Eating good food on the cheap is usually easy, if you skip the specialty entrees. But, at Popover Cafe, the signature item—a mouth-watering popover—is just $2.25. If one isn’t enough for you, then you can get a basket of three of these treats with a side of strawberry butter and preserves for only $6.25.
The kitchen’s other dishes don’t lack flavor, either. The menu is chock-full of daily soup specials ($6.25 for a bowl with a popover), or opt for sandwiches like the Mad Russian—a ham, chicken, bacon and Gruyere with Russian dressing ($10.50), the Vegetarian—marinated veggies, balsamic vinaigrette and mozzarella on a hero ($10.25)—or the Butler Did It with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber and watercress ($10.25).
Other items include the turkey burger ($8.95), quesadilla stuffed with smoked chicken, grilled scallions, black beans, cheese and salsa ($9.95) and watercress salad with blue cheese ($9.25). If you are looking for something homey but different, split an order of the Chicken “Pop” Pie ($15.50)—it’s way too big for even one very hungry person.
The ambiance is shabby chic, featuring a bunch of teddy bears that have seen better days. But if you can get past their staring little button eyes, you’ll relish the joy of the popovers and extras at the Popover Cafe.
551 Amsterdam Ave (at 86th St.), 212-595-8555
