Nine Places for Feasting: Dining in New York City

While each of the five dining halls between Barnard and Columbia each has their fair share of fantastic meals, Barnard students were born to explore and venture beyond  -- tastebuds included! In the spirit of new adventures, I urge you to pair your Nine Ways of Knowing with Nine Places for Feasting -- a list of restaurants and eateries that are outside of Barnard’s home in Morningside Heights but make New York City feel more like grandmother’s kitchen. 

1. Tung Thong

   1. Calling all Thai Food lovers! If you know the difference between Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew (or want to learn the difference upon first taste!), Tung Thong has you covered. Located on West 169th St. and Broadway, a little trip uptown on the 1 Train has your next dinner plans covered. Stop by this family-own hotspot, say hi to the Columbia Medical School students you guaranteed to see, and sip on your Green Curry without the buzz of campus. If you’re able to swing by during lunchtime, be sure to get the lunchtime special which gives you half-off of a full dish and comes with two sides. 

2. Harlem Burger Co

   1. If you’re not able to make your way uptown, try and make it a little bit crosstown at Harlem Burger Co.! Despite burger being in the time, Harlem Burger Co. has the best veggie burger I’ve ever tried and a number of vegan and vegetarian options. Though, if you have a dairy-allergy, be sure to take your lactate because you will be pursued by the giant milkshake machine and you will be leaving with one. Located just a 15-minute walk away on West 118th St. and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, this locally-owned joint is perfect for grab-and-go lunch or a sit-down dinner with friends if you admire the wicked graffiti art inside. 

3. The Grange

   1. Rethink everything you think about brunch at The Grange! No longer just “toast”, but rather Almond French Toast with Strawberries and Vanilla fancy cream cheese. Sunday brunch becomes a deluxe meal without the deluxe price! Located just two stops away and one avenue over on West 137th and Amsterdam Avenue, your best brunch ever awaits! 

4. The HandPulled Noodle 

   1. If you’re in the mood for large portions and low-prices, the Handpulled Noodle is your spot! Home to mainly college students from all over Manhattan and noodle-lovers from all walks of life, the HandPulled noodle has a range of noodle dishes and Chinese street food. Make your own unique dish by choosing your noodle type, poteins, spice level, and garnishes to make each meal specific to your mood that day. Located just 3 stops uptown on the 1 Train on West 145th St. and Broadway, the HandPulled Noodle is the perfect place for those colder New York days or if you want three dinners for the price of one thanks to their college-student-on-a-budget portion sizes. 

5. Haandi

   1. Halal? Check. Vegetarian? You bet. Delicious? Most definitely! Haandi is a small restaurant that serves, Pakistani, Indian, and Bengali cuisine for those searching for the most authentic food from the region without needing to have a passport. Located on East 28th St. and Lexington Avenue, Haandi will take you off-campus and take your tastebuds to a new level. Perfect for those looking for something rich, savory, and with spice. 

6. Wah Fung Fast Food

   1. Looking for lunch but only have $6 to spare? That’s not an issue for Wah Fung Fast Food! For literally $6, you can get your choice of incredible cookie protein, rice, and a side of vegetables. Everything there must be ordered to-go, but no worries, as there’s a park right across the street and a fantastic view of the Manhattan Bridge. Stop by Hester St. and Chrystie St.  for quick eats and good views soon! 

7. Black Tap 

   1. Basic and on every Food Blog you could think of? Yes. Worth trying out? Absolutely yes! The Black Tap is home to otherworldly milkshakes that are decorated from the base to straw, in addition to having delicious fries, burgers, and sandwiches to prevent you from having a full sugar rush. Located on West 55th St. between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue, the line will be long, but it’s certainly worth it. 

8. Patrizia's of Williamsburg

   1. If you want to treat yourself, head into Williamsburg in Brooklyn and try Patrizia’s. With a long, scroll-like menu, you’ll never be able to taste everything they offer, but during your time at Barnard, see how many dishes you can try. Patrizia’s has a very energetic, big-family vibe that makes your first time eating there feel like your heading to a family reunion. Located about 15 minutes off the J, M, or Z train, come with your stretchy pants on and your spirits high. 

9. Taqueria El Fogon

   1. The fun begins with Taqueria El Fogon and their delicious Mexican cuisine. Located off the L train at the edge of East Williamsburg and Bushwick, Taqueria El Fogon crafts food that will have your tastebuds singing. Maybe you’ll join in the singing as there’s always upbeat Mexican music playing in the background. With nothing on the menu costing more than $10 and the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted, Taqueria El Fogon offers Michelin star-worthy food at a McDonald’s price. 

Attending Barnard allows me to be bold and adventurous in my academic endeavors, as well as in my appetite! 

- Emily Ndiokho