Where to Grab a Bite in New York City

Events / Travel
Rocco Steakhouse in New York City. (Courtesy of Rocco Steakhouse)

If you’re traveling to New York for the Belmont Stakes on June 10, you’ll have an endless selection of options to choose from when it comes to dining. There are so many places to grab a meal around New York City that it’s hard to scratch the surface when making a quick list. In any event, I’ve tried to put together a list with some variety. We encourage readers with additional recommendations to include them in the comment section.

Poppy’s Place: 12 Verbena Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001

If you’re looking for a meal at a nice Italian restaurant after a day at the races, Poppy’s is a great spot. It’s in Floral Park, so it’s conveniently located less than two miles away from Belmont Park. Just about every review on this place backs it up as warm, friendly and comfortable. Everything from the calamari to the eggplant parm get high scores, as well.

121 Fulton Street photo
121 Fulton Street: 121 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

During the day, local brokers and other businesspeople make this a popular lunch spot in Manhattan’s Financial District. At night, it’s a relaxing spot with a good vibe to grab a drink. 

El Centro: 824 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

In all five boroughs, you’ll have very little trouble finding delicious Mexican food. I wanted to include El Centro though, as one of my new favorites. I recently ate there and was absolutely blown away by the food and drinks at this little spot on the corner of 54th and 9th. The margaritas are very “effective” and the shrimp chilaquiles will leave you wanting more.

Rocco Steakhouse: 72 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016

Another spot I’ve recently dined at and absolutely loved. Whether you’re looking for a quality cut of steak or fresh seafood, you can’t go wrong at Rocco’s. My personal recommendation is the seafood platter (yes, even at a steakhouse!), which is filled with massive jumbo shrimp, fresh oysters and the tastiest lump crab meat. The wait staff is extremely engaging and friendly. Whether you’re looking for a big meal or just a strong cocktail (the bar is also really hopping at night), Rocco’s is a great spot to check out when you’re in the city.

King Umberto: 1343 Hempstead Tpke, Elmont, NY 11003

This another favorite among locals for a great meal after a day at the races at Belmont. It’s close to the track and offers up a classic Italian dining scene. The waiters get to know patrons by name and serve up some of the tastiest traditional dishes. The fried capellini, a King Umberto original, is always a hit with first-time diners.

L & B Spumoni Gardens: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

Many New Yorkers will tell you that Brooklyn is the place to go for the best food in the city (I would, at least, since I live there) and if you’re looking for pizza, you have to make it to L & B Spumoni Garden. It was founded by an Italian immigrant who came to New York about 100 years ago and originally sold his pizza using a horse and wagon. The old brick shack, located right on 86th street, is a Brooklyn landmark. I’d recommend an original Sicilian pizza for anyone trying Spumoni for the first time.

Pita Off the Corner: 1675 E 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

You’re not going to find this one on many lists because it’s such a hidden gem. If you’ve got an adventurous palate and want some of the best Israeli food in New York City, stop in at Pita Off the Corner. This is a literal mom and pop - owned by an extremely nice immigrant Israeli couple - and the experience of eating here transports you to another world. The shawarma sandwich is life changing and you’ll get to choose from a salad bar that includes spicy pickled carrots, fried eggplant, Israeli salad and about 15 other items. To spice it up, drizzle some amba (or spicy mango sauce) on top of your food - amazing!

Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli: 33-12 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105

Another slightly under-the-radar spot - this one in Queens - serving up deli sandwiches that everyone raves about. Not only does this place stuff its sandwiches to the point that they can hardly fit into the average human mouth, the price point is super low ($8 for a foot-long) for the amount of food crammed into each order. Everyone’s favorite sandwich at Sal, Kris and Charlie’s is The Bomb. Thank me later.

Ess-a-Bagel photo
Ess-a-Bagel: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

There are two things that distinguish New York bagels from all others: taste and size. You'll be absolutely mind-blown when you see how big and fluffy the bagels are at Ess-a-Bagel. According to one story, Ess-a made an Err-a (that's error, in New Yorkese) in its early refrigeration process, which led to its bagels baking to an abnormally large size. You won't mind it. Next step is choosing your favorite bagel flavor (go with an Everything) and your schmear, or cream cheese. Add some lox (smoked salmon) for a total New York bagel experience.

Don Peppe: 13558 Lefferts Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11420

This classic spot gets repeated accolades as one of the best authentic Italian restaurants in all of New York City. It’s definitely old school, in every sense - the restaurant recently put out a sign that read “We don’t have WiFi: Talk to each other. Pretend it’s 1995.” All of the food is served family style (of course) and you can easily fill up with a massive antipasto plate and Don Peppe’s famous baked clams.

Gato: 324 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Another great thing about dining in New York is that there are so many amazing restaurants run by celebrity chefs. Gato is one of the best and it’s by legendary chef - and racehorse owner - Bobby Flay, who also run Bar Americain in NYC. Gato offers up some of the best Spanish-inspired dishes anywhere in the city. Naturally, the price point is going to be a little higher and you’ll want to make a reservation as far in advance as possible. 

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