Midtown Lunch

Steak ‘n Shake is finally open, and the line is out the door, although not quite as out the door as Shake Shack on their first day in Midtown Does that mean Steak N Shake wins or loses their first head to head competition with the Shack?  An employee outside claimed the wait is about 10 minutes to the front of the line, plus 10 minutes to get your food-  so it looks like an infographic to determine your wait time will be unnecessary for this super-hyped new Midtown burger destination.  Did you brave the madness?  Let us know what you think in the comments.

Steak ‘n Shake, 1695 Broadway btw 53+54, 212-247-6584

They were hiring two months ago, and now it looks like Steak ‘n Shake will open this week on Broadway btw. 53+54rd. There’s countdown signage in the window indicating they plan to open their doors in just three days, and a sign below announces that the first 150 customers will win 52 weekly coupons for any steakburger, fry and shake combo. That’s a lot of Steak ‘n Shake, but the franchse has a surprising amount of internet buzz for a burger chain, so it might be worth your time (and wallet) to be there early! (Thanks to Lunch’er Mike for the tip.)

Steak ‘n Shake, 1695 Broadway btw 53+54, 212-247-6584

Rocco DiSpirito’s new Eat This Now Truck is parked on Broadway between 51+52 streets today offering healthy versions of classic dishes all for $7.  There are Mama’s Meatballs with Penne Marinara (345 cal.), Turkey & Black Bean Enchillada (319 cal.), Chicken Noodle Soup (248 cal.) and General Tso’s Chicken & Broccoli (199 cal.) And if you’re interested in meeting him, the man, himself, is there, too! (You can see him texting inside the window.)  According to Facebook, the truck will be there until 3pm.

For years we’ve always dreamed of the day that Midtown might get a Pad Thai cart (we even suggested a prototype), and it looks like that day has finally come! We just spotted a new cart called Tuk Tuk Boy on 50th btw. 6+7th selling pad thai ($5.99), spring rolls ($3), chicken satay ($3) and red curry ($5.99). Apparently they’ve been uptown, but today is their first day on 50th (which they plan on making their permanent location.)

Lunch’er Tom has already tried the Pad Thai, and reports that it’s “tasty and mildly spicy”. Check out a photo after the jump…

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This just in from Lunch’er Logan… there was a fire during lunch at the 2 Bros Pizza on 46th btw. 5+6th Ave. It’s not clear whether the fire was in 2 Bros or upstairs on the second or third floors, but at the very least we’re guessing there was water damage to the popular $1 pizza joint. Expect them to be closed for the indefinite future.

UPDATE FROM 2 BROS OWNER ELI: “The fire started in an office on the 2nd floor, and most of the damage is up there. Most of the harm done to our store was from water damage. Thankfully, everyone is OK. We are working on getting the place open as soon as possible. I will have a better idea of a time table by tomorrow. For now, regular customers can check out our newest store a few blocks away at 1015 6th Avenue (Between 37-38).”

This just in from Lunch’er Masto:

While I was at Comme Ci Comme Ca, a truck pulled up and a bunch of angry guys shoved barricades on the sidewalk
blocking the truck. They got into a bit of a verbal altercation with some of the customers. At the same time, Food Network was there filming something, and they apparently didn’t like the barricades either. I think they used it as an angle to talk to Chef Samir about trucks being hassled.

Could be a UN road closure thingy? Or Fashion Week holdover? Either way, it looks like they’re still out there so if you want to check it out (and maybe get on that Food Network/Cooking Channel food truck show) now would be the time.

1:45pm at the Hallo Berlin Cart, which returned to 54th & 5th yesterday

We’d say that’s a resounding “yes”.

As promised Num Pang (on 41st btw. Lex+3rd) officially opened to the public today, and from the looks of things not even rain can keep the people of Midtown East away from Cambodian sandwiches. Also of note… between now and June 29th if you twitter a picture expressing your love for Num Pang (and cc’ @numpang and #mynumpang), you’ll be entered to win a dinner for 10.

Related:
Num Pang Midtown Opens Tomorrow (With Two New Sandwiches!)

In what should be a surprise to nobody, Luke’s Lobster Truck is a popular lunch choice today.  At 12:30pm, the line was already wrapped around 52nd Street and Lexington and not really moving too fast (it took me about 25 minutes to get to the front). Although once I ordered it was pretty quick.

The menu is limited to lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls. Half a lobster roll (which I know from other Luke’s experiences is not enough food) and the other full rolls meet ML prices of $8. But a full roll is $16. Check it out after the jump…

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