Picks by National Geographic in New York

11 places National Geographic went to in New York — what they said, and what to watch out for.

• Katz's Delicatessen — National Geographic
  Praised the pastrami, cured for up to 30 days, for slicing like butter even stacked 20 layers high, with smoking and steaming ensuring not a single slice loses its seasoning.
• Luigi's Pizza — National Geographic
  Praised the Sicilian slice as fluffy rather than chewy with a crispy bottom and a perfect ratio of tomato sauce to cheese, and said the thin New York slice was equally 'overwhelming' — 'both are amazing.'
• Lechonera La Piraña — National Geographic
  Raved that the lechón is so moist it practically falls apart when shaken, with skin puffed up and crackling, and the garlic-chili-vinegar sauce cuts through the richness — calling it 'incredible' and 'a meal worthy of an award.'
  Heads up: It's a street stall that gets swamped on weekends, and it's hard to reach ahead of time.
• Minetta Tavern — National Geographic
  Raved that the thick, meatball-like patty cooked medium-rare melts in your mouth, the soft bun soaks up the juices, and the ratio of caramelized onion to melted cheese is perfect. Also praised the fries as crispy with real potato flavor.
  Heads up: Unlike Chinatown, this is a calm, sit-down bistro atmosphere.
• Adel's Famous Halal Food — National Geographic
  Praised the tender lamb mixed with several sauces for a salty, spicy flavor balanced by sweetness, the rice for being fragrant and fluffy, and the chicken for being moist from marinating, saying 'the wait was completely worth it.'
  Heads up: The line can stretch all the way to the corner at the end of the block, meaning a substantial wait.
• Black Seed Bagels - Williamsburg — National Geographic
  Raved that the first bite of the chewy, poppy-seed-crusted bagel loaded with salty bacon, melted cheese, and runny yolk was 'a work of art,' and praised the salmon bagel for how the acidity of tomato and onion balances the richness of the cream cheese.
• Grand Street Skewer Cart — National Geographic
  Praised the lamb skewers as juicy with a subtle dusting of chili and cumin for great flavor, calling them 'by far the highlight.'
  Heads up: Comes straight off the grill, so it's very hot.
• Junior's Restaurant & Bakery — National Geographic
  Praised the original cheesecake as perfectly creamy with a lively vanilla flavor, with the crust merging seamlessly into the cheesecake.
  Heads up: The cake shake is stacked so high it's prone to toppling over, and it's so massive it ends up all over your face.
• The New York Hot Dog King — National Geographic
  Praised as cheap and fast, with the jumbo hot dog's juiciness contrasting nicely with the tang of the sauerkraut, calling it one of the best hot dogs in New York.
  Heads up: A street cart in front of the Met with no seating, so you eat standing up.
• Mei Lai Wah — National Geographic
  Praised the combination of sweet custard topping, soft bread, and the moist, sauce-soaked pork filling as 'a classic must-eat in Chinatown.'
  Heads up: So busy that the line stretches out to the sidewalk, and freshly baked batches sell out quickly.
• Sylvia's Restaurant — National Geographic
  Praised the freshly fried chicken as juicy and well-seasoned, the ribs as smoky all the way to the bone and tender, and the mac and cheese as buttery and melt-in-your-mouth.
  Heads up: Notes that the fried chicken really shines when paired with the restaurant's own hot sauce.

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