Sure, this chain was founded by Ted Turner, but don't let that creep you out. Ted's specializes in burgers, particularly bison burgers and accompanying bison nachos. … Definitely the place to take a carnivorous lunch date or meet up for early happy hour.[link]

Bocca features a wide variety of items and doesn't do any of them to perfection, but the food is eatable and satisfying. You can create your own anything -- pasta, salad, … panini, wrap -- or choose from one of their existing combos. Bocca is also one of the few places in midtown to serve vodka pizza. Personal pies run $7.95, so it's best to go half with a friend.[link]

Cafe Duke, a hodgepodge lunchtime spot with three locations in the city, is a popular lunch spot because it was a little bit of everything. Beyond the traditional salads, … sandwiches, and sushi, the cafe features an extensive buffet with ready-to-eat foods. Also open for breakfast and dinner, Cafe Duke can have considerable lines at peak periods.[link]

For those of us who eat soup year-round despite the heat and humidity, Soup Man is the place to go. The menu changes daily and features one kind of each type of soup, … such as vegetarian, broth, or gumbo. Other items include paninis, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Prices are a little outrageous, given the Seinfeldian gimmickry; but service is quick, hence the official rules in 11 different languages that basically say to have your order and money ready. Just don't refer to the chain's brandmodel Al Yeganeh as the Soup Nazi. He's not a fan.[link]

This family-owned business offers a variety of sandwiches, including baguettes, paninis, heroes, and focaccia. The bread alone is worth the trip. Back Stage's only … downside is the pricing -- a stack of pancakes is $3 while a smoothie is close to $6. But the delivery and catering options are an advantage, and it's far less touristy than some other restaurants in the area.[link]