Lobsters* come to the block.

An interesting thing I’ve noticed about living in New York is that you don’t really go to the restaurant that is literally right next to you. For two years I lived above what appeared to be a very nice Italian restaurant and I never once set foot inside of it. Why? Familiarity destroys the intrigue? Too many other options in the city? It seemed lazy to take a date to a restaurant that I could get to without even going outside?

Whatever the reason, I think it’s probably time for all of us to make an exception to the rule for a new restaurant that is opening on 28th Street between 10th & 11th Avenues: Angry Lobster Rolls. Based on some limited Googling, this is a small business that was started somewhat recently in Staten Island and will soon have five locations around the New York area. The menu is short and to the point and you will spend $20 for a lobster roll. A little pricey but this is New York and you can’t put a price on something tasting right. Great to see this on our block.

I like New York Burger Co. on the southeast side of 23rd and 10th.

Those who know me best know that when it comes to food, I am a quantity guy and not a quality guy. It’s the opposite when it comes to people, which is why this whole block association is a little out of character, but I digress.

What I mean by that is that I would rather go to a restaurant that gives a ton of pretty good food rather than one that gives a little bit of amazing food. (And so that in turns means the following: (i) I am often looking at the menu simply to try to figure out which entree will give me the most food; (ii) I do not care about how the food is presented; (iii) I may order something again after the entree comes out; (iv) I may turn you down on principle if you try to invite me to tapas or sushi).

But enough about me, and onto New York Burger Co. at 23rd Street and 10th Avenue. I am a regular at this place. That is because they nail both quality and quantity, i.e., they give you a lot of food; it is very good; and as a bonus, it comes out very fast.

Also, they cook their burgers on an actual grill rack, which makes you feel or at least taste like you’re at an outdoor cookout. I would strongly suggest the cheeseburger and grilled chicken sandwich (pictured) as well as the chili. They also have some type of happy hour from like 6-9pm where they give you two of those little Montauk beer cans for $8. It is perfect for taking yourself or someone you’re just moderately into out on a date.

Bonus: this place stayed open for us during much of the pandemic. Can’t forget that.

A short tribute to Hudson Market (southwest corner of 28th & 10th)

What would you get if you took a bodega and made it amazing? Hudson Market on 28th & 10th Avenue has evidently tried to answer that question.

Specializing in all the major lunch food groups—sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, and hot bar—the cleanliness and quality of this place is consistently top-notch. If you forced me to eat only here for a year, which has at times seemed like an experiment I am actually running during the pandemic, I wouldn’t put up that much of a fight about it.

Speaking of, Hudson Market stayed open for us during the entire pandemic, which we will always appreciate (thank you Emily for reminding us of this during the Super Bowl pre-game). Ed. note: Try the PB & Blues smoothie and iced coffee w/ half and half.