Midtown east lunch spots to check out and avoid

Check out

NY Birria

Mexican · 1300 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

The best tacos I’ve found in the area. $12 for three is good for NYC. The tacos come fully dressed, and the al pastor and carne asada are my favorites.

Tony Dragon’s Grille

Greek · Madison Ave &, E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065

Their grilled chicken breast is great. I also like that you can order ahead and your order is ready exactly when they say it will be.

Lil Zeus

Greek · 112 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020

Their chicken is comparable to Tony Dragons, but I like Lil Zeus’ tzatziki more. I don’t go here as often because you can’t order online ahead of time and there’s always a ten-person line.

Uncle Gussy’s

Greek · 345 Park Ave, New York, NY 10154

Not as good as Lil Zeus or Tony Dragon’s, but you can order ahead and they have fries.

Diso’s

Italian Sandwiches · 245 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029

Lots of different options with big portions. A sandwich here is two meals for me. Their rustic bread is on the hard side for me, but it’s till the best Italian sandwich I’ve had in the area. There’s an All’Antico Vinaio near my office as well, and while they’re different styles of Italian sandwiches, Diso’s is definitely a better value.

Yumpling

Taiwanese · 16 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022

Solid Taiwanese food. I’ve yet to try their fried chicken, but their dumplings are quite good.

Avoid

Mangia

Italian · 57 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019

I got a prosciutto moz sandwich and was it meh. Some of my colleagues swear by this place so maybe I made a bad choice.

Taim

Mediterranean · 156 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

I got the chicken pita and it was mid. It wasn’t that flavorful.

Kin ramen

Ramen · 129 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

I had high hopes with all a 4.8 on Google Maps with 4,000+ reviews, but I was really disappointed. I got their miso and it was bland. They also put cilantro in it. Wtf?