The Lunch Quadrant: West 4th Street
5 photos
<p>This week we Quadrant Mamoun's, Pearl Oyster Bar, Il Mulino and Westville.</p>
<em>(The St. Mark's Mamoun's via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vivnsect/5463427202/in/photostream/">Vivienne Gucwa</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://mamouns.com/">Mamoun's</a>:</strong> What can you say about Mamoun's? There is a reason that both of this 40-year-old falafel shop's locations (there is a second on St. Mark's) are constantly bustling from open to close. The falafels are fresh, delicious and cheap and there aren't enough superlatives for their shwarma. So go, order a sandwich or two, pour on some hot sauce and enjoy a New York classic lunch in Washington Square Park. You won't be sorry.<br/><br/><em>119 MacDougal Street, 212-674-8685</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xstphnx/4910302406/in/photostream/">xstphnx</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.pearloysterbar.com/">Pearl Oyster Bar</a>:</strong> With the weather warming up, we keep coming back to delicious lobster rolls, and the Market Price lobster roll at Pearl Oyster Bar is certainly one of the best in town. But when they say market price they <em>really</em> mean itâtoday the roll will cost you a not-insignificant $27. But it is scrumptious and fresh and comes with a heaping pile of crunchy shoestring fries, so there is that. Also, it is available to-go, as is most of the very tasty menu. Which is good since while there are seats, the lunch wait can be deadly. <br/><br/><em>18 Cornelia Street, 212-691-8211</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinkerfly/5551900869/in/photostream/">Chinkerfly</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.westvillenyc.com/">Westville</a>:</strong> This trio of restaurants has a well-earned reputation for serving up fresh fare (as well as some mean mac 'n' cheese) and rarely does it not live up to it. Plus, for regulars, there is often an interesting special or two to indulge in. Westville is especially useful if you are dining with some picky eaters, as they've got solid vegan and veggie options. But this being a popular and tiny restaurant, don't be surprised if the wait staff seems a little eager to turn your table. Can you blame them? <br/><br/><em>210 W 10th Street, 212-741-7971</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/salingandsound/4016380853/in/photostream/">sailngandsound</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong><a href="http://www.ilmulino.com/">Il Mulino</a>:</strong> Want a seal of approval for your lunches? How about this one: This Italian was good enough for Presidents Obama and Clinton to <a href="http://gothamist.com/2009/09/14/obama_and_clinton_enjoy_man_date_at.php">enjoy a man date there together</a>. The food is consistently fresh, carefully prepared and elegantly delivered. For a formal lunch, or just a fancy lunctime treat to yourself, it would be hard to be let down here.<br/><br/><em>86 W 3rd Street, 212-673-3783</em>