Shake Shack

The line was snaking almost around the block at 12:30 on this lovely almost summer day. This institution in Gramercy park is perenially packed for yummy burgers, Chicago style franks and hmmmmmm good frozen custard my personal fave. Since Custard Beach closed a few years back this is the only spot to eat homemade custard. Today, I order my usual Shack-Cago dog for $3.75 and a homemade lemonade as well as the custard flavor of the day which was cherry chip and also a chocolate custard. My friend ordered the hamburger and fries with cheese sauce. The frank has a nice bite along with cucumbers, pickles and "scary" fresh tomatoes on a poppy seeded bun. Spicy good mustard is available at the condiment table. The cheese fries are made from yukon gold potatoes and are tasty. The lemonade was flavorless as so many restaurants offer a good homemade summertime lemonade. My custards were silky smooth and delicious. The cherry chip has pieces of chocolate chips and a nice cherry flavor. Summertime is Shake Shacks busiest season so if you don't mind the line.
Go!

Downtown bakery Mexican food

This little spot churns out homestyle Mexican food and a few baked goods and has occupied the same spot at 69 1st. Ave. and 4th. Street since 1989. The owner graduated from elementary school across the street and has planted himself in the neighborhood ever since. There are three sticky tables and a counter with 4 barstools in which to eat. Pictures of Mayan goods and Mexican figures provide the only decoration here, and this spot makes no pretense about anything other than the food which is freshly made to order, cheap and good. There is an extensive menu including many breakfast burritos, tacos and platters and I already plan a breakfast excursion shortly. There are a few specials per day and mine was chicken chipotle which is pictured for $8. A large burrito arrived slathered with homemade guacamole and crema(Mexican sour cream). Spicy chipotle chicken, and black beans in a fresh flour tortilla. Que rico!
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