Bryant Park, nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, offers a diverse array of affordable dining options for visitors and locals alike. From food kiosks and trucks within the park to nearby budget-friendly eateries, this guide explores the best cheap eats around Bryant Park. Discover delicious meals under $15, including Belgian waffles, Sichuan specialties, Cuban sandwiches, and more. Learn about special deals, peak times, and seating availability to make the most of your culinary adventure in this iconic New York City location.
Where Can I Find Food Kiosks and Trucks in Bryant Park?
Bryant Park hosts several food kiosks and trucks that offer quick, affordable bites:
- Wafels & Dinges
- Location: Within Bryant Park
- Cuisine: Belgian waffles
- Price Range: $5-$10
- Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM, daily
-
Menu Highlights:
- Waffles with Dulce de Leche
- Spekuloos ice cream topping
- Nutella-covered waffles
- Maple syrup drizzled treats
-
Le Pain Quotidien
- Location: Within Bryant Park
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Price Range: $5-$15
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM – 6 PM, Sat-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM
- Menu Highlights:
- Grilled hot dogs
- Fresh pastries
- Tartines with seasonal fruits or vegetables
- Organic spreads and jams
What Are the Best Budget-Friendly Eateries Near Bryant Park?
Several affordable restaurants near Bryant Park offer delicious meals at reasonable prices:
Café China
- Location: 59 W 37th St
- Cuisine: Sichuan and Shanghai-inspired Chinese
- Price Range: $10-$20
- Menu Highlights:
- Pork dumplings in chili oil
- Spicy cumin lamb
- Shrimp fried rice with Chinese sausage
- Scallion pancake burrito
Hangawi
- Location: 12 E. 32nd St (10-block walk from Bryant Park)
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Korean
- Price Range: $15-$30
- Special Offer: Mini prix-fixe lunch for $26
- Menu Highlights:
- Spicy tofu kimchi hot pot
- Vegetarian bibimbap
- Mushroom pancakes
Szechuan Gourmet
- Location: 21 W. 39th St
- Cuisine: Sichuan Chinese
- Price Range: $10-$20
- Menu Highlights:
- Baby eggplants in spicy garlic sauce
- Mapo tofu
- Dan dan noodles
Where Can I Find Quick Bites and Lunch Spots Around Bryant Park?
For those seeking a quick meal near Bryant Park, consider these options:
- Margon
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Price Range: $10-$15
-
Menu Highlights:
- Cuban sandwiches
- Pollo frito (fried chicken)
-
Alidoro
- Cuisine: Italian sandwiches
- Price Range: $10-$15
-
Menu Highlights:
- Prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich
- Sopressata and provolone sandwich
-
Omar’s
- Location: 39th and Madison
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Price Range: $10-$15
- Menu Highlights:
- Falafel platter
- Chicken kebab wrap
What Sit-Down Restaurants Are Available in Bryant Park?
For a more leisurely dining experience within the park, try these options:
Bryant Park Grill & Café
- Location: Within Bryant Park
- Cuisine: New-American
- Price Range: $15-$30
- Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Menu Highlights:
- Grilled salmon
- Cobb salad
- Artisanal cheese plate
Fever-Tree Porch
- Location: Southern end of the park at Fountain Terrace
- Cuisine: American pub-style
- Price Range: $15-$30
- Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 9 PM (weather permitting)
- Menu Highlights:
- Classic cheeseburger
- Grilled chicken Caesar salad
- Fish and chips
What Special Deals and Packages Are Available for Bryant Park Cheap Eats?
Several eateries offer special deals to make dining near Bryant Park even more affordable:
- Café China:
- Regular dim sum specials
-
Affordable lunch combos
-
Hangawi:
- Mini prix-fixe lunch for $26
-
Includes starter, appetizer, entrée, and dessert
-
Shanghai Time:
- Online order discounts
- Free delivery for larger orders
When Are Peak Times and How Is Seating Availability?
Understanding peak times and seating options can help you plan your visit:
- Peak Hours:
- Lunch: 12 PM – 2 PM
- Early Evening: 5 PM – 7 PM
| Venue | Seating Availability |
|---|---|
| Food Kiosks | Limited, park seating available |
| Bryant Park Grill & Café | Outdoor seating available |
| Fever-Tree Porch | Outdoor lounge furniture |
| Nearby Restaurants | Varies, reservations recommended during peak hours |
Who Are the Notable Vendors and How Can I Contact Them?
For more information on specific vendors, use the following contact details:
- Wafels & Dinges: Located within Bryant Park (no specific contact number)
- Café China: 59 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018, (212) 213-2810
- Hangawi: 12 E. 32nd St., New York, NY (no specific contact number)
By exploring these diverse and affordable dining options, visitors to Bryant Park can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. From quick bites to sit-down restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget in this iconic New York City location.
References:
– https://www.ediblemanhattan.com/insider-tips/where-eat-new-york-public-library-bryant-park-midtown/
– https://www.thetravel.com/bryant-park-best-food-guide-nyc/
– https://www.tastingtable.com/1617603/cheap-eats-midtown-manhattan/