best eats within 10 minute walk of penn station?

[ssainani]

I'm going to be stuck near penn station for 3 hours this Saturday (from 4pm-7pm)

where is the best burger (or other amazing eats within 10 minutes)

money isn't really an issue

but do not want a formal dining environment at all

[RickTheClamBellyFan]

Tracks in Penn Station is probably better than anything around other than Keene's. Tracks has an incredible oyster bar too. Try the Rocky Points and die. Fantastic.

[Bigtigger]

I would walk a brisk 10 mins, leisurely 15, up to an old-style steakhouse which serves continuously, Ben Benson's on 52nd just W of 6th. They are used to accommodating single diners, and their steaks are first-rate in a casual, masculine setting. Good luck.

[curranthound]

Djerden, which has wonderful bureks and kebab sandwiches.
on West 38th between 7th and 8th, I believe

[thevillagevegetable]

woorijip!

[jenniebnyc]

take a cab to Shake Shack. walk back to Penn.

[jdf]

Shake Shack is good, but between a cab back and forth and a probable one hour wait on line, she's spending about 1 1/2 hours, not including eating. Just so she's forewarned, since she said she only has 3 hours in total.

Agree that Hill Country is a good option.

[jenniebnyc]

imo. that's all worth it. and if she gets there between 4-4:30 there really shouldn't be a huge wait.

but thank you for forewarning her!

[drmoze]

There is a major slowdown (short line, a dozen people or less!) at Shake Shack most days between about 4 and 5. I live close by and that's when I hit it. Their webcam is good for pre-confirmation of the no-wait situation. I don't know if the late-afternoon slowdown is true for Saturdays, though.

[drmoze]

If you want comfort food, Supermac is nearby on 7th at 30th, and has several filling variations on mac'n'cheese. Or try Hill Country on 26th between 6th/7th for tasty bbq. This may be your tastiest nearby meat option imo.

[citysweettooth]

I second Woorijip, if the hot buffet isn't open you can buy the pre-packed items and they seem pretty good and fresh. My faves are the scallion (or any kind) of pancakes and japchae. They have very casual seating.

[jdf]

Actually, for a good burger, you don't even need to leave Penn Station. Tracks restaurant has a pretty good burger and wafer fries.

Keens is also good, though expensive. But, a great atmosphere.

[valerie]

What about a Korean place in the West 30's? We've had good meals at Kum Gang San, but there have been many other places in that area recommended on this board. Maybe someone will chime in with another good Korean place, or if you search, you will find some recommendations.

[JungMann]

For fast food I like White Castle, Korean takeaway from Woorijip or that Japanese curry house, Go-Go Curry. If you're looking for something a little longer lasting, go to eat at Keen's. Stout is passable.

[Spends Rent on Food]

I agree Keens is probably best in that area (36th bet 5/6Ave) - no burgers but it looks like the have a sliced steak sandwich, which I've never had. I have had the steak & mutton chop and both are very good.

[Miss Needle]

Keens has burgers in the pub room. They're pretty delicious, but on the pricey side. A burger with blue cheese was about $20.

My vote would be for Artisanal for anything cheese related. And it is a 10 minute walk as I've timed it.

[RussianGirl]

you'd have to be walking pretty fast to get there in 10 minutes, but even so, i would classify artisanal as a "formal dining environment" which is what the OP did NOT want.

[Miss Needle]

I timed it when I was walking to Madison Square Garden from Artisanal with a pregnant woman. I totally don't think Artisanal is formal at all. It's a loud, noisy boisterous bistro. But I guess everybody differs in what their perception of "formal" is.

[Spends Rent on Food]

I agree with Miss Needle on this one. Artisanal is not a formal place to eat - especially for lunch. Even so you could always eat at tha bar.

And it's at 32nd & Park, just over a half mile straight walk from Penn Station - easily doable in 10 mins.

[MMRuth]

Agree on all counts.

[erin07nyc]

I checked out this post to recommend Artisanal, too.

[brendastarlet]

You definitely can make it to Artisanal and back! And don't worry about attire on a weekend. Especially if you get there before the dinner rush starts, you'll be fine.

[TongoRad]

You could probably walk to Shake Shack, but it's more than 10 minutes.

Other options to consider:
Carl's Cheesesteaks- 3rd Ave by 34th
2nd Ave. Deli- 33rd west of 3rd Ave
Olympic Pita (falafel or schwarma on laffa)- 38th east of 5th Ave
Szechuan Gourmet- 39th west of 6th Ave

If you have extra time you can have a few brews at Gingerman on 36th west of Madison.

[TipsyMcStagger]

>>>I'm going to be stuck near penn station for 3 hours this Saturday (from 4pm-7pm)<<<

>>>Olympic Pita (falafel or schwarma on laffa)- 38th east of 5th Ave<<<

Olympic Pita is closed Saturdays.

Tipsy

[TongoRad]

I hadn't consdiered that, thanks for pointing it out.