The Lunch Quadrant: 86th Street and Lexington
5 photos
<p>This week we cover Roma's Pizza, Chirping Chicken, Sfoglia and Ooki.</p>
<em>(<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1568+3rd+Avenue,+New+York,+NY&layer=c&sll=40.780300,-73.953167&cbp=13,304.1,,1,0.32&cbll=40.78022,-73.952965&hl=en&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1568+3rd+Ave,+New+York,+10128&ll=40.779583,-73.950047&spn=0.006329,0.012038&z=17&panoid=REBdjYZshC2s1i4MpH-DJw">Google Maps</a>)</em><br/><strong>Roma's Pizza:</strong> Hard to go wrong with a classic New York slice, and to that end the $2.25 option here will satisfy anyone's lust for grease. Up the ante with the $3.50 buffalo chicken slice, served with a side of blue cheese, or an order of five garlic knots for $1.25 (just not before afternoon client meetings). This place is seriously tiny but the small, outdoor plaza a block north is a nice place to park yourself when the weather turns warmer. (Nell Casey)<br/><br/><em>1568 Third Avenue at 88th Street; 212-369-3455</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/4443809405/">Mr. T in DC</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong>Chirping Chicken:</strong> Those looking for a hot and hearty lunch option shouldn't have a problem with the succulent poultry prepared on the grill from this no-frills joint. A quarter chicken with pita bread, tomato sauce and a choice of potato salad, rice or coleslaw will set you back a measly $5.31 (add another $1.15 for a fountain soda). The hard plastic seats might not inspire a leisurely lunch but the delicious aroma of grilled meat might make you linger a little longer. (Nell Casey)<br/><br/><em>1260 Lexington Avenue, between 84th and 85th Streets; 212-517-9888</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35482950@N07/3804962957/in/photostream/">eat your chow.</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong>Ooki:</strong> Sometimes it seems like sushi joints outnumber frat boys on the Upper East Side, but Ooki's quirky rolls and solid lunch special help it stand out. Said special includes two rolls plus Miso soup and a salad for $8.50âwe're fond of the Banana Mania (banana, eel and crunch glazed with eel sauce) as a break from the traditional California roll. Meanwhile, the dark, peaceful interior will sooth your computer-strained eyes and the sparse lunch crowd means you won't have to fight for a table. (Nell Casey)<br/><br/><em>1575 Third Avenue, between 88th and 89th Streets; 212-828-3388</em>
<em>(via <a href="http://www.sfogliarestaurant.com/nyc/gallery/restaurant/restaurant_photos.html">Sfoglia</a>)</em><br/><strong>Sfoglia:</strong> A few blocks north of 86th Street is this almost-always crowded Italian restaurant which, if you have the time, is hard to beat in the lunch department (don't take our word for it, Frank Bruni's been saying so <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/dining/reviews/07rest.html">since 2007</a>). The lunch menu in this rustically decorated spot includes many of the house's dinner specialties (we dream of the $26 chicken al mattone) but it also has simply prepared but excellent choices like the amazing, salty, house bread with house jam ($19). Plan ahead though—even at lunch a reservation never hurt here.<br/><br/><em>135 East 92nd Street, on Lexington Avenue; 212-831-1402</em>