Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant

In some ways, Mamoun’s is the quintessential New York dining experience. The tiny, always-crowded joint offers delicious falafel, lamb, lentil soup and other Middle Eastern fare for absurdly low prices, and keeps its doors open until five in the morning. Add lightning-quick service, and it’s no wonder this place has thrived for nearly four decades and spawned other locations—one on St. Marks Place, three in New Jersey and one in Connecticut.