In New York, we are all too familiar with the over-priced sandwich. Even the lovable Space Market sandwich with a bag of chips can run you nearly eight dollars. Although most of us are still on a student budget (read: nearly broke), sometimes we want to enjoy something a little nicer than turkey on whole wheat (read: a Subway Club)—after all, New York offers so many options.

One restaurant I discovered, nestled in the usually quiet (except during the hell-weeks of San Gennaro) neighborhood of NoLita is Bread – an easy 10 or 12 minute walk from the heart of the NYU campus. It’s easy to walk to, get lunch, and come back during an hour and 15 minute break. The atmosphere is stylish, but not overly posh like so many SoHo and NoLita establishments. If you’re lucky enough, you might snag one of the two sidewalk tables; otherwise, the booths built into the large windows are equally enjoyable.

Right after you sit down, the waitress brings you bread (seemingly appropriate) and olive oil to get you started. On the student budget I would recommend one of the sandwiches, as the salads and pastas are a little pricier. They offer a wide range of sandwiches including prosciutto, goat cheese, and even shrimp (costing $9.50, $8.50, and $9.50, respectively). The sandwiches are panini style, but truly toasted to perfection. Each comes with an excellent side salad consisting of field greens with a light, sweet vinegar dressing. If you’re not exactly sure what you’re in the mood for but want a taste of it all, I suggest the $10 lunch special. The lunch special gives you a sandwich of your choice, a cup of soup, and yes, of course, you still get the tasty side salad. Bread dishes out an excellent tomato soup every day, as well as a soup of the day. I had the Potato-Broccoli Soup, which could’ve been a bit warmer for my liking, but certainly more than I expected for the price. I paired this with the aged salame with taleggio cheese and olive tapenade on ciabatta. The tapenade and salame delivered the excellent Italian taste that I wanted, at the price that I wanted as well.

One thing to really take advantage of in New York is the abundance of small, non-chain restaurants that most college students do not have the chance to venture to in-between classes. If you’re willing to walk a little off campus for a nice lunch at a similar price, it’s not hard to find a really tasty lunch special.

Photo: New York Magazine