Cafe Reggio, 1975. Huggy Bear and Chris Walkin

New York has changed so much over the last few years that I sometimes don’t recognize my own city. Having spent most of my 42 years here, I’ve seen the demise of lots of wonderful restaurants. It’s good to know that some of them still exist. Here’s a list of my favorite food sources. Old standbys that have stood the test of time. Oh yeah, FYI: I’m a vegetarian, so these aren’t fleshy places.

1. Still the best cheap eats: Dojo’s West , W 4th

Yeah, I know what you’re saying. “But they shut down Dojo’s on St Marks because they were filthy.” You know what? I ate there every day for about 3 years and I’m still alive. Anyway, this is Dojo’s WEST. Where else can you get an entire meal for under $10? They have not raised their prices since 1985. I shit you not.

2. Best Bagel: Bagel Hole, Park Slope

That’s right! Anyone got a problem with that? With the exception of that place near the Avenue M train station in Midwood whose name I can’t remember, this is the real deal. Anyone who likes those big stupid fluffy bagels can kiss my big fat Jewish ass.

3. Best Knish: Yonah Schimmel, Lower East Side

There’s actually a better place on the Coney Island boardwalk, but I can’t remember their name. And I don’t even know if they’re still open. Not Mrs. Stahls. Anyway, Yonah’s is not too shabby.

4. Best Dim Sum: Vegetarian Dim Sum House, Chinatown

Awesome. Inexpensive. Dim Sum or full menu. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love this joint!

5. Best Fresh Mozzarella: Russo’s ,Park Slope

I say this because A) I love their cheese and B) It’s rennetless. (only concerns you if you’re a strict vegetarian) Also, Russo’s has great everything else!

6. Best specialty grocery: Sahadi’s, Atlantic Avenue

Since I don’t cook, I only partake in the deli counter. Their veggie stuffed cabbage is awesome and the fried cauliflower is to die for! Actually, everything they do is delicious. You haven’t lived if you’ve never been to Sahadi’s. Word.

7. Best Indian Buffet: Jackson Diner, Jackson Heights

Apologies to Queens people (and the other boros) but I grew up in Brooklyn and frequented Manhattan, so it’s all I know. I do know a good Indian meal when I eat one and the Jackson Diner is worth the trip!

8. Best Italian: Red Rose, Smith Street

Ok, they aren’t the best around anymore, but I just can’t give up on them. The Red Rose was the greatest family restaurant that ever lived. They changed their menu and style with the Smith Street gentrification and although their food is still superior, they are merely a shell of what they used to be.

9. Best Russian: Primorksi, Brighton Beach

Is the food good? I can’t remember. The vodka flows like water and the music doesn’t stop. This is a night out, not just a meal. Long tables shared with Russians who don’t speak English. But that doesn’t matter. They’ll grab you for a dance anyway. So much fun, I had to get married here.

10. Best Eastern European: Odessa, East Village

There are so many great Polish and Eastern European restaurants in the East Village and Greenpoint, but Odessa is still my favorite. Probably because it’s inexpensive. Probably because it’s the last one left out of that Leshko’s, Kiev, Odessa triangle. But mostly because it’s good food.

11. Best Cafe: Cafe Reggio, MacDougal Street

I know. It’s a tourist spot. But I still like it. I can sit there for hours (as if I had the time) sipping my coffee, listening to music, looking at the artwork, watching the people. With all of our coffee houses in NYC, we don’t have too many European style cafes.

12. Best Vegetarian Splurge: Hangawi, Little Korea

It’s not cheap, but it’s such a great place to go for dinner. I wish I could take my shoes off and sit on the floor in every restaurant. The food is incredible. I love this place! Tip: great date restaurant.

I still have a whole list of diners. I’ll get to that tomorrow!

Please post your own suggestions in the comments so I can have more places to love!