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Hecate Jan 31, 2008 07:14 AM

UWS recs for casual (inexpensive) dinner tomorrow

Hi,

I've been lurking on the board for a few months and am amazed at the food knowledge of you folks. So I thought I'd pick your brains for a rec in an area I don't get to very often.

I'm meeting friends for drinks tomorrow night, low 70's and Columbus. I wanted to grab an early dinner before that. Any place around the area that doesn't require reservations and has good food? Any type of cuisine is fine. I don't want to get stuck at BBQ's again.

Thanks
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›9 Replies . Latest Jan 31, 2008 by Hecate
  1. h
     Hecate Jan 31, 2008 10:39 AM

    Thanks for all the great recommendations. I'm going to bounce these off the rest of my party and see where we end up.
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    1. JungMann Jan 31, 2008 10:14 AM

      My standard inexpensive joint is Big Nick's on Columbus. For a bit more, I think Café Ronda is a great option in the neighborhood for food AND drinks.
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      1. g
         gekko Jan 31, 2008 10:05 AM

        The Mermaid Inn just opened a location on the UWS. Excellent lobster roll and a great atmosphere.
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        1. LeahBaila Jan 31, 2008 07:50 AM

          The first thing that came to mind was Cafe Frida...pretty good Mexican food served in a nice setting. Great margaritas, too.

          www.thelunchbelle.com
          ›1 Reply
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          1. re: LeahBaila
            c
             cimui Jan 31, 2008 07:55 AM

            Aha -- Cafe Frida is open, again. Good to know.
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          2. t
             TexasEx10 Jan 31, 2008 07:38 AM

            I like Cassis a lot...french bistro btw 70th and 71st. Bettola on 79th and Amsterdam has excellent thin-crust pizza. Both are very casual and you won't need a reservation if you go a little early.

            If you are in the mood for more casual...the food at Westside Brewery on 76th and Amsterdam is actually very good (better than typical bar food). It is always packed.
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            1. c
               cimui Jan 31, 2008 07:32 AM

              I personally do not really like the food -- or the inflated prices -- at Arte Cafe.

              The pre-theater prix fixe at Pasha (Turkish; 71st near Columbus) is well priced and the food is still good, there, most of the time.
              ›1 Reply
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              1. re: cimui
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                 idia Jan 31, 2008 07:35 AM

                If you are into soups, salads, great sandwiches and yummy desserts, try La Fortuna at 71st & Columbus.
                Here you go:
                http://www.cafelafortuna.net/

                (I wonder why they list their desserts first and go backwards on their menu)
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              2. c
                 craigcep Jan 31, 2008 07:23 AM

                I'm a big fan of Arte Cafe, 73rd right off Columbus.

                http://www.artecafenyc.com/
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