About Midtown Lunch
Overview
Midtown Lunch is a blog dedicated to finding good, interesting, and cheap lunch in the food wasteland of New York City’s Midtown Manhattan. The site was launched by Zach Brooks in June of 2006, but has grown into a large community of like minded eaters, searching for the best lunch Midtown has to offer. With very few exceptions, all the lunches on the site cost under $10 and are located within the boundaries of 32nd Street to the South, Central Park South to the North, 3rd Avenue to the East, and 8th Ave. to the West.
About Zach
Fat man, likes to eat. What, that’s not enough? So here’s the deal… if you work in Midtown, then you know how lazy people are when it comes to lunch. One block in either direction is about as far as most people will go, and usually it’s just for a crappy, overpriced salad or sandwich. I’m not one of those people. To me, lunch hour is sacred- and I’m not going to waste it in some generic Midtown deli. This site will hopefully be a place for you to find the gems in a sea of duds (and there are a lot of those). The official Midtown Lunch boundaries are above, but I would probably end up breaking them at the mention of a Chinese buffet on 2nd ave. I also like to keep things cheap, so everything has to be under $10 (unless somebody mentions a Chinese buffet that is $10.99).
I’m a big fan of ethnic food (did I mention my love of Chinese buffets?), and not such a big fan of salad- so if you are looking for a new salad place that gives you 7 options instead of 6, you will probably not find it here (unless it’s a salad bar/Chinese buffet). I’m not scared of carts, or “dirty” joints (Tad’s Steak I’m looking at you), so hit me with your best shot. All in all I hope this will be a useful resource for all of you who are unlucky enough to work in this food challenged part of the greatest city in the world. Sure we’d rather work in the Village, Soho, Chinatown (my personal dream), or at a desk in the Shake Shack- but we’re stuck in this wasteland. So let’s make the best of it.
Details
- Age: 33
- Where I live: Hell’s Kitchen
- Where I work: I used to work at a media company on 49th & 6th Ave. Now my job is just eating lunch, and taking care of my kid- who makes frequent appearances on the site. You know… for the ladies. (Apparently girls love babies.)
- Favorite Food: I don’t discriminate against any kind of food (but I am particularly partial to Asian Food)
- Favorite Restaurants in NYC (when I’m spending more than $10): Momofuku Noodle Bar/Ssam Bar, Blue Hill, Corton, Fatty Crab, Blue Ribbon/Blue Ribbon Bakery, Craft, WD-50, Telepan, Grammercy Tavern, Hell’s Kitchen.
Other Writings:
“Diner’s Journal: What’s in the White Sauce? He Doesn’t Want to Know”. June 2, 2009. New York Times
“Year of the Ox”. January 27, 2009. Brooklyn Based.
“48 Hours in Montreal: A Guide to Eating”. September 25, 2008. Serious Eats.
“Restaurant Shirts Are the New Concert Tee”. September 5, 2008. Serious Eats.
“My James Beard Case for Dan Barber: A Food Porn Essay”. June 4, 2008. Serious Eats:New York.
“Serious Sandwiches: Churrasco Completo”. January 8, 2008. Serious Eats.
“Serious Sandwiches: “La Cubana” Torta from La Casita Chilanga”. November 14, 2007. Serious Eats.
“Pigging Out at Fergus Henderson’s St. John Restaurant, London”. October 9, 2007. Serious Eats.
“Serious Sandwiches: The Girl & the Fig’s Pork Tartine”. June 22, 2007. Serious Eats.
Press, Mentions & Appearances:
- New York Times. June 3, 2009. “A Tour Guide Tames Lunch in Midtown”
- New York Observer. April 14, 2009. “Twitter for your Lunch”
- CBC Documentary. March 26, 2009. “The Great Food Revolution“
- SxSw Panelist. March 17, 2009. “Secrets to Successful Food Blogging“
- VendrTV. March 12, 2009. “Halal Guys Video“
- USA Today. November 20, 2008. “Blogs focused on cheap eats serve an expanding niche“
- Time Out New York. September 18-25, 2008. “Best Food Neighborhood”
- Rolling Stone. July 22, 2008. “Rock & Roll Refugees: 10 People Who Escaped the Music Industry“
- The Guardian UK. March 26, 2008. “Meet the Food Bloggers in New York“
- Associated Press Article which appeared in the Seattle Times, Boston Globe, Dallas News, Houston Chronicle, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, New York Times Online, Baltimore Sun, MSNBC.COM, ABCNews.com, Yahoo News and more. December 26th, 2007. “Casual Blogging is Not Just for Lunch Money Anymore“
- New York Post. May 7th, 2007. “Doing Lunch“
- New York Times, Feb 4th, 2007. “Sharp Bites“
- WNBC’s Live at Five. Feb 5th, 2007. See the Video
- New York Metro. Aug 4-6th, 2006. “Your Midtown Meal Ticket“
Plus Midtown Lunch has been generously linked to by Gothamist, Food & Wine, Gawker, Eater, Serious Eats, The Amateur Gourmet, New York Magazine’s “Grub Street”, Time Out New York, Comedy Central, Gridskipper and The Food Section.
