4 Secret Spots For a Quick New York Lunch

New York is one of the top shopping cities on the globe, but many of the main shopping areas don’t have convenient places to get a quick bite. You’ll come across fine dining restaurants, but that eats into precious shopping time. A quick lunch is what’s needed for a New York shopping spree and then back to the task at hand. Haute Living’s list of secret spots will illuminate even the most savvy New Yorkers on where to pop-in for a quick lunch.

Viand Coffee Shop

Right in the middle of all the luxury fashion, watch and jewelry boutiques and right across from one of New York’s most chic specialty stores, Barney’s, is a New York classic. This neighborhood hole-in-the-wall, is right on Madison Avenue, but you’ll miss it if you don’t know its there. It’s a teeny-tiny coffee shop—the kind you don’t see anymore. It is so tight in this rectangular shop that you have to coach yourself on every move in order to get yourself situated, but the staff is courteous and get you in and out in 30 minutes or less. The food is old-school stand-bys: rubens, tuna on rye, grilled cheese and eggs over easy. It’s a great find.
673 Madison Avenue

Ralph’s Coffee

Fifth Avenue is another food wasteland—tons of luxury shopping though. Pop into Polo Ralph Lauren’s boutique on 711 Fifth Avenue and take the glass elevator up to the second floor. Pass the cute girls in pleated miniskirts and boys in plaid shirts and go directly to the sunlit cafe, which serves Ralph Lauren’s own brand of coffee (what else!). There are sandwiches and baked goods, all types of coffee and beverages. Great for meeting a friend when in midtown.
711 Fifth Avenue.

BG Cafe

Everyone knows Bergdorf Goodman’s BG restaurant, with it’s sweeping New York views, but one level down from the main floor is BG cafe’ where you can eat wonderfully fresh food and be in and out in 20. The service is fantastic, the salads are bright and a favorite in the winter is their green pea soup. Don’t forget the hot chocolate which is yummy and hits the spot in a brisk fall day.
754 Fifth Avenue 

Cafe Borgia II

Another shopping oasis but food dessert is SoHo. Where to go to hydrate and refuel? Sure, there are places where you can stand and eat, but what fun is that? You need a spot to take a load off after a few hours of shopping. This Italian cafe serves all types of iced coffee beverages and the charming brick walls feel like you are in old New York. Staff is super nice if you only want a drink but the hamburgers are juicy so go for it.
161 Prince Street