Returning to the New York I Once Loved

[zindorf]

I may finally be able to pay an extended visit to the home I left in 1994. Are any of the old places there anymore? Specifically, the American Diner at 69th and Broadway, and does Barney Greengrass still have a little dining room with a dirt-cheap chopped liver platter?
I would love a list of diners, delis and good places where I can get a meal for under, gasp, $10.00.

[zindorf]

I think the problem is solved: it was the Westside Diner, and I remembered it as the American because they probably have a sign that says Westside American Diner.

[Pan]

Under $10 is rough unless you go to Chinatown or patronize carts. Then it's easy: You can get noodle soup at any number of places including NY Noodletown and East Corner Wonton, or you can go to any of the "Rice plus three side dishes" places that serve you out of steam trays.

[kathryn]

Ditto, under $10 for a full meal at a sit-down restaurant (not counter service or seat-yourself) seems nearly impossible in Manhattan nowadays...

[sugartoof]

It's getting harder that's for sure. Polish diners and a few burger deals might be the best bets, but you can't even get a crappy Rays pizza with that budget.

$15 would open things up a bit.

[zindorf]

I checked some of the menus and see what you mean. Still, adding $5 to what I pay in Philly to eat in Manhattan is not too bad, the diners afford a dinner under $20. But what is up at 69th and Broadway? What's there or not there? The American was built out onto the sidewalk on the northeast corner.

[JGS]

I remember it well from my days at Fordham, lived right around the corner. I have not been in that spot in a few years. I THINK it might still be there, but couldn't say w/ certaintly. I didn't remember it being called the American though...the Flame at 58th and Ninth was also good. I believe that is still there.

[Polecat]

Not impossible, just seems that way.

I had a wonderful breakfast recently, at Margie's Red Rose Diner, a homey and terrific soul food joint on 144th (just to the west of Frederick Douglas Blvd). It consisted of four thick and puffy golden brown pancakes, a fluffy scrambled egg, a biscuit slathered in butter and jelly, a thick and juicy sage sausage and coffee. Clocked in at just over 8 bucks, pre-tip, and I'd have gladly paid more. Honestly, I'd forgotten that a cheap breakfast could be this good. And the service was warm, gracious and very friendly. They'll treat you like family the minute you walk in, and Margie herself is likely to chat you up. Margie's has been around for a long time - just moved a block west about two years back - and it's not a given, in this current economy and the increasing homogenization of Manhattan, that it's going to be around forever.

This is a great little, old fashioned eatery. They serve some terrific, Georgia-style Fried Chicken, too, by the way.
P.

[Lettucepray]

Yes...Barney Greengrass is still open and still the best.

Avoid going downtown to Katz's
Definitely not under $10 any more...maybe for 1 hotdog
better to get he recession special at Gray's Papaya...72nd and Bdway

Welcome Back!

[werewolf]

Gray's Papaya, and Papaya King. I live out west now. One of the things I miss about NY is the papaya juice at those places. Does anyone know where else in the world a person might obtain papaya juice like that?