Umami Burger

With three other friends around 6 o'clock at night we decided to walk around the East Village and decided we were all starving so I recommended a burger place called Umami Burger that is well known in California and since the franchise opened up a New York location, that location has always been packed. We walked over to the New York location in Greenwich Village. Once we walked in we saw a line and we were close to changing our minds and leaving to go to another restaurant, but we asked how long the wait would be and the waiter kindly said probably 30 minutes. The four of us decided to stay and try out the amazing burgers at this restaurant and see if it was worth the long wait. 

After 30 minutes like the waiter said, we finally were seated and asked if we wanted sparkling, crystal or tap water. We agreed with tap water. One of my friends ordered an iced lemonade. The rest of us decided tap water would be fine with the meal. After carefully looking at the menu we ordered as a group: 3 truffle burgers, 3 truffle fries, 1 side of onion rings and 1 throwback burger. You can find the full menu: here. 

The burgers were all the size of the burgers compared to Shake Shack. Even though they were not too big, I decided to still cut it in half so that it would not be too messy. After taking the first bite, it was so savory (note: the motto of the restaurant is to eat amazing food and savor it all). Between the truffle fries coated with cheese and the burger itself, it was understandable why people wait half an hour or longer to have a burger from this restaurant. The waitress serving and helping us also brought over the special sauces they have that pair out nicely with the fries. It was great to experience and try something new. My friends and I were all happy with our choice of going here for dinner and to catch up and just chat while enjoying some amazing food.

432 6th Avenue

New York, NY 10011

Jack's Wife Freda

The 6 train stops fairly close to this small cafe and restaurant. It is convenient for Hunter College students because you take the 6 down to Spring Street and just walk a few blocks. The park across the street is called the Petrosino Park where you find people sitting inside on the benches either people or bird watching and also little and big dogs on a walk with their owners. On a nice day you could sit outside to order and enjoy your meal while looking at the park.

On a Thursday right after 4:30pm, my friend who goes to the New York Institute of Technology and I met up at Aroma located near W Houston Street and Greene Street to then walk over to the restaurant we planned to dine at. Along the way of walking over to the restaurant we passed by a few photographers whom were paparazzi waiting to photograph Kim Kardashian. After finally arriving at the destination, we walked in and were extremely grateful it was not too packed inside and noticed there was a perfect spot secluded just for two people. Our waitress seats us and we immediately look at the menu that are placed on every table in the restaurant because it also acts as a place mat for the food and drinks you order. 

Immediately on the table I notice the different types of sugar the place has and I had to take a look at the sayings. The sayings were: "Sugar for my honey," "Jack loves Freda," and "I love you a latte."

The breakfast and lunch menu is available: here and the dinner menu is available: here. 

After looking at the menu for about 10 minutes, we placed our orders. I ordered the chicken prego with arugula salad along with a cappuccino. The chicken prego comes with either fries or salad. You have the option to pick which you would like before you order since it states it on the menu. In addition the waitress asked if I would like avocado and cheese on it, which I kindly said yes please. 

After receiving the food, I started with the salad which had some balsamic vinegar which tasted delicious. There should have been more dressing because some of the arugula tasted plain and bland. For the sandwich it was the right size and amount for a light but filling meal. The avocado and cheese made the sandwich so mouthwatering that I ended up eating the sandwich pretty quick. The chicken was grilled and seasoned. As I was close to finishing the sandwich, it started to fall apart a little, but even if it turned a little messy, it was still very delicious and manageable. 

The avocado and cheese were extra on top of the regular price, so the sandwich came out to be around $17 then the cappuccino was $4 and with tax and gratuity it came out to be around $25 for the entire meal.

224 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10012

Gemma at the Bowery Hotel

After a long school day and meeting up near the East Village, my friend Nicole and I decided to try the food at the restaurant that we've been hearing reviews about. We have always heard good things about the margherita pizza which was perfect for us to share. Since we both finished all our classes and hadn't eaten all day it was perfect to have a nice late lunch and early dinner. 

Once walking in we were then seated and after getting the menu, we didn't have to look long at the menu and we told the waiter that we were planning to share the margherita pizza. After placing our order the waiter brought over some bread with olive oil and seasoning on top as a side while we waited for the pizza. 

The various menus including breakfast, brunch, brunch cocktails, lunch, dinner, cocktails and dessert are: here.

After getting our margherita pizza, it was nice and warm. Since it was too hot to use our hands we both used the forks and knives to eat the pizza. We each had three slices since there was a total of six slices. We both agreed that the pizza was up to what the big hype was about. After finishing the pizza and bread, we decided that we would both each order tiramisu.

 

The tiramisu was affordable and also very good compared to what both of us have ever had. In total the order came out around $20 for each of us, including gratuity. 

355 Bowery

New York, NY 10003

The Melt Shop

On a rainy day, my friend Nicole and I decided to stop by Melt Shop just a few blocks away from where Gigi on Broadway was playing.

After walking in and looking at the menu for a few minutes we finally decided to order. You can find the menu: here. 

We both ordered the "classic sandwich" which is a regular grilled cheese, but better. In addition we also ordered with additional things inside. My friend ordered it with onions inside and I asked for bacon inside which is an additional amount. We also ordered a side of the "shop tots" which are tater tots seasoned. 

The shop tots are seasoned and with a little ketchup on them makes it even more delicious. The ketchup is self-served and it comes in little packets. 

The orders came out to be approximately $10-$14. 

Overall the meal was filling and it is not too expensive so it is affordable for almost anyone even college students. Even if you were to go in to order a snack, I highly recommend the shop tots. 

135 W 50th Street
New York, NY 10020

Four other locations: here