Lunch Break: Burgers And Nontraditional Banh Mi

From burgers with every topping imaginable to Saigon in Soho, we've got you covered in today's Lunch Break. By Yvo Sin.

Island Burgers and Shakes

766 9th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 307-7934

After 15 years, Island Burgers and Shakes is finally serving the only rightful accompaniment to a burger: fries. The back of their menu will explain the meaning of this development, but what's really important is the burgers: and yes, you can have it with just about any topping you'd like. Want spicy? Check out the Napalm, which is topped with bbq sauce, jalapenos, cheddar and habanero sauce. Don't forget a nice thick shake to wash that all down.

Rouge et Blanc

48 Macdougal St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 260-5757
rougeetblancnyc.com/

See Also: NYC's Best Banh Mi

Rouge et Blanc just started lunch service last week, but already you can tell it's a winner. With such offerings as the spring roll salad (pictured; $13) containing pork, crab, rice noodles and pistachios, smoked brook trout banh mi ($15) with pork rillettes and ham, or the pork belly banh mi ($16) with pork rillettes, ham and fried oysters, the menu shows a lot of creativity and a willingness to push the boundaries of what's expected. Escape the reality of Monday on your lunch break, duck into Rouge et Blanc and transport yourself to a place far, far away.

Pony Express

30 Wheeler Ave
Pleasantville, NY 10570
(914) 769-7669
ponyexpresstogo.com/

Pony Express offers on its menu whatever you may desire. Don't know what you want? Not a problem; take a look at Pony Express's menu and you'll soon find something delicious. Quesadillas, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and wraps are all just a part of what you'll find on the menu that features reasonable prices with all-natural, organic, hormone-free ingredients from local markets, using no trans-fat oils and environmentally-friendly packaging. You couldn't find a reason not to eat at Pony Express, and you shouldn't want to: they combine the best of everything, supporting local businesses while staying true to your ideals.

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Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of Feisty Foodie.