I’ve been to New York City many times as a tourist and have even stopped just to eat at this halal cart in Midtown Manhattan late at night while on our way to Rhode Island. As far as I know, the cart didn’t really have a name until it gained so much popularity by people describing it’s exact location: 53rd and 6th St., downtown Manhattan, hence the name it has now. We just always referred to the place as, “the Chicken Guy”, and so do many other people still know the cart by the same reference.
The menu is simple: chicken gyros or chicken plates; lamb gyros or lamb plates (plates come with rice). These are not just your typical gyros or Middle Eastern fare; they have a taste above and beyond that. Maybe it’s eating outside in open air, maybe it’s eating late at night, or maybe it’s just great ingredients seasoned and cooked right.
With four workers at the cart, each concentrating on his specific task, there are even more workers bringing in fresh meat at various times of the night. I’ve been there enough times to notice this detail, as on a recent three-day trip to NYC, we stopped there three times. To eat. The same thing every time.
Lines are very long at this place. They do go fast, but when it’s cold outside just be sure to dress warm. On the weekends, in particular, the line might be a block long. Even in freezing temperatures!
My favorite fare at the cart is the lamb gyro. Its meat is finely chopped so its cooked quickly to perfection and seasoned lightly, stuffed into the freshest, thick pita bread covered in a very, very creamy yogurt sauce. Each bag to go comes with small containers of hot sauce. If you’re not fond of really hot sauces, don’t douse your sandwich with it the way I did- I couldn’t finish my sandwich the first time I did this because my stomach was on fire. Small dabs of the sauce is best, but in my opinion the sandwich doesn’t even need it.
At $4 per sandwich, this halal cart is not only a great bargain, but a great price for absolutely delicious NYC street food.
53rd and 6th (Halal Cart): located at the corner of 53rd and 6th Street in Midtown Manhattan (New York City), across the street from the Hilton Hotel. Check out their website– it’s a really interesting testament to how many people love this place. Makes you realize that good food definitely doesn’t have to be fussy or fancy, just delicious to a lot of people. Hours: 7:30 pm-4am
Check out this video about the cart by Daniel Delaney (VendrTv). *Some comments contain inappropriate language.
Disclaimer: I do not receive complimentary food nor am I paid or persuaded in any format to review restaurants. The purpose of the review is to inform readers and potential restaurant goers of the types of food they could potentially order in accordance with a halal diet.