Restaurant near Broadway and 8th St.

[Lizbet]

We're looking for a place to eat-- good ethnic (or American) food, fairly inexpensive (entrees under $20), in the vicinity of 8th St. and Broadway. Italian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Spanish or American would be fine. Any suggestions?
Thanks a lot.

[lanadai]

Soba-ya is also close by, 9th street, for soba. If you go up University Place, there's Grey Dog, Saigon Grill and Stand for burgers. All fits in within budget.

[hungrycomposer]

Soba ya has a great bento at lunchtime for $15.

[StephInNYC]

Ippudo isn't far. Great for Ramen.

[foodwhisperer]

5 Points is reasonable and nearby, Orlin is good for breakfast, Indochine is always good for French-vietnamese, Knickerbocker , Lots of Indian on 6th st. Frank ( italian on 2nd and 6th).

[Pan]

Lots of Indian on 6th St.; unfortunately, most of it sucks, so I'd never send someone there without specific recommendations (mine, though, was for Madras Cafe, which is not on 6th).

I haven't been to Indochine in ages. Is it the same as it was in the 80s?

[foodwhisperer]

I think you can get lucky on 6th st for indian and yes most does suck but its inexpensive.
Balucchi's on 2nd ave used to be good. Indochine , amazingly, is still good. The ownership has changed hands , possibly 3 times. The mushroom ravioli is still the same, some dishes like the stuffed chicken drumsticks are no longer on the menu. the ribs are great, the place hasnt been renovated, same palm trees and palm paintings on the wall. A good old place and weekends are still crowded

[Pan]

That branch of Baluchi's closed several months ago.

[hungrycomposer]

Grand Sichuan Saint Marks (Saint Mark's btwn 2nd and 3rd ave)
Cafe Orlin (Saint Mark's btwn 1st and 2nd)
Cafe Mogador (Saint Mark's btwn 1st and A)
Hummus place (same block as above)

[Pan]

Agreed (haven't tried Orlin in many years, but agree with the rest). Lizbet, if South Indian is OK for you, I'd add Madras Cafe, 2nd Av. between 4th and 5th, into the mix. Ask for extra spicy little green chilis in your utthapam or masala dosa if you like it hot.

[harrison]

For Chines, there's Grand Sichuan on St. Marks. You may be able to sneak out of Otto for that price too.

[rpk]

I haven't eaten at this Italian place called Via della Pace, 48 E 7th St, in years, but the location and the prices are about right for you. Maybe someone out there in chowhound land can update us on how it stacks up these days.