Best Cheap Eats in the Meatpacking District

In all fairness and in the spirit of full journalistic disclosure this piece was inspired by the recent posting of the top 10 things to eat in the Chelsea Market from the Village Voice article. The thing is when I go food shopping at the Chelsea Market I almost always bounce around the area in general running errands, hitting the High Line, buying something I don't need but want or just popping in to pay homage to I-Gotahaveit  at the Apple Store. Thus this list is geared towards garbing something fast for lunch or just a quick fix to re-charge...
Amy's Bread - Great selection of breads and baked goods. Their Coconut Dream bar is one of my favorite treats in the city...the love child of a menage between a Blondie a Graham Cracker and a Coconut $3.00+
Bill's Bar and Burger - Nice variety of burgers that they do loosely packed and flat...since I like it hot the Mexican Burger (pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeño, shredded lettuce, and chipotle aioli) for $7.25 is my choice...add Disco Fries or Onion Rings on the side for $4.50+
Dickson's Meats - Sources their meat from local grass-fed farms. If you need a high protein fix for your inner carnivore or just can't wait to cook up the awesome cuts of meat my favorite Butcher (try their 80/20 burgers...80% beef-20% bacon) in the city has to offer go with their Roast Beef Sandwich to tide you over $8.00+
Eleni's - Offers a wide variety of cupcakes and cookies and specializes in holiday themed treats...ie you need Cinco e Mayo cookies...they make'em...I like the Chocolate Cupcake w/Blue Frosting...just what is it about Chocolate and the color blue that just all so well together? $3.00+
Fat Witches - Great small and dense Brownies...my favorite is the Red Witch (dried cherries) and for something different try their Breakfast Witch (Oatmeal Walnut Coffee w/a layer of Brownie) $2.95
Gaslight Pizzeria -Great selection of speciality pizzas like Buffalo, Cheese Burger, Bolognese and of course good ole pepperoni, meatball etc...$3.00+. Sandwiches and Salads as well.
Hector's Diner - Great old school diner with diner sized menu...I like their Tuna-melt & Fries for $7.95
Ninth Street Espresso -  For my caffeine fix I like the Drip for $2 bucks but they make great espresso's, cappuccino's, etc...They sell whole bean bags of their coffee...
Standard Bier Garden - Giant-Sized Pretzels with spicy and sweet mustard's. I believe it's $8 bucks...however it's huge and the best pretzel in town. Their dark beer is perfect with it. Nice selection of wursts as well.
The Lobster Place - For quality, selection and price this is the best seafood market in the city. Their Scallop & Bacon Chowder $3.50 is one of the best soups in the city and their sushi is great. I love the Spicy Tuna or Yellowfin rolls for $5.25.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck - Awesome ultra-high quality Ice Cream served by the cup or cone out of a truck (available in pints at Whole Foods) with your usual suspect flavors as well as Ginger, Pistachio, Red Current and Giandujia (hazelnut & chocolate) $3.50 for a small.

    Stay tuned for my upcoming Best Treats to Eat up on the Highline (remember they extended it)...if of course Sprinter ever turns to Spring or if we get a Summer and don't just go straight info Sumfal...


Amy's Bread is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Bill's Bar and Burger is located at 22 9th Avenue
Dickson's Meats is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Eleni's is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Gaslight Pizzeria is located at 39 9th Avenue
Hector's Diner is located at 44 Little West 12th St
Ninth Street Espresso is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Standard Bier Garden is located at 848 Washington St
The Lobster Place is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck is located right outside of 848 Washington St