Murray's Bagels-NYC

Murray's Bagels
242 8th Ave
New York, NY 10011

As seen on
-Breakfast Paradise
 
Rating a bagel bakery in New York City is dangerous. Everyone has a favorite, but KNOWS which is the BEST. Murray, Tal, H&H, Brooklyn Bagels.....etc.

Thankfully, virtually all of them are real bagels, prepared in the traditional manner (boiling plus baking). This situation deteriorates sharply the further you get from New York City. A great bagel has a tough crusty exterior, and a soft gooey interior, and lots of flavor. And you can't count on a great bagel remaining a great bagel for more than a few hours after baking. My favorite was hands down TAL until I discovered Murray's. The long lines weekend mornings are nuts. 20 people deep in the middle of the afternoon. Murray's refuses to toast your bagel - on principle. It is just out of the oven! You don't destroy this work of art and passion by taking actions designed to make a stale bagel seem a bit more fresh. They have a great selection of cream cheeses, fish, etc. Don't forget to try the Leo, which is an omelet made with lox inside...yum

Dirty Bird-NYC

Dirty Bird
204 W 14th St
New York, NY 10011

As seen on
-FoodOgraphy


The Bird,     bird,      bird.      The Bird's The word!!!
Chicken fried and roasted is pretty damn good. The collard greens are awesome also. The smell coming out of this place was ridiculous and I just wanted to sit in the smell all day. They have this hot spicy vinegar sauce with hot peppers floating in it which is addicting. The fried chicken batter is super crunchy and thick.

Now the bad. $9 bucks is just way to much for fried chicken. You get about 2 small pieces (I've had bigger chicken wings), a side, and a drink for $9. The same meal at KFC is about 5.  No where near enough to actually fill your belly. So you're going to want to get a side of something else also. Now youre talking $15 for fried chicken eek.
 
All and all some seriously good fried chicken at Manhattan prices. Nice for a quick bite.

The Donut Pub-NYC

The Donut Pub
203 W 14th St
New York, NY 10011

As seen on
-No shows
-Serious Eats
 Best Doughnut Hole in NYC

Ive heard rave reviews of their Red Velvet Donut Hole and walked by unplanned. Looked on my phone to confirm this was the right donut place I had heard about and went back. Donut Pub is your typical doughnut place much like Dunkin or anywhere else. They seemed like they were sold out of most everything. Grabbed a few red velvet holes and glazed and went on my way. Tried them while I was walking around and boy were they good. The red velvet holes were quite addictive and the glazed were just ok. Maybe I am a doughnut snob because I tend to get doughnuts at the Doughnut Plant on the LES. If you're a sucker for red velvet then these are for you.

Leon's-NY

Leon's
135 Crescent St
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

As seen on
-Rachael Ray $40 a Day

Saratoga Springs is a wonderful town to spend they day in. Upscale shopping and great restaurants. Check out the horse races or relax in a mineral bath at the springs. With all Saratoga has to offer why they hell would Rachael Ray go to Leon's. Leon's is owned and operated by an Ex jockey from the track which brings people here for some reason. Why anyone would think a jockey can cook is beyond me. This was one of the worst Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. I mean it was mediocre and ok but i've had a better burrito in the frozen isle at Hannaford. It really goes to show you that these food shows pull places out of their ass. Especially Rachael Ray. Mrs. Ray has the worst record of any show for restaurant recommendations that I watch. If you are in Saratoga please check out Hattie's for some delicious southern soul food.

Hot Dog Charlie's-NY

Hot Dog Charlie's
150 Columbia Turnpike
Rensselaer, NY 12144
A seen on
- No Shows
 
A local favorite since 1922, Charlie's serves up mini hot dogs with their famous Meat Sauce from six Hudson Valley locations. This was the last Capital District mini hotdog stand left for me to visit. Famous Lunch, Gus's, and Hot Dog Charlie's have been competing for the crown of the Capital District mini dog for over 90years. Similiar to their counterparts with a 3inch dog, onions, mustard, and sauce on a custom mini roll. At 79cents a piece Charlie's is the most expensive out of the three. Charlie's was originally in Troy just a few blocks from Famous Lunch but that location burned in a fire and is currently being renovated. Charlie's is also the only one with multiple locations. Well the verdict. Charlie's sauce is bland and lacks flavor. Which isn't a bad thing in a world of hotdog sauces that usually are gross. Famous and Gus's have a more burnt cummin bitter flavor. Maybe it was the fact that the location I went to wasn't the original and didn't have any nostalgia but Charlies rates kinda low on my list. Id rather be throwing back a dozen at Gus's or Famous Lunch any day. Also don't forget the Capital Region favorite Fish Fry. An extra long fresh piece of fried fish on a bun with tarter or chili sauce. These are served up all over the Capital Region.

Bubby's Burritos-NY

Bubby's Burritos
194 W Market St.
Red Hook, NY 12571

As seen on
-No Shows

 A small run down cart, located at Hardeman Orchards, is the home of Bubby’s Burritos. A seasonal burrito and quesadilla stand that has become a local landmark beloved by college students and serious foodies. Offering only burritos and quesadillas with or without guacamole. That' it. With the lines getting 10-20 deep for lunch trust me the wait is worth it. Did I mention this is one of the best burritos I have ever had and its VEGETARIAN!!!! That's right no meat. Only the freshest vegetables I have ever had. There is just something about the freshness and  the guacamole. So refreshing. They also make their own fruit water which changes daily and for $1 a cup it is well worth it. Bubby's disappears early in the fall so get your burritos while you can.

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef-NYC

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef
149 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003


As seen on
-Oddities
 
Stopped by to try the roast beef and was not disappointed. This place is wedged into a pretty small location, but it's sandwiches are huge on flavor. No tables, just counters to eat at and the walls are covered with the donated dollars of customers.
The menu has three sandwich offerings, the "This Way", the "That Way" and something else that I do not recall. I had the "ThisWay", a tender, slow roasted beef sandwich, cheez whiz, and the bun dipped and soggy in the au jus. The "That Way" was picked in New York Magazine's 101 Best Sandwiches in New York issue. It lived up to my expectations. Can't wait to go back and try the "That Way".

Beware of the food tours on the weekend.  This place is tiny, basically only 4-6 people can eat in there at one time.  It got pretty crowded when a huge food tour came in.  The line was like 15 deep.  Man was I happy that I ordered before they got there. Add this to your list, even if you're not a huge meat eater, this may be the pinnacle of roast beef. The whole time I was eating I was thinking I wish the Philly CheeseSteaks at Pat's and Gino's were this good.