I don’t know if you have, but I certainly have missed the old Taco Bell at 125th. In fact, there’s always been a noticeable dearth in the fast food options near Columbia University. But, for those that have had a hankering beyond KFC and McDonald’s, there’s a new Burger King at 3451 Broadway (around 139th St.). Yea, it’s far, but that’s the price we pay for going to Columbia. The good news is that this BK has quite a robust value menu so making the trip shouldn’t put too much of a pinch on your wallet.

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Location: 3431 Broadway (btw. 139th and 140th)
Hours: 11am - 2am, Everyday

Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the food. I got my tacos dorados and horked them down so fast I didn’t even realize I was up in Harlem on assignment for the Lion’s Den. What was the assignment? Find the best tacos within a reasonable distance of Columbia.

Well, I found them and they’re just two subway stops away. Yea, it will cost you $4 to get there and back (unless you want to walk, it’s only 20 blocks). But, this place still won’t leave your wallet feeling empty. Tacos are but $2 and ,while some entrees can go in the $8-$12 range,  they all come in serious portions. The burritos gigantes are…. quite gigante. And, the tortas are nearly big enough for two meals (at least a meal and a snack).

The rice and beans here are tasty, if a little bit bland. And, of the entrees that I have tried, they are all made quite well. The tacos, however, are the true standout. The al pastor has little chunks of pineapple.  Carnitas are rich and delicious. And, heck, even the chicken isn’t bad - just the right amount of chew while still being tender. They heap it on here and you’ll be glad each taco comes with the traditional two rounds of tortilla.

I should note that the proprietors of this little taco hole don’t speak much English. Ordering is probably done best by pointing, but the place has great pictures all over the place so you’ll never be at a loss for something to order.

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For too long have Columbia students had to trek to the far reaches of the world for good Chicken and Rice. Well, at least as far as 53rd and 6th. The halal copycats who have staked claim on Columbia’s fertile soils have all submitted subpar attempts at wooing our taste buds with the cart on 120th being the closest to tolerable.

But, amid the high profile new restaurant openings in the Columbia area - Chipotle, Pinkberry, and the rumored Jamba Juice, there’s one little opening that has gone without fanfare. Sammy’s Halal is now up and running on 111th and Broadway (behind a fruit cart and another breakfast cart)! Yup, you heard right. Sammy! A Chicken and Rice guru who’s accolades include being named to New York Magazine’s Concrete Elite as well as winning the 2006 Vendy Awards has chosen Columbia as the newest stomping ground for his burgeoning Chicken and Rice empire.

After talking to the man running Sammy’s new cart, The Hungry Lion has received assurances that the cart is not just a figment of our imagination or a passing oasis like that of the 53rd and 6th cart which trekked to our campus on varying occasions last year. No, Sammy is here to stay and will be open from 10am till midnight to satisfy Chicken and Rice cravings at all hours. And, satisfy he does.

For those who haven’t made the trek to the original Sammy’s Halal located on 73rd and Broadway in Queens, his Chicken and Rice is slightly different from the oft-praised 53rd and 6th Halal. Many critics claim it to be better. But, it really comes down to a matter of taste. The Chicken and Rice at 53rd and 6th is the epitome of street food. Greasy, rich and flavorful rice, hastily prepared chicken (or lamb) and heavy in what can only be described as savory (umami) flavors. Sammy’s exhibits a bit more nuance. Fragrant Afghan rice with hints of cardamom and cinnamon and chicken which is meticulously prepared in a three step process - seared, grilled, then chopped and mixed with cilantro. Sammy also features a third sauce of his own creation known only as - the Green Sauce. Make sure you get it.

Oh, did I mention his Chicken and Rice platters go for only $3.99?

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Location: 331 W. 4th Street (Between 12th St. and Jane)
Hours: 12pm - 4am
Notes: Cash Only

You’ve probably heard about Corner Bistro. It’s on anyone and everyone’s “best burger” list. But, for those who haven’t or don’t realize that its open to 4am. Now you do. And, since you probably find yourself downtown on most late nights, now you’ve got another option for those last round hunger pains outside of Chicken and Rice.

What’s so great you ask? How about a perfectly made to order burger at 3 in the morning? A fat, juicy patty served open face with bacon and cheese.

Mouth watering yet? Add fries and the meal is still under $10 bucks. For those not done with their night of drinking, Corner Bistro also offers $2 beers.

Overall, the restaurant is unassuming and a weird cross between a pub and a diner. A little run down and dirty and there are truly no frills given that everything is served in paper plates. Are the burgers truly the best in the city? Well, at the time you’re likely to go, yes. In general, they’re pretty darn good. If you’re really picky, you might find the patty just a tad thick and the meat a tad flavorless especially for a burger so dominated by the patty. But, that’s what ketchup and bacon is for! The fries are just okay. And, for one reason or another they don’t serve up onion rings! Eitherway, you must stumble on over the next time you find yourself in the West Village on the wrong side of midnight.

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AKA: 得月樓
Location: 67 Bayard St. (Chinatown btw. Elizabeth and Mott)
Notes: Cash Only
Sorry about the lack of pictures. Camera is out of service at the moment.

Well, I’m back in the Manhattan and, obviously, the first place I want to go is Chinatown and where else but Moon House? Moon House is overlooked in Chinatown’s little pocket of restaurants in the Mott, Bayard, Pell area. Big names like Joe’s Shanghai and New Green Bo (and, for those in the know, Hop Kee and Wo Hop) tend to dominate the discussion. But, for those looking for some scrumptious food and hobo cheap prices, there is no place better than Moon House.

Moon House is a tiny restaurant across the street from New Green Bo which also specializes in Shanghai cuisine. The owners actually worked at its namesake in Shanghai before coming to New York to open their humble little restaurant and they know how to serve up a good meal with service that is surprisingly friendly for a Chinatown establishment.

While the menu is diverse and features nearly anything you can imagine, the restaurant excels at a few dishes that are a must order nearly any time you go and all of which are among the best (especially for the price) that I’ve had in New York. These include the Fried Tiny Buns which feature juicy pork stuffed within an incredibly fluffy yet crisp on the outside bun (8 for $2.99). The scallion pancake fried to perfection for only $1.75. And, any of their dumplings (8 for $2.99). As far as entrees go, the stars are the Ti Pang (Braised Pork Rump?) and the Sizzling Fish Plate both of which cost about $12.95 but come in portions large enough to serve 5 or 6 heartily assuming you get a requisite plate of sauteed vegetables on the side. Also very tasty is the restaurants Sticky Rice Cakes (炒年糕) for just $4.99 a plate.

Straying from the restaurant’s specials, unfortunately, results in some less than traditional dishes. The prices are still hobo cheap and portions more than generous, but the ingredients are just a bit lacking. For example, they used canned mushrooms instead of shiitakes or chinese black mushrooms in certain dishes or they might use those weird crinkle cut carrots that taste like they’ve been frozen that you normally find in some takeout places. That’s not to say the dishes don’t taste good, but they will miss the mark if you’re looking for a really traditional Chinese meal (though still better than anything served up at Ollie’s or Columbia Cottage). I would also steer clear of the Steamed Juicy Buns as they are somewhat lacking here.

All-in-all, Moon House is one of my favorite meals in Manhattan especially given that the price is always right. Heck, the place is worth a visit just for their Fried Tiny Buns which are without a doubt the best that I’ve had anywhere (including in Taiwan). Head on over next time you’re in Chinatown and fed up with the gruff service and long lines at the other Shanghai favorites.

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