I didn't get any response to this question on my other thread so I am asking it again. We will be at the Top of the Rock and I don't think we have time to go to Carnegie Deli, so would like to eat right where we are-not fine dining that takes hours. Any suggestions?

Wu-liang Ye - Good Chinese - probably on 48th between 5th and 6th - South side of the street

Just inside the skating center is a few places (plus a bathroom). There's a sit down restarant and a nice European style cafe with panini and salads and stuff. Perhaps a New Yorker can help with the name of this place. Basically just take the elevator down one flight from rock center and the restarants are just inside from the skating area

When you say you don't have time, what are you doing after this?

She has a bus departure at 8PM that evening--this is an 9-hour visit to NYC.

In the summer, the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center becomes a outside cafe for Sea Grill. I don't know when that starts, however.

There is also the Cafe at Saks, but it is rather expensive. I think a club sandwich is $20 and a Bloody Mary is $10. The service is fast, though

There are a lot of Cafe Europa-type (or Au Bon Pain) places on the side streets off of 5th Ave.

Fat Lady

I clicked on your sn and see that you are taking a bus tour from B-more, hon. Are you boarding your bus at Port Authority or are you meeting it someplace else like 6th and 48th?

Fat Lady (formerly of Towson)

we are taking it at Penn Station

There's a Dean & DeLuca Cafe at Rockefeller Center.

If you're talking about lunch and it's a nice day you might try the Wichcraft pavilions at Bryant Park, but they're only open until 5, 6 or 6:30 depending on the day of the week. A few blocks south from Rock Center but on your way toward Penn Station. Open the link below and click on the apostrophe on 42nd Street.

http://wichcraftnyc.com/locations-and-hours/

Wichcraft is by Tom Collichio, of Top Chef fame.

There is also a small 'wichcraft location at the bottom level of Rockefeller Ctr. We ate there last week and loved it. You'll smell it before you see it.

Well, sweetie darling, have you thought about eating dinner near Penn Sation before getting your bus?

There is Seven at 7th/29th. My friend always eats there before going to shows at MSG.

Thingorjus

Does the Rockefeller Center Dean and Deluca have salads and an array of prepared foods like the one I know downtown does? Or is it just coffee? Forgive my ignorance.

It has food, but I am not positive what kind. I know it has things like fruit salad and yogurt and bottled water in a refrigerated case.

When I am there I always get coffee and croissant. I know they have pastries, cakes, and muffins as you can see that stuff whilst standing in line.

The Dean and Deluca at Rock Center is nothing like the store on Broadway just south of Houston Street. That D/D is more like a Whole Foods.

Thin

Sidewalk Hot Dog stand?

Thanks, Thin. I doubt it would have what I'm looking for.

The Sea Grill has excellent fish - but is quite upscale. the Rock Center Cafe is much more casuale but also not giving anything away. For something decent, fast, and not too expensive I would check out menupages.com for any of the usual chains: Au Bon Pain, Cosi, Hale & Hearty Soups, et al.

http://www.tirnanognyc.com/homepage.php

Tir Na Nog, near Penn Station. Recommended by Gekko.

Thin

We looked at the menus at Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe, and they seemed more geared toward dinners than lunches - very few sandwiches/salads.

I don't know who's in your group (kids? Mom?) but Rock Ctr. has a food court downstairs with lots of options including Mendy's, a Jewish style deli and Hale & Hearty Soups and I think a Chinese place. I think Sue's suggestion of the Chinese on 48th st. is also a great option. I also think the idea of heading toward Penn station works. In addition to Seven, there's Ayza on 31 st. What you should avoid is the awful TGI Friday's tourist trap there with terrible food and outrageous prices.