Can Any New Yorkers help me please?

[elisebutt]

Hope this is in the right place - couldn't really see which forum to stick it in - lol.

Hi, I'm coming to the states in April(1st)with my eldest boy(9) and spending the first 3 days in New York - I have read my Rough Guide from cover to cover and am still no wiser as where to go to eat in the evenings.

I am staying at the Jolly Madison Towers so am fairly central, but I don't like to go too far as he needs to stick to his bedtime schedule(yes even on vacation!!) As we still have to visit Disneyland and Orlando after this I am sticking to quite a tight budget of $75/day - we're going to visit loads of free things as well as museums etc and I am thinking of getting a New York pass for the 2 full days we are there.

He is quite a fussy eater, but providing he can get fries, he is quite happy. I am usually an Atkins'er but as it's a vacation am taking a break so can eat anything.

Anyway, sorry for rambling on, if anyone can help, I'd be much obliged.
TIA

 

[elisebutt]

anyone???? - pretty please??

 

[DVCindy]

elisebutt -

I'll try to help you... I used to live in NYC and my dh still works there. I'm not familiar with the Jolly Madison Towers ... can you tell me where they are ? I'm guessing you'd like to stay close by for dinners as cabs can be a bit pricey and you're on a budget .

Also, what's a NY pass ? Is it a transportation pass for buses/subways ?

Let me know and I'l try to give you some suggestions !

Cindy

 

[kpgclark]

Well, New York can be expensive but you can always find a deal. If you want inexpensive, then have pizza. New York pizza is the best! Ask someone at the hotel where to go. You should also visit a good New York deli. Sometimes the sandwiches are HUGE, so be sure you know before you go so you can decide whether you want to split a sandwich or not. Often you are charged a little more if you want to split. You should try New York Cheesecake. The best. Go to a bakery (if there is one nearby) and have crumb cake for breakfast or a black and white cookie for a snack. Get a knish on the street or a soft pretzel. Chinese food can be reasonably priced. I'd just ask someone where ever you happen to be. People are pretty friendly. There will be a zillion places to eat. You will be amazed at the assortment (every ethnic combination you can imagine) and just the sheer number of restaurants. I'd wait until you arrive and see where you happen to be when hunger strikes. The food is generally good and you won't have a problem finding a place.

 

[adamak]

You can definitely visit for less than $50 a day. You'll just need to plan, and venture out of the tourist area.

First, get a subway pass. You can do one day or a week pass. http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#unlimited
Once you have the subway pass, you can go anywhere in the city pretty much with the same price each day.

Go to Chinatown or Little Italy. You can literally, get a meal for $5, and you'll be stuffed. Don't be scared. Menu are posted outside, and people are actually quite friendly. You can also get fried noodles or fried rice on the side street cart for $1. Trust me, they're actually very tasty and large portion.

Do free stuff, e.g. go up to the new Time Warner Center / Mandarin Oriental hotel. The lobby is free, and you can see similiar (free) view as those from Empire State. Pack sandwich and walk thru Central Park (like locals) or even eat the $1 hotdogs for lunch.

On certain nights the museum are free. Just check their website. There are plenty to do in town that's require no money. You just need to research ahead of time.

Pizza, dumplings, hot dogs, pretzels. We New Yorkers are not rich. We just pretend to be.

 

[MinnieYC]

Hi! A New Yorker here!

I did a quick search on your hotel, and it seems to be near the Empire State Building, so you're in a pretty busy area.

Overall, the best way to save $$$ but still eat well is to avoid the restaurants near the tourist attractions. Walking as little as 3 or 4 blocks to a residential or business area can do a lot. If a place looks nice, and the prices are reasonable, try it. I second the pizza idea; our pizza really is good!

A lot of nice restaurants have good lunch specials, so maybe you can make lunch your big deal of the day, and just have a bit for dinner.

NYC diners can be quite reliable and well priced.

Avoid theme restaurants. Yes, they can be fun, but often the food isn't so great, and they can be very expensive.

Have fun!!!

 

[jetsetter90]

Since your in the vicinity of the Empire State Building your also near Macy's. In Macy's Downstairs there is a place you can eat.
There are all kinds of food offerings and I mean all kinds, pasta's anyway you like them, Deli section, pizza, ribs, chicken, sushi, salad bar, whatever your desire. It's a self serve place, pick what you want, pay, sit down and enjoy. I also think that in April it's the Flower Show at Macy's something to see also.


One place I would reccomend is Mars 2112. The kids really enjoy this. You're blasted off to Mars for lunch/Dinner, simulator ride. The location is 51st & Broadway. You won't see it on street level. It's downstairs in a courtyard.

Have fun and enjoy all NY has to offer. If you need any other help just ask.

TTFN

Jetsetter90

 

[charlie,nj]

here is a nice nyc info site:

www.nyctourist.com

 

[elisebutt]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

DVCindy the jolly Madison is at 22 E 38th St at Madison Ave.
The New York City pass costs £32/25 ($59/46)and gives entry to The Guggenheim/Natural History/MoMA/Sea Air Space museums, the Empire State Building Observatory, NY Skyride and a 2 hr Circle Line Harbour Cruise.

It seems to be quite good value but am trying to find a US site to get it from to get more bang from my pounds - lol

I will be printing this thread off to take with me - so many good ideas!!!