Mama's Food Shop: One of the best restaurants in New York City

About two years ago, I was in New York City with my sister. We were there to see a Radio Head show at Madison Square Garden (Where I had multiple drinks spilled on a new dress I bought just for the concert. But that's not the point.) After the concert, we were very hungry. She told me about a hole in the wall restaurant called, Mama's Food Shop (see the menu/directions at mamasfoodshop.com) that her friends loved. We went in their with our stomach's empty and our spirits down, and that was how my love affair with this restaurant began. When looking at the restaurant (shown left) it does not look like much. It looks kind of dirty and dark and not too appealing. (After all, there's a skull on the display - I don't enjoy seeing the food that I'm about to eat associated with death. But, that's just me.) When we walked in, I was hit with the smells from the kitchen and all skeptical thought about the restaurants went away. The food here is amazing. They are known for their HUGE portions of GOOD HOMECOOKED food. Their mac and cheese is one of the best versions that I have ever had. Their fried chicken is super crispy, hot, and moist. I'm usually not a big fan of vegetables, but at Mama's, they season them so well. The first meal I had here was the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and green beans. (I still have dreams about that meal.) What I like about this restaurant is that the food comes to you fast because it is served almost cafeteria style. This may sound unappetizing (especially to students, who have spent way too much time in cafeterias with bad food), but when you see this place, you understand how it works. This place is good for those with tight budgets because you get one meat and two sides for only $12. I dare you to find this type of deal anywhere else in New York City.

The most recent time I came back was for my birthday, earlier this month. The interior design had changed a little, but the food was just as good as last time. I will keep coming back here over and over again. I think that if you're in the neighborhood of Mama's, you should really check it out. Trust me, it's worth it!