I guess that 2pm refill is the final one, so if you want to take advantage of this deal, it’s clearly best to get there right at 2:15pm.  I actually got a related question emailed to me this week:

“Have you ever posted about the afternoon discounts that exist in Midtown? Two that come to mind are half-price baked goods at Cucina in the Metlife lobby after 3 pm, and discounted pizza at Naples 45, also in the Metlife building. Also there is half price sushi after 3 at Cavonberry’s Deli on E 46th (btwn 5th and Madison). I’m not into any of these except the cookies at Cucina, but i’m curious about what else might be out there for afternoon snacking.”

Like I said, I usually pass out if I haven’t eaten by 12:07 so this isn’t really my area of expertise.  I’m pretty sure this topic has been mentioned before, but it could use a refersher thread.  Feel free to comment below…

Well, I’m happy to say I have finally found a price by the pound buffet that is not only a decent value- but is stocked with my favorite kind of food!  Ho Yip, a cheap chinese food place on 45th between btw. 5th & 6th that during lunch has an all chinese buffet by the pound (and the choices are tremendous!).  It’s $4.95 per pound- but here’s the real deal.  If you go after 2:15pm, the price drops to $3.75 a pound (the late lunch special).

Now, I know what you’re thinking.  “Late lunch” and “Price drop” at a buffet by the pound does not exactly instill confidence in the freshness of the food you’re getting.  But I was very surprised to learn that they restock the buffet just before 2:15 in preparation for the big crowds that come late looking for the deal.  Apparently they keep putting food out until they run out.  It really is a wonderful thing… if you like cheap and greasy Chinese food (and don’t mind waiting with a horde of other bargain hunters).

My plate, the rest of the menu, something for free(!) and the +/- after the jump…

At $3.75 a pound I am freed from that nagging voice inside me saying “Small scoops” “Big money items” and ”Stop piling on the rice”.  For once I could actually enjoy a buffet by the pound.  I started with the pork fried rice (big chunks of pork, looked really good), then quickly moved on to the beef chow fun (something you don’t see as a buffet option very often- but very welcome).  A Scallion pancake and **two** different kinds of dumplings followed (one pork, one chicken).  Very exciting. 

Peking pork chops!  Get out of town… and some roast pork of course.  Add to that a little Thailand Chicken (whatever the hell that means) and some squid with eggplant (yup- you heard me right).  Squid and eggplant, in one dish.  Double big money item.  Gotta do it (despite my usual rule of not eating seafood at places like this…).  Top it off with a little General Tso’s chicken, and successfully ignore the vegetables (string beans and chinese broccoli for those who care).  And here’s where we ended up:

As you can see it’s a jumbled mess… which is one of the problems with these places.  If you’re like me, and like trying everything- it’s tough to keep things separated, and in the end, it ends up being a (delicious) disaster.  Oh well… such is life.  1.47 lbs, total cost at 2:14 pm $7.28.  Two minutes later that price drops to an astounding $5.51!!!!

Now, here’s the downside.  Nothing was really great.  Most of the things I ate were either a little too sweet (the Thailand chicken… or maybe the General Tso’s.  Couldn’t really tell… everything blended together), or a little too salty (the eggplant and squid).  The dumplings and scallion pie were good (because they’re fried… and anything fried is good)- but everything was super greasy.  Of course that’s to be expected with most cheap Chinese food… but there is a saving grace.  A giant serve yourself FREE carafe of black tea.  Take advantage… it makes you feel a lot better after 1 1/2 pounds of greasy chinese food.

For those who are still against the buffet by the pound concept, they have a counter in the back with regular lunch options… and some of their specials were very authentic and looked surprisingly good.  Bitter Melon with Beef or Fish, Oxtail Stew with Potato, House pork chops or Chayote (a type of squash) with sliced pork.  The best part is, if you have never had any of these more traditional dishes, but have always wanted to try them- they’re in a steam plate, so you can see them before you order.

THE +

• Really great selection with some items you don’t normally find at buffets like this.

• If you prefer variety over quality, this is your place.

• After 2:15pm the $3.75 per lb price makes it a really great deal

• More traditional dishes in the back.  Specials change every day.

• At lunch time there are a lot of people so the food stays reasonably fresh (especially compared to the deli buffet by the lb bars.)

THE -

• Despite the price, it’s still buffet by the lb., so there’s always a possibility of losing control and ending up with $17 worth of food.  (A constant source of fear for me)
• Super greasy.  Super salty.  Super Sweet.
• If you prefer quality over variety, there are better places for cheap Chinese food.
• The price that makes it worth it doesn’t start until 2:15pm, I can’t wait that long to eat lunch.  (Plus it gets super crowded at 2:15pm so be prepared to wait)
• Not enough seating.  Fills up very quick at all lunch times.  Be prepared to share a table with a stranger, or take your food to go.

Now if only this place was all you can eat… it would be heaven.

Ho Yip, 7 W. 45th St. (btw. 5+6th), 212-719-1788