3 Great Places to Eat Near The New School
I am in the city often; and every time I head downtown, I keep my eyes open for great places to find a quick bite to eat. The key word here is quick, because I either have to scurry off to class or one of The New School’s computer labs (They can get crowded).
The following places are great because they serve your goodies in a timely manner. But if you do have the luxury of time, they are also spacious and relaxing areas where you can get some homework done as well.
Hot Spot #1
9 East 17th Street
It is very easy to miss this treasure. It operates within the basement level, so you have to climb down a set of stairs to reach the space. And I believe there is now scaffolding covering the street, adding extra cover; but Café Medina is worth the search.
For one thing, their coffee is awesome! I am a fan of the Café Latte but the Medina House Latte is also a treat. They add a hint of caramel for extra flavor. Additionally, they have frozen cappuccinos and lattes for when it is a little too muggy for hot drinks.
Café Medina also has anything you could possibly want to eat—soups, salads, omelets, baked goods, fruit and yogurt. It might take a while for you to make up your mind; they have so many options. I would go for any of their pressed sandwiches. They are warm, perfectly toasted and come in large portions, which is great if you want a full belly on a budget.
Once you’ve ordered, take a seat and enjoy the ambiance. Café Medina’s décor is a mix of Mexican Aztec and Mediterranean adornments.
Too cold to leave your dorm? Don’t worry, they deliver!
Hot Spot #2
There are two Pret A Mangers near The New School—One by Union Square on the intersection of Broadway and 17th Street and another a couple of blocks down on 12th Street and Broadway.
As a coffee enthusiast, I have to admit that Pret’s coffee is not the best; but it is the juices that I go in for. Their Honey Tangerine juice is absolutely amazing, the perfect blend of sweetness and tang.
Pret A Manger also prides itself in “handmade, natural food,” which is evident in their wide variety of sandwiches, crafted from their homemade baguettes.
Hot Spot #3
French Roast $$
78 West 11th Street
It was one of my professors who introduced me to this delightful French restaurant. What’s great about French Roast is that it is open 24 hours! I like to go in around lunch time for a nice cappuccino or maybe some yummy French onion soup. French Roast is great for students because it offers free wifi. And they totally don’t mind if you stay a while to read or study.
Around dinner time, they do dim the light, which makes studying harder; but their bar on the right end of the restaurant livens up. So have some friends stop by and enjoy delicious cocktails.
Give any of these three a try and let me know what you think!
Images taken from the establishments’ websites.