As many office workers can attest, one of the most important parts of each day is figuring out where to have lunch. This exercise can start as early as 9:15 in the morning. Unfortunately, my co-workers and I would often have this decided by 10:30 am and still have to wait an hour and a half until we could put our plan into action, stomachs growling all the while.
Here is a list of my favorite lunch places near Bryant Park:
The Kati Roll Company on 39th between 5th and 6th. My co-worker introduced me to the restaurant and the concept, and I am hooked for life. If I never have a kati roll again, I will cry. [My Yelp review]
Goodburger on 45th between 5th and 6th. I’m always a fan of fast food places that make their food from fresh ingredients while you wait. Great burgers, decent prices, and surprisingly easy to find a table. [My Yelp review]
HB Burger on 43rd between 6th and Broadway. Get there early, because it fills up quickly. Not cheap (to be expected, this close to Touristlandia), but I really liked the atmosphere and the bison burger.
Maoz Vegetarian on the corner of 7th and 40th. I’m not someone who goes out of the way to eat a falafel, but I very much recommend the ones at Maoz. It’s definitely a “to go” place – there’s no seating – but the food is very fresh and the line, though it seems long, moves quickly. [My Yelp review]
Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine (warning! clicking this link will cause Cuban music to play loudly through your browser) on 45th between 5th and 6th. My Jamaican colleague was very happy when we found this place. You can get a HUGE meal for lunch prices, or you can opt to get a couple of empanadas. Seating is available if you get there early enough.
Mai Sushi, on 41st between Madison and 5th. Another colleague discovered this for us one day, and we were thrilled for the new option. Affordable yet yummy sushi, with plenty of non-sushi options for those who want something else. Great miso soup. Excellent selection of affordable, prepackaged “to go” boxes.
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