The Lunch Quadrant: Penn Station
5 photos
<em>(<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/WWjUSRtgwGmGXNGFkHzC5g?select=QFgqV_uwwBdrn0ph8dIE9g">Jason P.</a> on Yelp)</em><br/><strong>Bistro Market:</strong> You want a cheap lunch place with options? Bistro Market has options up the wazoo. From affordable and fast salads and sandwiches, to sushi, hot buffets and pizza, they've got it (though not all of the options are created equally). We seem to go back to the tasty, affordable and quickly prepared sandwiches (i.e. the Spicy New York in the photo, a $5.95 sandwich of grilled chicken, melted pepper jack cheese, hot peppers and spicy mustard). Also, best to get to-go as the seating, especially during the lunch rush, isn't copious. <br/><br/><em>312 West 34th Street, 212-239-7050</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.tawatandoor.com/gallery.html">Tawa Tandoor</a>)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.tawatandoor.com/">Tawa Tandoor</a>:</strong> At the bright and peppy Tawa Tandoor you can indulge in the expected Indian fare at affordable prices. But your best lunch bet here, which can get lines out the door if the lunch rush hits just so, is the very, very affordable buffet. Starting at $6.99 (for just veggies) and going up to $8.99 (for two meat options) the buffet will fill you up in no time. This isn't the kind of Indian food that will change your life, but it may well change your lunch routine.<br/><br/><em>371 West 34th Street, 212-502-0082</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/roboppy/5299455390/in/photostream/">Roboppy</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.madangsui.com/">Mandangsui</a>:</strong> A <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/dining/reviews/09rest.html">glowing review in the Times</a> in '09 ("Manhattanâs best Korean barbecue restaurant") has inflated the ego (and possibly hurt the quality) a touch at the Korean restaurant Mandangsui, but not enough to stop us from going. As advertised the Korean barbecue here is excellent, but affordable lunch options, including various $10.99 lunch boxes, are certainly around and worth your time. Fans of bi-bim-bap rice dishes will especially not be disappointed. <br/><br/><em>35 West 35th Street, 212-741-7971</em><br/><br/>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/keenssteakhouse/3469349994/in/set-72157617230673518/">KeensSteakhouse</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.keens.com/">Keens Steakhouse</a>:</strong> Keens has been serving up delicious, delicious steaks since 1885 and we see no reason for them to stop. But being a steakhouse, with steakhouse prices, we wouldn't recommend making a Keens lunch a daily habit. But for a special treat? Oh, what a treat. Just stick to the classics (i.e. don't bother getting the $44.50 dover sole) and you will leave a very happy, very full, person. <br/><br/><em>72 West 36th Street, 212-947-3636</em><br/><br/>