Some of the best wood oven New York style pizza in the city, if not the world. Jay-Z apparently gets his pizza here.
Best house of chicken & waffles in the city (this is an urban take on southern soul food that originated in Harlem, where fried chicken, waffles, syrup, and hot sauce combine with awesome results).
Great general soul food in Harlem. Chicken & waffles is available, but not the mainstay. Slightly touristy, but it has history and Sylvia herself still presides over many meals in a grandmotherly way.
Claims to have invented the hamburger sandwich in 1895. This is still one of the best 'burgers around, over 100 years later, and a unique experience. They do not take special orders.
Place to go for Brooklyn Blackout cake and some of the best (American-style) muffins in New York. Get some and take them to nearby Prospect Park.
Everyone knows about the great hot dogs here (especially the deep fried dog), but walking through the phone booth is a little hidden gem we love.
One of only a handful of decent Mexican food places in the city, nearly all of which are also in the Sunset Park neighborhood.
Barbeque and beer place for a bit cheaper. They have good pulled pork sandwiches.
One of our 10 best Manhattan bars- Beer buffs rejoice. Here is a place where everyone is as nerdy and psyched ab suds as you are. Clasp your hand on neighbor's back & drink to your healthy obsession.
Some of the best pie in the city. Their coffee is great too. Go here before going to a show at the Bell House. However, mind that they close earlier than you'd think, at 7 PM on most days.
The finest key lime pies in NYC. You can get whole and single-serving pies as well as a frozen, chocolate-dripped pie on a stick: the Swingle.
Established 1937, continuously operated. Multiple pancakes for breakfast, including a lemon-ricotta flavor. Try an old fashioned specialty drink, a Lime Rickey. Don't confuse with Tom's from Seinfeld.
The city's most famous Jewish deli, and one of the oldest and best as well. Try Reuben, liverwurst, or pastrami sandwich, but DO NOT lose your ticket or you'll pay an excessive penalty fee.
The most historic bagel shop in the city, but quite a bit overpriced. Not to mention the ordering system encourages you to accidentally pick an expensive fish.
While I miss the old location a few blocks north, these guys make the best bagels in NYC. They have totally ruined me for any other bagel, anywhere. I've actually had these shipped across country to p
Nothing beats these doughnuts. The yeast doughnuts are light, sweet, and extraordinary. Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
This place, which has operated since 1936 and looks like it, is the best in the city for a hamburger (sandwich).
Classic place for New York cheesecake, but grossly overpriced. Come here for the name, otherwise go somewhere like Eileen's.
Egg creams are a classic New York soda fountain dessert (and ironically have neither egg nor cream in them).
Opened in 1827, arguably the first true American restaurant and first with à la carte ordering. Claims to have invented Eggs Benedict, Baked Alaska, and Lobster Newburg. Fancy and expensive.
Invented General Tso's Chicken, a staple among American Chinese restaurants, in the 1970s. They brought it back after a long hiatus. This place is on the pricier and fancier end of the spectrum.
One of the best places to get NY cheesecake in the city, and not as insanely priced as Junior's. Most of theirs are also sold as mini-cheesecakes, which are great for sampling.
