Today's Lunch Break: Diner Food Refined
A diner that's sure to surprise you, plus a special offer and a free treat! By Yvo Sin.
Also See: Things To Do Tonight | Thursday's NYC Sample Sales
M. Wells Diner
21-17 49th Avenue (at 21st Street)
Long Island City, NY
(718) 425-6917
mwellsdiner.com
Just a 10 minute ride on the 7 train from Grand Central Station, M. Wells is one of those places you really just have to experience for yourself to understand - and even then, complete comprehension may not be had. It looks - and for all intents and purposes, it is - just a regular diner, but when you begin to explore the simple placemat menu, you realize that it's so much more. With dishes like beef tartare, escargot & bone marrow, seafood cobbler and the absolute do-not-miss mushroom soup (with or without foie gras), there's not much in common there with your average diner. But the long layout, the booth seats on one side, and the unmistakable countertop all tell you that it's a diner; it's only once you begin eating that you realize your eyes, they deceive you. Diner food has been redefined.
Friedman's Lunch
75 9th Avenue (Chelsea Market)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 929-7100
friedmanslunch.com
See Also: The Best Eats & Attractions In Chelsea
Nestled inside Chelsea Market among plenty of other lunch options, Friedman's doesn't use gimmicks or try very hard to stand out. They offer sandwiches, fish tacos, burgers - all pretty standard lunch items. But they quietly do each of these well, so anyone deciding to give them a try is pleasantly surprised - as you should be. The kitschy decor of an old time diner invites you in to sit for a bit and enjoy your meal, watching the people as they pass by in the bustling Chelsea Market. Don't miss their housemade potato chips - crunchy and well-seasoned, these are sure to leave you reaching for more.
The Coffee Foundry
186 W. 4th Street
New York, NY 10014
coffeefoundry.com
See Also: 10 Alternatives To Starbucks | NYC's Best Hot Drinks
It's easy to walk by The Coffee Foundry and never notice it's there; being a landmark building, they aren't allowed to hang a sign outside. Despite this unfortunate turn, coffee lovers will find this place worth seeking out: they roast their beans in-house and brew single origin coffee by the cup, to order. An abbreviated but simple and delicious lunch menu is also on offer, so pull up a chair and relax inside the laidback atmosphere, enjoy the free wifi, and breathe in the wonderful aroma of great coffee. Special offer: mention "Foundry Coffee Cupping" while you're there and receive a $1 discount off any beverage they serve - good until April 15th.
Starbucks
locations everywhere
starbucks.com
Sweet free treat: purchase any handcrafted beverage from Starbucks 2-5pm, March 10 - March 12, and receive a free Starbucks Petite treat from their new Starbucks Petites menu - three different types of cake pops, a red velvet whoopie pie, salted caramel squares... and it's free! What's not to like about free? Be sure to give their new cocoa cappucino a try, too - word on the street is that it's not as sweet, which works out wonderfully for those who just want an afternoon boost of caffeine without a ton of extra sugar.
Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of the Feisty Foodie.
