New York City Morningside Heights

The Hungarian Pastry Shop, 1030 Amsterdam Ave., at 111th St. This place is a favorite among Columbia and Barnard students, who convene here to socialize and work. Students and tourists alike gladly wait in line for enormous croissants with butter and jelly or rigo jancsi (cube-shaped pastries with chocolate sponge cake and chocolate cream). Careful—they're pretty addictive. Pastries $2-3.75. Coffee and tea $2. Open M-F 7:30am-11:30pm, Sa 8:30am-11:30pm, Su 8:30am-11:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Has internet. Has outdoor seating.
Tom's Restaurant, 2880 Broadway, at 112th St. (www.toms-diner.com), Tom's Restaurant is the subject of Suzanne Vega's hit a cappella song “Tom's Diner.” It is the old haunt of Jerry, Elaine, George, Kramer. And at Tom's Restaurant, they don't let you forget it. The walls are papered with pictures of Seinfeld characters. Lest we forget which '90s sitcom featured the establishment on our way out the door, an autographed photograph of the Seinfeld cast is situated next to the cash register. Probably the only restaurant in Morningside Heights to offer a souvenir menu. Appetizers $5-15. Sandwiches and burgers $3.75-10.50. Entrees $6.50-21. Desserts $1.75-5.45. Breakfast $1.25-16. Open M-Th 6am-1:30am, F-Sa 24hr., Su 6am-1:30am. Does not take credit cards.
Apple Tree Supermarket, 1225 Amsterdam Ave. (http://theappletreemarket.com">http://theappletreemarket.com'>http://theappletreemarket.com), Everything you could ever want is in this supermarket: cheeses, fruits, veggies, beer, sandwiches, a salad bar, an oatmeal bar, drugstore items, granola bars, lasagna, samosas.. Seriously, anything you could ever want. Think of something. We bet they have it. Cheeses $5-13 per lb. Sugar and fat-free muffins $1.65. Beer $1.25-5. Sandwiches $4-6.25. Salad bar $2.75 with add-ins $0.50-$2. Sushi $4.50-$5.50. Open 24hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Symposium, 544 W. 113th St. (www.symposiumnyc.com), Although the word “symposium” may conjure up images of stuffy professors and boring lectures, it actually comes from the Greek word simpinein, which literally means “drink together.” The Greeks have always known how to have a good time, and the folks at Symposium are no exception. You and your friends can merrily drink and eat together in this colorful, fun atmosphere. Start out with an order of stuffed grape leaves ($6), then try the exohiko (lamb pie with vegetables and “secret ingredients,” $15). Appetizers $5.75-$13. Entrees $8-22. Desserts $5. Wine $7-42. Beer $4.50. Spirits $7-8. Open daily noon-10pm. Takes credit cards. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Amir's Falafel, 2911-A Broadway You know you're near a college campus when you can get falafel and pizza, not only in the same restaurant, but in the same dish. And for under $5. At Amir's Falafel, they seem to have put a Middle Eastern twist on many of the college staples. For the purists among you, they also offer unadulterated falafel ($3.50-5), shawarma ($5.75-7), and hummus bowls ($5.75-8). Food $2.25-10. Desserts $1.25-2.15. Drinks $1.25-3.50. Open M-Sa 11am-11pm, Su 11am-10pm Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Massawa, 1239 Amsterdam Ave., at 121st St. (www.massawanyc.com), Roll up your sleeves: it's time to enjoy traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean food such as shiro (pureed chickpeas with ginger and spices; $13) and simmered monkfish ($16). You might want to wash your hands first too, as food from this region is traditionally eaten without silverware, using flat, African bread, injera. Enjoy a glass of mango juice with your meal, but the optional fresh ginger is so strong and spicy, it might make your eyes water! Appetizers $6-8. Entrees $9-18. Drinks $4-11. Open daily noon-11pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Toast, 3157 Broadway, between Tieman Pl. and La Salle St., near 125th St. (www.toastnyc.com), Celebrate your visits to American landmarks the Riverside Church and Grant's Tomb with a meal at Toast. You will find specials from around the United States, such as the New York Strip Steak ($18), and Cajun Tilapia ($13). The gazpacho ($5) is not American, but it is delicious. Also featuring a full bar with a vast quantity of both domestic and imported beers. Appetizers $4-14. Sandwiches and burgers $8-10. Entrees $11-18. Beer $6. Wine $5-32. Mixed drinks $7-10. Open M-W 11am-11pm, Th-F 11am-midnight, Sa 10am-midnight, Su 10am-11pm. Bar open later. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Nussbaum and Wu, 2897 Broadway, at 113th (www.nussbaumwu.com), The perfect place to duck in for a cup of coffee ($1.50-$2.45), a sandwich ($4-8), or one of a number of mouth-watering bakery items ($2.50-$5) after touring the Columbia campus. Featuring gluten-free pizza from the oh-so-cleverly-named Mozzarelli's and a salad bar with unlimited toppings for $8. Bakery Items $2.50-5. Bagels $1-4.50. Pizza $2.25-5. Smoothies $4.50-5.50. Sandwiches $4-8. Open M-Sa 6am-11:30pm, Su 6am-11pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.