About The +/-
I am a firm believer that what makes food “good” is always a matter of taste. What one person finds to be great (me at a bulgogi cart), another may think is disgusting (most people I work with). Much of what you like and don’t like has to do with personal taste, expectations, price, and so on, so a straight up review is indulgent. If a place is open, then somebody must like it- so every place I write about gets a +/-. In theory the (+) is what somebody who really likes this place would say about it. The (-) is what somebody who doesn’t like the place would say about it. While it’s usually obvious whether I like a place or not, I know that information is pretty useless, hence the +/-. That being said, everybody has got their own favorites and opinions, so comments and recommendations are always welcome…
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The current incarnation of Midtown Lunch was designed by Raphael Brion at Anderhalf Design.
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25 Comments
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Congratulations on the NYTimes mention. You NYC restaurant bloggers are great. I wrote about the the article today at http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com/.
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Great website and detail regarding the bulgogi cart and others. I see that you are partial to Asian food, and not scared by apparently dirty places, then perhaps you may be interested in a fantastic place at 273 W.38th Street. (212)-575-6978 (sorry, no name on the menu). 3 different (or the same) menu selections plus white rice or fried rice PLUS a cup of the house soup (self serve) for $3.75 including tax from 11am to 3pm. This is perhaps the most authentic Chinese food in the area (there is another one directly across the street, but a face to face encounter with Kenny the Cockeroach while waiting on line turned me away back to the other place). You have your choice of fried pork chops, chicken thigh and leg, Shrimp with Egg and Onions, chinese beef brisket stew, bean thread (rice vermicelli), braised spareribs with blackbean sauce, tofu & vegetables, braised veal with peppers, chicken with garlic sauce, peking pork chop, and for the adventurous, deep fried frog’s legs, braised Ox, tail, tripe with turnip and pig’s knuckles with bean thread and so much more (20 to 25 selections). To me, the quality of the food is just like Chinatown, and so is the price. I see your budget is $10 (mine was under $5 (limited to Daily Specials at Subway’s for $3.99), you can order two platters for $7.50 and still have change for one of the truly authentic Chinese pastries ($0.60 to $0.75 each) plus an Iced Coffee for $1.50.
Also, not included for the $3.75 is the Chinese BBQ, just like Chinatown, hanging in the window, duck, Roast Pork, Spare Ribs, Soy Sauce Chicken and Salt Baked Chicken. If you want these with you selection, there is an upcharge (I think it’s $0.50 to $1), still a bargain. The decor is non existent (usually tables are occupied by men only), the service is very quick and abrupt (i.e. rude), (you just have to know how to point to what you want if you don’t speak the language).
Ordering off of the menu is also a bargain, there is nothing over $4.50 listed. Serving a predominantly Chinese garment worker lunch crowd (W.38th & 8th Avenue) It is probably the best bargain around; the only downside is that I have to walk 11 blocks and 2 Avenues (no delivery) to get there (not good during extremely cold or hot days). Btw, breakfast is a steal also, coffee and a pastry selection or Congee (rice porridge) for under $2. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your feedback.
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[...] 5th, 2007 · No Comments Many people believe that the most important thing to a technologist is technology. In my opinion,that’s incorrect. The most important thing to a techie working in NYC is food. And in NY we’ve got tons of it. From Europa to Street Meat, White Castle to Hallo Berlin, there’s lots to eat. Here’s a blog that feeds the need for food info. Midtown Lunch says that “if you’re looking for a quick Midtown lunch for under $10, the good places require a little more digging.” [...]
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sorry, zach. it was free for me bc my buddy bob paid for it. you have
to have some kind of id swipe card. and it’s 40 cents an OUNCE. i was
baiting kevin or bob to comment bc they are the research dept. at
esquire, so they fact check everything in the magazine and i bug them
all the time to read my blog. looks like one of them actually did.speaking of blogs, yours rocks. i read it back when you were trying to
find the korean food cart. can’t wait to try those bulgoki sandwiches,
even if they are lame.if you ever have to do an errand in the financial district before 3pm,
you gotta try shirley’s cart on State St. . she has terrific carribean
food with the most AMAZING ginger beer i’ve ever had that’s dirt cheap
at 1.50. On Fridays she serves fish and it’s really good homestyle
cooking. i worked a gig down there in 2005 and ate there as much as i
could. http://i_eat_ny.blogspot.com/2005/11/never-fear-ginger-beer.htmlanyway, thanks for commenting. and i look forward to your take on the
bulgoki sandwiches.L
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Thanks so much for this totally invaluable source–what a find. Thanks for doing the footwork–these heels don’t allow for much midtown meandering….
