New York City Street Vendors Bear the Cold for Quick Eats

Category: New York Restaurants

By Beth Kaiserman

Some of the tastiest options in New York City can be found right along the streets. No, I’m not talking about the food remnants that pigeons feast on along the city’s sidewalks, but the amazing fare produced by the food vendors that give New York streets personality. Here are some top notch spots that are still kickin’ it in the cold of winter.

Calexico Burrito Cart in SoHo
One of my favorite stops this summer was the Calexico burrito cart, serving up huge burritos filled with fresh and delicious ingredients. So what’s up at the burrito cart on these cold winter days? According to the burrito cart’s Twitter page, the Calexico boys have been out and about at their usual locations, despite the cold winds. The New York Times named the cart one of the best inexpensive places of 2009. It’s affordable, tasty, and the servers are friendly and polite even when the line is long.

Shake Shack in Flatiron
Keeping the burger love aflame with outdoor heaters, this hot spot in Madison Square Park is still busy during lunchtime. You receive a pager, and will be buzzed when your food is ready. You can’t go wrong with a thick creamy shake and a fresh juicy burger. This is the closest New York City equivalent I’ve had to the heavenly In-N-Out Burger, a fast food chain on the West Coast. (I should mention that I have plans to check out Astoria’s Petey’s Burgers another California style burger.) Shake Shack is also planning to expand with new locations in Soho, the Upper East Side and Midtown West. .

Xinjiang BBQ Cart in Flushing, Queens
Who doesn’t love meat on a stick? Still grilling and chilling in Queens, the cart’s food selection is simple: beef, chicken or lamb on a skewer – at only $1.00 each. It’s not much more complicated than that. Plus, you can ask for it extra spicy. Xinjiang BBQ Cart is ideal if you need some grilled protein to fuel your day in Flushing. Stop there for a quick meat treat.

Where do you stop for food on-the-go? Email me about your favorite food carts to NewYorkNibbler@NewYork.com.