Originally Posted by
themicah
... I'd say it's worth going to Katz's, though, since it's a fairly unique experience in terms of how the place runs. And there are tons of other interesting places to grab a bite in the immediate vicinity (Russ & Daughters, Laborotorio del Gelato, Shopsin's, The Pickle Guys, Kossar's Bialys, Doughnut Plant, Vanessa's Dumpling House or the more obscure North Dumpling, etc.), you can create your own little multi-cultural foodie tour. Katz's tends to be really jammed on weekend evenings--less so in the middle of the week.
People also respect Carnegie for what it is, but I don't think locals go there much (I went many years ago when I still ate mammals and enjoyed it). I've never been to Keen's or Eisenberg's and don't know much about them.
Agreed on all counts. Katz's is great, and the kind of place that is just as much for NYers as it is for our visitors. Can't say the same for Carnegie or Stage - much more focused on the out of town crowd. There sure are lots of great, great options for a food tour on the Lower East Side and Chinatown - each of these places is awesome (haven't made it to Shopsin's yet, though)!