The following is a list of restaurants (in no particular order) in the general Garment Center area recommended by me. I have worked in the area, eaten here PLENTY, and have stories about so many of the restaurants in the area. And boy, do they come and go FAST!
New York Magazine also has an excellent
restaurant search feature, which is very useful. Send me an email at dressmakermimi at gmail dot com if there's a restaurant you think I should add here. I won't "unrecommend" Meg's suggestions if I haven't tried them myself, but I will note which ones I enthusiastically personally recommend.
- Brgr (287 Seventh Avenue, between 26th and 27th St) "A little pricey, but has a comfortable, butcher block-table ambiance and decent grass-fed burgers, special fries and shakes. It also serves beer. The service is fast and efficient."
- Burgers and Cupcakes (458 9th Ave, near W. 36th & 9th) "Yummy burgers of all kinds, sweet potato fries, and to-die for cupcakes in a warm and sunny restaurant. Vegetarian options."
- Heartland Brewery (625 8th Avenue at W. 41st St) "Delicious food, and they brew their own beers!"
- Le Pain Quotidien (70 West 40th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, across from Bryant Park) "Looooove the hummus sandwich." For soups, salads, the hummus platter, the breads... you can't go wrong! (Mimi loves this place!)
- Guy and Gallard (various locations throughout the Garment District) "I know they are a chain but I LOVE their salad bar. Close to sewing class as well!" Limited seating. (Mimi loves this place, too!)
- Macaron Cafe (485 7th Ave., entrance on W. 36th St.) "A cute little cafe" "You'll swear you're in Paris; excellent sandwiches and of course those macarons" Limited seating.
- Bon Chon Chicken (207 W. 38th St, between 7th and 8th) "Delicious Korean fried chicken." Seating upstairs.
- Loving Hut (348 7th Ave., near W. 30th) Very tasty vegan options. Limited seating.
- Mooncake Foods (263 W. 30th St, between 7th Ave & 8th Ave) "Tasty and affordable Asian fusiony comfort food, if that makes sense. It's a casual dine-in place with real plates and silverware, and not at all fancy. Vegetarian friendly."
- Ben's Deli (209 W. 38th St., between 7th and 8th) "We share a salad plate since the portions are HUGE. The place is beautiful, service is quick and pleasant and their rest room is very nice." (Perfect, and yes, too much food!)
- Seven (350 7th Ave., between W. 30th and 29th) "Great place to meet for drinks after a day of shopping." Recommended for lunch and dinner too. A little more upscale than most of the restaurants listed here.
- Stitch (247 W. 37th St., near 8th Ave.) Known for its happy hours. Warning... can be very, VERY Loud! As in, do't expect to have a conversation kinda loud...
- Lazzara's Pizza (221 W. 38th, between 7th and 8th Ave.) "The best thin crust pizza in the Garment District." Eat-in, lunch and dinner. Used to be called Heroine pizza long ago. A garment industry haunt. Very quiet and dark. But wonderful.
- Tick Tock Diner (481 8th Ave. at W. 34th St.) American comfort food in a retro diner setting.
- Andrew's Coffee Shop (463 7th Ave. at W. 35th St.) "Nothing to write home about but the prices are reasonable for NYC and you can get in and out quickly." A very happy atmosphere. Just don't order anything fancy and you'll be fine,
- Pizza Suprema (413 8th Ave., between 30th St & 31st St.) "Everybody loves the pizza here. Can't miss." Seating available.
