200 5th Ave New York, NY
Batali and Bastinaich's new institution to everything Italian. A pantheon of pasta, pizza and prosciutto! Just go and take it all in. There are numerous restaurants to chose from inside, depending on whatever you are in the mood for. I recommend grabbing a sandwich from the Rosticceria, eating at the bar at Manzo, and/or going to the Birreria on the roof for a pint and a snack. The food is all fantastic, no matter what you choose, (and you should try more than one!) and you can get groceries to go to boot. It's an experience not to be missed. Really. Just be sure to bring your appetite. - C.B. Cebulski
218 Lafayette New York, NY
Chef Michael White's latest restaurant, much more homey and "local" than Marea and Ai Fiori. Same great food you have come to expect from his places, but without the stuffiness and attitude. Everything on the menu is top-notch, especially the pastas and roast meats, and the cocktails are exquisite. Some of my favorites in the city. It gets a little noisy, but that's part of Morini's charm, in my opinion. Reservations a must! - C.B. Cebulski
18 East 41st Street New York, NY
An amazing Japanese bakery and sandwich shop, with a selection of hot Japanese entrees in the afternoon, like curry rice and tarako spa. Zaiya is over on the East Side, near the Library, but is the perfect place to go to pick up sandwiches and bentos before the show. I highly recommend any of their Japanese style fried chicken sandwiches or their beef "menchi" hamburger. Soft serve green tea ice cream too. - C. B. Cebulski
815 9th Avenue New York, NY
A new West Side beer pub. I love the Pony Bar, but Valhalla has a different beer selection and unique vibe. And beer cocktails! Good beer cocktails. With a kitchen that is open till 2am! - C.B. Cebulski
346 W 52nd St (bet 8th & 9th Ave) New York, NY
The new kid on the block that's attracting all the attention these days. Well deserved attention too. Korean tapas, plain and simple; traditional on one side of the menu, "with a twist" on the other. With only 30 or so seats, this place fill up quick and the lines get long, but I'd advise sitting at the bar. The sliders are where it's at, both pulled pork and bulgogi. Get an order of both and one of their refreshing mixed drinks to wash them down. - C.B. Cebulski (and Ron Richards agrees!)
404 W 49th St New York, NY
Not much to say about this place that already hasn't been said. Voted the best Thai in NYC by every newspaper or critic at some point. Real Thai food. An extensive menu you should experiment with. Don't play it safe with Pad Thai. Have fun, especially with the specials. They have this spicy minced chicken dish sometimes that is to die for. And sweat for. Cash only. - C.B. Cebulski
488 9th Avenue New York, NY
One of Manhattan's original Italian delis, a classic joint to hit for chicken parm, Italian combos, meatballs and lasagna. "You want gravy with that?!" A little on the pricier side, to be honest, but it's a no frills joint that makes you feel like you stepped across the ocean and back in time. In a good way. - C.B. Cebulski
478 9th Ave. NY, NY
I'm telling you right up front, this is a hole-in-the-wall. Not the kind of place you would look at and think they'd have some of the most flavorful food on the West Side, let alone all of Manhattan. But they do! It's where the cabbies line up to eat. And for good reason. It's cafeteria style, so go in, grab and tray and point to what you want behind the glass. I recommend their chicken tikka and chickpeas. Outstanding! They also have extensive vegetarian options. Don't miss the naan. And a whole meal will run you about nine bucks. - C.B. Cebulski
649 9th Avenue New York , NY
What many people are calling the best new sandwich shop in NYC and I have a hard time arguing with them. I cringed at first when I heard that they were an anti-mayo establishment, but when I finally conceded and tried their heroes, I saw what the hype was all about. Fresh meats, locally sourced vegetables, wonderful spreads and condiments... all these make truly fantastic sandwiches, the likes of which you have never had before. I recommend The Dave and The Salvatore. - C.B. Cebulski
9th Ave. and 40th Street New York, NY
A just-opened ramen joint on the West Side; tasty, no-nonsense Japanese comfort food. A large selection of ramen and noodle dishes, with some homemade appetizers like harumaki and gyoza to make you meal complete. Go in with $10, leave full and satisfied. The New York Times agrees: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/dining/reviews/tabata-noodle-nyc-review.html - C.B. Cebulski
366 Columbus Ave New York, NY
While we’re talking Upper West Side here, I guess I should bring up SHAKE SHACK next. Many of you who follow the NYC comic or food scenes on Twitter or Facebook probably already know of Shake Shack. The “East Coast In-N-Out Burger”, as some call it. There are now four locations in NYC, the most popular being in Madison Square Park, and if it’s a nice night, I highly recommend you go there. However, I find that the UWS location, right behind the Museum of Natural History on the corner of 77th and Columbus Ave, has much shorter lines and the burgers are just as good. - C.B. Cebulski
639 W 46th St New York, NY
