planet hollywood: My boyfriend and I are visiting NYC in the middle of May and we are trying to map out places to see and eat. Does anyone have any suggestions of good, inexpensive places to eat that aren't chain restaurants like Planet Hollywood or T.G.I. Fridays etc. ? Also, if you have any suggestions of places to see while we're there--othere than the normal tourist spots it'll be appreciated!! Thanks!|||It depends on what you like. For sushi, my favorite place is called "Go" on St. Marks Place between 3rd and 2nd aves. They're only open for dinner. It gets very busy on Fridays and weekend nights, so get there before 7 if you don't want to wait 30 minutes for a table. Chinese: Joe's Shanghai on Pell Street. This is cafeteria style. If you're only two people, chances are you'll share a table with a bunch of strangers. Which can be fun. Rarely you'll get a table for two. Order the pork soup dumplings--it's a religious experience. Again, this is a very popular place (and cheap!) on Fridays and weekends. Get there before 6 p.m., or after 9:30 p.m. I last went with a group of eight-we were all fed for just under $90. The platters are big enough to feed three people, so you really only need 1 tray of dumplings and 1 or 2 entrees if it's just two people. Ice cream: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is on Bayard Street, two blocks from Joe's Shanghai. Don't be afraid to ask for samples. They are pricey, but it's so worth it. Italian: I'm very picky about Italian food and most of the places in Little Italy are just so-so. I haven't found a place yet I like. Enjoy your visit to NYC!|||I was just in NYC last month for a few days, had such a great time. I know it may seem a little "tourist-y", but the hop on/hop off tour buses are great! Not only do you get to see the entire city and surrounding areas, but you can use it as your transportation! It makes stops at the typical tourist spots, sets you up for great photo opportunities, and the guides are usually fill of information! (Some get a little annoying though, haha). But no, you can get off in Chinatown (I reccomend Grand Harmony and Chinatown Ice Cream Factory), down by the Statue of Liberty, several art Museums up towards Harlem, Macys for shopping, etc. etc. the list goes on. My favorite part of the trip was seeing In the Heights, a Broadway show. I highly reccomend it, but if you don't have the money or time for that, make sure to see Central Park. When I was there, everything was dead and ugly but you'll be there when it's nicer and much prettier! Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller building is amazing, and although it's not as tall as the Empire State Building, .. you can include that building in the great photo opportunities up there! Try Junior's for dessert, btw. They have the best cheesecake in the world, not to mention the largest slices .. ahah. Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away. I hope you have a great time though, NYC is such a great city with SO MUCH to do.|||Dont be fooled. Places that are normally inexpensive in the real world are not so much in NYC. TGI Fridays prices are double if not triple the prices of suburban branches. You can find average priced food in little italy. As for sites to see i like Rockefeller center. Go to the top and you get a great view of central park. across the street is St Patricks Cathedral as well. Also in times square there is a marriot hotel. Go in and go the atrium. You overlook times square and can get some drinks and some food. You dont need to be a guest either.|||Here are 130+ restaurants to try. http://nycgo.com/restaurantweek It is "restaurant week" so the restaurant are slashing their prices in hopes of bringing back old customers and drive in new ones. You'll be able to sort by cuisine, location in NY or the restaurant name once you log on. A few even list a menu so you can see what they have to offer.