Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
For our American chums, which fast food outlets would you recommend for a slice of Americana?

I’ll eat pretty much anything, and whilst I can appreciate objectively good food, I’m also weak for fast food.

Names that spring to mind with no other real knowledge? Red Lobster, White Castle, Popeyes, Chick-a-fila.

I literally just know of their names. Are there any that are better than the others?

Taco Bell is a cultural touchstone. Carl’s Jr. or Wendy’s will satisfy your burger requirements. Popeyes and Chic-Fil-A have a feud going on, so try both? (Be warned that Chic-Fil-a has a political association not popular in NYC.). Panda Express is good for Americanized Chinese Food. I’m not sure what other franchises are found in NY. Don’t waste a meal on Dominoes, Pizza Hut or Pápa Johns when you are in NYC. Baskin Robbins or Coldstone for dessert.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Chipotle’s is overrated and likely to make you sick, more than Taco Bell even. If you can find a La Burrita or a high Tech Burrito over there, go for them instead.


But to echo everyone else, you don’t need to go to any of them in NYC.

 Elbows wrote:
Last time I was in NYC was in...1998? Hugely underwhelming, but I'm not a city guy. Definitely plenty of landmarks to visit as shown above.

PS: If you're going to be in NYC, hit up a Broadway show, but do some research to find one you'd actually enjoy. Also, there are loads of excellent comedies/shows "off broadway" around the city.

I was going to suggest this. Lion King is an excellent show. Went to see it in February, and it’s a blast. If you like the theatre, it’s worth it!

I work in the city a bunch, but mostly in the Bronx. Manhattan is a rarity, but occasionally I get out there, and rarely make trips “just to
Go”. I’ll try to give whatever advice I can. Don’t waste time with “chain” restaurants; they’re over priced and worse than they would be in other locations. There is an MnM shop, a Lego store, and tons of shows/comedians. Everyone will try to peddle their tickets to you.
Museum of Natural History is huge. Go a few times; don’t try to cram it all in in one day. Plus, unless things have changed, their entrance fee is a suggested thing; I’ve gone and you pay whatever you want. They don’t advertise it, but if you’re almost out of cash and can’t spend $20 to go, but can spend $10...that’s fine.

Edit; if you need fast food, Chick Fil A is good, they’re just closed on Sunday (Christian owned chain, and they uphold Sunday as a day of rest). White Castle is...it’s White Castle. Delicious if you’re in the mood for it, avoid it if you aren’t. Hardee’s/Carl Jr’s has best burgers.

 Sasori wrote:

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Yeah. Googled Chick-Fil-A, and frankly for me, they can take a long walk off a short pier!

Maybe do a fast food day? Just get a Wendys(?), Popeyes and something. Be a one day fat knacker.

Honestly, I'd just hit up Yelp! when you get there to check out some places. I travel a lot for work and this is what I do.

There are so many mom and pop shops in NYC, You shouldn't have to delve into the chains.

That being said, if you plan on a chain fast food place, 5 guys is probably the best for burgers. In-n-out is good too, but I don't think they have it up in NYC. Wendys is far away better than burger king, mcdonalds or other similar joints.

Yes. If you are going to NYC don't waste it on fast food joints. Besides if Brooklyn 99 has taught me anything, its that hotdog stands abound.
Get some NY style pizza, some proper Coney dogs, and report back to us!

Also, don't go to the WTC memorial. Depressing.

As a Brit who goes to the US regularly, make sure you try a decent Mexican restaurant; proper Mexican food is totally different to the Tex Mex stuff we get in the U.K. (and much, much nicer).

Yep, while not something you'd find in a normal fast food franchise, actual Mexican food is solid - different, but solid. "Real" Mexican food is far more bland than the salt/cheese packed stuff you may be used to at fast food restaurants. More flavor comes from guac, salsa, etc.

 Jadenim wrote:
As a Brit who goes to the US regularly, make sure you try a decent Mexican restaurant; proper Mexican food is totally different to the Tex Mex stuff we get in the U.K. (and much, much nicer).

I can guarantee you don't get TexMex in the UK.

"Fresh Mex" is the term I've heard for sit-down restaurant style faux Mexican food.

Also, it's hard to tell looking at maps, but is much of the city stuff walking distance?

I'm a natural wanderer, and do enjoy a little bimble around, as I find it's the best way to stumble across interesting things.

I'm aware I'll need to do some route research, as with any cities there'll be streets and thoroughfares one doesn't travel lightly.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Just looked up my hotel.

Literally the block up from Broadway. Which is nice.

@Frazzled: True. Actual Tex-mex is almost as hard to come by in NY as well though.

@MDG: It's definitely possible to go walkabout in Manhattan. The entire island in one go is a bit much, but separate sections of the city are easily individually explorable on foot.
I was doing just that around the Wall Street area when I ran into the helicopter trips and Fraunces' Tavern, so it can pay off in getting to see things most tourists don't.

The blocks from street to street are about 1/10 of a mile, the ones from Avenue to Avenue about a quarter.

So 42nd street (Times Square) to 32nd (Empire State Building) is about a mile.

5th Avenue to 9th is also about a mile.

My usual habit is walking from 42nd to 8th, stopping along the way.

Midtown and lower Manhattan is almost flat so a nice easy walking environment.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Literally the block up from Broadway. Which is nice.

Carmine's is on Broadway and is pretty good, I went several times when I lived up there years ago. Family style "italian" food. There is also a BBQ place near there, Virgil's, which has some really good chicken wings (not the absurdly spicy sort, theirs are a buffalo/bbq sauce mix).

But you can always take the subway to Arthur Avenue (Little Italy), but I can't recall the name of any of the places I'd have gone to there.

