I spent four days in New York City for my 29th birthday.
And while I did see plenty of wonderful things, I also ate some wonderful food. Many of the places I went to were added to my bucket list, thanks to Facebook and all the trending food videos they broadcast daily. When I was sending photos of the New York City food back to my mother, she immediately texted back saying, “you’re totally on a food vacay.”
Well, she wasn’t wrong! Below are the places I indulged while I was in New York City.
1. Hometown Hotpot (Chinatown)
You have to venture to the border of Little Italy and Chinatown to find Hometown Hotpot, but it hosts some of the most authentic Sichuan and Chongqing style hotpot I have ever tasted in the states.
Whether you like a tomato soup base or a Chongqing spicy flavor, you’re sure to find your way to a full belly. They also do barbecue if that is more your thing. Extra side note, if you visit them on the day of your birthday your meal is completely free!
Otherwise, you’ll pay around $27.99 for all you can eat.
2. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles (Chinatown)
This is one of the smaller sit-downs in the New York City’s Chinatown area, and if you have the patience to wait in the long line that hugs the side of the building, Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles is really a treat.
The staff hand pulls their noodles just as they would in the mainland and they even do a specialty knife shaved noodle (one of my personal favorites). You can add a meat, like the Beef Noodles shown above, but they offer plenty of other delicious Chinese dishes if noodles aren’t your thing.
You can get your noodles for under $8.
3. Joe’s Pizza on Carmine (Manhattan)
Joe’s Pizza’s at the Carmine location in Manhattan is famous thanks to the many celebs who make it a point to stop in on any given day. Jimmy Fallon totally swears by this place.
So, if you’re staying in New York in Manhattan area and jonesin for a slice, skip the pan pizza and take a stroll over to Joe’s Pizza for a few classic slices of cheese pizza.
You pay only about $1.50 a slice.
4. Cupcake Tour (Manhattan/Chinatown)
If you have some leftover rewards points on your credit card, by golly use ’em on a cupcake tour in New York City.
If not, you can find a good deal at Best Tours. You’ll start at the corner of Union Square and 14th Street where you’ll meet your delightfully sunny and bright tour guide, Mallory, who holds great deal of cupcake knowledge. You’ll stop by Molly’s Cupcakes to devour the best cupcake of your life. Guys and Gals… it’s absolute heaven.
NYC cupcake tours will average around $50 a person.
5. Cookie DŌ (Manhattan)
DŌ, in New York City, is located a stone’s throw from Washington Square Park, already made a big ol’ fuss on social media with it’s unique and edible cookie dough recipe.
It really is everything you could ever ask for and if you could believe this, it’s only $4 little tiny dollars for a small, which is really all you need because their concoctions are rich in flavor. Major added plus! If you go in on your birthday, you’ll get a DŌ cookie for free and they’ll sing to you.
Go in during the weekday to avoid the rush.
6. Tom’s Restaurant (Uptown)
If you’re a Seinfeld fan, you’ll know of this place. Tom’s Restaurant is a famous diner used in the hit TV show.
If you would like to relive the apple pie episode, take a trip by subway up to Tom’s Restaurant just off of 112th street and enjoy the Seinfeld ambiance over a slice of pie, only $4.50.
This is a cash only restaurant so, be prepared.
7. The Smith (Manhattan)
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t treat yourself to a magical meal while you waltz around the Big Apple, but if you’re anything like me and want to spend your money on experiences, eating cheap is the way to go.
That being said, The Smith was one of the better breakfasts I had the pleasure of enjoying, and I got to do it on my birthday just a day after arriving in New York City. Their maple rosemary sausage, eggs Benedict, and coffee was the fuel I need to start the day.
This meal is enjoyable for under $30, but it’s a lot of food, so keep that in mind.
If you liked this post, read my other travel stories, like when I kayaked in Antelope Canyon or drove to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!
