- NYCBites
- Posts
- 🚕 Where To Find the Best Mac & Cheese
🚕 Where To Find the Best Mac & Cheese
Good morning, NY, and welcome back to your go-to source for all things delicious in the city.
Today, we’re diving into a classic comfort food that’s as iconic as a yellow cab: mac and cheese.
There’s no shortage of spots in NYC that serve up this gooey delight, whether you prefer a gourmet twist or a straight-up traditional bowl.
In today’s issue:
We’ll highlight three of the best places to satisfy your cheesy cravings
Two new openings that just made their mark on the NYC dining scene
And as always, our NYC Bites Meme of the Day
So grab your fork, and let’s dig in.
Local Eats
S'MAC: A Mac and Cheese Wonderland
197 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003, USA
At S'MAC, the east village shines a light on every mac and cheese lover's dream. This specialty restaurant takes the classic comfort food and reinvents it with a plethora of unique flavors.
You can find everything from the classic "4-Cheese" to creative combos like "Buffalo Chicken" and "Philly Cheesesteak."
The menu offers multiple sizes to accommodate all levels of hunger from a quick "Nosh" to a "Partay!" for the group hangout.
Plus, customization is king here—build your own bowl with a selection of mix-ins, from veggies to meats and all kinds of cheeses.
Prices range from $11 to $73, which might seem steep for mac and cheese, but the quality and freshness make it worth it.
Quick Bites
Must-try items: 4-Cheese, Buffalo Chicken, Philly Cheesesteak
Region: USA
Social handles: Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 3.6 | Instagram 📷
The Islands: Caribbean Comfort on a Bun
671 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
The Islands is your go-to for authentic Caribbean flavors right in Brooklyn. Although they specialize in an array of traditional Jamaican dishes, don't overlook their mac and cheese, which perfectly complements the hearty menu.
Here, you can indulge in everything from Jerk Chicken to Curry Goat, and while it's not entirely focused on mac and cheese, the vibe makes for a flavorful twist.
The portions are generous, as most Caribbean foods tend to be.
The casual atmosphere is welcoming, and the prices for mains sit between $16 and $35, so it's not too harsh on your wallet either.
Quick Bites
Must-try items: Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Mac n Cheese with Ox Tail Gravy
Region: Caribbean
Social handles: Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4.4 | Instagram 📷
Westville Restaurants: Fresh Take on Mac and Cheese
88 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Westville brings a laid-back vibe to the NYC dining scene with its multiple locations, including on Wall Street and in the East Village.
Known for an impressive selection of market vegetables (over 20 options daily), Westville puts a health-conscious spin on classic American food.
The standout here is undoubtedly the "Smokey Mac & Cheese," which can be further enriched with bacon for just a buck more.
Priced at $13, this dish manages to hold its own even amidst their stronger vegetable offerings, thanks to a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
You can also dig into an array of sandwiches and plates like their Blackened Salmon Sandwich or their Cast Iron Turkey Burger which are priced under $20.
Quick Bites
Must-try items: Smokey Mac & Cheese, Market Vegetables
Region: Casual American
Social handles: Google Maps: 4.4 | Yelp: 4 | Instagram 📷
Partnership with Foods of NY Tours
Discover the flavors of Chinatown with Foods of NY’s Gourmet Chinatown Food Tour.
Experience a guided journey through the heart of NYC’s Chinatown, where you’ll explore hidden gems and taste authentic dishes at three seated restaurants.
From fresh dim sum and Peking duck to Malaysian street food, each tasting offers a unique glimpse into the neighborhood’s culinary history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour pairs delicious bites with fascinating stories, making it a perfect outing for food lovers and culture seekers.
Book your spot and immerse yourself in this unforgettable dining adventure!
Hot & Trending
Gulp: Dive into Taiwanese Street Food in Long Island City
42-45 27th St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
Gulp is spicing things up in Long Island City with a focus on authentic Taiwanese street food.
This spot prides itself on a menu that offers a variety of options that cover all your cravings, from jia mi (noodles) to jia bun (rice bowls) and everything in between.
You can expect to find classics like Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice) and the ever-popular Beef Noodle Soup. They also serve up specialties like fried and braised dishes, aiming to bring those vibrant Taiwanese flavors straight to NYC.
Although specific prices aren't listed, Gulp caters to different tastes and budgets, making it accessible for anyone looking to dig into some genuine Taiwanese cuisine.
Quick Bites
Must-try items: Lu Rou Fan, Beef Noodle Soup
Region: Taiwan
Opened: October 2024
Social handles: Google Maps: 4.8 | Yelp: 5 | Instagram 📷
Simò Pizza - Brooklyn: Neapolitan Pizza Done Right
90-92 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Simò Pizza has made its entrance into Brooklyn, promising authentic Neapolitan pizza that won’t break the bank.
This fast-casual spot serves up personal-sized pizzas, all under $16, and they whip them up in just 90 seconds.
You’ll find a solid lineup of pizzas, including hits like Marinara and Cacio e Pepe, plus options for vegetarians and vegans.
They also have some salads on the menu, but let’s be real, most folks are there for the pizza.
Prices are pretty friendly, with pizzas ranging from about $12.90 to $15.90, and they even offer a heart-shaped Bambino pizza for the kids.
Quick Bites
Must-try items: Marinara, Cacio e Pepe, Bambino Pizza
Region: Italy
Opened: November 2024
Social handles: Google Maps: 4.7 | Yelp: 4.5 | Instagram 📷
NYC Bites Meme of the Day
Thanks
Thanks for reading NYC Bites today! If you found today’s edition interesting, could you please share it with a friend?
Have thoughts or feedback on what you would like to see in future editions? Email us.
Are you a local business looking to reach people in NYC? Fill out this form here and we will be in touch shortly!
Become a Premium member: Learn more about our Premium membership to unlock the best restaurants our city has to offer.