S’MAC
Sarita’s Mac and Cheese, shortened to S’MAC, is a restaurant located at 345 East 12th Street. This restaurant specializes in the classic comfort food—macaroni and cheese—but with unique twists. They also have the option to create their own cheesy concoction. Some of their dishes are pricey, but their small size, “nosh,” is plenty for one person and ranges in price from $4.75 to $7.25. S’MAC is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and till 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
Crif Dogs
Opened in 2001, Crif Dogs, located on 113 St. Marks Place, serves a wide variety of hotdogs with an even wider variety of toppings. From the plain Crif dog for $2.75 to the veggie special for $5.00 and sides like tater tots and chili cheese fries for $2.50. If the food wasn’t enough, the nostalgic atmosphere includes retro video games to play and old school pin-up prints on the walls. Visit Crif Dogs Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tuck Shop
For a little slice of Australian fare visit the Tuck Shop on 115 St. Marks Place. They provide a variety of meat and veggie pies all for $6. Unique to this shop is their fun book exchange program where you take a book and leave a book just for fun. Tuck Shop is open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Downtown Bakery
With restaurants like Chipotle and Qdoba popping up everywhere, smaller, cheaper and more authentic Mexican restaurants are often overlooked. Downtown Bakery is a hole in the wall on 69 1st Avenue and, although they do bake their share of breads, bagels and cinnamon rolls, they also have an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. Burritos, tacos and tamales all for around $7 as well as popular breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros. They open bright and early at 6 a.m. till 10 p.m. on Mondays through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Peanut Butter & Co.
Peanut Butter & Co. is a sandwich shop offering creative takes on peanut butter sandwiches. Nothing on the menu tops $8 with most of the sandwiches costing around $6.50. You can also buy any of their different flavors of peanut butter in a jar for $5 to recreate the sandwich at home. Each sandwich is served with chips and carrot sticks to help patrons escape to kindergarten days. And don’t worry; they’ll cut the crusts off just like mom used to. Peanut Butter & Co. is located at 240 Sullivan Street. Sunday to Thursday it’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and stays open an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays.
Thelewala
Thelewala is a place specializing in the cuisine of small Indian fast food carts. They offer different versions of “the Famous Calcutta Nazami Rolls” all for $5 as well as some larger items for $7. There isn’t much room to sit inside so this traditional street food is great if you’re on the go. Thelewala is found at 112 MacDougal Street. They’re open late and make an excellent post-bar snack. Sunday through Thursday they’re open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Two Boots Pizza
While not the cheapest pizza around, Two Boots unique flavors and toppings justify the extra couple dollars spent for a slice. On top of extravagant toppings, the decorations inside are a blast from the past with beaded curtains and retro photos. Visit Two Boots Pizza at 201 West 11th Street. Sunday through Wednesday Two Boots is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.,Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
99 Miles to Philly
The sandwich shop 99 Miles to Philly brings Philadelphia to the East Village with its authentic cheesesteaks. The sandwiches are huge and cost $7.99. Customers can choose between steak, chicken or vegetables. The cheese steaks are ordered the traditional way — specify cheese wiz or provolone and “wit” onions or “wit’out.” Pop into 99 Miles to Philly at 94 3rd Avenue, but each day has different opening hours so check ahead.