Recommendations around 50th and Lexington?

[MonMauler]

I will be staying at the Benjamin, around 50th St. and Lexington Avenue, for about two weeks in mid-late June, and I am hoping you guys might be able to help with some recommendations. As I will be working heavily throughout my time there, my dining opportunities will be quite restricted. I'm thinking that I will have the opportunity to venture for leisurely meals only rarely, and I can search the boards for suggestions regarding these select situations. Generally, I will be dining alone.

Here's specifically what I'm looking for:
1. A bar-type joint with a good beer (and preferably whisky) selection that isn't always super-crowded, loud or clubby, that I could stop in, usually late, to unwind after a long day at work. If they have good food, that's all the better.
2. Anywhere nearby, preferably in walking distance, I could grab some good pizza, a good sandwich, a good burger, or ethnic food - anything tasty, really. I love all kinds of food. I probably won't get a chance to eat dinner until late-ish, like 10 pm or later on most days, though.
3. Anywhere nearby, again, in walking distance, I could grab a tasty breakfast (maybe between 5-7am) before heading to work in the morning.

Any recommendations you guys can provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[MonMauler]

Wow. Thank you guys for all of the great suggestions! Just about everything mentioned on this thread appeals to me in some way or another. I'm salivating a little bit just thinking about it.

Looks like I'll have the chance to scope one or two of these places out in the next couple days since I'm headed up on a quick two-day trip early next week.

The last time I stayed at this location I didn't have many opportunities to get out and about, so I had no idea there were so many and varied options nearby. The only place I remember going previously was S&W.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the fantastic suggestions. And please don't hesitate to share more if anything else comes to mind.

Thanks again!

[RGR]

Tulsi, on 46th, just east of 3rd, serves superb Indian cuisine. Hermant's Tandoor-Grilled Lamb Chops are not-to-be-missed. And the Manchurian cauliflower is not exactly too shabby. And then there are rices. And the naans.... Well, I think you get the picture. Dinner is served until 10:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday, Sunday until 10.

Tulsi photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157625768378231/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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Tulsi
211 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

[LeahBaila]

*Melt Shop for your sandwich cravings - grilled cheese, to be more specific, for a quick lunch/dinner. Great homemade lemonade and salted-caramel ice cream sandwiches, too!
*Dishes @ 54th and Park: great breakfast and lunch buffets

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Dishes
399 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022

Melt Shop
601 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

[JungMann]

1) There is a strip of bars on 2nd Avenue that might meet your needs later in the evening, but earlier in the week.
2) Japanese - Ariyoshi, Gyu-Kaku, Menchanko Tei
Indian - Kiran, Darbar Grill
Burger - Houston's, Social Eatz
Turkish - Sip Sak, Güllüoglu, Give Guys
Middle Eastern - Al Bustan, Naya Express
3) Ess-a-bagel. A lot of carts and delis also make breakfast sandwiches for breakfast on the go.

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Ess-a-Bagel
831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Al Bustan
319 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022

Ariyoshi
226 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Gyu-Kaku
805 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Menchanko-Tei
131 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

Sip Sak
928 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Hillstone
153 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Darbar Grill
157 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022

Gulluoglu
982 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Naya Express
688 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017

Social Eatz
232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Kiran
159 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

[Jane A.]

Le Bateau Ivre is open until 4 a.m. It's a French "wine bar" with quite nice food. It's on 51st between 3rd & 2nd.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/...
I know menupages says they're open only until 10 pm, but I'm sure I've seen a sign outside that says 4 a.m., and their website says "kitchen and bar open from 8 a.m. until 4 a.m. every day."

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Le Bateau Ivre
230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022

[boredough]

I realize this suggestion might not fit any of your requirements, but you might actually be in the mood for something more substantial one evening : le Relais de Venise, on Lexington @ 52nd (open until 10:30p). We went there as skeptics, but left completely satisfied. For all of $24.95, you get a nice salad, very tasty, perfectly prepared entrecôte (steak) and delicious fries. No other choices & they don't take reservations.

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Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote
590 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Smith and Wollensky Grill

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Wollensky's Grill
201 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017

[diprey11]

Sip Sak for Turkish?
Marrakesh for Moroccan? (the service can be slow)
PJ Clarke for a burger? (can be crowded though)

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Sip Sak
928 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Marrakesh
235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

[lisabnyc]

p.j. clarke's is a great spot for both a burger and a drink.

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P.J. Clarke's
915 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022