Honestly, I lived just outside the city for 30 years and I can't think of a single thing to do there that isn't eat, I guess that shows my priorities?

The best bet, usually, to me personally, is to avoid the touristy places altogether. But that is hard to do, since no one has time to just wander around aimlessly. Still, everything is much nicer when you are off the main streets. Unfortunately, I am ultimately no real help though.

Recently got hooked on Coin Pusher vids on YouTube.

Turns out, NYC has a Dave & Busters....guess I’m dropping a couple of hundred in there, then!

Go to 188 Cuchifritos in the Bronx! I went there all the time since I lived right around the corner. If you make it up that way, also check out Arthur Ave for some great Italian.

https://ediblebronx.ediblecommunities.com/food-drink/no-frills-fried-foods-stand-out-188-bakery-cuchifritos

Chick Fil-A: The best chicken in the fastfood game, with the best service. If you boycott them because the owner practices a religion you don't like...you've got other issues that need addressing.

Most people who boycott them do so because the company owner actively discriminates and funds anti-homosexual hate groups.
But yeah, just brush that under 'other people hate religion.'

 MegaDave wrote:
Go to 188 Cuchifritos in the Bronx! I went there all the time since I lived right around the corner. If you make it up that way, also check out Arthur Ave for some great Italian.

https://ediblebronx.ediblecommunities.com/food-drink/no-frills-fried-foods-stand-out-188-bakery-cuchifritos

Oooooh! Nice. That’s defo going on my list!

 Elbows wrote:

Chick Fil-A: The best chicken in the fastfood game, with the best service. If you boycott them because the owner practices a religion you don't like...you've got other issues that need addressing.

1. Nobody boycotts them because of the owners' religion. 2. If you feel at all strongly about how other people choose which restaurants to frequent, you have the issue.

I didn't much care for New York so I don't have many recommendations for what to get up to, but I did have some fantastic dinners. My favourites, from opposite ends of the price spectrum, were No.1 Taco and Kura.

Chick a Filla isn't really an issue since I don't think they have any presence in NY. Certainly not a big.one.

Stay on topic.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Also, it's hard to tell looking at maps, but is much of the city stuff walking distance?

I'm a natural wanderer, and do enjoy a little bimble around, as I find it's the best way to stumble across interesting things.

I'm aware I'll need to do some route research, as with any cities there'll be streets and thoroughfares one doesn't travel lightly.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Just looked up my hotel.

Literally the block up from Broadway. Which is nice.

When I was there for a couple of days in 2001, our hotel was a couple of blocks south of the south end of Central Park. We took the subway down to Battery Park for the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island and walked back up, with the odd detour. Not sure I'd want to walk from Manhattan to any of the other boroughs, but it looks like you could get to them by public transport and then wander around. Subject to avoiding the dodgy bits, of course.

Hold on.......

Dear Old Daddykins just pointed something out.

I’ll be in New York on 4th July......

New recommendations for things wot I can do!

Thankyouplease!

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

I’ll be in New York on 4th July!

In that case the Macy's fireworks show would be a must see.

If you want to get really American you can go shoot some guns. Westside Rifle range in Manhattan allows you to shoot a .22 longrifle without a permit, or you could head down to Jersey and shoot dang near anything you want.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Hold on.......

Dear Old Daddykins just pointed something out.

I’ll be in New York on 4th July......

New recommendations for things wot I can do!

Thankyouplease!

Drink a crappy American beer. Budweiser or Coors, or some other similar fare. Ideally while standing next to a grill waiting for the burgers and dogs to be done. That might be hard to arrange down in The City.

It’s horrible, but quintessentialy Americana. The beer part, the burgers and dogs are great.

(then drink any of the huge number of excellent brews you can get)

When I was still able to host 4th of July parties, the annual Budweiser was one of my traditions, and one I’d recommend. Not for the taste, but for the atmosphere.

Is it a good idea to tip extra on 4th July, given the poor souls are stuck at work?

Yes. Are you versed in American tipping culture? It's not the same as European tipping etiquette.

Not at all, but I’ve an old thread on here I research from

You’re a Brit...coming over here on Independence Day? Oh man...LET’S BREAK OUT THE TAR AND FEATHERS, BOYS!!

Definitely see a Broadway show and wander the city. NYC is a great town to wander in. Also try as many varieties of food as you can as it is known for its Mom and Pop restaurants. I would also recommend Syliva's Harlem Restaurant for a slice of Americana.

 timetowaste85 wrote:
You’re a Brit...coming over here on Independence Day? Oh man...LET’S BREAK OUT THE TAR AND FEATHERS, BOYS!!

I wasn't going to point that out...*

*truthfully that won't matter except there may be more people, but inversely more cool stuff to do).

Next time come to Austin on 7/4. You don't have to plan anything. The moment you step outside the airport you will spontaneously combust.

Mate, I’m Scottish.

The Sun has tried to combust me on many, many occasions.

Worst of all when I got blisters on my shoulders during a visit to Cyprus.

Bloody OW!

I’m tough as old boots. Been through peritonitis and was walking immediately before and after.

But man......that hurt!

Serious question for Dakkanauts that do, or have previously, waited tables in the USA. And it’s to do with tipping.

I’m happy to tip, and understand the NYC average is around 15%-25% - though naturally that will be upped on Independence Day.

But, are tips typically preferred in cash, or an addition to a card payment?

And given the tip is for my server, and not their boss, are there any companies known to skim the tips from their staff, because I’d like to avoid such where possible.

A good tip for solid service is 20%. 25% is reserved for excellent service. If it’s TERRIBLE service, leave a small pile of loose change. No tip suggests you’re foreign and don’t know how to tip. A small tip of loose change lets the server know they suck at their job.

I always leave 20% myself, unless service is either excellent or god awful.