Last minute specific suggestions for Husband/son NYC trip?
 

My husband and son are leaving soon for first trip to NYC, son's high school graduation present. They are staying at Hotel Beacon and plan to take Staten Island ferry, go to taping of Colbert Report, Top of the Rock. For meals, they want to do low budget spots (thinks diners and dives) when possible.

Son wants classic New York pizza. I've printed out Adu's list of restaurants but not having been before, they would appreciate specific suggestions for burgers and pizza in those areas. Colbert Report is at 54 and 10th.

Also any other suggestions regarding things going on, places to avoid, etc?

John's Pizzeria (restaurant, whole pies, no slices) on W 44th is a good one (as are their other locations). The best pizza buy the slice is Joe's on Carmine St (near 6th av and Bleecker).

Places to avoid would be the typical nation-wide chains like Olive Garden. Hard Rock, etc.

The best budget eating area in general is probably the E. Village. The worst is probably in the times square area.

They might want to try 5 Napkin Burgers on 9th Ave. & 45th Street. There are several other locations in NYC. The burgers are in the $15 range, not sure if that's above the budget, but I found the burger to be very good. I recommended this place to friends who were in NYC earlier this month with much younger kids (ages 10 & 7) and they liked it too.

There are lots of moderately priced restaurants on 9th Ave in the 40s.

These are great. 5 Napkin sounds perfect. the main thing is no chains and not fancy.

5 Napkin does require a reservation unless you want to wait 90 minutes for a table. John's doesn't take reservations.

Oh, thanks Doug. Good to know!

Also you can get restaurant info (reviews,menus, etc) on menupages.com.

thanks MF. I should have said "casual" instead of low budget because it's not the cost but the casual atmosphere they are seeking.

Burger: Burger Joint at The Parker Meridien Hotel (119 West 56th btw 6/7) & Shake Shack - various locations in the city.

Pizza - Grimaldi's in Brooklyn - walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, take in the great sights, and pick up some pizza

Other faves: Momofuku Noodle; Biriyani Cart (46th & 6th); BonChon Chicken 207 west 38th for some amazing chicken wings; Rickshaw Dumpling Truck (around 50th st); Spotted Pig

Broadway near their hotel is line with a host of casual dining places of eery possibele ethnicity - many with ourdoor dining. Just walk up and down the street - it a place is mobbed the food will be decent.

For great breakfsts: Popover Cafe or Barney greengrass

burger joint and shake shack are both great, but the burger joint line moves slowly.. And check out the SS website - since they have multiple locations you can pick one based on your destination for the day... when are they going?

Thanks for the great suggestions! They are going this weekend.

I didn't know Colbert taped on weekends. I would suggest going to MOMA. The people and objects communicating exhibit is great. The next step after the internet. Combine that with a Top of the Rock combo ticket. After the Staten Island Ferry, go over to Governor's Island next door.

Island Burgers and Shakes is on 9th Avenue in the low 50's and it beats standing in line for shake shack any day.

Visit Brooklyn, by all means, but don't make Grimaldi Pizza the destination! John's is much better and their W.Village location is best.

There are two great markets near your hotel and both offer deli and other take out items. Your hotel room's kitchenette provides you some flexibility while planning meals and snacks.

Sue, I didn't say how long they are staying. ;)

Thanks for the heads up on Island Burgers.

One place I rarely mention but if you are on the westside is fun and they make great sandwiches-Manganaro's Hero Boy. The store next door is also Manganaro's. The family had a dispute and they do not talk to one another.

Ninth and 37th.

sounds great Adu, thanks

make that Muchos gracias, papi