Times Square, New York, is not only a bustling hub for entertainment but also a great place to experience a variety of delicious cuisines. From quick bites to fine dining, the area offers a broad spectrum of food choices for every taste. Here are some of the best things to eat in Times Square:
1. New York-Style Pizza
- Where to Eat: Joe's Pizza, Prince Street Pizza
- Why Try It: No visit to New York is complete without trying its famous pizza. New York-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and large, foldable slices. Joe's Pizza is a classic spot that has been serving up delicious pies for decades. Prince Street Pizza is famous for its square slices topped with pepperoni and other tasty toppings.
- What to Order: A classic cheese slice or a pepperoni slice from Joe's or Prince Street Pizza.
2. Broadway-Themed Dining (Planet Hollywood)
- Where to Eat: Planet Hollywood Times Square
- Why Try It: A fun and lively dining experience that combines great American food with Hollywood memorabilia. Planet Hollywood is a favorite for tourists who want to enjoy a meal surrounded by movie memorabilia and a fun, energetic vibe.
- What to Order: The signature Planet Hollywood Burger or a classic American dish like a BBQ chicken sandwich.
3. Hot Dogs
- Where to Eat: Gray's Papaya, Crif Dogs
- Why Try It: A quintessential New York street food, hot dogs are perfect for a quick snack while you're exploring the area. Gray's Papaya has been serving delicious, affordable hot dogs for decades, and Crif Dogs offers a more gourmet take on the classic hot dog with inventive toppings and combinations.
- What to Order: A classic "Recession Special" hot dog from Gray's Papaya or a gourmet hot dog with unique toppings from Crif Dogs.
4. Cheesecake
- Where to Eat: Junior's Cheesecake
- Why Try It: Junior's is an iconic New York bakery and is known for having some of the best cheesecake in the city. It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent – a perfect dessert to finish off your meal or to grab as a snack.
- What to Order: A slice of the famous New York-style cheesecake or the strawberry-topped cheesecake.
5. American Comfort Food
- Where to Eat: Carmine’s, The Hard Rock Cafe
- Why Try It: For those craving hearty, family-style American dishes, Carmine’s offers large portions of classic Italian-American comfort food in a vibrant setting. The Hard Rock Cafe, also in Times Square, serves up rock 'n' roll-themed American classics.
- What to Order: At Carmine’s, try the famous spaghetti and meatballs or the veal parmesan. At The Hard Rock Cafe, you can’t go wrong with a classic American burger or a BBQ platter.
6. Street Food and Quick Bites
- Where to Eat: Times Square Food Trucks
- Why Try It: For a quick bite while you're on the go, Times Square’s food trucks offer a variety of delicious options, from falafel and gyros to tacos and empanadas. The street food scene in the area is diverse, catering to every palate.
- What to Order: A falafel sandwich, a hot dog, or a taco from one of the many food trucks.
7. International Cuisine
- Where to Eat: The Little Spain Market, SUSHISAMBA
- Why Try It: If you're looking for something more exotic, Times Square offers a variety of international flavors. The Little Spain Market is an indoor food hall offering authentic Spanish dishes such as paella, churros, and tapas. For something different, SUSHISAMBA blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine into unique, flavorful dishes.
- What to Order: From The Little Spain Market, try a seafood paella or some tapas. From SUSHISAMBA, don’t miss the sushi rolls with a Brazilian twist or the Brazilian picanha.
8. Burgers and Fries
- Where to Eat: Shake Shack, Five Guys
- Why Try It: Times Square is home to some of the best burger joints. Shake Shack is known for its juicy burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes. Five Guys, on the other hand, is famous for its customized burgers, freshly prepared fries, and casual dining experience.
- What to Order: A ShackBurger with fries from Shake Shack or a customized burger with all the toppings from Five Guys.
9. Bagels
- Where to Eat: Ess-a-Bagel, H\&H Bagels
- Why Try It: Bagels are another classic New York food, and Times Square has some of the best places to grab them. Ess-a-Bagel and H\&H Bagels serve up thick, chewy bagels with a variety of delicious fillings, including the classic lox and cream cheese combination.
- What to Order: A bagel with lox, cream cheese, and tomato, or try the bagel with egg and cheese for a breakfast favorite.
10. Asian Cuisine
- Where to Eat: The Smith, Tao Downtown
- Why Try It: Times Square is home to a range of Asian-inspired dining experiences. Tao Downtown offers upscale Asian fusion dishes in a chic, atmospheric setting. The Smith offers a modern take on comfort food and includes a variety of Asian dishes on its menu.
- What to Order: At Tao Downtown, try the crispy duck or dim sum. At The Smith, enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired noodle dish or sushi rolls.
11. Desserts and Sweets
- Where to Eat: Magnolia Bakery, Times Square
- Why Try It: Magnolia Bakery is known for its delicious cupcakes, cakes, and banana pudding. A sweet treat from here makes for a perfect souvenir or indulgence after a busy day of sightseeing.
- What to Order: The classic vanilla cupcake or the banana pudding are must-tries.
12. Coffee and Pastries
- Where to Eat: Starbucks Reserve, The Coffee Shop
- Why Try It: For coffee lovers, there are plenty of places in Times Square to grab a cup of Joe and some pastries. Starbucks Reserve offers premium coffee blends and espresso drinks, while The Coffee Shop offers artisanal coffee and pastries with a cozy vibe.
- What to Order: A seasonal coffee or a freshly brewed espresso, paired with a croissant or muffin.
Conclusion:
Times Square offers an exciting array of food options, from classic New York street food to international cuisine and gourmet dining experiences. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite from a food truck or sitting down for a multi-course meal, the variety of flavors and the vibrant atmosphere make dining in Times Square an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to indulge in a slice of cheesecake or a bagel to complete your culinary adventure!