ho can come to NYC and not have a bagel? H&H is where you must go. They sell only bagels though, not “sandwiches”. You’ll need to buy lox and cream cheese separately and make them yourself. Located at a few locations around the city. - C.B. Cebulski
58 Avenue B New York, NY
One of my favorite spots in the East Village, Kate's Joint is great for vegetarians and non-veggies alike. The Buffalo Un-Chicken Wings truly taste like Buffalo Wings! Great for brunch, lunch or dinner, Kate's rocks! - Ron Richards
2170 Broadway New York, NY
Fatty Crab is on Broadway between 76th and 77th St., a quick cab ride up from the con center, or take the 1,2, or 3 trains to 72nd St. and walk up a few blocks. Don’t let the look of the place fool you… Yes, Fatty Crab is an Asian fusion restaurant, but chef Zak Pelaccio has added his Asian influences to the burgers here and they are out of this world! The patties are a mix of beef and pork, with a little lard tossed in for good measure, then combined with a secret blend of spices that give these burger a kick unlike anything else in the city. And it’s that uniqueness that gets them my vote for best in NYC. You can make reservations at opentable.com, but if you’re just going for the sliders, I recommend just walking in and sitting at the bar. And while you’re there, don’t miss their Chupacabra cocktail, made with watermelon juice and chili infused liquors! - C.B. Cebulski
795 9th Ave New York, New York
One of my oldest haunts in NYC. Great, simply-prepared Chinese food, not overly done or overpriced. Their sizzling platters rock, and the meat dumplings with Peking meat sauce over noodles still one of my favorites dishes in the city. - C.B. Cebulski
37 West 19th Street New York, NY
One of my favorite spots to drink in Manhattan. So much so that I never visit without stopping here. The ambience is fantastic, the service impeccable, and everything is made from scratch. The majority of the drinks are either made from pre-Prohibition recipes or original concoctions. I've been on a bourbon kick lately, so my pick would be the Mint Jules, it's like a mojito with bourbon. Tasty! - Filip Sablik
576 9th Ave New York, NY
Probably the shortest walk from the con center, a near authentic Philly cheese steak joint. (Not cheese steak “sandwiches”, mind you!) A little divey, sure, but the food is good and cheap. - C.B. Cebulski
672 9th Ave New York, NY
On your way to the con, if you're looking for a breakfast nosh, then Amy's Bread is where you want to stop. Snag a scone or a muffin and get the fuel you need to power through the con. - Ron Richards
229 9th Avenue New York, NY
If you like spicy food, bring your hankering for heat here. One of the three best Chinese restaurants outside of Chinatown, in my opinion. The jellyfish is the best in the city, and their spicy chicken with dried chili peppers is orgasmic, but be ready for the burn. - C.B. Cebulski
314 W 11th St New York, NY
Hands down one of, if not THE, best burger I've ever had. All of the food at The Spotted Pig is amazing, but this burger is their crown jewel. It's not the most creative, unique burger you'll ever have, but everything component is perfectly executed and balanced. - Filip Sablik
663 9th Avenue, 46th St New York, NY
Right in the neighborhood of the con is a classy option for vegetarians. Zen Palate has a long history of brining some of the best asian inspired vegetarian dishes. The sizzling medallions of wheat gluten accompanied by a bed of vegetables is the way to go - Ron Richards
260 West 44th Street New York, NY
If you don’t want to travel all the way to Brooklyn, there’s a John’s Pizza, which makes fanatstic pies, right outside Time Square at 260 West 44th St. - C.B. Cebulski
539 8th Ave New York, NY
Who comes to NYC without eating a hot dog?! The grilled dogs at this venerable chain are some of the best in the city and far superior to our street corner dirty water dogs. You can find them at a few locations around the city, the closest to the con being on 8th Ave, between 36th and 37th Sts. - C.B. Cebulski
458 9th Avenue New York, NY
Right by the Javits center, Burgers and Cupcakes is a favorite stop for lunch or dinner before hitting parties. Get the Bacon Cheeseburger, as the bacon is really quite fantastic - thick cut and tasty. Then finish it off with a Cupcake for dessert and you're set! - Ron Richards
88 10th Ave New York, NY
The dining experience at Iron Chef Morimoto's restaurant is second to none. Amazing sushi and innovative traditional and fusion style Japanese cuisine. One of my favorite things there is "Yose Dofu," made from scratch tofu prepared tableside in clay pot. After the tofu sets it's served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. It really changed my view on tofu as a starring ingredient in a meal. - Filip Sablik
695 10th Avenue New York, NY
A hidden gem. Arguably the best and most authentic taco joint in the city is right on 10th between 47th and 48th. It’s a hole in the wall, almost literally. You go to the back of this Mexican deli where there’s a small window you order $2.00 tacos from the lovely two women working there. It doesn’t get any more real or any better. Simply delicious! Best in the city, if you ask me. Try the tongue! - C.B. Cebulski