9 Strangest NYC Menu Items That Are Actually Really Good

It’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but how it makes you feel on the inside.

One of the ways residents and visitors can tangibly experience the melting pot that is NYC is, of course, through food. Today, food is looked at being much more than a form of sustenance, it’s an art form that through the combination of colors and textures is transforming what we see as delectable.

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Take that idea to the next level and you’ll find that there’s some weird stuff out there. Stuff that’s really pushing the envelope, and New York is an epicenter for whimsical, Franken-food creations. If you aren’t trying them out, are you really living up to your true foodie potential?

Here are nine of the strangest menu items currently served at restaurants in NYC.

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Mac and Cheese Spring Rolls

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Cafeteria

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119 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10010

We can all agree that there are never too many ways to enjoy mac and cheese. What’s that dipping sauce? Yup, more cheese. Gouda, to be exact.

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Rainbow Bagels

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: The Bagel Store

The Bagel Store

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754 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11211

Grabbing one of these on your way to work would probably be the most colorful part of your morning, to say the least. Slather some funfetti cream cheese on it for the most festive breakfast snack you’ve ever had.

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Raindrop Cake

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Delish

Round K Café

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99 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002

If you’re intrigued, you should be. We’re not totally sure what the appropriate reaction should be to this dish because we’re so mystified by its shiny, raindrop shape. Is it water? It is Jello? Does it taste like… water? We probably won’t know because we’re still busy staring at it.

 

Donut Grilled Cheese

Photo Credit: Clinton Hall via Instagram
Photo Credit: Clinton Hall via Instagram

Clinton Hall

90 Washington St, New York, NY 10006

One of the latest crazes in New York has been Clinton Hall’s Flamin’ Hot Doughnut Grilled Cheese, which is literally a donut grilled with mozzarella cheese between it. To top it off, it’s served over a bowl of tomato soup – a wacky ode to your childhood.

 

Pizza on Pizza

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Laughing Squid

Vinnie’s Pizzeria

148 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Now this, friends, is something special. Presumably not satisfied with just regular ol’ pizza, someone had to ask themselves, “How can we make pizza better?” with the answer inevitably being, “more pizza.” We, as a species, have truly outdone ourselves.

 

Sushi Burger

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Yelp

Redeye Grill

890 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10106

For anyone who awkwardly eats their sushi rolls, having never mastered chopsticks, fear no more! You’ll never be embarrassed to get hands-on with your sushi again, with this deliberately indelicate handheld creation.

 

Birthday Cake Croissants

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Buro 24/7 Malaysia

Union Fare

6 East 18th Street, New York, NY 10003

Here’s another visually stimulating breakfast item, for those who prefer a flakier texture. And for those who are looking for something other than cake on their birthday.

 

Black Ink Martini

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Death Ave via Instagram

Death Ave

315 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Although you might assume this goth cocktail would naturally be served at such a somberly titled establishment, the name actually isn’t related to the macabre-inclined subculture at all, and neither is the drink. It’s just, you know, squid ink. ‘Cause why not?

 

Chocolate Pasta

strangest menu items nyc
Photo Credit: Max Brenner via Twitter

Max Brenner

841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Pasta? Yes. Chocolate? Always. Together? …We won’t say no. This sugary noodle dish is actually made from spiralized crepe dough, and is served with vanilla ice cream. Mamma mia…

 

What is the strangest meal you’ve ever eaten at a restaurant in NYC?? Let us know in the comments or via social media. Also if you decide to or have already tasted some of the menu items listed, let us know about that experience as well.

 

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