The Lunch Quadrant: 103rd Street And Lexington
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<p>In this week's Lunch Quadrant we go to Joy Burger Bar, Moustache Pitza, El Paso Tacqueria and Yo In, Yo Out.</p>
<em>(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=225366164160209&set=a.157117314318428.38019.157117020985124&type=1&theater">Facebook</a>)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.joyburgerbar.com/">Joy Burger Bar</a>:</strong> The slogan for this friendly retro burger joint is "The Sauce Makes the Difference!" and they aren't lying, they really do make a difference. The prices, which are very friendly, help too. Only feeling peckish? Unlike most burger places Joy will sell you patties of varying sizes (3 oz. for $3.75, 5 oz. for $4.75 and 8 oz. for $5.95). Sadly the surprisingly good veggie burger is only available in one 8 oz. size. We're also fond of the fact that instead of taking your name for your orders they give you a playing card. Nothing like having your bloody burger come up as the Queen of Hearts.<br/><br/><em>1567 Lexington Avenue, 212-289-6222</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.moustachepitza.com/moustachepitza_east_harlem_2.shtml">Moustache</a>)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.moustachepitza.com/moustachepitza_east_harlem_2.shtml">Moustache Pitza</a>:</strong> For simple and tasty Middle Eastern fare Moustache Pitza, one of three in the city, is a safe bet. We're always suckers for taboulehs, hummuses, rahib salads and the like, but if you are looking for something more substantial the namesake pitza won't leave you hungry. Specifically, the $10 oven-baked Lahambajin Pitza (essentially a ground lamb pizza on a crispy pita crust) should do the trick. And though the joint has many a seat, it does delivery and to-go well. <br/><br/><em>1621 Lexington Avenue, 212-828-0030</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150125411220199&set=pu.140425760198&type=1&theater">Facebook</a>)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.elpasotaqueria.com/menu.html">El Paso Taqueria</a>:</strong> One of three Upper Manhattan Mexican joints, El Paso serves it up fresh and fast. That the food is actually good and affordable just makes it better. Tacos are $2.25-$2.50 and the delicious cemitas will run you between $7 and $8. Classic dishes taste as they should while others, like the Milanesa Cemita (which includes breaded steak or chicken on sesame seed bread with queso Oaxaca, avocado, papalo, onions and chile chiptole) taste like they should be classics.<br/><br/><em>1643 Lexington Avenue, 212-831-9831</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/zcEWiEHXBSvkzPL1Dm17SQ?select=tSmvrziAbAG1MBKS4BF9lA">Nigel D.</a> on Yelp)</em><br/><strong>Yo In, Yo Out:</strong> Sometimes you just want a crepe, and for those times this comfy spot (they've got couches!) is there for you. Definitely a sit-down place, Yo In is still good for to-go orders (i.e., eggs that should be runny remain runny in transit) and either way you go they've got lots of options. For lunch we'd start by trying the Le Complete ($10.75 for smoked ham, gruyere and egg sunny side up served in a crepe, on a baguette, whole grain bread or white ciabatta and served with a huge side salad) but you can just as easily go for broke and try the $20 lunch prix fixe, which includes a crepe or sandwich, salad or linguini, a hot or cold drink and a dessert.<br/><br/><em>1569 Lexington Avenue, 212-987-5350</em><br/><br/>