Four Quick Midtown Lunch Counters for Eating Solo

4.7 (248)

Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 20:00; Sat, 10:30 – 16:00; Sun, 10:00 – 16:00

520 8th Ave

Massive salad bowls filled to the lid, with toppings such as roasted broccoli and salmon prepared with care in combinations like the Buddha bowl. Expect it to be very busy at peak lunch and slightly expensive. Weekend hours end at 4:00 PM.

4.2 (4,923)

Mon – Sat, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 11:00 – 23:00

49 W 39th St

Indian street-food wraps come in a thin roti or a flakier paratha, with fillings from spiced aloo masala and paneer to egg-layered unda rolls, plus spiced chai. The setup is plain and self-service, built to get you in and out quickly.

4.6 (3,034)

Mon – Sun, 08:00 – 00:30 (+1)

240 W 40th St

Order at a kiosk, pay and collect your tray when your number is called. Everything is made to order, from handcrafted dim sum to roasted duck and pork and thousand years egg congee. The room is spacious enough that a seat is usually easy to find.

4.7 (1,646)

Mon – Sat, 11:00 – 21:00; Sun, 11:00 – 19:00

24 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Plant-based street food from a Midtown counter, from vegan gyros and loaded fries to a chopped cheese mac and cheese. Seitan platters with house tzatziki and ranch get the most praise, and portions are hearty. Indoor seating is limited, with an outdoor terrace.