best-places-to-eat-in-New York City, USA

The Ultimate Guide to Street Food in New York City

New York City, the culinary melting pot of the world, offers a diverse and exciting dining experience that caters to all tastes and budgets. From classic hot dog carts to trendy food trucks, street food in NYC is an absolute must-try. Here are some of the best places to eat on the streets of New York:

Classic Street Food Spots

  • Gray’s Papaya: A 24/7 diner chain with multiple locations throughout Manhattan, known for their signature papaya juice and classic American comfort food.
  • Katz’s Delicatessen: An iconic Jewish deli on the Lower East Side that serves up mouth-watering pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and knishes.

Food Carts & Trucks

  • Los Tacos No. 1: A popular taco cart on the Upper West Side that serves authentic Mexican street food.
  • The Halal Guys: A legendary street food cart in Midtown with a devoted following for their juicy gyros, falafel, and chicken dishes.

International Street Food

  • Artichoke Basille’s Pizza Truck: An artisanal pizza truck on the Upper West Side that serves thick-crust pies topped with an array of creative ingredients.
  • Empanada Mama: A food cart in Washington Heights that specializes in crispy empanadas filled with beef, chicken, and cheese.

Food Markets

  • Smorgasburg: An outdoor market in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood that features a rotating selection of artisanal food vendors serving everything from grilled meats to creative desserts.
  • Chelsea Market: An indoor market on the west side of Manhattan that showcases an array of specialty foods, including artisanal cheeses and chocolates.

Other Notable Mentions

  • Xe Lua Vietnamese Kitchen: A popular food cart in Chinatown serving flavorful banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls.
  • Shake Shack: A modern day “roadside” burger stand on the Upper West Side that serves high-quality burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Be prepared to wait in line for some of these popular spots!
  • Don’t be afraid to try new foods – you might discover a new favorite dish!
  • Follow street food vendors on social media to catch their schedules and locations.