New York City Eats
From bargain date nights to car-less drive-in movies to elephants emerging from tunnels, there's a host of remarkable activities here that can't be had in other cities for any price. In the dirt cheap realm, the Big Apple's big volume creates bargain opportunities left and right. From cheap ethnic food to outdoor festivals, an urban adventurer can go far on very little. What follows is the best of the best.
Best Investment of $1 (Bagel): New York exported the bagel to the four corners of America, but after the indignities that have been performed (piña colada bagels?) we should ask for them back. Fortunately, New York still has the best, and a single bill will let you sample one at
Kossar's Bialys (367 Grand St.; tel.
212/473-4810;
www.kossarsbialys.com). With flavor and texture honed to perfection, you can't make a better carb investment.
Best Investment of $1.25 (Hot Dog): For cheap protein and quick bursts of patriotic fervor, New York's dogs can't be beat.
Gray's Papaya (2090 Broadway; tel.
212/799-0243; plus other locations) is the best of the fruit-drink-and-wiener purveyors, with flavorful, lightly charred links that'll only set you back a buck and a quarter.
Best Investment of $2.25 (Sesame Pancake): The dumplings at
Vanessa's Dumpling House (118a Eldridge St.; tel.
212/625-8008) are justly famous and a total steal at four for $1. Less publicized but equally delicious are the sandwiches -- a big wedge of sesame pancake with fresh cilantro, carrot, and tender Peking duck.
Best Investment of $2.50 (New York Slice): First-time visitors to
Sal's &
Carmine's Pizza (2671 Broadway; tel.
212/663-7651), spurred to spontaneous compliments by the spectacular pies, can expect to hear back from the eponymous proprietors "Well, where the hell you been this whole time?" One taste of the crispy crust and character-full sauce and you'll be asking yourself the same question.
Best Dirt Cheap Sit-Down Meal with Atmosphere: Cheap Asian too often means over-lit, dingy cafeteria settings. Not so at
Galanga (149 W. 4th St.; tel.
212/228-4267), where a stylish, modern interior makes for a perfect date spot. With such great atmosphere, the spicy, fresh Thai food seems almost a lagniappe.
