10 Places to Eat Near Times Square

Posted on by Marcia Mayne

I’ve created several lists to help Tony plan his trip to New York City this fall but I hadn’t come up with recommendations for places to eat until today.

Since Tony plans to return to the same Times Square area hotel he stayed at before, I’ll focus on the restaurants in the 9th Avenue corridor, arguably one of the best areas to dine in the city.

What I love about this area is that the ethnic diversity of New York City is reflected there. There’s Italian, South African, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Caribbean, American, Middle Eastern, African – you get the drift.

Another thing I also love is that you can have a delicious meal for under $20 per person. And if you only want to have a drink, you have a choice of bars and pubs there as well. So, if you’re in the Times Square/Port Authority area, the only reason for you to be hungry is if you’ve run out of money.

Tapas

  • Five Napkin Burger: It’s no joke, you will need five (or more) napkins to wipe your face and hands while you eat at Five Napkin Burger. The restaurant is always full so make reservations or try to get there outside of dinner and lunch hours. 630 9th Ave, 212-757-2277
  • Ollies: Ollies (Sichuan) has another location near Lincoln Center which I used to go to before I went to this one. I feel the food’s better here. 411 W 42nd Street, 868-6588
  • Chenab Indian & Pakistani*: London is well known for its Indian restaurants. I’d love to hear what Tony thinks of Chenab. 540 9th Ave, 212-947-3282
  • Sergimmo Salumeria*: I rarely order lasagna when I go to an Italian restaurant but I did here and loved it. 456 9th Ave, 212-967-4212
  • Tehuitzingo Deli & Grocery*: Ignore the set-up and just go to the back and order your tacos. You won’t be disappointed. 695 10th Ave, 212-397-5956
  • Thai Select*: There are several good choices on their menu but if you want to stick with the usual, they make a good pad thai. 472 9th Ave, 212-695-9920
  • Meskerem 47*: Ethiopian – Any of their stews, some couscous and injera will be enough to fill you up. No utensils needed. 468 W 47th St, 664-0520
  • El Papasito*: Dominican – I was introduced to this restaurant by a Dominican colleague and have been going there for over 10 years now. The food is tasty, fresh and filling. Love their chicharron de pollo (fried chicken), mofongo (mashed plantains), tripe soup and lemonade – 346 W 53rd Street, btw 8th & 9th Avenues, 212-265-2225.
  • Churrascaria Plataforma: Because I don’t buy or eat much beef, I’m always surprised to see beef so proudly displayed, as you’ll notice at this Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse. Thankfully, beef isn’t the only thing on the menu. It’s a little pricier than the restaurants I’ve listed above but it’s worth experiencing. 316 W 49th Street, btw 8th & 9th Avenues.
  • McQuaids: My pub experience in London didn’t leave me very impressed so I’m introducing Tony to a New York pub. I’ve not been to McQuaids but two friends have recommended it. I hope Tony’s able to go and tell me what he thinks. 589 11th Ave, 582-6359

* $10 Entrees available.

Bon Appetit!

14 comments on “10 Places to Eat Near Times Square”

  2. Five Napkin Burger? That’s funny and sounds like one GOOD burger! Other than that, I sure wish you could send some of that food over to where I am. 🙂

  5. Hells Kitchen? Does that have something to do with Gordon Ramsay? He has that TV show called Hells Kitchen.

    Ethiopian sounds interesting. Never had that before.

  6. I probably would need more than 5 napkins as I already use that much regularly anyway. I love name though – its so thoughtful. I’ll definitely bookmark and refer back to this list for when I make it to NYC. Love having a local perspective. Which one is your favorite?

  7. I have several and I like them for different reasons. For example, I like El Papasito because the food’s good, always tasty and inexpensive. Churrascaria Plataforma when I’m in a “beef” mood, 5 Napkin when I want a burger, etc.
    I have a new Thai spot, Qi on 8th Ave btw 43rd and 44th, I think. We discovered it right after it opened and have been there now several times. Good food, friendly wait staff. That’s the thing about lists, they could go on and on.

  8. Interesting list of a great variety of cuisines. I’m curious about the Dominican one. Is the food similar to that of other Caribbean cuisines? (Is it from Dominica or from the Dominican Republic, btw?)

  9. We do use similar ingredients though it’s sometimes cooked a little differently. For example, all over the Caribbean you’ll find beans, plantains, bacalao, yucca/cassava, etc. It’s the Dominican Republic.

  11. What an impressive list…and some new places for e to explore… I love the photos too. Might check out Qi first. I love Thai food. By the way, the weekly reminder from your blog never showed up… Oy! I don;t know what happened. 🙁

  12. Qi is my new favorite place. Was there the week it opened and have been back several times since. Food’s always delicious and fresh. Love Thai food.
    Oh boy, I’m at a loss as to what’s going on. Will have to see what Feedburner says. Would be lovely to be able to talk to someone instead of relying on their FAQs.

  13. really want to try 5 napkin Burger, see if I can do it with 3. Haha, all these places are better than where I normally eat in Times square, McDonalds!

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