Calling all restaurant critics: I need your help!
I know people in this forum are from all over the world, but New York City happens to be a very popular place to visit. I'm sure many of you have been there.
I'm going into Manhattan tomorrow with three friends who are not as familiar with the city. I have been there tons of times and I'm tired of eating at the same old places. I want to try something new! I've been looking on line, but nothing is inspiring me.
'I'm hoping someone can suggest a restaurant in Manhattan that I haven't heard of or thought of. If not, why not tell us about a favorite restaurant you have come across in your travels or even in your home town. You might inspire us to visit. 
Pics and Spanish practice are always encouraged!!
7 Answers
If you happen to have an iPhone, I strongly recommend you get a wonderful (free) little app called "Urbanspoon". You can trust the recommendations that are highly rated. I don't know if it's available for other smartphones. May very well be.
One of the wonderful places in NYC that I found with Urbanspoon recently is an Ethiopian restaurant named: Meskerem, in 124 Mcdougal St, Greenwich Village.
It is small, attended by some very friendly women, the food is absolutely delicious, and it is very inexpensive. Can't go wrong there!
For Thai, Galanga, in 149 Sullivan St, again in the Village is also a very good bet.
Ethiopian food is an absolute delight.
Some of it can be very spicy, but it doesn't have to be. If you don't like spicy-hot, make sure to tell your waiter/ waitress.
You ask for a number of different food items, which are served on a tray, on top of a large pancake-like bread called injera. The bread is not quite sweet, although it is not salty either.
You eat with your hands, using the injera bread to scoop out the food from the tray.
There are both meat (lamb and chicken) or vegetable items available, so it is ok for vegetarians.
If it's your first time eating Ethiopian food, just ask your waiter / waitress for a recommendation, letting him / her know what your preferences are. They will be happy to bring you a sampler that is sure to please.
To me, NYC is an opportunity to sample good foods from places I may never get to go: Ethiopia, Thailand, India, South Africa, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Hungary... I suspect that you can find at least one restaurant from almost every country in the world in New York - so why stick to what you can find everywhere else?
I really enjoyed Sardi's. The Stage Door Deli is pretty famous, but I wasn't that fond of the comida. So many of the little delicatessens are great to just drop in for a snack, too Delores
Here are my recommendations for the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area:
Barbeque:
Italian:
Chinese:
Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet
In my hometown, I love this mexican restaurant called Casa Maria. They have the best food, nicest service and coolest mexican music playing in the background Also, I've been to Texas and Whataburger is amazing!
Here is a review for the one Mexican restaurant I was excited about trying:
With so many decent Mexican restaurants and fast feeders in the area, I can't imagine why anyone would come here. Mexican food that might strike you as authentic if you've never been south or west of New Jersey served in uncomfortable glaringly light surroundings. All of the ambiance of a JFK terminal.
I think I better keep looking. Not that JFK isn't charming, but who wants to eat there unless you're waiting to make a connection. 
Two great places to visit in Philadelphia:
Moshulu This is an upscale restaurant which happens to be located on a boat at Penn's Landing. It offers great food and water views.
Jim's Steaks This of course is the obligatory cheese steak restaurant. You are lucky if you get a small table with a wooden stool or even a counter to lean on. However, the cheese steaks are the best in the world.
¡Bienvenido a Fildadelfia, la casa del filete de queso!