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Today’s AMnewyork paper has a $2 COSI coupon on page 14. They run these coupons occasionally, and it is $2 off any sandwich, salad, or pizza.
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I think we work in the same building because I was just reading your postings about Chipotle and the Korean food cart. I haven’t seen those $1 bulgogi sandwiches yet but next time I do, I am definitely gonna give them a try. Thanks for this site! I’m one of those people who get stuck in a rut in what I eat and have no idea where to go for something new, or where to go to get the foods I love to eat. Even better, you’ve given me insight on a bunch of restaurants I’ve seen, walked by but never had the guts to go into. Thanks!!
For cheap Chinese food that’s not as great as Chinatown but comparable, I go to Hing Won on 48th between 5th & 6th. As for sushi, I like the lunch combos at Kiku on 55th between 5th & 6th. Freshest fish in the area!
Happy eating! =)
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Love this site! Great resource for all the good places to eat.. but you’re missing one– Green Symphony, it’s a great place for Vegans/Vegetarians or people that want to eat healthily. Check it out! W. 43rd, Btwn 7th and 8th.. It’s next to the New York Times Building.
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has anyone turned your suggestions into a google maps mashup so we can see what is close to our offices? that would be totally awesome. Not that your site is hard to navigate… its not! its great! but a map would really be pretty sweet.
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Hope you go try the Pranzo pizza truck on 55th and park
if you like pizza you’ll love this,lunch special two slices and a soda $5.00′ the guy on the truck is Pete nice guy tell him the guy that ordered one of eveything on the menu sent ya. -
I enjoy your blog. It was helpful in terms of finding banh mi in midtown (who knew?) for a posting I did on cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com
I’m a writer for the NYTimes and I’d like to send you a galley of my
upcoming book on Chinese food in America called The Fortune Cookie
Chronicles ( fortunecookiechronicles.com). Especially excited because you are partial to Asian food.The galleys just showed up this week on Friday!
I honestly think you would enjoy at least flipping through it. In it,
I discover the true origins of fortune cookies (Japan), find General
Tso’s family in China and try to find the greatest Chinese restaurant
in the world (outside China).There is a lot of NY stuff, not a lot of midtown stuff though.
I just would like your mailing address?
Jenny
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[...] of Paloma in Brooklyn and Top Chef’s resident looker, Camille Becerra; mastermind blogger of Midtown Lunch (my possible blogging antithesis), Zach Brooks; and the Brooklyn Kitchen’s own Harry [...]
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Happy New Year! Next time I get to NY (June) I’ll be sure to check the site for cheap (good) eats.
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Great site. But, response time is really slow. Can you get hosted on some better servers.
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I just read 4-5 of your reviews and i have to say that i love how you write! You have great opinions, you are very funny and you love buffets :P
I bookmarked your website, i love buffets too and this is the perfect source of information!
Patricia -
Thanks for this Blog.
I agree with you that lunch is very sacred & should not be wasted on bad food.
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Love your blog–I’m something of a foodie as well, and hate to pay good money for bad stuff. I do think, however, that you gave Dishes short shrift. I’ve never tried the soup, the salads they mix for you, or the sandwiches. I go straight for the ‘by the pound’ market table in the middle. I go to the one on 54th and Park, and while the crowds and lines are a nightmare, the food on the market table is remarkably fresh, interesting and tasty–flavors are bright and distinctive, and even if you get a bit of several things, each one still stands out. There’s a lot of variety each day, (generally including a large number of Asian-themed items) they offer different selections each day of the week, and keep introducing new things, so I don’t get bored if I eat there often. It is, however, on the expensive side, so the way to keep it under $10 is not to get too greedy (better for the waistline anyway).
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Your blog is our inspiration. We’re your newborn brother holding it down in the financial district. We’ve just gotten started, but slow and steady, right?
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All the way from London, UK. I’m a foodlover myself and read your blog alot. Just want to say I love it and I recently decided to start my own food website called londoneater.com with food reviews in London!
Do come check it out sometime, keep up the great eating man! -
How do I sign up? I am a total food critic and I find this site to be very useful.
Can a link be sent to me??
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Absolutely fantastic site. Your site makes searching for treats in NY amazingly fun AND well worth it. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Found your site from watching Great Food Revolution. A Canadian documentary on the CBC. You can watch it online as well http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/greatfoodrevolution/
episode 4 broadcast March 26.
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Hi! Just wanted to tell you that you should go and try out Dean’s restaurant on 2nd Avenue between 42 and 43rd street. They have wonderful Italian food running from $8 - $12 individual size for their lunch menu. The portions are huge and it has great ambiance. Take a look at their site
http://www.deansnyc.com/Go and try them out, you will thank me!!!
Congratulations!
Your site has been featured on Dave’s Cheap Eats (http://davescheapeats.wordpress.com) because you are one of the best at searching out cheap eats that are good eats.
Happy Eating!
Dave