Going to the Rockefeller Center tree? Here's where to find pizza, donuts, beer nearby
If going to the city to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is tradition for you, think about adding this foodie spin to it.
Within walking distance of the iconic 80-foot Norway spruce are some of the most booming dining districts in all the world.
Scents of pizza, roasted nuts and food trucks fill the street. But you'll also find ramen, queso, hand-rolled donuts and everything in between — and you don't need to spend a ton, or sit down for a long dinner to enjoy it.
Check out these foodie finds within 15 minutes of the tree.
2 Bro's Pizza/Carmen's Kitchen, 7 minute walk
2 Bro's has locations all over the city — and they're known for one thing, being able to feed you a delicious slice of New York-style pizza for $1.50.
Luckily enough, the location on 46th street is only about 7 minutes from the tree; you could even eat it there.
But as you can see in the picture above, it cools quickly. It wouldn't be right if we didn't show you a fresh pie straight from the oven, like the one below.
Go: 45 West 46th St.; 2brospizza.com.
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Angelo's Pizza, 13 minute walk
We know, we know. Two pizza places back to back? But would it really be a story about New York City without it?
And we have good reason. Last year, while sitting at Reilly's Plates and Pours (which we mention later), a Brookylnite told us Angelo's had the best tasting, most authentic pie in the whole city.
He had a point. This deliciously thin, juicy pie has been coal-oven cooked the same way since the 1930s.
Go: 1697 Broadway; 212-245-8811, angelosbroadway.com.
Dos Caminos, 11 minute walk
This was one of the first places we stopped on our way to the tree from the ferry on West 39th Street.
Our fingers were freezing from the cold, windy, city air, but this hearty queso did the job of warming us up.
Stop here for Tex-Mex-style queso with jalapeno, cilantro and tomato (add chorizo, trust us), as well as street tacos, and deliciously crafted margaritas like the Guava Coco Blossom (Santo Reposado Tequila, Coco Lopez Coconut Cream, guava purée, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, agave nectar and toasted coconut flakes).
Go: 1567 Broadway, New York, NY; 212-918-1330, doscaminos.com.
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Dough, 1 minute walk
You can nearly see the tree from this one.
There were countless donut options here, from classic jelly-filled and apricot-filled, to special varieties like dulce de leche and blueberry lemon.
While there are countless Dough locations throughout the city, make sure to stop at this one before hitting the tree. Also say hi to employee Willy Rincon for us, whose sunny demeanor added a little warmth to this cold day!
Go: 10 Rockefeller Center, New York; 212-597-9536, doughdoughnuts.com.
Hide-Chan Ramen, 15 minute walk
At the edge of Hell's Kitchen, this is one of the farthest from the tree on our list, but it's worth it (especially when it's freezing).
Sit at the bar up front, underneath Japanese hanging lanterns and decorations. Be transported with warm ramen bowls like the Miso ramen (with pork slices, scallions, bean sprouts, corn, bamboo shoots and a half boiled egg).
The restaurant serves Donburi (rice bowls) like the Teriyaki Chicken Avo Don (fried boneless chicken, avocado, scallion, red ginger, teriyaki sauce and mayo), too. Also don't sleep on the sushi, hand rolls, and expansive drink menu featuring sake, Japanese beer, bubble tea and cocktails.
Go: 314 W. 53rd St., New York; 212-969-0066, hidechanusa.com.
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Katsu-Hama, 5 minute walk
Entering this eatery feels like being welcomed into a Japanese mother's home.
Traditional comfort food options like pork and chicken katsu (fried pork and chicken), aji fry (fried mackerel) and onigiri (rice balls stuffed with ingredients like grilled salmon — often eaten as a snack on on the go), are eaten in a cozy personal booth or at the sushi counter. The vibe here is more than enough to warm your soul before taking to the streets.
The restaurant also serves sake, and Japanese beer. We tried the Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky mild sake with notes of ripe banana, strawberry, vanilla, melon and sweet creamy rice custard.
Go: 11 East 47th St., New York; 212-758-5909, instagram.com/katsuhamanyc.
More spots to try:
Empanada Mama, 17 or 19 minute walk: This one is a little farther than the rest, but if you're walking through Times Square or Hell's Kitchen, it's worth a stop. Try empanadas with slow-roasted birria beef, Bourbon chicken, dessert varieties like Nutella and banana, and cocktails like margaritas, mojitos and more. Go: See all locations at empanadamama.com/locations.
The Perfect Pint, 9 minute walk: This multi-level, cozy Irish pub serves traditional European fair, and has an excellent view from the rooftop bar. During the winter, the glass doors are often closed, but the view certainly sets the mood while you dine on shepherd's pie and Irish brews. Go: 123 W. 45th St, New York; 212-354-1099, theperfectpintnyc.com.
Reilly's Plates and Pours, 3 minute walk: At this classic sports bar and Irish pub, you can pull up a stool, munch on some bar food like warm pretzel sticks, and sip some beers. Reilly's has its own line, including the Lager, Porter, IPA, Pilsner, Golden Wheat and Irish Red . Go: 38 W. 48th St., New York; 212-764-7980, reillysnyc.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rockefeller Center Christmas tree: pizza places to eat nearby
