Local Eats: Restaurants You Should Make Your Parents Take You To This Weekend

Because there’s no way you can afford these on your own.

The end of October is upon us, and we all know what that means here at NYU. That’s right — Swiffer your floors, make your beds, hide your juuls and get rid of all the empty water bottles you’ve been hoarding in your room, because Parents Day is here.

On Oct. 27, parents from all over the world will be coming to NYU to greet their beloved children and spend the day with them. And if your parents are coming, why not make the most of it? I mean, really the most of it? Instead of doing touristy things and taking your parents to the Empire State Building or domestic things like spending the day in the park or showing them your room, do broke NYU student things and let your parents treat you.

New York City is famous for its amazing food, after all, so why not try some on your parents’ coin? Make them take you, their beloved NYU student child, to these restaurants, because FAFSA knows you couldn’t afford them on your own.

Balthazar

Treat yourself (and your parents) to delicious French cuisine at this iconic four-star Spring Street restaurant. Its website boasts a “classy space” and Google ranks it with not one, not two, but three dollar signs. Also, they serve escargot, so you know it’s fancy. If you’re a broke joke who just wants to enjoy some $36 pan-seared cod, bring your parents to Balthazar this weekend.

Lafayette

Lafayette is another iconic — and expensive — restaurant just close enough to NYU’s campus that students pass it on the daily, sending longing looks inside doors we are much too poor to enter. But with your parents here, Lafayette goes from an overpriced French bakery and restaurant to a trendy, moderately priced local hotspot that they just have to experience.

Village Taverna

This Greek grill on University Place makes the perfect, conveniently located spot to bring your parents (or have them bring you). Also clocking in at four stars, it offers a wide span of Mediterranean dishes for prices that would be a stretch without mommy and daddy’s wallets there to support you. Plus, your parents will love the local vibe it has — I mean, it’s in NYU’s hub, so you get points for dining on-campus with an off-campus price.

Catch

Catch is a bit further from campus, but if you think it will convince them, be sure to let your parents know they’re likely to spot a celebrity here. This trendy seafood restaurant in the Meatpacking District has a delicious menu (with three dollar signs, cough) and rooftop access, so it’s sure to thrill your parents with the New York nightlife experience while also providing a beyond satisfactory meal.

Nix

Also on University Place, Nix provides a modern, all-vegetarian menu in an urban atmosphere. It has one Michelin star, so the food is, of course, spectacular. Even if your family isn’t vegetarian, it still makes for a delicious meal and a memorable experience (and if you do want to save some coin, it doesn’t hurt that Amorino is basically next door for dessert).

Momofuku Ssam Bar

Momofuku Ssam Bar is just one of four restaurants by David Chang, but it’s an NYU favorite. Its menu is highly diverse and constantly changing, and includes selections such as slow roasted pork, rotisserie duck, and dry aged ribeye. They also have a raw seafood bar, with prices varying from $15-$35 per dish; perfect for the WHOLE family to enjoy, wouldn’t you say?

The Bluebell Cafe

The Bluebell Cafe on Third Avenue will make you feel right at home. Your parents are sure to feel warm and comfortable in its cozy interior, which might draw out some extra love for their dear child that evening in the form of a higher bill. Bluebell offers the traditional American comfort food that many college students crave, such as macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie, but their prices can be a little high to pay out of your own pocket. Surely, though, your parents would love to treat you to this homestyle cooking that will make you miss home just that much more.

Wherever you end up going with your parents this weekend, remember that they’re here to see you, and that they love and miss you. Remember to show off to them what a good student you’ve been, how clean your room is, how sweet your friends are, and make them proud. But most importantly, remember this: save room for dessert and bring home your leftovers, because this is probably the last time you’ll be going to these restaurants for a while.