Head to Burgers & Cupcakes on 9th avenue and get everything you’re craving. While the burgers are good, the cupcakes are even better. Go for the large sized cupcake, you might have to share it though because these are hefty cupcakes. My favorite is the chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, it’s so moist, rich and perfect. You’ll make the trip to the west side just for this cupcake. Other flavors include your traditional buttercream, peanut butter and chocolate ganache, red velvet, berry, mint chocolate chip, and carrot with coconut. Go to Burgers & Cupcakes and see the combination that you have been living without.

Burgers & Cupcakes

Google Map Burgers & Cupcakes

In the Theater District of New York, it’s hard to find a place that isn’t flooded by tourists and isn’t overpriced. Head to Ichimasa and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you’ll find. Located on 50th street, this Japanese restaurant is the real deal with Japanese sushi chefs making your sushi and you’ll be eating amongst other Japanese as this is a popular place. The sushi is super fresh and is better than most sushi places you’ll stumble upon in the city. Their spicy salmon isn’t a roll of mush, but rather a real piece of salmon paired with a spicy sauce that is both tangy and packed with flavor, something they must have created with their own spices. Ichimasa has a cozy environment and is very intimate, just like a real Japanese restaurant should be. So before or after your show, go to Ichimasa and taste what sushi should taste like.

Ichimasa

Google Map Ichimasa

Barking Dog welcomes both people and dogs, the perfect place to enjoy a brunch on this snowy day. Equipped with watering fountains outside for your dog and filled with pictures of dogs inside, Barking Dog brings you comfort food that makes you feel good. Barking Dog serves up classic American food and has everything that you want. For brunch, get an omelet, waffles, a sandwich, or whatever else you’re craving all at a great price. With a full bar, you can thoroughly enjoy yourself, but be warned, this place does get crowded and there might be a wait for a table. In the summer, sit outside and bask in the sun with your dog by your side. Even order some treats for your dog and it will become both of your favorite places to go. Barking Dog does do lunch and dinner as well if you’re in the mood for some dog loving during the week. With a few places located all around the city, you’re never far from a Barking Dog.

Google Map Barking Dog Upper East Side

Google Map Barking Dog Murray Hill

Sanctuary T is where you want to go to enjoy a nice, full lunch with a couple of your friends. The Prix Fixe Lunch special is a steal and you’ll feel like you’re taking advantage of the place. It’ll cost you $19 and it includes a soup or mixed greens salad (I recommend the soup as it can be something wonderful like Turkey Chili with toasted bread on the side), a entree salad or sandwich, then it ends with a dessert and tea. It’s a great deal, and it’ll make you’re day, top it off with a stroll around SoHo where you can browse all the shops. For your main entree, I recommend the Steak Salad that comes with roasted tomatoes, feta cheese, and two huge onion rings on top of mixed baby greens. It’s very filling and it turns an ordinary lunch into a very satisfying one. Sanctuary T saves the best for last, tea and dessert. Choose from one of many of their dessert options from a pomegranate cheesecake to a chocolate cake with ice cream to a crepe, all paired with tea that accentuates the flavors of your dessert. They also do a Prix Fixe for both brunch and dinner if you choose to go at a different time. Otherwise, the tea itself that they have is worth the trip!

Sanctuary Tea

Google Map Sanctuary Tea

Located on 6th Avenue, Waldy’s brings you fresh pizza by the pie with a variety of toppings and even a little garden of herbs so you can sprinkle fresh seasonings on top.  Waldy’s isn’t you typical pizza place as it does not serve slices, you have to order by the pie. The individual servings are perfect for lunch, and you can eat it right there. Plus if you ask, they’ll give you anchovies on your pie for free. My favorite type of pie is the chicken with bacon and chipotle peppers, and if you’re feeling crazy, try the clam pie with ricotta or the braised lamb with roasted lemon. All of Waldy’s pizza is made with a special blend of four cheeses, giving it a surprising taste and distinctive smell. It’s a great place to go if you want to indulge and try something different from your everyday pizza place. There’s also pasta at Waldy’s like penne with mozzarella and tomato in a vodka sauce or various salads to choose from if you want to change it up.

Waldy’s

Google Map Waldy’s