Best cheap lunch near Grand Central

Hey guys,

So I've been at my current position for about 3 months now after graduation. Work near midtown east and am really getting sick of my typical lunch spots: Chipotle, Rickshaw Dumplings, Pot Belly, Wichcraft, Five Guys.

What are some cheap spots in midtown east that are good for lunch(Read: $15)? Not really into the whole Dishes/cafeteria style places, but any other suggestions appreciated.

Regards

29 Comments
 
Best Response

Not sure the name of the place, but there is a good buffet style place next to the Citi bike racks on park ave and 42nd. Its right there on the left, next to the bridge going up to grand central. There is a little Italy pizza on 43 street. Argued one of the best pizza places in the area. Kati roll is always a good choice if you like Americanized indian food. On the back side of Bryant park on 40th between 5th and 6th (kind of out of the way actually). I used to go to the Chipotle all the time, but worth noting it again even though you already said it. Always a good choice... Bread and Company opened up next to the TD Bank on 42nd and Madison, and makes some pretty good hot paninis. Those are all of the ones I can think off of the top of my head, but there are so many places in that area, im sure you shouldn't have a problem diversifying your lunch meals each week.

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Yeah, I guess I just tend to be picky. Not of the food, but just what I'm spending my money on.

I'll check out Bread and Co though, that sounds pretty good. Thanks

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If you like Japanese, there's a few good joints on 47th St such as Donburiya & Onya.

All the world's indeed a stage, And we are merely players, Performers and portrayers, Each another's audience, Outside the gilded cage - Limelight (1981)
 

Love Japanese food, but am worried that sushi lunches could run a little pricey. But I'll check it out, thanks

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.
 

@Anihilist

They have good deals for weekday lunches. There are a lot of Japanese customers in there during the week, so that is a good sign in terms of food quality.

All the world's indeed a stage, And we are merely players, Performers and portrayers, Each another's audience, Outside the gilded cage - Limelight (1981)
 
ManyHenny

Toasties is my go-to. Have tried most of the sammies there.

Remember to get the sandwich card (10 sandwiches, get 1 free).

Ditto. Inexpensive, wide selection of sandwiches, homestyle food, pizza, salad, and great value.

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Well honestly, I still love all those I mentioned, but the selection is pretty slim at those places so it become a little repetitive. Wichcraft is also great, but isn't much on their menu that I think I'd like.

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.
 
FormerHornetDriver

What's the best thing to get at Potbelly? Been there once and I thought it was good for the price, but was not blown away....

Get the Wreck with hot peppers and a pickle on the side ($1 more).

 

Little Italy Pizza or Previti Pizza or Subway.

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Bobby Van's Grille, awesome burgers. They have a nice steakhouse too if you are trying to sit down.

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Naya Express, Num Pang, Sophie's (don't plan on doing any work after eating here, you will be in a coma).

 

bread & butter on 44th and madison has decent sushi lunches if you're feeling that. +1 on bread and co on madison between 42nd and 43rd.

 
RuffRyder350

Some decent food on the lower level of grand central. Think they're even opening a shake shack in there

Yeah, I've seen it. Just a little apprehensive of GC food court.

Am also interested in checking out some of the food trucks if anyone has some good suggestions.

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.
 

Black Shack on about 38th and Third is quite good for burgers. Supposedly a Shake Shack is opening downstairs at grand central. Also, Naples 45 has pretty decent pizza.

 

depends how far north you want to go: 48th between 5th and 6th has a five guys, two cheap as hell chinese joints that are great, and there is a handmade noodle shop called xi'an famous foods that is midtown eastish too. otherwise toasties, the line of food trucks outside of 270 park on the 47th street side are pretty good (ignore the 48th street side). best place is a chicken parm place on 49th between 3rd and lex called la belleza or something--outrageous chicken parm for 7 or 8 bucks; food world ramen/stir fry on 47th and madison is great too

 

You can try Baja Fresh on 45th and Lex. It is a nice change from Chipotle style burritos plus they also give you complimentary chips and access to a salad bar. This way you can add as much picos de gallos as you want without having to beg the staff.

Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep.
 

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Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep.
 

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People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.

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