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Best place for quick, cheap dinner in Upper West Side?

We're going to a show at the Beacon Theater (74th/Bway) and this is one of the rare 'hoods NY we don't know as well for eats. I know there's a Ray's nearby, but beyond that, looking for suggestions. Thanks.

10 Comments:

what type of food are you looking for? budget? there some really good spots on Columbus in the 70's & 80's. there is a spot called cilantro on 84th & columbus. it is decent priced south western mexican--go for the fajitas or cilantro shrimp. Citrus and Nice Matin are in the neighborhood as well, they are both supposed to be good. San Luigis i can't comment on but definitely don't get it delivered. if you want real budget the chirping chicken is a good spot as well as the cottage--chinese w/free wine. as you can tell i know the neighborhood well so feel free to ask more questions, there are a ton of spots.

we would eat about anything, but i think we're leaning toward mexican or its derivitaves (tex-mex, etc). i came across a place called gabriella's, which looks to be close by. have you been there?

if you really want cheap and delicious authentic mexican, take two minutes to take the the 2/3 one stop up from 72nd to 96th and eat at the Super Tacos food truck on the SW corner of 96th and Broadway. it opens on weekdays at 5:30p and is open all day on the weekends. fresh and delicious tacos and horchata (sweet rice drink - great in this weather). peter meehan reviewed it in the $25 and under column in the times a few months ago. i live a block away and can vouch that it deserves his praise!

I tried to find Cilantro, and it looks like there is a location on upper east. Is there really one at 84th and Columbus? Sounds good, as does the taco truck. Thanks!

There's a small Dim Sum place at W 86th and Broadway that is pretty good. Our son even enjoyed it!

there is a cilantro on the uws http://www.cilantronyc.com/ here are a few other spots. i haven't been to them but my friend who lives in the area recommends them. celestes-uws italian deans pizza-uws freds-uws bar and food sol y sombras-mexicano/tapas-uws i've heard of gabriellas. there tons of places just walk columbus up from 72nd and you'll hit a handful of spots. The City Grill is always an option. it is an easy spot, upscale bar food where you can eat a decent meal and drink a beer.

thanks for all of your suggestions. i have a nice list now to take with me!

I think by far the cheapest place in the UWS is Flor de Mayo, located on Amsterdam avenue, between 83rd an 84th street. It is Japanese-Peruvian and they have one of the best Rotisserie chicken in the city for less than 10 dollars. Their ceviche is also pretty good, as well as any of the 30+ items in their extensive menu.

Gabriela's near the Beacon is long gone. It's now San Luigi, mentioned above: so-so Italian, reasonable prices, very popular with families.

If you don't mind a dive, Burger Joint (77th and B'way) has good burgers and chicken steak sandwiches - the latter, served in a pita, has earned accolades from the Serious Eats overlord himself. ;-}

There's a newish Turkish restaurant on 72nd Street between Broadway and Columbus. I'm blanking on the name, but it's next door to Acker Merrall, the wine shop. Cheap and good.

Another option is Kefi on 79th just west of Broadway: inexpensive, cash only, very good Greek food.

Another vote for Chirping Chicken. No ambiance, but the birds are delicious! Skip the sides.

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