Foodblog New York
New York
Reading time: 7 minutes
New York
Foodblog New York
Reading time: 7 minutes
Foodblog New York
New York
Reading time: 7 minutes
Student-approved places to eat and drink
Everyone knows that New York can be an expensive city, but as interns on the ground, we have a mission: to hunt down the best places where you don't necessarily have to pay top dollar. 'New York is a city you have to experience through your stomach,' according to Patrick, our internship supervisor, official Dutch-speaking guide, and true New York connoisseur. So, we went exploring with our camera and put together this list of 'student-approved' places to eat and drink that you just can't miss!
1. Santa Chiara Caffe (Long Island City) – Ice cream with a breathtaking view
Located right on the waterfront in LIC, this is the perfect spot to start or end your day. This charming little corner sits along the East River, offering an unobstructed view of the entire skyline, but without the crowds. The area is wonderfully quiet compared to Manhattan, and the ice cream is true Italian quality. Plus, it's just one subway stop away from Grand Central Terminal! Why this place is so great: the view of the Manhattan skyline from Center Blvd is free and priceless! It's especially spectacular at sunset. Long Island City comes highly recommended.
Address: 52-41 Center Blvd, LIC
2. Carnegie Diner and Cafe – The classic New York diner experience
You can't leave New York without trying a real American breakfast. The Carnegie Diner is famous for its generous portions and classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. You'll find everything from fluffy pancakes and omelettes to burgers and cheesecakes. And of course, everything is served in quantities that will easily keep you going all day—the ultimate example being their 24-layer chocolate cake! Prices range between 17 and 25 dollars, which is completely reasonable for New York, especially given the generous portions. They have a total of 6 locations in Manhattan.
Tip: their pancakes are legendary and filling enough to share. Perfect if you want to stick to your budget while trying a bit of everything!
Address: 1158 6th Ave (near 57th Street).
3. Raising Cane’s – Chicken madness in Times Square
Yes, there is often a line, but trust us: it moves fast and it's totally worth it. For a relatively low price (around 15 dollars), you get their famous chicken fingers and that addictive Cane’s sauce that everyone raves about. The menu is simple: you can choose between a 3, 4, or 6-piece combo, a kid's meal, or a chicken sandwich. It’s the ideal quick and tasty bite right in the heart of the lights and glamour of Times Square, with a live DJ making your lunch a whole lot more fun. Don't feel like dealing with the crowds while you eat? Don't worry, they have several locations spread across the city, so you can always head to a slightly quieter spot.
Address: Times Square (1501 Broadway)
4. 5Napkin Burger – For big appetites.
If you're craving a great burger in a trendy yet accessible setting, this is the perfect spot. It's a bit more chic and upscale than a fast-food chain, but casual enough that you can just walk right in. The prices also remain very reasonable considering the quality and the portions served (around 20 dollars per burger). Located in Hell’s Kitchen, just west of Midtown, it's a lively neighbourhood just a few minutes' walk from Times Square. Good to know: they also offer vegetarian options and fresh salads. So there is something for everyone, whether you go for a classic burger or a lighter meal.
Our favorite: the onion rings are deliciously crispy and perfect as an appetizer or a side dish!
Address: 630 9th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)"
5. Beer Culture – For adults (21+)
After a long day of walking the streets of Manhattan, there is nothing better than a cold local beer. Beer Culture offers a superb selection of over 500 beers, ranging from New York classics to international craft beers. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with wooden barstools and friendly bartenders who are happy to help you choose from their vast selection. You can also grab a bite to eat there. A pint costs around 8 dollars, which is, once again, a reasonable price.
Address: 328 W 45th St
Bonus 'Quick & Delicious' tips! In the mood for a quick and tasty meal?
These three spots will save the day:
1. 2Bros Pizza:
The ultimate classic. It's quick, it's greasy, and it's probably the cheapest meal you'll find in Manhattan. At $2.50 a slice, it's perfect for a late-night snack or a quick bite, and for $4, you even get two cheese slices and a canned drink. It's the kind of place where you walk right in, grab your pizza, and head out. They have several locations, so there's always one nearby whenever craving strikes.
2. 1915 Lanzhou Noodles
If you're craving authentic Chinese noodles, you're in the right place. It's a charming little restaurant where you might sometimes have to wait outside for a bit, but it's absolutely worth it. Here, you can watch the chefs hand-pull the noodles, which is very impressive to see and proves that everything is made fresh on-site. You can even choose the 'shape' of your noodles. Starting at $15, you get a generous portion.
Address: 75 Mott St.
3. Industrie Pizza (Little Italy)
Often cited as one of the best pizzerias in New York right now, and on Patrick's recommendation, we've become huge fans ourselves. The pizzeria opened its doors in 2017 in Williamsburg and quickly expanded to Manhattan. What makes it so special is the combination of classic New York pizza slices and Italian influences. Imagine a crispy crust topped with fresh basil and parmesan. Our favorite: the burrata slice. Their new location in Little Italy is a must-visit, with slices starting at just $5.
Address: 197 Grand St.
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