In the 50s, the trend seems to be that the further one goes west in Manhattan, the better restaurants get. While Seventh Avenue and Broadway are mostly lined with generic delis, Ninth Avenue is home to Restaurant Row, where you’ll find restaurant after restaurant, many of them serving international cuisine at reasonable prices.
The Afghan Kebab House (764 Ninth Ave. at 51st Street) serves heaping portions of excellently seasoned and cooked kebabs in a small, but festively decorated dining room. The Lamb Tikka Kebab ($12.95) is to die for, as is the Lamb Korma ($13.95). Chicken and beef are also available, as are seafood and vegetarian options. It’s bring-your-own-booze, so you’ll want to bring along a full-bodied red wine to accompany the strong flavors in the meat.
For a more traditional meal that’s also BYOB, head to Nook (746 Ninth Ave. at 50th Street). The tiny restaurant is aptly named and the service is friendly. Staple appetizers like Tuna Tartar can be enjoyed for a mere $6.50. Their signature entrée, Konrad’s Goulash ($12.00) is well seasoned and has an authentic rustic quality.
For students seeking a great wine bar or true fromagerie, Casellula Cheese and Wine Cafe is a must-see. Its crowded but pleasant dining room and bar offer many varietals at reasonable prices, and knowledgeable servers to help you make your selections.
The restaurant’s food menu includes charcuterie as well as other appropriate wine accompaniments. Try the mac And cheese ($13.00) or truffled cheese fries ($14.00), unless you are looking for something a little meatier, in which case you should try their pig’s ass sandwich ($14.00). The unique cheeses and pickles make it a stand out amongst pork sandwiches. For those who are not excited by wine, Casellua offers a rare beer selection as well.
Finally, for those in search of late night entertainment or simply longing for libations, 123 Burger Shot Beer (738 10th Ave. at 50th Street) is sure to satisfy. As the name might suggests, here cash-strapped students can purchase $1 burgers, $2 shots, and $3 beers. The shots are unusual and interesting—you can select orange Tic-Tac or lemon drop, and the beer selections include classy varieties like Stella Artois that rarely go for an affordable $3.
Getting off the main path, even if only for a drink, into some of these small private gems proves to be a rewarding and affordable experience, especially as a departure from the typical Morningside fare.
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