Best restuarants around lower Manhattan

The Financial District is known for what it sounds like: Wall Street brokers and other busy professionals working and living in a money-centric environment. This does not bode well for University students facing the challenge of finding a place to eat at an affordable price.

They must find something tasty and satisfying buried among the dozens of chain restaurants and unknown hole-in-the-walls scattered throughout the neighborhood. Although many restaurants have been frequented by University students before, they stand the test of time as they have reached the top ten lists of best downtown restaurants.

Places like Rosella’s have been a stable plan B when all other food options for University students fail. Also, some of these well known restaurants offer discounts and specials that students have never known of before.

Senior Adam Reichardt said, “Man, you should go to Charly’s if you’re just looking for some classic American burgers. Greasy and inevitably will result in a heart attack. Best if had at three in the morning.”

“When you find something around here that you like, you tend to become pretty loyal,” said junior Jessica LaRosa. “That’s the way it is with food. If it’s good, you’ll keep going back.”

What follows is a list of some of the places that people go back to. Whether it is due to the quality of the food, the low prices or some other unidentifiable force, the following restaurants have drawn customers back time and time again.

Bennie’s Thai Cafe

88 Fulton Street

Bennie’s is traditional Thai food done well. They have a large selection of dishes including soups and desserts, but their best options are their spicy noodle dishes. Most entrees stay within the $7-10 range, except those including squid, shrimp, or other kinds of seafood. Free and fast delivery makes Bennie’s Thai hard to beat in this neighborhood.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

64 Fulton Street

This Hawaii based chain brings the flavor of the islands to lower Manhattan. L&L is Hawaii’s version of fast food, and the food reflects Hawaii’s Japanese, Korean and mainland United States influences. Bypass the sushi counter near the entrance and go straight for the main one towards the back. The chicken katsu, lau lau, or if you’re feeling brave, spam musibi will give you a taste of Hawaiian style cooking.

Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina

83 Pearl Street

This casual-upscale Mexican restaurant, while a bit pricey, pays off if you know when to go. On Mondays they have all-you-can-eat tacos and a frozen margarita for $20 and Wednesdays you can get any fajita and a frozen margarita for $16. Their guacamole is the most talked about item on the menu, so order a plate of nachos while you’re there.

Rosella’s Pizzeria

164 William Street

A staple in the diet of every University student, Rosella’s Pizzeria is known for its low prices and fast service. Whatever kind of Italian food you’re craving, Rosella’s will leave you satisfied. Slices of pizza range from $2.50 to $3.25, depending on toppings and the rest of the menu remains below $10.

Wo Hop   

17 Mott Street

Founded in 1938, Wo Hop is Chinese food at its best. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and no matter when you go the small dining room is likely to be packed. Most of the menu items are under $9 and the portions are huge. This makes Wo Hop perfect for sharing or if you’re feeling greedy, enough to live off of for a couple days. Go to the dining room below street level and for bonus points try to sneak a photo onto the wall.

Charly’s

110 Trinity Place

The words “open 24 hours” and “free delivery” are always a magnet for college students. Charly’s menu is broad, including burgers, pizza, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, philly cheese steaks and other kinds of sandwiches. If you’re looking for a five star dining experience, Charly’s isn’t the place for you ,although you can count on them for good, cheap food that will arrive quickly no matter what time you get back from the bar.

Lenny’s

108 John Street

Lenny’s is based around the concept of sushi-bar precision and presentation combined with an old-fashioned Italian deli. Every sandwich is made to order before the customer’s eyes and they are all fantastic. Prices vary depending on whether you get your sandwich combination on sliced bread, a hero or a wrap, but they max out at $8. They also serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m., create-your-own salads and a variety of desserts.

Pita Express

15 Ann Street

Pita Express is similar to many other Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, but a few distinct things set it apart. Their homemade pita bread gives it an immediate advantage over most street carts, and its glatt kosher status makes it easier for observant Jews to grab something to eat. Some entrees pass the $20 mark, but their sandwiches with salad and tahini are all under $10.

Soma by Nature

123 William Street

Formerly the location of Japanese restaurant Ichi Ni San, Soma by Nature kept the sushi, but added a whole new menu of Korean dishes. The menu features several varieties of noodles, soups and bowls, but the bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish made with white rice, vegetables, meat or tofu and a fried egg, is the crowd favorite. The prices are between $8 and $14 and lunch specials are served until 3 p.m.