As I was walking around Hell’s Kitchen, I noticed how hard it was to find a new, good-tasting food spot. Especially on a budget? It sounds bizarre even mentioning a “budget” around the Times square area! For this, I tried 3 new spots; one bakery, one drink related, and one actual meal. The ratings are based on the affordability, the location, and most importantly, the taste (the most important part). Go ahead and take a look at these places for yourself.

Vanilla Gorilla

Affordability

The prices seemed reasonable for a bakery in Hell’s Kitchen. Nothing seemed over the top.

Taste

Gave pretty large portions (the cookie was almost bigger than my hand!), mostly didn’t like the muffin—it was very crumbly and deteriorated fast. The rest of the muffin was mediocre due to the mix rather than the blueberries. The cookie was fine; it tasted like it had oatmeal or coconut on the top, but they don’t show the ingredients on the baked goods (beware if allergic).  The brownie was likely my favorite purchase. Wasn’t too chewy, the chocolate was amazing, and it actually filled me up.

Location

It’s sort of in a secretive neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen. I stumbled upon the store randomly on an adventure, and the name made me laugh, so I needed to try it. As well, the store seems like a great place to catch up on missing assignments or just a study spot. There are plenty of seats, but I can’t imagine how busy it is on a weekday morning!

Max Brenner’s

Affordability

Definitely on the more expensive side for a hot chocolate. Came out to $11 for one large cup with 3 marshmallows.

Location

Pretty small store; could only fit about 6 customers. Had shelves full of chocolate goods ranging from syringes of chocolate to chocolate waffles. 

Taste

I would say (as well as the person I went with) thought it was really sweet for a hot chocolate. It left behind a strong chocolate taste on my tongue. They didn’t give it too hot, but it was an enjoyable temperature for this cool weather.

Fortune Bowl

Affordability

Average price I’d expect on a dish this good. It cost $11.95 alone, with a drink it came to about $14. It was worth how filling it was, I couldn’t even finish the bowl.

Location

Again, another small area. Only really two seats to eat, so unfortunately I couldn’t take photos inside. 

Taste

I personally got the Five Spice Beef bowl, it came with white rice, prime beef, broccoli, sesame seeds, corn, cucumber, and teriyaki sauce. I can’t lie, the first bite was heavenly. The juices going throughout the whole bowl made it taste like it came from a different planet. I wish the broccoli was steamed, since it was the coldest thing in the bowl. 

Conclusion

Let’s be real here. After a long day at UAG (and also a long day of avoiding the cafeteria food or binge eating the school store snacks), the only thing you could really want is a fulfilling meal. I know sometimes it may get boring and repetitive of always going to a chain fast food place, so I hope this article helps, even a little bit. It’s always more fun when exploring new things with others, so try these places with a couple friends! It can really make the experience a whole bunch better.