Reported for Flatiron Hot! News by Katherine Jin and Mitchell Kabakow
The New York City Seminar and Conference Center is located right in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District. This prime location means that not only can customers of the NYCSCC get an affordable venue for events, but one that is surrounded by tasty and inexpensive food. Here are our suggestions for the best affordable eateries around NYCSCC.
Flats Fix Taco and Tequila Bar
Flats Fix Taco and Tequila Bar is a wonderful local hangout specializing in, as the name suggests, tacos, tequila, and other Mexican favorites. The restaurant has a casual and almost dive-ish feel with its wall decorations and vintage booths. The stars of the menu are definitely the tacos, especially the pastrami and brisket which are smoked in house. At 3 tacos and rice and beans for $13 you can have a decent-sized meal for relatively little money. Located right next Madison Square Park at 4 E 23rd St, this small bar and restaurant is the perfect place for lunch or an after work dinner and drink with friends.
Alla Pala
Alla Pala is a pizza counter located in the Eataly market at 200 Fifth Avenue that specializes in Roman-style pizza. Unlike traditional New York pizza, Roman-style pizza is served in thick square slices. At Alla Pala, these slices are piled high with delicious and decadent toppings like goat cheese, cured meats, and artisanal mushrooms. I would highly recommend the Tricolore which is loaded with prosciutto, stracciatella, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. Alla Pala is also surprisingly affordable with their large slices costing $8 or less. Alla Pala is a great option for lunch or a quick dinner.
Hill Country Chicken
Hill Country Chicken is a fried chicken and pie restaurant located three blocks from NYCSCC at 1123 Broadway. Offering tender meat enveloped in a crunchy golden crust, beautiful golden fries, soft biscuits, a range of delectable sides, and a wide array of mouth-watering pies, the eatery has everything you could want from comfort food. Paired with its casual, down-home vibe and bright and airy interior, Hill Country Chicken is the perfect place to go with your friends for a fun meal.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Some good cheesy things at Beechers!
The name is self-explanatory: this spot is the perfect destination for cheese lovers. The rustic yet modern décor brings all aspects of cheesemaking to the table, allowing customers to appreciate all aspects of the artistry that goes into making their award-winning cheese while enjoying a quick bite. The store has abundant rows and rows of cheeses for sale, available both raw or prepared, and samples are also available to help you find the cheese you love. The delicious menu choices include breakfast, salads, soups, grilled sandwiches, and what Beecher’s swears by, the “world’s best” mac and cheese. Prices range from $6 to $12.
Bravo Pizza
Bravo Pizza is a perfect example of an authentic New York pizza parlor. Offering pizzas of every imaginable type, including classic New York, Chicago, and Sicilian pizzas as well as their “Grandma Pie” (Sicilian with fresh basil), and many other combinations of meat and vegetables, their options won’t disappoint. They also serve chicken entrees, Italian specialties, salads, pastas, baked dishes, wings, heroes (6 feet long!!), desserts, and beverages. As one of NYCSCC’s proud caterers, you can conveniently enjoy their specialties right here in the Conference Center, or at their location down the street at 257 Park Ave.
Xi’An Famous Foods
Located on the other side of Madison Square Park at 38 E 23rd St is Xi’An Famous Foods, a small counter-serve chain offering Chinese fare, including noodles, soups, and sandwiches. The noodles are handmade and fresh, and their meat and sauces have an umami, deep flavor that really gives you a hearty experience. Their service is also amazing, and on my visit, their cashier greeted me with a bright smile despite the rainy day. The prices are very reasonable, and to top it off the portions are gargantuan so that for people with small appetites, there is enough in one dish to last for two meals.
Terri
Fine Vegan Offerings!
For a quick and healthy meal, go right across the street from NYCSCC to Terri, a plant-based fast food spot. Everything served is 100% vegan and kosher, and the restaurants stands by its mission of “Real food, Real ingredients, Real fast.” It features an extensive menu including salads, wraps, sandwiches, combo plates, smoothies, juices, and shakes, and prices range from $5 to $13. Even if you aren’t vegan, the place is still worth a visit for a “feel-good” meal!
Indikitch
Indikitch is an innovative new restaurant specializing in fast Indian cuisine at an affordable price. The restaurant utilizes the Chipotle method of allowing customers to assemble their own meal by picking a meat, a sauce, and a number of sides. This ensures that the food is always fast and made to the customers liking. Most meals come to about $15 if you add a drink, making it surprisingly affordable. I would recommend the pork or lamb vindaloo, but would warn against ordering it spicy unless you really like it spicy. Indikitch has five locations in the city including one at 25 West 23rd St right by the New York City Seminar and Convention Center.
Chelsea Bagel & Cafe
Chelsea Bagel & Café offers fresh American deli fare using fresh products and ingredients. Their bagels are light and fluffy, and the cream cheese they offer has the perfect consistency to spread and enjoy. Their sandwiches and wraps are equally delicious, and are stuffed to the brim with fillings. To top it off, their portions are delightfully huge, and really give you a bang for your buck. Another one of NYCSCC’s caterers, they are available to enjoy either at your event, or at their storefront on 139 West 14th St.
In addition to these wonderful eateries, NYCSCC is also located next to the original Shake Shake, a famous New York fast food chain. And for those who like to stick with what they know, there are a number of notable chain restaurants around, including Chipotle, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, McDonalds, and Pret A Manger, just to name a few. Whatever your taste buds crave, the Flatiron District can offer you!
