Remember that time we discussed Grand Central Terminal's heavenly charm?
Here's a pretty accurate summary of the situation. Grand Central is basically New York City's only major transportation hub that we'd rather go to than the dentist.
It's constructed with miles of marble, modeled after public baths in Rome. Its domed, high stretching ceiling is adorned with 2,500 stars and painted a stunning teal and gold.
Our point is, getting caught at Grand Central isn't a bad thing that could happen. In fact, it might even be a blessing.
So here's what's happening. You're stranded at the stunning cathedral called Grand Central, and you're hungry. You'd like to wreck yourself with food and alcohol. Where should you go?
We have some suggestions. Read on to find out the 7 best places to chow down at Grand Central.
1. Grand Central Oyster Bar (89 East 42nd Street)
taasinboy As I was wandering around Grand Central terminal I saw this oyster bar and restaurant so I walked my happy ass in and ordered me some raw oysters and cherrystone clams for lunch. #grandcentraloysterbar #manhattaneats #nyc
Want to inhale a bowl of the most velvety, buttery New England clam chowder you've ever had? Then Grand Central Oyster Bar is definitely where you should grab your Grand Central bite.
We'd also strongly recommend the fish soup, and of course their fresh and delectable oysters.
Grand Central's Oyster Bar's also got delicious wines, which will pair really nicely with your East Coast selections. Not into wine? Toss your oysters back with a Blue Point Toasted Lager.
This place is a tad pricey and tends to get crowded, but we think it's worth both potential drawbacks. It's got a lovely ambiance, and is a great spot to grub with out-of-town pals.
2. The Campbell Apartment (15 Vanderbilt Avenue)
wandering_gypsy_queen Always time for one drink 🍷😜 #thecampbellapartment #barsofnewyork #newyork #grandcentralstation #serenaandnate #travel #wanderlust
The Campbell Apartment is a very excellent bar in an even more excellent location. It's a historic landmark, and here's a secret: lots of New Yorkers go to it even when they don't have to be at Grand Central.
The decor at The Campbell Apartment truly makes you feel like you've just stepped back in time. While their drinks do cost a pretty penny, they've got entirely delicious, expertly crafted cocktails. You won't regret purchasing two, or even five.
They've also got plenty of supremely comfortable couches, which we're obviously about. If you are looking for a drink to get, we'd have to recommend the Mango Mule. It's so sweet, bubbly and tangy, and will completely knock you off your feet.
If what you really want is to be drunk for your train ride, then go ahead and get the Prohibition Punch; it's a winner.
3. Shake Shack (49 Grand Central Terminal)
chichachikaa Shake Shack Edition 😍😘🍴 #shakeshack #dinner #burger #shroomburgers #milkshake #foodies #foodporn #grandcentralshakeshack
Located in the Lower Level Dining Concourse at Grand Central, Shake Shack has been known to rock worlds and tastebuds with flair.
We're sure you already know, and if you don't we can't relate, but we'll tell you anyway. The mushroom burger is crispy and filled with yummy melted cheese. We've also got to shout out our longstanding relationship with the SmokeShake; bacon, cherry peppers, and ShackSauce atop a cheeseburger.
Honestly, though, if we're messing with reality we've got to discuss the ShackBurger, which is basically a delicious, tender burger topped with ShackSauce.
Are our stomachs rumbling just talking about this? Certainly. Do we fantasize about their milkshakes every night before we fall asleep? Yes, but not as much as we think about their cheese fries.
4. Tacos Grand Central (153 East 43rd Street)
steffipphotos Vegetarian tacos, chips and pico de gallo from Tacos Grand Central. This takeout place between Lexington and 3rd is a must try! The food is absolutely delicious. And best pico I've ever had, no kidding! But beware: it's authentic, meaning the pico has pieces of jalapeños in it EXTRA spicy! #mexicanfood #nycrestaurant #nycmexicanfood #nyc #nycfoodies #vegetarian #tacos #TacosGrandCentral
The tacos at Tacos Grand Central will make your belly smile, and that's not an exaggeration.
We're pretty in love with these tacos, so just hang with us here while we hash it out. Their salsa verde is addicting; like more addicting than most addictive drugs.
We also have to say that you really can't go wrong while treating yourself to the steak burrito. What we mean is, it'll only be a couple bites before you find yourself tearing through the steak burrito, and only a couple bites after that that you find yourself completely stuffed.
Their burritos are huge, their salsa is flavorful, and there isn't any seating. So you'll have to carry your meal out of this tiny taco joint to the tables at the food court.
,5. Grand Central Market (105 East 42nd Street)
cbarry04 Enjoying the much needed pick-me-up @ the new #gandbcoffee #grandcentralmarket @gandbcoffee
Can we hear a chorus of "obviously you should eat lunch at Grand Central Market?" Great. Now that we've gotten that good and accomplished, let's talk logistics.
The Grand Central Market is an ideal hotspot for everyone waiting for their train who wants a quick, gourmet bite. It's perfect for everything from fresh produce to an extensive selection of cheese for all you cheese enthusiasts at Murray's Cheese. Plus, you can request tastes.
They've got loose-leaf teas, fresh breads, seafood, pasta, and beautifully prepared lunch food. It's one of the most quant and gorgeous places for food in all of the city.
Grand Central Market is a pretty amazing market, and it's worth coming to see even if you don't have to be at Grand Central for any reason.
6. UrbanSpace Vanderbilt (2300 Park Avenue)
grubstreet There are a ton of glorious food options at Midtown's new food hall #UrbanSpaceVanderbilt. Here's a look at @robertaspizza famous Bee Sting pizza. 📷: @melissa_hom
We are going to warn you flat out. Don't come to UrbanSpace Vanderbilt unless you're prepared to deal with an all-encompassing addiction.
You might start coming here obsessively, even several days in succession. Here are the market's shining stars.
Hong Kong Street Cart's soup noodles are heavenly. The broth carries a nice kick, and it'll warm you right up. Plus, No 7 Veggie's broccoli tacos are so unbelievable, you'll completely forget there's no meat in them! Vegetarians, get here stat.
Then, there's Roberta's, serving their pizza so fresh, topped with tomatoes that taste like they've just been picked, alongside fresh basil, and unreal mozzarella. It's unreal. Then, if you want to get a little tipsy, we'd have to say that Takumi Taco's spiked Lychee tea is an excellent choice.
7. Junior's Restaurant (45 Grand Central Terminal)
matosmanny I don't think I will ever look at a #turkey #sandwich the same way again. #NYC #manhattan #juniorsrestaurant
How could we not talk about Junior's Restaurant? Well, the quick and easy answer to that question is that we'd never not talk about Junior's Restaurant.
We're sure the urban legend of their strawberry cheesecake; it's on point. It'll turn even the most staunch cheesecake grinches into fans.
Plus, their pastrami sandwich could take on just about any other deli sandwich, served anywhere else in the city.
Here for breakfast? Don't fear. The egg cheese and corned beef is at once innovative and delicious. You won't leave Junior's disappointed no matter what meal you've come here for.
Check out 6 Reasons Grand Central Terminal Is Heaven on Earth (Or, At Least NYC).
[Feature Image Courtesy Dica Chic]