aingem

Will be staying @ the Pod for 3 nights...Sept 5-8. Looking for general impressions; advice on nearby things to do and great eats. Honestly, no real preferences on anything.

Thomas6

I used to live about two doors down from it when it was the old hotel before the Pod. There is an excellent Mediterranean restaurant around the corner on 2nd Ave. called Pescatore (good fish and pasta), an inexpensive Mexican called Blockhead's Diner, and two upscale Mexican, Zarela's and Rosa Mexicano. All are on 2nd Ave. - Zarela's and Blockhead's between 51st and 50th and Rosa Mexicano a few blocks uptown around 58th, I think.
The Divine Bar on 51st used to be a hopping evening place as well. Ess-a-Bagel is close by on 3rd Ave near the corner of 51st for good bagels.

traveler24

tripadvisor.com has many opinions--mostly good..
you must remember this is a "bare bones" type hotel.In my experience it is the most economical lodging except for a youth hostel or Priceline..After all this is NYC where an average hotel is $ 350 IF you can find one...My next trip to NYC I am staying there but will view it as an "adventure" and judge it accordingly
You will love New York--just have fun...
Please write a trip report when you get back..

ggreen

That stretch of 2nd Ave has a lot of bars and pubs that cater to a younger (youngish?) crowd. Turtle Bay and Sutton Place can get pretty loud on a weekend.

I would agree with all of Thomas6's recommendations. Jamesons is good for pub food.

Abby43

Rosa Mexicano is on First Avenue and about 58th Street, not Second Avenue.

ggreen

Oh, and do check out menupages.com - a great NYC resource!

There's not particularly a lot to do in that area. However, you can walk east to the UN. The tours are interesting if you're into that kind of thing, and they often have small but good art exhibits in the lobby. (Keep in mind that you have to go through security to get in.)

mclaurie

Thomas6 has given you good restaurant picks. I'd add Jubilee on 54 st & 1st if you like mussels and there are some decent Indian places too. Indigo Indian Bistro is pretty good & relatively cheap.

If you enjoy jazz, St. Peter's Church in the Citicorp building (on Lexington) does a Sun. 5 pm jazz vespers
http://www.saintpeters.org/jazz/

The rooftop bar at the Beekman Towers hotel has a lovely view (and sometimes live music at night).

aingem

Thanks everyone. This is really helpful, as I'm not totally familiar with the location/geography of NY...at least now we have a few ideas.

ekscrunchy

This is my neighborhood. It is not great for eating. I agree with some, not all, of the above recommendations but if you are truly picky about what you eat, none of them will make you very happy. With the possible exception of Jubilee.

There is a new ceviche bar/resto on Second Avenue/50th street that you might want to check out. Lots of inexpensive and moderate Japanese in the area.. In your hotel is the wine bar, Bateau Ivre, along with a French-inspired bistro..

Diana805

Across the street and a bit toward 5th Avenue is a very nice vest pocket park with a waterfall and food to buy. Fun to buy the daily paper, buy a bagel/coffee, and check out what you might want to do for the day. Mimi's an Italian restaurant nearby (check the address it's been a while) is a lot of fun for their piano bar and occasional sing-a-longs. I don't particularly recommend the food, but it's a very convivial place.

ekscrunchy

Montparnasse is the French place in your hotel I referred to above. You will be close to the subway and I recommend you get out of the neighborhood for great eating. Sad but true! Although I can recommend a good Chinese place a few blocks north on Second Avenue if you are interested..

ggreen

My former boss loooved Montparnasse, and would take us there any opportunity she could get. It's cute, service is efficient, and the food is perfectly fine bisto fare. But I agree that it's preferable to get out of the area if you're looking for really memorable food!