By Claire Taylor
Things to Do in NYC for Lunch
According to the
New York City yellow pages, there are over 1,000 restaurants in the city, with over 600 in Manhattan alone. Choosing what to do for lunch may seem easy, but with so many options it can be difficult to even narrow down your choices. Whether you can afford to spend three hours (and a small fortune) on a sit-down meal or need something on the go, New York City has something to offer everyone.
Give Yourself a Quick Lift at Papaya King
There are several Papaya King stores in New York City, although the original (and largest one) is located at 86th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. Famous for its frankfurters, Papaya King now serves all kinds of hot dogs, plus other types of fast food (including their famous Cajun curly fries) and fresh fruit smoothies. Most of the Papaya King stores have no seating, as meals are supposed to be eaten on the go. Most meals can be topped with things like zesty chili, sauerkraut, sweet pickles or New York onions.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located on 5th Avenue, and extends between 23rd and 26th streets. While there are no eateries right on the park, you can find numerous options nearby where you can grab a quick bite and head over to the park to sit on one of the many benches or chairs. Eateries around Madison Square Park range from Indian to Japanese to Italian. Shade Shack on East 23rd Street, a quick burger stand, is a great option for those who want to keep it simple. Free live music events are sometimes held here at lunchtime in the summer and spring.
Try the Country's Most Expensive Lunch
Masa is the country's most expensive restaurant. Located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, this Japanese restaurant offers a fixed menu consisting of a variety of dishes that are served over the course of three hours. Lunch is only served here for an hour between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., and costs $300 per person (dinner is $500). Food selections change daily and are not announced, so you'll be surprised no matter when you go.
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Charles Thompson
