

if you decide to go to carmine's (not the best italian food by any means but good enough), then do go to the one on the uws. it is much nicer and more neighborhood-y than the times square locale (which can be very tourist/b&t, imho).

[chundi]

maybe saigon grill fro pork chops?

[Lucia]

Azul Bistro (LES)
Pardo's (haven't been)

[livetotravel]

Plataforma is a really good suggestion - also Carmines on the UWS - obscene amount of food - and Shake Shack - you can get 3 cheesesburgers for about $13

[Chow Baby]

Mancora. 1st Ave and 6th St.

[RGR]

Excellent bbq at Daisy May's, on 11th Av. & 46th St. The ribs are especially meaty, sides are tasty, portions are generous, and prices are quite reasonable. Service is cafeteria-style, so no tipping is required.

http://www.dailymaysbbq.com

[JungMann]

And if not Daisy May's, R.U.B. has very generous portions, too. Chinatown is always cheap with very generous portions if your BF likes Asian.

For Riodizio, if Plataforma is too expensive, you can try Brazil Grill around the corner in Midtown.

[Ora]

Yes, we've already done Daisy Mae's, thanks.

[NYJewboy]

I second Daisy Mae. Try the Memphis style ribs. They are sold by weight and are inexpensive. Also, for added protein, the beans are quite good.

[cimui]

Try Flor de Mayo, Pio Pio, and Gabriella's for massive quantities of inexpensive chicken. I have never been there, but it seems to me like your BF would be one to enjoy Plataforma, all you can eat Brazilian steakhouse. It may seem pricey to him, but it sounds as though he might be able to eat his money's worth.
http://churrascariaplataforma.com/

[Sweatshirt Guy]

Plataforma inTribeca has a half price deal on Sunday's before 4. all my Brazilian clients swear by it!

[Ora]

I mentioned this place to him last week, but we are saving for a big family get together. I know he will like it (though not the price per se, LOL). But I didn't know about the half price deal--will check out!!!

[Sweatshirt Guy]

Then Chinatown and the "Family Style" Italian will work! In Chinatown try The NEw Big Wang on One Elizabeth. The 1/2 Crispy chicken with garlic chicken dish and a plate of greens works for me! On West 72nd Street between Columbus and CPW on the South side of the Street is a Family Style Italian that is not bad and cheaper then Carmine's. Flor de Mayo on Broadway and 101st is Good! The chicken there is much better then Chirpin Chicken and the beans are great! Also check the workplace Porto Rican luncheon/dinner places. The food is usually good, plentiful and reasonable. I go to one on 1st Avenue and 91st. Street but most areas have one or two. Hell's Kitchen is loaded with them.

Tavern on Jane has great food and really good burgers. The Corner Bistro can be uneven but when the burger's are good they are good! The Stoned Crow on Washington Place and 6th Ave has good burger's also.
I train hard and have to eat big to keep my weight up so I understand your man's dilemma! Have fun and I hope this help's!

[JungMann]

Family Style Italian you refer to on 72nd is called Sambuca. I've heard bad things about the place, however. Some of my big-eating friends in college loved La Mela in Little Italy, though I wouldn't exactly call that good eats.

[Ora]

I've been to La Mela several times. Its more of a B&T scene and the food isn't special at all. But, it is fun, in a unique way.

[gloriousfood]

Friends recently came to town and wanted to go there. I was pleasantly surprised by the food but not by the check.

[CorgiLover]

Pio Pio peruvian chicken on the UES, any of the "meal" style Italian places

[cimui]

Oh sorry, Corgilover. It took me so long to post, I didn't even see yours. Agree with Pio Pio obviously!

[ow77]

Try the Pump Energy Food. I don't know if the food is tasty but their menus are designed for body builders. http://www.thepumpenergyfood.com
How about an Indian buffet? No burgers obviously but it's tasty and all you can eat. Chola on 58th st has a great lunch buffet.
Instead of Chirping Chicken, go to Chicken Kitchen on 2nd ave @ 62nd st. Orders of magnitude better than Chirping Chicken. It's a total dive though.