New York City boasts dozens of delicious food halls where one can indulge in almost any type of craving, from decadent bowls of ramen to healthful smoothies and even a well-deserved beer, in many cases. It can be a challenge to choose, given so many options, and impulsive purchases can also lead to a doozy of a bill when a meal is finally assembled.
Here, our quick and dirty guide to eating a meal (entree plus drink and side/dessert) at Urbanspace Vanderbilt, the food hall near Grand Central Terminal, for under $16.
THE TANGY TACO
Meal: Shortrib and Carnitas tacos from Takumi Taco ($10.50), lemonade from Red Hook Lobster Pound ($3.27) and chocolate chip cookie from Roberta's ($2.18)
Total Cost: $15.95
The tacos from Takumi are packed with protein, making them a filling choice even if you're only eating two and they'll even give you a side of seasoned tortilla chips on the house. The lemonade is a great foil for the meaty, savory taco fillings and there's never a bad time to eat a chocolate chip cookie.
THE CASUAL PARISIAN
Meal: Truffled Mozzarella crepe from Bar Suzette ($8.71), hibiscus doughnut from Dough ($3) and espresso from Toby's Estate ($3)
Total Cost: $14.71
Inside that tender crepe is salty, melted mozzarella that's been studded with black pepper and given a drizzle of black truffle oil. This vegetarian meal—a subtle tip of the beret to France—also includes an enormous, fluffy doughnut from Dough and a quick shot of espresso, which you'll need after wolfing down the two other items in this meal.
THE PICNIC BASKET
Menu: Original Chicken Sandwich from Delaney Chicken ($8.71), Dirty Chips from Mayhem & Stout ($2) and Sparkling Cranberry soda from Mimi's Hummus
Total Cost: $13.98
Many picnic baskets include some form of fried chicken, so we're starting with the juicy fried chicken thigh sandwich topped with pickles and mayo from Daniel Delaney's newish chicken venture. To that, some crunchy kettle chips procured from nearby stall Mayhem & Stout and finally, a refreshing house-made cranberry soda to complete the checkered blanket trifecta.