NYC Theater News
Cheap Eats Near New York City Seminar & Conference Center
Reported for Flatiron Hot! News by Katherine Jin and Mitchell Kabakow
The New York City Seminar and Conference Center is located right in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District. This prime location means that not only can customers of the NYCSCC get an affordable venue for events, but one that is surrounded by tasty and inexpensive food. Here are our suggestions for the best affordable eateries around NYCSCC.
Flats Fix Taco and Tequila Bar
Flats Fix Taco and Tequila Bar is a wonderful local hangout specializing in, as the name suggests, tacos, tequila, and other Mexican favorites. The restaurant has a casual and almost dive-ish feel with its wall decorations and vintage booths. The stars of the menu are definitely the tacos, especially the pastrami and brisket which are smoked in house. At 3 tacos and rice and beans for $13 you can have a decent-sized meal for relatively little money. Located right next Madison Square Park at 4 E 23rd St, this small bar and restaurant is the perfect place for lunch or an after work dinner and drink with friends.
Alla Pala
Alla Pala is a pizza counter located in the Eataly market at 200 Fifth Avenue that specializes in Roman-style pizza. Unlike traditional New York pizza, Roman-style pizza is served in thick square slices. At Alla Pala, these slices are piled high with delicious and decadent toppings like goat cheese, cured meats, and artisanal mushrooms. I would highly recommend the Tricolore which is loaded with prosciutto, stracciatella, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. Alla Pala is also surprisingly affordable with their large slices costing $8 or less. Alla Pala is a great option for lunch or a quick dinner.
Hill Country Chicken
Hill Country Chicken is a fried chicken and pie restaurant located three blocks from NYCSCC at 1123 Broadway. Offering tender meat enveloped in a crunchy golden crust, beautiful golden fries, soft biscuits, a range of delectable sides, and a wide array of mouth-watering pies, the eatery has everything you could want from comfort food. Paired with its casual, down-home vibe and bright and airy interior, Hill Country Chicken is the perfect place to go with your friends for a fun meal.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Some good cheesy things at Beechers!
The name is self-explanatory: this spot is the perfect destination for cheese lovers. The rustic yet modern décor brings all aspects of cheesemaking to the table, allowing customers to appreciate all aspects of the artistry that goes into making their award-winning cheese while enjoying a quick bite. The store has abundant rows and rows of cheeses for sale, available both raw or prepared, and samples are also available to help you find the cheese you love. The delicious menu choices include breakfast, salads, soups, grilled sandwiches, and what Beecher’s swears by, the “world’s best” mac and cheese. Prices range from $6 to $12.
Bravo Pizza
Bravo Pizza is a perfect example of an authentic New York pizza parlor. Offering pizzas of every imaginable type, including classic New York, Chicago, and Sicilian pizzas as well as their “Grandma Pie” (Sicilian with fresh basil), and many other combinations of meat and vegetables, their options won’t disappoint. They also serve chicken entrees, Italian specialties, salads, pastas, baked dishes, wings, heroes (6 feet long!!), desserts, and beverages. As one of NYCSCC’s proud caterers, you can conveniently enjoy their specialties right here in the Conference Center, or at their location down the street at 257 Park Ave.
Xi’An Famous Foods
Located on the other side of Madison Square Park at 38 E 23rd St is Xi’An Famous Foods, a small counter-serve chain offering Chinese fare, including noodles, soups, and sandwiches. The noodles are handmade and fresh, and their meat and sauces have an umami, deep flavor that really gives you a hearty experience. Their service is also amazing, and on my visit, their cashier greeted me with a bright smile despite the rainy day. The prices are very reasonable, and to top it off the portions are gargantuan so that for people with small appetites, there is enough in one dish to last for two meals.
Terri
Fine Vegan Offerings!
For a quick and healthy meal, go right across the street from NYCSCC to Terri, a plant-based fast food spot. Everything served is 100% vegan and kosher, and the restaurants stands by its mission of “Real food, Real ingredients, Real fast.” It features an extensive menu including salads, wraps, sandwiches, combo plates, smoothies, juices, and shakes, and prices range from $5 to $13. Even if you aren’t vegan, the place is still worth a visit for a “feel-good” meal!
Indikitch
Indikitch is an innovative new restaurant specializing in fast Indian cuisine at an affordable price. The restaurant utilizes the Chipotle method of allowing customers to assemble their own meal by picking a meat, a sauce, and a number of sides. This ensures that the food is always fast and made to the customers liking. Most meals come to about $15 if you add a drink, making it surprisingly affordable. I would recommend the pork or lamb vindaloo, but would warn against ordering it spicy unless you really like it spicy. Indikitch has five locations in the city including one at 25 West 23rd St right by the New York City Seminar and Convention Center.
Chelsea Bagel & Cafe
Chelsea Bagel & Café offers fresh American deli fare using fresh products and ingredients. Their bagels are light and fluffy, and the cream cheese they offer has the perfect consistency to spread and enjoy. Their sandwiches and wraps are equally delicious, and are stuffed to the brim with fillings. To top it off, their portions are delightfully huge, and really give you a bang for your buck. Another one of NYCSCC’s caterers, they are available to enjoy either at your event, or at their storefront on 139 West 14th St.
In addition to these wonderful eateries, NYCSCC is also located next to the original Shake Shake, a famous New York fast food chain. And for those who like to stick with what they know, there are a number of notable chain restaurants around, including Chipotle, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, McDonalds, and Pret A Manger, just to name a few. Whatever your taste buds crave, the Flatiron District can offer you!