Inexpensive lunch and dinner spots on Upper East Side

[Lori in PA]

My dad is having surgery next week and Mom and I will need to feed ourselves but stay nearby. We won't have lots of time or wish to spend more money than necessary -- this isn't "fun" dining, of course. Still, I enjoy my limited chances to try new places and have good food. Any recs in the neighborhood of the Hospital for Special Surgery for cheap, friendly eats?

[victornet]

For good chinese food there is Cafe Evergreen at 69th and 1st. If you'll go as far as 73rd and 3rd I'd recommend Spice (Thai) and Slice (organic pizza). Petaluma at 73rd and 1st also makes a good pizza, as well as a full Italian menu, but is more expensive than the others.

Edited February 13, 2010 by victornet (log)

[Steamtrain]

I hope everything goes well.

For lunches in that area i would suggest the jamaica ladies truck located on 71st and york, right next to the duane reade pharmacy. I love her oxtail with rice and collard greens for the sides.

if for some reason that doesn't work, here are just a few other places in the neighborhood

for pizza

john's on 64th between york and 1st

patsy's at the corner of 2nd 69th

pizza for delivery or slices

pizza park on 1st between 66th and 67th, there is also a bagel place right next door

for coffe and baked goods

le pain quotidien on 1st between 68th and 69th

matsu sushi does some crazy rolls, i like the manhattan roll and valentine's roll there.

70th between 1st and york

[Lori in PA]

Thanks so much for the specific recs and locations. VERY helpful and just what I needed.

[Lori in PA]

Mom and I went to Evergreen for lunch one day and took the remainder of our meals back to the hotel kitchen. We each got two more meals from the one! Very tasty, but we were both a bit tired of Chinese after eating it three times in two days. The trip was successful, and I thank you for your recs.