Monday, July 20, 2009

Times Square stores, restaurants

Times Square Stores

1. M&M’S World -- 1600 Broadway
Hours --- 9am to midnight

Now New York City guests can satisfy their hunger for adventure at the just opened M&M'S WORLD 25,000 square foot Times Square retail-entertainment destination. M&M'S WORLD thrills the senses with three stories of interactive attractions, over 4,000 one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs and the world's largest display of M&M'S in 22 different colors.

2. Hershey's Time Square Store --1593 Broadway (at 48th St.)
Hours --- 9am to midnight

New York, NY 10019
212-581-9100
3. Toys R Us Times Square -- 1514 Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets
Hours --- open until 10pm

110,000 square-foot, multilevel flagship store. The store boasts a working 60-ft. ferris wheel, a two-story Barbie doll house, and a five-ton, 20 ft. high, 34-ft. long animatronic T-Rex dinosaur.


Times Square Restaurants (non-chain)

1. Becco
People flock to Becco, either because of co-owner Lidia Bastianich (of PBS) or to enjoy the all you can eat pasta special, featuring antipasto or salad and three pastas nightly. Although you're unlikely to spot Lidia, you won't leave hungry.
Address: 355 West 46th St (8th Ave)
Phone: 212-397-7597
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12-2:25 pm; 5-10:30 pm; Sat: 4:30-10:30 pm; Sun: 5-10 pm
Price Range: pasta special: lunch $16.95, dinner $21.95; a la carte: approx $40
Good for Kids/Groups? Yes

2. John's Pizzeria
Housed in a deconsecrated church, John's Pizzeria is renowned for its coal oven pizza. The Times Square outpost of the famed Greenwich Village original serves up the best pizza in the neighborhood and solid Italian sandwiches and entrees. (No pizza by the slice.)
Address: 260 West 44th St (7th/8th Aves)
Phone: 212-582-8065
Cuisine: Pizza/Italian
Hours: 11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Price Range: entrees/sandwiches $8-15; pizza $10-16
Good for Kids/Groups? Yes (special packages available for groups)

3. Churrascaria Platforma
Brazillian rodizio at Churrascaria Platforma is a great choice for those with big appetites and large groups, seeking a celebratory atmosphere. The prix-fixe includes the endless grilled meats and the extensive salad bar, but not dessert. Diners use a double-sided green/red chip to indicate when they want more meat served.
Address: 316 West 49th Street (8th/9th Aves)
Telephone: 212-245-0505
Cuisine: Brazillian
Hours: 12 pm - 12 am
Price Range: lunch $30.95, dinner $46.95
Good for Kids/Groups? Yes

4. Wu Liang Ye
Wu Liang Ye is regarded among Manhattan's best Sichuan restaurants. Sichuan dumplings, Kung Pao chicken and cold sesame noodles are some of the most popular dishes. Be warned -- Sichuan dishes tend to be hot -- if you prefer your food less spicy, be sure to let the waiter know.
Address: 36 West 48th St (5th/6th Aves)
Telephone: 212-398-2308
Cuisine: Chinese/Sichuan
Hours: 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Price Range: lunch special $6.95; entrees $8-20 (seafood and specialty items at top of range)
Good for Groups? Yes

5. Edison Cafe
Located in the Edison Hotel, the Edison Cafe serves up affordable food all day long, including pancakes, matzo ball soup, and deli sandwiches. Edison Cafe is a reliable standby and popular with those who work in the neighborhood -- meaning you might just spot a theater big-wig or star dining there.
Address: 228 West 47th St (Broadway and 8th Ave)
Telephone: 212-840-5000
Cuisine: American/Delicatessen
Hours: Mon - Sat: 6 am - 9:30 pm; Sun: 6 am - 7:30 pm
Price Range: $5-10

6. Ruby Foos
This fun, funky Asian fusion restaurant has a great atmosphere and features creative takes on dim sum, sushi, and Thai dishes, designed for sharing. The children's menu has familiar items like hot dogs and grilled cheese. Reservations are recommended, though after 8, tables are easier to come by.
Address: 1626 Broadway (49th St.)
Telephone: 212-489-5600
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - midnight (11 p.m. Sunday - Wednesday)
Price Range: $6-30
Good for Kids/Groups? Yes

7. Virgil's
Surprisingly, Virgil's offers some of New York City's best barbecue, including Memphis ribs and Carolina Pulled Pork. Portions are generous and they have a full bar with signature drinks. Reservations are recommended -- allow plenty of time if you're going to a show afterward, as service can be slow.
Address: 152 West 44th Street (Bdwy/6th Ave)
Telephone: 212-921-9494
Cuisine: Southern/BBQ
Hours: 11:30 AM - Midnight (11 p.m. on Sun/Mon)
Price Range: $8-22 for entrees
Good for Kids/Groups? Yes

8. Kodama
Affordable sushi served in a simply decorated environment is the reason to check out Kodama. Their lunch specials are a good deal, and they are known for serving solid maki, including a Canadian roll featuring salmon, and spicy greens.
Address: 301 West 45th St. (8th Ave)
Telephone: 212-582-8065
Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12 - 2:25 pm; 5 - 10:30 pm; Sat: 4:30 -10:30 pm; Sun: 5 - 10 pm
Price Range: lunch $8-15; dinner $10-25