1. 1. ’wichcraft

   60 E. 8th St., nr. Broadway; 212-780-0577

   Tom (Craft) Colicchio’s slowly proliferating sandwich empire features brilliant takes on timeworn classics like grilled cheese, tuna, salami, even peanut butter and jelly.

2. 2. Chipotle

   55 E. 8th St., nr. Broadway; 212-982-3081

   Say what you will about evil fast-food chains, this one stuffs a pretty good burrito. If only the tortilla were better.

3. 3. Pio Maya

   40 W. 8th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-254-2277

   This tiny taquería purveys tasty Mexican fare like double-tortilla tacos, sopes, and two styles of tamales, plus juicy rotisserie chicken.

4. 4. Mon Repas

   50 W. 8th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-254-0787

   This brand-new wafflery serves two types of waffles and, for variety’s sake, crêpes.

5. 5. Choux Factory

   58 W. 8th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-473-4015

   In the footsteps of Beard Papa comes this Japanese shop specializing in irresistible, piped-to-order cream puffs.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Jun 19, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!