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Looking for restaurant near Union Square movie theater

We're going to the Regal Union Square, Broadway & 13 St., later this afternoon. Looking for an inexpensive place close by for an early dinner afterward. We like ethnic food-- Chinese, Italian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, etc. and also good American. We'd like to spend just $25. (or less) p.p., before drinks and tax. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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  1. If you like good Isaan-style Thai, you could walk down Fourth Avenue a few blocks to Zabb Elee, or you could go to Laut (Malaysian/Thai—they had a Michelin star, but very cheap), just above the park on East 17th Street.

    5 Replies
    1. re: loratliff

      Zabb Elee's on 2nd Ave. between 4th & 5th St. - not terribly close to Union Square. Ippudo is on 4th Ave., if the OP likes ramen (and waiting on line).

      1. re: small h

        Alternative, drop in at Ippudo before the movie, put your name down for later, and then return post-movie.

        1. re: kathryn

          Kathryn, I was at Ippudo on Friday and was informed that they no longer take walk-in reservations. they have a new ipad-based system through buzz feed that immediately texts you a link where you can check your wait status, but no more in-person same-day reservations.

          1. re: coasts

            oh no - that is so horrible to hear. Thanks for the info.

        2. re: small h

          That's pretty close in my book... You can walk straight down 4th Avenue until it turns into the Bowery and you're basically there. But then again, I guess I like to walk a lot more than some.

      2. Num Pang, Dos Toros, Stand, and Grey Dog are close by.

        4 Replies
        1. re: kathryn

          Chat and Chew, the Coffee Shop, and the tapas restaurant at ABC Carpet (sorry, I don't remember the name, but they have an excellent steak sandwich).

            1. re: GaryUES

              It's called Pipa - I think it's pretty mediocre overall there. I'd second Ippudo, add motorino, caracas and tons of other spots in the E village if that isn't too far for you.

              1. re: GaryUES

                chat and chew is a nice option! the thanksgiving sandwich is one of my fave turkey sandwiches in the city, although it might be too close to real thanksgiving for that :)

            2. Thanks for all the suggestions. I will keep them in mind for the future. Tonight we ended up at Da Andrea (on 13 St. betw. 5 & 6 Ave.), which we both liked. Good Italian food, moderate prices.