Fast food is one of America's most treasured pastimes, but let's face the reality nowadays: it's a dying tradition.
Yes, fast food is cheap, it's reliable and it's convenient, but if you live in New York City, those aren't valid excuses. Why?
Because New Yorkers live in a city with over 45,660 places to eat; bars, buffets, and restaurants, many of them just as affordable as fast food is.
Honestly, you name it and New York City has it.
In a city with that many food establishments, there is absolutely no reason for you to resort to Big Macs or Foot Longs to quench your appetite.
So, we present to you this: 5 more authentic (yet still inexpensive) alternatives to fast food joints in NYC. Now take some notes, will ya?
1. Subway
Alternative: Real sandwich shops (Need recommendations? Look here, here, here, and here.)
4kcinemahd World's Famous Pastrami Sandwich @katzsdeli NYC Simply The Best !!! DELIEESHHH HAHHAHAH #food #foodporn #yum #instafood #yummy #amazing #instagood #photooftheday #sweet #dinner #lunch #breakfast #fresh #tasty #foodie #delish #delicious #eating #foodpic #foodpics #eat #hungry #foodgasm #hot #foods #katzdelinyc
If you enjoy spending $8 on a sad-looking sandwich with 5 slices of meat and loads of lettuce, be our guest.
But seriously, instead of paying $8 for an advertised $5 foot-long that is only about 10 inches, why don't you just go to a real sandwich shop? Literally, this is New York City. Act accordingly.
[anad]
You can find a really good sandwich shop in this city with relative ease. Have you ever had hot pastrami from a Jewish deli, or imported prosciutto from an Italian one? If not, you don't know what you're missing out on.
2. McDonald's
bella_luna88 And not a single fuck was given that day :) finally found an apartment! #celebrating in #McDonalds #classybitch
Alternative: Burger Joint NY (various NYC locations), Shake Shack (various NYC locations), Yo-Burger (3726 Riverdale Avenue - the Bronx)
livingfreenyc #Free @BurgerJointNY #burger thanks to @Zagat! Get there early. #FreeNyc #Freeburger #freefood #foodporn #NYC #Nyclife #foodie #freelunch #firstcomefirstserved #yummy #delicious #BurgerTime #burgerjointny #burgerjoint #foodie #instafood #instagood #zagat
Newsflash: we're living in the year 2015. If you're still eating McDonald's on a consistent basis and enjoying it, you're a borderline lost cause. (They are closing hundreds of locations this year, which is no coincidence; Americans are finally starting to eat smarter.)
And sure, getting a cheeseburger for $1 is great, but if you're paying just $1, how natural can that beef be?
[anad2]
Bottom line is, stop being cheap at the expense of your own health.
And yes, cheeseburgers aren't the healthiest food choice in the world, but if you're going to get down with one, hit up spots like Burger Joint NY (2 NYC locations), Shake Shack (various NYC locations), or even Yo-Burger way up in the Bronx.
Yeah, you'll be paying between $6 to $9 for a burger, but at least you're actually getting real beef, no mystery meat. And you can't put a price tag on authentic, right?
3. Chipotle
seoulfoodie Chipotle Salad Bowl - half chicken half steak with a side of guacamole. Did you know the main difference between the burrito bowl and the salad bowl is that for the salad bowl they put the lettuce on the bottom!? Makes it SO much easier to eat! And they give you a side of vinaigrette if you want. You learn something new everyday! lol #salad #bowl #steak #chicken #guacamole #chipotle #culvercity #LA #california #seoulfoodie
Alternative: Casa Enrique ( 5-48 49th Avenue - Long Island City), Estrellita Poblana (various NYC locations)
jeaniusnyc The deliciously flavorful Tostadas de Jaiba at @casaenrique is an absolute treat! Crab in crispy tortilla with citrus, avocado, tomato, chile serrano, and cilantro. Great way to start a Mexican meal! #casaenrique #tostadas #crab #Mexicanfood #mexicancuisine #lic #queens #queenseats #edibleQueens #qnsmade #nyceats #nycfood #michelinstar #myfab5 #eeeeeats
Now, don't get us wrong here, Chipotle is amazing, but in all honesty, how many times can you eat the same thing over and over again?
Seriously, go out and explore this city. You'll find so many amazing Mexican spots like Casa Enrique in Queens or Estrellita Poblana up in the Bronx.
,4. Domino's
charlotte_jacobe #burp!!! 😊😊😊 I'm full already! ☺ thanks a lot my friends! @jennefermitra & @mahmooddarwish85 @mahmo0od2014 ... for this #DominosPizza 🍕🍕🍕 treats!!! (through #delivery 🚲) ... til next #cravings again! 💕💋 @DominosPizza #pizzaTreats 🍕🍕🍕 #ohSoYUMMY!!! #Dominos #pepperoni #pizza
Alternative: Real pizza joints (Need recommendations? Look here.)
Why in the world would anybody living in New York City eat Domino's pizza is simply beyond us.
Again, we're not bashing because when outside of this city, you can rely on Domino's for consistency.
But when in this city? You can fugetaboutit.
5. Kentucky Fried Chicken or Popeye's
Alternative: Sylvia's (328 Malcolm X Blvd)
You often find New Yorkers arguing about how KFC is better than Popeye's or vice-versa. How about this: in this city, neither are very good.
So unless you have no idea what or where Harlem is, we're pretty sure you know about Sylvia's. We're pretty sure their fried chicken is what's served up in heaven.
So go on, take a trip uptown to Harlem, and get yourself a nice big plate of fried chicken with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, and then try going back to fast food fried chicken.
[anad2]
In short, we're not trying to offend anyone. In this expensive city, fast food might be the only thing some New Yorkers think they can afford in order to make it here.
But we promise if you search long and hard enough, you will find equally affordable spots that are much healthier for you, have friendlier staff, and taste ten times better.
After all, this is New York City.
Check out That’s Right, the Third Annual “Taste of the Terminal” Is Back!