Midtown Lunch

While walking past the row of lunch spots between Pearl & S. William streets, I noticed that Pizza Pizza had changed its name to Justino’s Pizzeria. A search online shows that it’s a third location of an NYC mini-chain that’s also on Staten Island and Midtown. The menu looks pretty standard, although they do offer clam pizza and an “L and B style Sicilian” which I’m guessing is an homage to L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn.

Way back in the day – more than three years ago – my predecessor Kevin attempted to try Underground Pizza‘s jalapeno bacon slice, but got denied. While he did sample a worthy vodka slice, I had made a mental note to try this slice if I had a chance. That opportunity happened late last week, and I was sad I waited this long to try it.  Read more »

We’ve had many sandwich chains open shops in Downtown Lunch territory, including the much-hyped Potbelly, but Jersey Mike’s Subs rolled into Maiden Lane (at Gold) with little fanfare. The first sign they were coming wasn’t a press blitz, but a red awning going up a few paces from many other chain spots on the same block. A look at the menu online showed hot and cold subs, cheesesteaks and wraps – nothing to get too excited about. But some of you vouched for the fact that Jersey Mike’s was better than the Subways and Blimpies of this city.

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The area of the Financial District to the west of Broadway is sometimes lacking in diverse lunch options. To my surprise, I noticed the menu of Cafe de Novo on Greenwich St. (at Rector) had a Korean food section. There are other delis that serve Korean food, most notably Cafe Hanover, but this one is in an area frequented by tourists and construction workers from the World Trade Center. The fact that there was a Korean man working behind the counter gave me hope that this could be good.

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We got word yesterday from Lunch’er Robert that Jersey Mike’s Subs not only opened on Maiden Lane (at Gold), but has a deal that involved almost-free food:

Just wanted to let you guys know. That Jersey Mike’s on Maiden Lane opened today. They’re doing a promotion: for a $2 donation to Meals on Wheels you get a free regular or mini cold sub.

So, basically you’re getting a sandwich for $2 which is a deal you can’t beat, unless you like $1 pizza. If any of you have eaten here, let us know your first impressions in the comments!

Update: We heard from Jersey Mike’s that they distributed 23,000 vouchers for sandwiches in a promo that’s happening through Sunday, Aug. 4, and yes, you get a free regular sub with a minimum $2 donation to Citymeals-On-Wheels. They’re also open for breakfast, in case you’re into eating your first meal of the day at a sub shop.

Jersey Mike’s Subs, 80 Maiden Lane (at Gold), (646) 833-7560

If you don’t know Cucina Bene on Exchange Place (btw. William & Broad) exists, you aren’t alone. I’ve probably walked by the block that this pizza place sits on hundreds of times, but unless you look over and see the neon sign proclaiming “Pizza” you wouldn’t notice it. Its entrance it right in front of one of those raised things to prevent cars from driving down the street, and across from a Blimpie sandwich shop.

Enough about its out of the way location…you want to know about the pizza, right? Well, I’m here to tell you they served me some of the best, no-frills slices I’ve eaten in my time as Downtown Lunch editor.  Read more »

When the Halal Gyro Express cart reappeared at William St. & Maiden Lane after apparently being damaged in an accident, I noticed there were some menu additions taped to the window. In addition to biryani and fish over rice, there was one that made me stop in my tracks. “Chicken lo mein? Really?” I thought to myself.

Of course I had to see what this street meat/Chinese mash up would be.  Read more »